- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,746
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
What can I say? I love 3D! From the moment I began watching 3D content in my home I quickly discovered that I needed more content. I suspect that those of you just purchasing your first 3D hardware will acquire the same ferocious appetite. That's why I became the HTF 3D ADDICT. I personally love images that pop off the screen and come inches away from your face without becoming overly gimmicky. However, I certainly appreciate the nature documentaries that offer beautiful depth and separation. These are not necessarily reviews of the film themselves. I am not going to concentrate on story or supplements -- you can find the 2D reviews elsewhere on this forum. My job is to let you know exactly what kind of 3D experience to expect from the titles that are being released. As I will be receiving a handful of new product from the studios expect to see more title coverage.
TOY STORY 3D TRILOGY
In 1995, Pixar forever changed the face of animation with its release of Toy Story. It was a film that had immeasurable impact on audiences and would be the first in a long strong of successful animated features from the Pixar company. What makes the Toy Story films so successful is the emphasis on their stories as well as the emotional dynamics between the characters. Now 16 years later, Toy Story is still considered one of the greatest animated film ever made.
Prior to the release of Toy Story 3 to theaters, Pixar decided they would attempt to bring the first two Toy Story films to 3D so that audiences could enjoy them as never before. The entire process of converting those films to 3D took a total of 10 months, with the first 4 dedicated to bringing the films up to present technology.
TOY STORY 2
Studio: Walt Disney
Product Release: November 1, 2011
Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital EX
Running Time: 92 Minutes
Rating: G
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5
3D Separation: 4
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 1
As Andy reades for cowboy camp, Woody is kidnapped by
Al McWhiggen (Wayne Knight), the owner of Al's Toy Barn,
who is looking to make millions by selling the doll off to a
museum in Japan. We learn that Woody is the star of a 1950s
show called Woodys Roundup which also features Jessie, the
Yodeling Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Stinky Pete the Prospector
(Kelsey Grammer), and Bullseye the horse. Leave it to Buzz,
Rex, and the other familiar toy-chest characters to set off in
rescuing Woody.
Just having reviewed the new 3D Blu-ray release of the
original Toy Story, I was astounded by how well the conversion
process improved upon the film. Well, folks, Toy Story 2 makes
that effort look somewhat primitive. You see, everything about
this 3D release of Toy Story 2 trumps the original. The animation
seems more refined with colors that are richer and more eye-popping
than ever. More prominently than ever is how well the flawless transfer
and depth of 3D work perfectly together to provide a viewing experience
like none other.
It doesn't take long to figure out that there is something quite
remarkable going on here. From the rolling of the opening credits
that lead to Buzz Lightyear's infiltration of Zurg's fortress, I was
shaking my head in total disbelief as to how incredible the imagery
looked with its added spatiality. The entire time I was watching this
film I thought to myself, "You mean to tell me that this film was
not originally conceived for 3D?"
This transfer effectively conveys exactly what I feel 3D should
bring to film....viewing without borders. By that I mean, you get
the sense that there is no longer a screen or border on your display.
You are looking out a window upon action that is taking place before
you without any boundaries. You could almost reach out with your
hand and pick up any of the characters playing before you. I rarely
see this kind of perfection in a transfer that leads one to suspend
all believability that they are simply watching a film.
Action sequences, such as a daring escape down an elevator shaft
look more menacing than ever before. For example, as the camera
angles upwards at the cables, the perception of depth adds a new
presence of danger that 2D cannot. Even the film's most memorable
scene where the characters cross a busy highway inside road cones
takes on an entirely new feel thanks to the differentiation of sizing
between the characters, the oncoming traffic, and even the street
light that hovers above the intersection.
I am going to give a single point to the "In Yo Face" factor of this film.
It's quite pleasing to find that even though Toy Story 2 was not designed
for 3D, objects like fingers, hands and the noses of Hamm and the doll
doctor manage to just barely poke out beyond the confines of the screen.
And just to put the cherry on this transfer, I am happy to proclaim
that I found absolutely no cross-talk/ghosting anywhere within the transfer.
The film's 5.1 DTS-HD track sports beautiful dynamics that bring
out the smallest nuances in the film's audio. With a better soundmix
the the original, every effect is clearly defined, well placed and as a
whole, immerses the viewer in the action as effectively as the 3D does.
It was kind of neat hearing the homage given to some of the Star Wars
sound effects including laser blasts. lightsabers and helmet breathing.
Most notable in this mix is the amount of bass, which is bound to knock
a few items off someone's shelving. You hear it underlying the film's
opening credits, as Buzz Lightyear takes flight, and in scenes with
oncoming traffic and a rolling concrete pipe.
Toy Story 2 arrives as a 4-disc set that includes 3D Blu-ray, 2D
Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy disc that is housed with a lenticular
cardboard sleeve. The 3D Blu-ray contains 3D trailers for Pixar's
upcoming releases of Planes and Brave. Extras include Buzz
Lightyear's Mission Logs: International Space Station, three Animated
Studio Stories, Pixar's Zoetrope, Toy Box: Outtakes and Alternate
Scenes, Deleted Scenes and more.
CONCLUSION
Toy Story 2 is a thing of beauty....a flawless, immaculate transfer so
perfectly enhanced in 3D that one easily forgets that they are actually
watching a film as their display is magically transformed into a picture
window of live animation. Everyone at Disney who was involved with
the conversion and transfer have done an incredible job and for that,
"we are eternally grateful!"
Highly recommended with purchase of the original Toy Story 3D Blu-ray.
Images are for illustrative purpose only not representative of the picture quality of this disc.
Equipment
LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display
Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray Player
Denon 3311CI Receiver
Atlantic Technology H-PAS AT-1 fronts, 4400 center; 4200 rear speakers
SV Sound Subwoofer
UP NEXT....TOY STORY 3: 3D REVIEW
