Toy Story 3 (Blu-ray)

Pixar has always managed to stay ahead of the CG-animated competition, with Toy Story functioning as its golden flagship title. Those with any doubt concerning Pixar’s reigning supremacy over the computer animated world need only check out Toy Story 3, the final (possibly) and finest Toy Story movie and the best CGI animated feature film yet.

The story focuses on the assemblage of colourful toys as they prepare for their owner’s inevitable move to college. Doubtful that a college kid would take his toys to uni, the best Woody, Buzz and co can hope for is a quiet retirement in the attic, but when a mix up occurs during the big move, most of the toys end up at a day care centre (after narrowly avoiding the trash). When Woody attempts a rescue, the toys opt for the day care centre instead of a lifetime in Andy’s attic with the novelty Christmas toys. However, while initially believing they have struck gold in an idyllic, toy-loving dreamland, Buzz, Jessie, Hamm and the other toys realise that the day care head honcho, Lotso, may have other ideas for his unwitting guests.

In a stroke of genius, Toy Story 3 combines the habitual warmth and wit of the Toy Story franchise (with a little help from Little Miss Sunshine writer, Michael Arndt) with the fundamentals of a prison movie to gob-smacking effect. Crammed with laugh-out-loud gags, a long, long list of wonderful and memorable characters, from toy thespian and brilliantly named Mr. Pricklepants (voiced by Timothy Dalton) to the flamboyant Ken (a spot-on Michael Keaton), as well as a genuinely moving but inevitable conclusion, Toy Story 3 hits the nail on the head when it comes to appealing to kids and adults in equal measure. The solitary, Earth-based shenanigans of Wall-E probably saw Pixar at their most inventive and courageous, but Toy Story 3 wins out in terms of pure, non-stop, start-to-finish hilarity and off the chart entertainment. Family movies don’t get much better than this.   

As with all of Pixar’s movies, the only way to watch Toy Story 3 in the home is without a doubt in high definition. The usual high standards are apparent from the get-go in terms of both picture and sound. This is the kind of thing that you’re likely to see bursting out from two-dozen screens in your local Currys; a demo-worthy picture presentation that’s bursting with vibrant colour, razor sharpness and pinpoint detail. The sound is equally as mind-blowing, boasting an ear-drum splitting 7.1 soundtrack that manages to work miracles with the energetic music score and the always-lively special effects.

There are tonnes of special features included in this Blu-ray/DVD combi pack, including the wonderful Pixar short, ‘Day & Night’, a lively and informative commentary from the filmmakers and a whole host of behind the scenes goodies. A must-have pure and simple.  

Overall Verdict: The perfect family movie and the perfect Blu-ray package.

Special Features:
‘Day & Night’ Theatrical Short
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science Of Adventure
Toy Story Trivia Dash - Interactive Game
Cine-Explore With Director Lee Unkrich & Producer Darla Anderson
Beginnings: Setting A Story In Motion
Bonnie's Playtime - A Story Roundtable With Director Lee Unkrich
Roundin' Up A Western Opening
Beyond The Toy Box: An Alternative Commentary Track
Paths To Pixar: Editorial
3 Studio Stories

Reviewer: Lee Griffiths