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ASIN : B000B8QG0O
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Editorial Reviews
From Amazon.com
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
Additional Features
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
Customer Reviews
Five stars for the movies, one star for Disney (2004-07-17)  Why must they stick to this archaic way of releasing their movies on video/DVD? I could understand discontinuing collector's or limited editions, but why discontinue entire movies? Well we all know the answer, I just hate to be jerked around like this. Disney is the largest movie company in the world but our enjoyment of their films is based around their idiotic release/discontinue schedule. Well, with that unpleasantness out of the way, I must say Toy Story 2 is my favorite animated movie of all time and the Toy Story series is my favorite animated series (if you think about it, though, that's not saying a lot). Let's just do this in the order they came out.Toy Story blew my mind, because the things they did in that movie (the first in particular) were so like me when I was a kid (at that age). Toy Story is sure enough my second favorite animated movie ever. It's funny, and colorful, and touching. I think all good kid's movies should have a sense of wonder, or delight, and it shouldn't be in either a cynical or naive way. They should show wonder in a way that can be found in the real world, which is a balance hard to find. The original Toy Story has all kinds of wonder and awe, both in positive and negative ways (some kids could be afraid of Sid but I bet they won't be able to stop looking at him). It's about finding your place in life, and what to do with what you've got. When Buzz happens upon a commercial for himself and then tries to fly through the window-well that is one of the most touching scenes in any movie I've seen. And the whole ending sequence is beautiful, from Buzz and Woody on the RC car going through traffic, or them being blasted from a rocket through the air. Not to mention it's filled with all kinds of toy-related jokes that any kid can relate to. I think it's safe to say it'll be looked back on like the very first full-length animated movie (it was Snow White, wasn't it?). Toy Story 2 is nearly flawless. It has one of the craziest openings for a movie ever, and I love the way it can find a way to have characters with all kinds of motives. Al is driven by his greed, the Prospector is jaded but just wants to be loved, Jessie hasn't given up hope yet so is overjoyed when she can find a way to confirm her hopefulness. The movie uses the toys as a metaphor for growing up and moving on: or not. You can aspire for your dreams or you can realize you're happy with what you've got. Toy Story 2 is/was the last movie Disney made with Pixar before they got too smug and self-indulgent. They realized they had the power to stir emotions and awe (they also realized they could make a ton of money), but instead of giving us a sweet movie like Toy Story, we got the self-congragulatory Monsters Inc, with its obvious conflicted main character, and instead of a great secondary character like the Prospector, we got Boo. Finding Nemo was a step in the right direction, but in my opinion doesn't have the heart of the Toy Story movies. I can actually think of one thing wrong with Toy Story 2, and that's that lame Sarah Mclachlan song. I'm not one of those people with a weird Randy Newman fascination, but his songs were so much better than that one Mclachlan song. I guess it's because the scene in which it's used is already so emotional, instead of Newman's weird but effective delivery we got Mclachlan hammering the point home with her yodeling. But I love that scene because it shows how the little girl grew up. Other than that, Toy Story 2 is great: funny and vibrant, even on my crusty old VHS tape. I wish I had these movies on DVD. They spark wonder in me at my age just like they did when I first saw them. They have plenty of in-jokes and such but also have a timeless quality (and a strong sense of innocence). Five stars for the both of them, the best animated series of all time.
Overpriced is an understatement (2004-06-18) If you look at Amazon.com it's priced at $75US and we Canadians have to pay $250? NOT A CHANCE! I'd rather try my luck bidding on Ebay for it than pay that price. I couldn't be more disappointed with Amazon.ca than I am now. Our dollar isn't THAT low yet.
My son won't watch anything else at bed time! (2004-03-03) my son totaly loves this movie. he picks it every time. i don't know why he loves it so much. he will whatch it at nap time relax and go to sleep same at bed time. we have found only one other movie he will whatch like that it is elmo in grouchland.
Toy Story Limited Edition (2004-03-03) My copy of Toy Story was stolen along with about 300 of my other DVDs incl some rare ones a couple of weeks ago . I was then desperately seeking a replacement and couldn't find it in Toronto. Ordered through Amazon and had it within 5 days in fantastic condition sealed! . Extremely Satisfied . I highly recommend using this service.
Collector's Item (2004-02-24) This is definitely a collector's item. It is one of the extremely rare cases when a sequel is better than the original (which was a five star by itself) Not only do you get two excellent movies in one pack, but the bonus features rival the movies for entertainment value. The outtakes are hilarious, and the short film "Luxo Jnr" belies the fact that it was created way back in 1986. This should be rated 15 stars - 5 for each movie and 5 for the bonus features.
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