Toy Story That Time Forgot Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Toy Story That Time Forgot" delivers an exceptional visual experience via its 1080p HD transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Despite being a made-for-TV short, the image quality rivals that of a full-feature release. The colors are vibrant and precisely rendered, with standout hues such as Rex's green hide, Trixie's blue paint, and Reptillus Maximus' martial red scheme. Each scene boasts incredible clarity and sharpness, capturing every detail from the plastic textures on the toys to the subtle scratches and scuffs that add a layer of realism to these animated characters.

The encoding utilizes MPEG-4 AVC, contributing to a sharp and detailed image replete with excellent color reproduction. The depth perception is remarkable, with ample spacing that enhances the sense of dimension, and the background imagery remains crisp. Additionally, black levels are impressively deep and consistent, avoiding crushing or loss of detail. Despite some minor banding in the background, the overall video quality is pristine, further accentuated by smooth motion throughout.

Foreground details are notably spot-on, with nuanced plastic textures, tiny details on armor, and realistic shading making every scene visually compelling. While the primary arena backdrop is intentionally hazy, it contrasts well against the sharply defined characters. Minor imperfections such as slight banding barely detract from the viewing experience, leaving this video presentation as an exemplar of high-quality digital animation transfer from Disney. Overall, this Blu-ray release achieves high marks for its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant color palette, and immaculate clarity.

The audio presentation of "Toy Story That Time Forgot" on Blu-ray is commendable, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack that maximizes the short run time with an immersive sound experience. The music is seamlessly integrated, usually positioned beneath the clear, center-focused dialogue, ensuring nothing distracts from the vocal clarity. The definition and separation of audio elements are highlights, with a robust and finely detailed presentation during key moments, such as the Battlesaurs' thematic song. Surround immersion is excellent, with characters dynamically placed across the soundstage, augmenting scenes with natural directionality and well-distributed ambient noises.

Additionally, the LFE performance is notable, providing a satisfying rumble during intense action scenes, enhancing the dynamic range. The surround sound delivery is particularly engaging during battle sequences, accurately depicting on-screen placement and movement. Dialogue reproduction maintains exceptional clarity, free from distortions such as pops or hissing, ensuring every spoken word and subtle vocal nuance is captured crisply. The available formats, including DTS-HD MA 7.1, 5.1, and 2.0, offer flexibility, although an Atmos option would have been a welcome addition for audiophiles seeking even more immersive soundscapes.

Finally, the Foley work in this release stands out due to its layered and distinct sound attributes. The score effectively complements the on-screen action without overwhelming other audio elements, contributing to an overall balanced listening experience. With strong dynamics and an excellent low-frequency extension, "Toy Story That Time Forgot" sets a high standard for audio quality in short animated features, delivering an engaging and richly textured auditory experience that enhances the viewing pleasure.

The Blu-ray of "Toy Story That Time Forgot" offers a captivating array of bonus features that delve deeply into the film's production and creative process. Highlights include insightful commentary from Director Steve Purcell and Head of Story Derek Thompson, providing intricate details on character development and environmental design. The "Reptillus!" featurette extensively covers character backstory, design, and voice acting, while "Toy Story Goes to Comic-Con" offers entertaining behind-the-scenes moments from the convention. A unique karaoke segment allows for interactive singing, and the "Battlesaurs -- Animated Opening" mimics a retro TV show intro. Additionally, several deleted scenes are available with thoughtful introductions by Steve Purcell, enriching fans' appreciation for the film's creative journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Director Steve Purcell and Head of Story Derek Thompson.
• Reptillus!: Detailed exploration of character design, backstory, and voice acting.
• Toy Story Goes to Comic-Con: Behind-the-scenes look at the cast's experiences at the convention.
• Karaoke: My Unexpected Friend: Interactive singing options with Reptillus Maximus.
• Battlesaurs -- Animated Opening: Mock-up TV show opening sequence.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes with introductions by Steve Purcell.

"Toy Story That Time Forgot" offers a brief yet engaging excursion into the cherished Toy Story universe, brimming with familiar faces and imaginative new characters. The story unfolds post-Christmas when Bonnie, having received a bounty of new gifts, casually dismisses her older toys. She transports Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Trixie, and Rex to her friend Mason’s house, where they swiftly become entangled in a conflict with the Battlesaurs—prehistoric action figures unaware of their true nature. Mason's enthrallment with his new video game system leaves the Battlesaurs untouched, paving the way for the Toy Story crew’s perilous adventure. The plot cleverly intertwines themes of self-discovery and the enduring joy of traditional play over digital distraction.

The special, a concise 22-minute feature that originally aired on ABC, maintains the signature blend of heart, humor, and action synonymous with Pixar’s full-length films. Trixie, the triceratops voiced by Kristen Schaal, takes center stage as she endeavours to show the Battlesaur leader Reptillus Maximus that they are toys, not actual warriors. While the scale of the narrative is modest, the mini-battle sequences are packed with excitement and are visually captivating, despite the time constraints. Aided by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Wallace Shawn reprising their iconic roles, the voice performances remain top-notch.

Though some might view "Toy Story That Time Forgot" as less impactful compared to its predecessor "Toy Story of Terror," it is nevertheless an enjoyable addition to the collection. Laced with profound messages about finding one’s purpose and the value of imaginative play, it resonates both with children and adults. This short film is bound to please long-time fans and is a testament to Pixar’s continued ability to breathe life into beloved characters through fresh, heartfelt storytelling.

"Toy Story That Time Forgot" is a brief yet engaging addition to the beloved Toy Story universe. This short film, while lacking the depth and epic scenes typical of the feature-length films, succeeds in capturing the warm, familiar essence of Toy Story. The voice cast, featuring returning favorites and new talent such as Kevin McKidd and Director Steve Purcell, delivers excellent performances that seamlessly fit into the narrative. The film is both funny and action-packed, providing a few thrilling moments mixed with mild peril. Though its runtime is limited, it offers significant replay value for fans of all ages.

The Blu-ray release stands out with its exceptional video and audio quality. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, making excellent use of high-definition technology to bring the world of Toy Story to life. Likewise, the audio presentation ensures an immersive experience, with clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects. In addition to the movie, the Blu-ray offers a robust selection of bonus features, nearly doubling the total runtime and including content appealing to younger viewers and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "Toy Story That Time Forgot" may not reach the heights of its cinematic predecessors, but it remains a delightful watch that maintains the series' signature charm and humor. For those who appreciate high-quality audiovisual presentation and valuable extras, this Blu-ray release is a recommended addition to any Pixar or Toy Story collection.