TOY STORY 3
Release date: November 2, 2010
Blu-ray version (some materials may not appear on the DVD version)

Okay, okay I love “Toy Story 3” and have yet to find someone who doesn’t, so rather than discussing the movie, which obviously is on this disc, here’s a look at all the other materials you’ll find on the blu-ray:

DAY AND NIGHT is the animated short that preceded “Toy Story 3” in theaters. This film is so unique and so different than previous Pixar shorts. In fact, it’s as different as night and day

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR MISSION LOGS: THE SCIENCE OF ADVENTURE (4:30) - An actual Buzz Lightyear toy went into space aboard the international space station, and this third episode of the Mission Logs, like the two on the previous “Toy Story” DVD releases, is a fascinating onboard look narrated by buzz with new animated footage tying together the actual remarkable footage.

TOYS! (6:37) focuses largely on the techniques of recreating the Woody and Buzz in this third film and the creation of the all-new Lotso character.

While the TOY STORY TRIVIA DASH game can be played with BD Live connected to other players around the country by using your telephone or within your household using the remote control. I waited to write about this until after the film had been out for a few days to try to test it out. Unfortunately, at any given time I have not been able to find others to compete with, so luckily there’s the option for offline play.

The game is quite fun, consisting of trivia questions from your choice of either all of the “Toy Story” films or just the third one, but thanks to blu-ray, it’s a lot more than just choosing an answer. In addition to time limits, there’s even a Final Jeopardy type final round.

THE GANG’S ALL HERE (10:46) focuses on the voice over gang and it sure is fun to see and hear the fun and work that went into creating the dialogue. There’s some fantastic footage of recording sessions here, too.

GOODBYE ANDY (8:02) mainly focuses on the end of the film when Andy is ready to give his toys away. In addition to the description, this bonus feature is packed with artists at work, recording sessions and behind-the-scenes footage.

The filmmakers on Toy Story set out to make a movie, however they became ACCIDENTAL TOYMAKERS (3:56) when the characters would become actual retail merchandise. Here you’ll get a glimpse into the toys being manufactured and you’ll hear the true story of how the characters became real toys, including the 35 million Buzz Lightyear dolls that have been sold.

A TOY’S EYE VIEW – CREATING A WHOLE NEW LAND (5:19) is about the new Toy Story Playland in Disneyland Paris, based, obviously, on the “Toy Story” films.

EPILOGUE (4:23) is a full screen version of the comedic ending of the film that is shown smaller during the end credits.

CINE-EXPLORE (1:42:30) is pretty amazing. You not only get commentary but this is filled with pop up images of photos, artwork and video clips. This is just so cool! There’s very little time where you’re not seeing images corresponding to either what’s on the screen or what the filmmakers are discussing such as inspirational drawings or model sheets of various characters or a photo of a person they are talking about. A big thumbs up for Cine-Explore!

BEYOND THE TOYBOX (An Alternative Commentary track featuring leads from Story, Tech Art and Animation) (1:42:30) is a typical commentary track. It is no less fascinating, but certainly Cine-Explore will spoil you with all the wonderful popup content.

ROUNDIN’ UP A WESTERN OPENING (5:42) describes how the film’s opening came to be including the concepts that didn’t make it. It’s fun to see some of the early footage of the filmmakers at work including storybook meetings.

BONNIE’S PLAYTIME: A STORY ROUNDTABLE (6:27) – The filmmakers get together to recall how the “Bonnie’s Playtime” sequence came to be. This informative piece is also loaded with some of the original inspirational art and storyboards that led up to a final single sequence in the film.

BEGINNINGS: SETTING A STORY IN MOTION: (8:13) is a clever “how to” piece, featuring Michael Arndt, screenwriter for “Toy Story 3.” While lots of people contribute to the story, Michael is self-described as the one who types it out. This feature centers around the beginnings of a Pixar film and with simple drawings along with clips from previous Pixar releases, it cutely describes the process of coming up with an opening story.

MAKING OF DAY AND NIGHT (2:00). More than the Making Of, in this short little bonus feature, the filmmakers recall what went into describing the concept to their peers.

PATHS TO PIXAR – EDITORIAL (4:38) – An editor in animation is involved much more creatively than an editor on a live action film. There’s a certain degree of input that is essential from the editor. This piece focuses on many of Pixar’s editors who share insight into the roles of their job.

There are three STUDIO STORIES on this disc, each about a couple minutes long. Simple line art animation is set to stories told by employees of the humorous and kind of bizarre world of life at Pixar.

There’s a selection of PUBLICITY materials on here, but this is PIXAR! Pixar doesn’t do anything ordinary. There are a couple of LOTS-O’ HUGGIN’ BEAR COMMERCIALS that went viral online, both created to look as if they were from age-old video copies, plus a quick behind-the-scenes look at creating it. There’s KEN’S DATING TIPS, and a collection of humorous trailers and teasers, all with the Pixar touch.

Also in the Publicity section is DANCING WITH THE STARS GOES TO PIXAR, which is more than just a trailer, but a fun look at what went into the Buzz/Jessie latin dance sequence.

LIFE OF A SHOT (6:57) – How many Pixar people does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Well, if screwing in a lightbulb is a quick scene in a movie, it takes numerous people! This refreshingly unique bonus feature deservedly shines the spotlight on many of those people who describe their various contributions to a single scene. I love this because it’s giving credit and educating about so many of the people that we usually never hear about. Another big thumbs up for this one!

So once again Disney and Pixar give a film the star home entertainment treatment, with a wonderful abundance of bonus materials. Hope the above information gave you enough to toy with.