Toy Story 1 & 2 - 3D Make For A Big Screen Treat

Over the years, Pixar has become the leader in computer animation. Each one of their films steps the technology forward, each offering something the prior did or could not. All of their films achieve classic status, their worst often well ahead of other studios' best. Now, for the first time, Pixar (and parent company Disney) have gone back and revisited two of their earliest efforts, including the very first computer animated feature film, and returned them to the big screen for a brief two-week run. What did they do to these movies to make a re-release worthwhile? Why, they reworked them into 3D, of course! That begs the question: are they worth a theatrical revisit? The answer to that is a resounding "yes!"

I have a feeling that this current run of 3D releases is going to wear out its welcome sooner rather than later. It seems like every other movie announcement is for a 3D title. That said, if Disney/Pixar wants to continue releases like this, I will be there for every one. This is the second Disney release to get the 3D treatment after The Nightmare Before Christmas a few years ago, and they've had annual re-releases each year since.

The screening of the double feature was sold out. The theater was filled with people young and old, all ready for the experience. The room was buzzing — you could feel the electricity in the air as fans and newcomers alike were ready to revisit the dawn of Pixar's big screen dominance.

The evening began with trailers, including one for the highly anticipated Toy Story 3, which is coming next June. This brought the first cheer from the crowd. It looks pretty good — I mean it is Pixar, and there is no doubt I will be there opening day.

After the trailers concluded, in a fashion only Pixar could design, the screen went white and we saw shadows of the characters, as if they were in the booth. We heard their voices behind us as they got the film set, then we got a countdown to the start of the movie. The crowd counted down Woody (Tom Hanks) and cheered as the Disney logo appeared to herald the start of the film.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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