Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.
Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.
And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize
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| At least it`s a story without a book ;) |
Have you ever heard about Toy Story? If not, I'm going to tell you about it... (Yes, this is mandatory sarcasm ;)
Toy Story`s Position in Disney and Animation
Turning 25 in the fall of 2020, Toy Story is
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| Ain`t my smile cute, huh? :) |
truly something that can be considered as an landmark. Not only in Cinema history, but as an innovation, nonetheless. While it wasn`t the first animated feature to actually feature computer animation, as 1982`s Tron did (and yes, it made John Lasseter intrigued by CGI), Toy Story was still not only Pixar's first full-length feature. But the first full-length CGI animated movie ever made! Therefore it`s position is pretty much comparable to how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was back in it's days. It way a huge hit both commercially and critically. Being the second most successful movie in 1995 and being the highest-grossing film during its opening weekend. And gained a Special Academy Award for Special Achievement. Regardless of it`s pioneering achievement, it`s been labeled as a true masterpiece, nonethelesss. After all, it was the beginning of a winning streak of award-winning and critically praised films that Pixar would release fifteen years to come. |
| I made it myself just for you :) |
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| At least it`s not a bionic light :) |
The Demise of Hand Drawn Animation
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| Yes, Spacemen are cooler than cowboys :) So you should be afraid:) |
In retrospect, discussing Toy Story (originally called You Are a Toy) is unfortunately somewhat of a minefield on itself. Regardless of how a landmark it was, it`s unfortunately being perceived as the one who started the demise of hand drawn animation. At least in some eyes. In my previous entries I`ve
barely tapped into the fragile issue about hand drawn vs CGI. Mainly for avoiding havoc and frankly because of it`s non-relevance to my discussions. So this entry about Toy Story will somewhat tap into it, but just slightly. While it would be easy to entirely
blame Toy Story for starting the trend, the truth is that the demise of hand drawn was something that happened
gradually.
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| I see you :) You`re stalking me and you`re not subtle about it :) |
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| Yes, it was switched by Thin Lizzy`s song:) What did you expect? |
A
pivotal question during Toy Story`s release was whether CGI
animation had a future against hand drawn animation.
Unfortunately the tables have turned completely for hand drawn animation. And while it`s been speculated long before Toy Story
that hand drawn animation would eventually die at the expense of CGI,
it`s still a pity that it eventually became a reality (though Lasseter
himself stated that traditionally trained animators can perfectly act
with computers as well. And yes, at the time most of the animators on Toy Story were trained in traditional animation).
The Marketing on Disney`s Name & The Origins of Pixar
For us who grew up in the 90`s remember how Toy Story was marketed as a pure Disney production on merchandise (with the exception of the trailers). This was probably due to how Disney`s name was bigger at the time. But after all, we`ll have to remember that Disney was actually the biggest animation division at the time. So it makes sense that it was marketed without Pixar`s name. It was also because of the deal Pixar signed with Disney. Which meant that Pixar were obligated to fill Disney`s requests However, Michael Eisner did eventually worry that Pixar would be a competitor to Disney someday (which is one of the reasons why he gave a greenlight to 2000`s Dinosaur). Which he was right about.  |
| At least it`s not poker, so Jack Dawson should have nothing to fear :) |
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| But I`m truly not one, so I don`t truly count :) |
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| My horse is missing, so therefore I`m incomplete :) |
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| We know that people watch us, but we watch you as well now :) |
The Visuals, Medium & Choice of Toys
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| You should glad that I`m inside the box :) Because of my noise :) |
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| They let me take a nap while sculpting me :) Nuff said :) |
Although the premise in Toy Story (talking toys who comes to life) had been done in animation priorly, at least it's something that is ideal for the medium. And since it was CGI, Toy Story could give it another dimension (literally). The reason for toys being chosen was no coincidence. Toys are usually plastic, so therefore it was suitable for the medium. The crew wanted to mix fictional and existing toys who had stood the test of time (which made Slinky an exception, since it wasn`t in production). But Lasseter wanted to have Hot Wheels in this and wanted it to be red. The same with G.I. Joe, but Hasbro didn`t want Pixar use it (the
crew went a lot of times to Toys`R`Us with the company`s Credit Card.
And some animators were even rewarded with their own toy after finishing
a shot).
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| My adorability makes you forget that I`m loud :) |
In many ways, having a full-length feature starring toys was somewhat of a synergy for Pixar. After having the Oscar-winning short Tin Toy released seven years priorly. Originally Toy Story was going to be about Tinny the Toy, until the crew realized that he was too old fashioned and couldn`t have the character traits the story required. Yet Disney were skeptical if a feature about toys would appeal to an adult and teenage audience (which is why Lasseter stated that Andy`s room was like the newsroom in Mary Tyler Moore Show). 
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| Don`t ask what the green stuff is :) You don`t wanna know ;) |
Many of the textures in Toy Story were
painted by hand. Despite how photographic and procedural textures were
used as well. Yet the animation itself posed certain
challenges The drawn and sculpted poses had to be posed with the faces
blank and the arms stiff, to make it easy to scan into computer. But in
discovering this, the crew learned some hard lessons: While building an
army man and sculpting him into a nice pose, it took five months to undo
that pose once it was digitized. From there on, the crew built
everything like a death mask with straight-on poses. Some of the easier
to construct models, like Mr. Potato Head, were modeled directly on the
computer using Alias. While the other characters were sculpted by hand
and scanned digitally on the computer. And yes, the bargain with Pixar was a compromise to get Lasseter back at Disney. Cause he didn`t wanted to be hired at Disney at the expense of Pixar. Despite that Disney made most of their movies in-house, it was their deal with Tim Burton`s The Nightmare Before Christmas which made the studio flexible to outside-deals.
The Quality of The Movie Itself, Previous Version & The Characters
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| Well, just pretend that you can fly above the world :) After all, it`s a globe and you`re a toy :) |
Since Toy Story was the the first CGI animated feature ever made, it was destined to have buzz for that lone reason! But of course it was praised for it`s sheer quality, as well. As for the film itself, is actually quite good! Being both frisky, fresh and entertaining! While the story may not be an marvel of originality, it still cleverly written with many references that only adults and teenagers will get. Originally it was going to be about aforementioned Tinny being left behind at a highway reststop. He befriends a cowboy ventriloquist dummy, who takes him in and hits the road together. They find a toy heaven at a pre-school where they`ll never get lost or outgrown. Another outline had Tinny and the cowboy dummy being at a a toy collector (an idea that got passed to Toy Story 2).  |
| Yes, this microphone makes me cool, despite it being a toy :) |
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| I`m glad that my glass is covering me, so I won`t smell your breath :) |
As for our main duo, Toy Story has two likable and engaging lead characters (Woody`s being voiced by Tom Hanks, who worked with it when he was filming both Forrest Gump and Apollo 13. Matthew Broderick had raved to Hanks about how wonderful his experience for The Lion King`s Simba was. Hanks had been interested in doing animation and was chosen for Woody for his likability, even when he`s mean. And yeah, he commented that all what his character did was to scream. Both Hanks and Tim Allen became superstars after the crew signed them. Yet it`s rumored that the producers wanted Paul Newman as Woody and Jim Carrey as Buzz. Even Billy Crystal was considered for Buzz (which he later regretted). |
| Yes, we`re having a blink contest :) |
and Allen's first animated film. Lasseter wanted Tim Allen for Buzz. For being a macho guy with a soft underbelly and for doing an everyday guy. And least Toy Story dares to make Woody a flawed protagonist. Where his main obstacle is his jealousy for Buzz (which is only on the first movie, as the sequels handles his characterization differently). Perhaps Woody`s issue may not be original, but at least it makes him relatable (still Woody was a tricky character to pull off, as he came across as unlikable. And yes, Woody was originally going to actually push Buzz out of the window, but it was scrapped. And believe it or not, Woody was originally going to be a villain in an early draft).  |
| Yes, I`m demonstrating that I`m taller than you :) Therefore you should obey me :) |
Buzz, on his hand, has his own obstacle. Where he learns that he`s not the real Buzz Lightyear (which was a deliberate choice, to distinguish him from the rest of the toys). Originally Buzz Lightyear was going to act like a superhero, but both Lasseter and Tim Allen made him more a cop (who got a flat tire in Podunk on his way to save the galaxy). And yes, it was a huge epiphany that turned the whole movie around. And believe it or not, Buzz was originally going to be red, but he was made white, in order to stand out from his peers.  |
| I`m practing to be a mute guard at the Palace :) |
Lasseter felt sorry for the toy company who had to make the actual toys of Buzz, due to his design. But funny enough, shortsighted retailers did not order enough Buzz dolls to meet demand in 1995 (which Barbie confirms in Toy Story 2). Lightyear's design was modeled on suits worn by Apollo astronauts, as well as G.I. Joe action figures. And green and purple color scheme on Buzz` suit was taken from by Lasseter and his wife, Nancy`s favorite colors were green and purple respectively. 
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| I know that my eyebrows are corny, but they forced me to have them :) |
The rest of the cast are just as memorable. Mr. Potato Head was deliberately made cranky, for always loosing his part (Don Rickles was the only choice for him. And apparently his acquaintances were only interested about him telling about the part). Slinky the Dog was the last character to be cast and was remodeled for the late Jim Varney (and James Industries Inc redesigned the toy so he was like his counterpart). Rex (Wallace Shawn) was modeled to be neurotic. John Ratzenberger was cast as Hamm for his talent of add-libbing. Annie Potts was cast as Bo-Peep. Andy`s mother was played by Laurie Metcalf (who would later on voice Jim Hawkins` mother, Sarah, in Treasure Planet). Real life drill instructor from Stanley Kubrick`s Full Metal Jacket voiced the lead Sarge.
The Villain
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| You`ll never get to the Space, but at least you`ll get to the sky :) At least it`s something :) |
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| Pick the one who gives ya less fur ;) It will pay off :) |
But the character of Sid was tricky to pull off (having 15,977 hairs on his head). Originally he was going to be a bullying nemesis to Andy. But eventually Sid became so mean that he became downright unrecognizable. Yet a remarkable thing about Sid is his creativity. Being the most inventive of It the characters in the film (stated by the directors). Whereas the villains in the sequels of Toy Story were obviously twist-villains. Who started off being nice and struggling with a very similar issue (of rejection). Whether Stinky Pete or Lotso should be compared to Sid, is up to you to decide. But at least Sid stands out of both of them, as he`s deliberately made villainous from the get-go. Of course we can`t forget to mention the mutant toys. Who comes across as scary at first, but ultimately are misunderstood, good characters from the get-go.
The Departure From Disney, The Music & Behind the Scenes Information
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| Yes, I`m smitten by your grand feet :) |
The task with Toy Story was to deliberately differentiate it from Disney. The crew at Pixar even made a list over what their film shouldn`t be at first. And one important element was to not having the characters break into songs at all. But believe it or not, the crew were originally considering to not have any songs at all. Still Chris Montan eventually persuaded them that songs could be used in the background. And Randy Newman was a deliberate choice, since Lasseter was a fan of his. And Newman was actually surprised by being approached to score an animated movie. Lasseter thought the score would warm up the film if it ended up looking cold. |
| At least we`re not Big Hero 6 :) |
The signature theme, You`ve Got a Friend in Me, was executed quickly and was written before the rest of the score was conducted (Newman conducted the score at the same stage that Wizards of Oz and Singing in the Rain were recorded, which is his favorite place to record). And originally I Will Go Sailing No More was going to be more comedic and called Plastic Spaceman. At least the non-musical formula would later on influence Disney, as they would gradually leave their Broadway formula (while having restored it now). But the non-musical pattern is something Pixar has been labeled for. Even though Pixar would slowly sneaking themselves into Disney`s musical realm, eventually (cough, Brave and Coco, cough). |
| Don`t worry, I`ve cleaned my but, so it doesn`t stink :) |
The jokes in Toy Story were
more edgier than Disney would've normally made (which really shocked test
audiences). Yet the crew had to handle the line of not being too edgy, for kids. Still Katzenberg wanted the film to be even more edgier and adult. But the edge wasn`t only desired by him, as Disney themselves wanted it. Which is one reason why Disney rejected the early story treatments by Lasseter, Stanton, and Docter. who wanted the film's tone to be "edgier". And yes, in true Pixar and Disney fashion, the first script was revamped. Which was screened at the end of 1993 and rewritten in 1994, with help of Disney and John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Moana). Among the screenwriters were Josh Wheldon (who would later on create Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Disney produced the film under only minor financial constraints.  |
| This will be our stairs for this moment :) It`s our only way :) |
And some trivia: The staging of the scene where Buzz falls out the window was inspired by Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark. The line that Rex says "We need more monkeys" was a catchphrase Ralph Eggerston used when they needed more people. The
very first scene boarded and animated was the army spying on Andy`s
presents. Which was the favorite sequence for the crew (and who test audiences found it funny). And yes, Toy Story introduces
the Pizza Planet (which was originally called Pizza Put), which it`s truck has been a recurring trademark in various Pixar movie sever since.
Franchise (Sequels and Spinoffs)
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| Don`t worry, the bunny ears will be dated someday :) |
It`s needless to say that Toy Story has become a huge franchise of it`s own. It`s been followed by three sequels, which were even more successful and two of them being more cherished than it's predecessor. And which were even more emotionally heart-tugging. Originally conceived as an direct to video cheapquel, Toy Story 2 got an theatrical release in the fall of 1999. The story centers around Woody facing the fact that Andy will eventually outgrow him. Added with the subplot of being stolen by a toy collector (Wayne Knight) and being a part of the Woody's Round Up franchise. While that sequel introduced a bunch of new characters, it's admirable how they created a cowgirl (Jessie, Joan Cusack), withouth making her a new love interest for Woody. Cause cleverly enough, she becomes Buzz' love interest (while Bo
Peep gets shipped away in the third movie). |
| At least it`s not the Sweet Escape :) |
Toy Story 3 (released 11 years later and 15 years after the first film), takes the premise a step further and depicts Andy as a teen going away to college and giving away his toys. The emotional, heart-tugging depiction made Toy Story 3 the third animated feature ever nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Award. With it`s iconic and heart-wrenching ending that was perceived as one of the biggest haunting endings ever made (John Morris who voiced Andy as a kid, returned to voice Andy as a teen. Yet remarkably teenage Andy doesn`t truly resemble kid Andy). 
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| It may not be Hook`s hook, but it`s dangerous, nonetheless :) |
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| It`s our version of Scream :) |
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| I`m small, but not a fry ;) |
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| Yes, I must have my teddy-kitty with me :) Despite that I`m a grown man :) |
Epilogue
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| Since we`re cowboys, we`re not meant to be trapped here :) We should be free to roam the country :) |
Regarding Toy Story`s position in movie history (regardless of it being a landmark of itself), at least it`s foolproof to assure that Toy Story is a beloved franchise, regardless. And frankly, it`s easy to see why. While unfortunately it`s existense fuels the fragile debate of CGI vs. hand drawn animation, Toy Story should regarded of it`s sheer quality alone. While the franchise has been milked, at least Toy Story was the one for Pixar as Snow White was for Disney: The one who started it all (as a synergy, the time between the very first animated short ever made, Gertie the Dinosaur and Snow White, was exact the same between Ed Catmull`s test piece and Toy Story). But at least it makes sense that Pixar will continue to milk the Toy Story wagon, due to it`s success.  |
| They have to pose like this when a cowboy`s in charge :) |
As for my personal opinion about Toy Story, I remember seeing theatrically during it`s release and being intrigued by it. While I was never gaga for it, I did like it enough when I saw it. In fact, while all the sequels are fine, the first Toy Story happens to be my favorite among the saga. Mainly because of it`s sheer fun and breezy tone. And since it was written to synergize it`s 25th Anniversary, at last I can wish Toy Story Happy Past 25th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.
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| We`re running away... from the canine back the line ;) |
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References:
Toy Story The Ultimate Toy Box Collector`s Edition
Toy Story The Art and Making of the Animated Film (Steve Daly, John Lasseter)
Animation Magazine December 1995
Disney`s Adventures Magazine, December 1995
Disney`s Adventures Magazine, November 1996
Toy Story The Legacy Collection
The Art of Walt Disney - From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond (Christopher Finch)
Disney`s Art of Animation - From Mickey Mouse to Hercules (Bob Thomas)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story
https://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=32109&hilit=hand+drawn (Would animation have been better if Toy Story didn't exist?)
https://www.dvdizzy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26923&hilit=Toy+Story (Toy Story 4).
https://www.rotoscopers.com/2015/07/27/did-pixar-kill-hand-drawn-animation-in-the-us/
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/1995/?ref_=bo_cso_table_1
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-062408a.html
https://www.cracked.com/article_18985_5-insane-early-drafts-famous-movie-characters.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/joss-whedon-cowrote-toy-story-2014-9?r=US&IR= https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Barbie
