Product description Please note that this box set does not include Toy Story 3. .com Toy Story There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney. Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug ThomasToy Story 2 John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story. Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); Set Contains: Not only are the folks at Pixar smart, fun filmmakers, they understand the promise of DVD. The Ultimate Toy Box is a scrapbook of "ideas, art, and effort" behind the two landmark films. Both films are presented in their original widescreen (1.77:1) format with commentaries from director John Lasseter and his fellow filmmakers, but the real treasure is the third disc of background information from both movies. This includes the history, story design, animation, music, and publicity of each film. The first film's extras include material from an earlier released laser disc as well as new features examining the animation process. It clearly illustrates just how the film is made, right down to looking over an animator's shoulder as he works his program. The second film's extras include explanation of how abandoned elements of the first film were picked up in the sequel. There's also a fascinating look at how "Woody's Roundup," the faux '50s TV show, was created. Add hundreds of art stills, dramatic 360-degree views of the "sets," interviews, a guide to hidden jokes, original song demos, story reels, and early test work, and you have one of the best--and entertaining--disc sets ever made. --Doug Thomas See more
S**Y
You've Got a Friend in Me...To Infinity and Beyond!
My first son was just 2 1/2 years old when I got him the Toy Story / Toy Story 2 combo pack. I know this for sure because at the top of the Amazon Toy Story / Toy Story 2 combo pack product page it says, "You purchased this item on November 28, 2001." Wow...how time flies.So it was to my surprise that when my son, now 11, stayed home from school with a cold this past week, I found him watching Toy Story. He had just put the DVD in the player, so I sat with him for a second before I headed off to work. Then the second turned into a few minutes; then a few minutes turned into a nostalgic hour; which of course turned into, "What a great, classic movie, Dad; Let's watch Toy Story 2!" So I obliged. (I hope my boss isn't reading this.)I'd forgotten what classics Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are. So on the cusp of the release of Toy Story 3 in June 2010, I thought that I'd be sure to let all of my Amazon friends know that if you've not seen these movies, not only do they deserve a viewing before Toy Story 3 comes out, they deserve to be added to your movie collection. Perhaps I may be biased because of the strong emotional attachment that I found that I had to these movies earlier this week, but I say that these two movies truly are collectors' items.Like I was watching them for the first time earlier this week, I was laughing out loud, holding in the sobs and just plain enjoying perhaps the best animated movies ever to come out of Disney.The first is about Andy's (6 - 8 years old?) toys and what happens when Andy introduces his new Buzz Lightyear to the group of toys that he grew up with. But the toys better be sure to stay out of the hands of Andy's next door neighbor Sid, because Sid's idea of fun is toy torture! Then in Toy Story 2 it's spring cleanup time, and the toys better hide if they don't want to end up in the yard sale; especially if you're a rare toy and there are greedy toy collectors that would just love to have...er..I mean...sell you.Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are magic together in both movies and they are joined by a cast of many many A-list voice talents...Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head is my favorite (ya hockey puck!).And one more note, if you've ever seen the Buzz Lightyear Disney Channel spinoff but not the movies, don't be dissuaded by the spinoff because it was silly in comparison; the movies are head and shoulders above the spinoff in acting, animation and storywise.See Toy Story and Toy Story 2 before 3 comes out...with or without some kids!
D**S
Absolutely Amazing Collector's Set
If anyone still needs a reason to buy a DVD player, this is it. Disney has produced one of the most astounding DVD box sets ever created, setting new standards for content and quality. This is one to own!To begin with, of course, there are the films: Toy Story and Toy Story II. Both are minor masterpieces, not only in terms of the revolutionary computer animation concepts, but in every other respect as well: The scripts are fantastic, the comic timing impeccible, characterizations are marvelous, etc., etc., etc. The only issue is trying to determine which of the two is the better film...they're really "companion pieces", like the Godfather I and II set. While they are technically "kid's movies", I defy anyone to watch them without being thoroughly impressed, amused and entertained...and most amazing (and unusual for children's movies)of all, they really do keep getting better with repeated viewings...something parents of small children will certainly welcome.As to the extra content...I have only scratched the surface of everything that's in here. Suffice it to say that there are mountains of material in this package, which will provide endless hours of enjoyment for the fan. One of the features I've noticed already is a "Guide to Hidden Jokes" which provides an absloutely hilarious map of the "inside" humor to be found all over these films.The sound and picture of these films are excellent, of course...just what one would expect for a high-tech project such as this one. But technical accomplishments are ultimately secondary in importance behind the quality of the stories. That's where TOY STORY and TOY STORY II really stand out...above all the technology, they are simply wonderful movies!
B**S
Best two pack
I like how both movies were laid out in their vhs format
A**S
The Ultimate Toy Box - A must buy for any DVD Collection
In 1995 and 1999 Disney released Toy Story and Toy Story 2 respectively. Now these two great movies are available to buy in the definitive 3 Disc Set - The Ultimate Toy Box. Both movies contain amazing CGI characters that are brought to life by actors such as Tom Hanks (Woody) and Tim Allen (Buzz). These movies are fun for all the family and are highly recommended.The DVDs for the movies themselves are nothing short of spectacular. The straight to digital transfers really shine and are anamorphic in their original widescreen aspect ratio. The sound for both films is very impressive and makes great use of all the surround channels. The opening of Toy Story 2 for example is great for showing off your Home Theater system.The supplemental material is where this DVD set really shines. If anyone was slightly interested in seeing how they made these amazing movies then the third disc is full of entertaining information. Each movie gets its own supplemental section with tons of information on how the story developed and how the animation was done. To music videos and clips of the actors speaking about their favourite characters. There is just so much on this third disc! Lastly a mention must go to the two very entertaining audio commentaries (one for Toy Story and another for Toy Story 2). They make a great listen and are full of insight into the making of these two very fine movies.The Ultimate Toy Box cannot be recommended more highly. Stunning transfers with a huge amount of supplemental materials make this a worthy addition to any DVD collection.
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