The Movie
Disney/Pixar tried their hand at sequels with Toy Story 2 and, as with The Empire Strikes Back, seemingly everyone involved worked overtime to avoid sophomore pitfalls and make it a worthy successor. And they nailed it, crafting a movie that not only exceeded the industry-rocking technical standards of the original but one which explored with remarkable depth and sensitivity the notions of identity and obsolescence as we are all subject to the passage of time in our own way.
We meet new character Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), an old friend of Woody's from the days of his TV show, Woody's Roundup. Woody thinks he's washed up now that his arm is ripping off and his owner has left him behind, but he has a chance to begin a new life as a demigod to countless young admirers awaiting him at a Japanese toy museum. Will he accept the once-in-a-lifetime offer, or return to take his chances back home?
The Picture
The magnificent all-digital 16:9 frames of Toy Story 2 were converted to 3D for the theatrical reissue about two years ago, and we home viewers can now experience it for ourselves thanks to Disney's new Blu-ray 3D bundle. The moving spiked wall in Zurg's fortress has never looked pointier than it does here, and so many shots are deftly composed with deliberate foreground objects, some out-of-focus for even an even greater subconscious realism.
The scenes set inside the elevator shaft in Al's apartment building are among the most dramatic, largely for the stark sense of perspective imparted by the hard, straight lines. These shots are even more striking thanks to the placement of the braided cables which bring additional depth while maintaining the same bold angles. The play of light along the edges of certain toys also helps them really pop against their backgrounds. Much of the movie takes place in shadows or at night, and these scenes are not necessarily enhanced by the drop in brightness as a consequence of wearing 3D glasses.
The Sound
Buzz's mission to Emperor Zurg's fortress remains one of the wildest DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ES demos that Blu-ray has to offer, while the entire film displays active surrounds and subwoofer that alternate between bold thrills and more subdued but highly effective environmental cues. Upon my latest viewings I was also taken by the crisp trebles, as when a high tension cable snaps or a bunch of golf balls bounces free. Like the spirited toys, these sonic elements all work together brilliantly.
The Extras
As is the norm, there are no real extras on 3D Disc One, but the updated (with new trailers) 2D Disc Two maintains its ample complement from its original Blu-ray release. There are lots of short HD video snippets prepared specially by the folks at Pixar who are passionate about what they do and aren't afraid to show it. Most touching is the tribute to the late story genius Joe Ranft, whose loss is still felt.
Most of the Classic DVD Bonus Features are here too, notably the audio commentary by director John Lasseter, co-directors Lee Unkrich and Ash Brannon, and co-writer Andrew Stanton. Disc Two also includes a one-minute video (with subtitles in three different languages) promoting DisneyFile Digital Copy, which makes more sense now that this set includes that bonus, on Disc Four. Disc Three (did you think I forgot it?) is a DVD copy of the movie with all of the new bonus content plus the archived audio commentary.
Final Thoughts
Toy Story 2 has at its heart a profound sorrow that few expected back in 1999, and which still resonates today, along with welcome glimpses of both Woody and Buzz doing what they were born to do. 3D gives the movie a fascinating new look, so if you don't mind the re-buy (assuming you already picked some edition of the 2D Blu-ray), this four-disc set is a top-notch multi-format bundle.
Don't miss the full Toy Story series on Blu-ray 3D:
Product Details
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