Toy Story

Toy Story
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Name	Toy Story
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	John Lasseter
Producer	Bonnie Arnold, Ralph Guggenheim
Screenplay	Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow
Story	John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft
Starring	Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Music	Randy Newman
Cinematography	Sharon Calahan
Editing	Robert Gordon, Lee Unkrich
Studio	Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar
Distributor	Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Runtime	81 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Toy Story is a 1995 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter, it was the first feature-length film created entirely using computer-generated imagery. The film features the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as rival toys who embark on an adventure, fundamentally altering the landscape of animation and Hollywood.

Plot

The story centers on a group of toys whose lives are governed by the whims of their owner, a young boy named Andy. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when Andy receives a new, high-tech action figure, Buzz Lightyear, for his birthday. This arrival threatens the status of Andy's favorite toy, a pull-string cowboy doll named Woody. Consumed by jealousy, Woody accidentally knocks Buzz out a window, leading the other toys, including Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and Rex, to brand him a traitor. In an attempt to rescue Buzz, Woody finds himself stranded with him at the chaotic home of Andy's destructive neighbor, Sid Phillips. To survive Sid's torturous experiments and return to Andy before his family moves, the two rivals must overcome their animosity and work together, facing dangers like Sid's vicious dog, Scud, and his mutant toy creations.

Production

The film's development began in the early 1990s following the success of Pixar's short film Tin Toy. John Lasseter pitched a more ambitious story to The Walt Disney Company, leading to a co-production deal. The pioneering animation process was immensely challenging, requiring new software like RenderMan and significant advances in modeling, particularly for complex surfaces like Woody's plaid shirt. The narrative underwent substantial revisions; early drafts portrayed Woody as a far less sympathetic character. Key creative figures included story artists Pete Docter and Joe Ranft, while the score was composed by Randy Newman. After a problematic early story reel, production was temporarily halted for a major rewrite led by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, and Joel Cohen, which successfully reframed the central relationship.

Themes and analysis

Scholars and critics have extensively analyzed the film's exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and obsolescence. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz serves as a narrative vehicle for examining jealousy, loyalty, and the fear of replacement, reflecting broader anxieties in a consumerist society. Buzz Lightyear's existential crisis, believing himself to be a real Space Ranger until confronted with television advertising for his product line, delves into questions of purpose and self-perception. The film also presents a nuanced hierarchy within the toy community, mirroring social structures, and its climax champions cooperation and found family over individualism. The setting of Sid's room introduces a darker commentary on creativity versus destruction.

Release and reception

The film premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on November 19, 1995, before its wide release across North America on November 22. It was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $373 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Critics from publications like The New York Times and Roger Ebert praised its groundbreaking animation, witty screenplay, and emotional depth. It received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, and won a Special Achievement Academy Award for John Lasseter. The film also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and boosted the value of its parent company, leading to Pixar's landmark initial public offering.

Legacy and impact

The film's success irrevocably transformed the animation industry, proving the viability and artistic potential of computer-generated imagery for feature films and hastening the decline of traditional cel animation. It launched the *Toy Story* franchise, including several sequels and a vast array of merchandise, solidifying Pixar's reputation for innovation and storytelling excellence. The film is preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. Its influence is seen in the output of rival studios like DreamWorks Animation and Blue Sky Studios, and it established key creative partnerships, such as between Pixar and The Walt Disney Company, that would shape modern cinema. The characters remain iconic figures in popular culture.

Category:1995 films Category:American films Category:Computer-animated films