Toy Story 3 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Toy Story 3" is nothing short of spectacular, delivering a reference-quality high definition experience. The 1080p transfer is visually arresting, offering luminous and sparkling clarity that brings a palpable three-dimensional depth to the animated elements. The meticulous attention to detail in character features and objects within each frame remains a standout; colors are deeply saturated, bursting with vibrancy and succulent textures that leap off the screen. Primaries exhibit remarkable gradational stages, contributing to the film's striking and immersive visual journey. The stunning color representation and flawless rendering ensure that every scene retains visual integrity without compromise.

In the realm of 3D, "Toy Story 3" stands as an exemplary transfer, definitively capturing intricate 3D delights with its 1080p/MVC-encoded display. The film's 3D presentation excels in creating a wholly engrossing world, showcasing tremendous depth and exacting dimensionality. Immersive sequences, such as the thrilling daycare center scenes or the heart-pounding incinerator sequences, reveal an extraordinary level of detail and clarity. Every texture, from Lotso's weathered fur to the smallest speck of dust, is impeccably rendered, providing a breathtakingly vivid experience that enhances the film’s emotional and dramatic undertones. Ghosting and crosstalk are practically non-existent, maintaining pristine visual fidelity throughout.

Pixar's careful approach in utilizing 3D to add lifelike depth rather than resorting to gimmicks is highly effective. This enhances the viewer’s connection with the film's action without overwhelming the senses. The contrast between lights and darks is impeccable, with inky black levels highlighting bright and bold colors. Lines are smooth yet razor-sharp, ensuring even minute details are beautifully delineated. Despite searching for digital flaws, minor instances of noise or aliasing are practically negligible, solidifying this presentation as near-perfect. Overall, Disney's Blu-ray transfer of "Toy Story 3" sets a new benchmark for home viewing experiences, making it an extraordinary showcase for 3D entertainment.

The DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio soundtrack on the "Toy Story 3" Blu-ray disc is an exceptional auditory experience, establishing a new benchmark in sound design excellence. The opening rescue/train sequence is a thrilling audio showcase with robust low-frequency effects and expansive dynamics, delivering deep, room-shaking bass transients. This animated film's meticulous sound design ensures a harmonious balance between sound effects, music, and dialogue. Every spoken line is distinct and well-articulated, even capturing subtle voice inflections, ensuring clarity despite the complex sound environment.

Throughout the film, from the bustling daycare center to the intense waste disposal facility scenes, Disney's audio mastery is evident. Voices are crisp, clean, warm, and perfectly prioritized, never getting lost amidst the chaotic action. The film’s immersive soundfield fills with lively ambient noises, making the story come to life. Directionality is precise with dynamic panning effects that enhance the realism. The rear speaker activity is aggressive and entertaining, utilizing a plethora of ambient effects to create a fully immersive experience.

This DTS-HD 7.1 mix's intelligent use of LFE output provides a powerful resonance, particularly during key action sequences. The masterful ambiance during scenes at the daycare center and the extraordinary precision during segments involving rainstorms exemplify the supreme quality of this audio presentation. The nuanced yet impactful audio experience culminates in an intensely thrilling finale where room-shaking bass underscores the high stakes without ever overpowering the dialogue.

Overall, this top-tier audio presentation from Disney and Pixar, rich with subtle details and dramatic punch, offers a demo-worthy auditory journey that matches its superb visual quality.

The extensive array of extras included in the "Toy Story 3" Blu-ray combo pack provides both entertainment and insightful glimpses into the production process, with highlights such as the Picture-in-Picture Cine-Explore commentary featuring director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson, delivering comprehensive scene-by-scene insights. Additionally, the alternative commentary track features senior crew members offering detailed technical analyses. Featurettes span a range of topics from character development and casting to the intricate animation process, while engaging short films and fun interactive games provide further enjoyment. Moreover, publicity extras like trailers and character interviews enhance the overall package. This well-rounded collection ensures fans and film enthusiasts gain a deeper appreciation of the movie's artistic and technical achievements.

Extras included in this disc:

Day and Night Theatrical Short: Delightful animated short preceding the main film.
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science of Adventure: Educational short on space travel.
Toys!: Featurette on creating new characters and updating old ones.
Cine-explore: Picture-in-picture commentary with director and producer.
Beyond the Toybox: Alternative audio commentary by the lead crew members.
The Gang's All Here: Featurette on character voices and casting.
Goodbye Andy: Featurette on saying farewell to Andy.
Accidental Toymakers: Insight into filmmakers' inadvertent role in toy design.
A Toy's Eye View: Creating a Whole New Land: Featurette on theme park design.
Epilogue: Full-screen high-definition epilogue.
Roundin' up a Western Opening: Featurette on the original opening scene idea.
Bonnie's Playtime: A Story Roundtable: Discussion on a complex scene involving new characters.
Beginnings: Setting a Story in Motion: Development of Michael Arndt's screenplay.
Life of a Shot: Evolution of a scene.
Making of Day and Night: Brief production glimpse into Pixar's short.
Studio Stories:

• Where's Gordon
• Cereal Bar
• Clean Start Interactive Game: Toy Story Trivia Dash: Fun trivia game for all ages.
  *Publicity Trailers, character interviews, promotional segments, and more.
  BD-Live Enabled

"Toy Story 3" continues the journeys of Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and their loyal companions as they face separation from their beloved owner, Andy, who is heading off to college. In a poignant twist, the toys find themselves mistakenly donated to Sunnyside Daycare, where vibrant new characters like Ken (Michael Keaton) and Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton) join the adventure. However, Sunnyside is not what it seems, as antagonistic toys, led by Lotso (Ned Beatty), turn the daycare into a cacophony of chaos. The plot masterfully balances themes of loyalty, friendship, and the passage of time while introducing fresh faces and maintaining humor.

The narrative takes unexpected turns filled with emotional depth that surpasses its previous installments, rendering it perhaps Pixar's finest work. Scenes depicting Woody’s longings for Andy and the toys' serene acceptance of their fate are interspersed with laughter-inducing moments involving new characters. Director Lee Unkrich's direction ensures each character, old and new, fits seamlessly into the storyline. With Michael Arndt's sharp screenwriting and Randy Newman's evocative score, the film deftly balances mature themes with child-like wonder, making it appealing to both new audiences and long-time fans.

Technically, the Blu-ray release showcases Pixar's hallmark innovations with stunning animation in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video and immersive audio through English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. The presentation quality is impeccable, maintaining high standards expected from a Pixar film. The 3D edition adds another layer of engagement, with previews for upcoming Pixar projects like "Brave" enhancing the offering. The Blu-ray package, which includes both 3D and standard versions alongside DVD and Digital Copy, provides a comprehensive cinematic experience that underscores the film's rich animation and resonant storytelling.

"Toy Story 3" stands out as a benchmark in the realm of animated films, delivering an unrivaled combination of narrative depth and technical prowess. The 3D Blu-ray release is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing Pixar's commitment to quality. The 3D presentation elevates the viewing experience to new heights, providing a vivid, immersive visual feast. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track is articulate and powerful, enhancing the film's emotional resonance. This release also includes a plethora of supplementary features, further enriching the viewing experience with fascinating behind-the-scenes insights.

The precision with which Disney has handled this 3D transfer makes it a must-have for home theater enthusiasts. The visuals are pristine and striking, with an astonishing level of detail that brings the characters and their environments to life. The audio quality, designed for a complete sensory immersion, stands as a template for any high-quality home entertainment setup. Bonus materials provide extensive, engaging content that spans hours, making this five-disc set an invaluable addition to your collection.

In conclusion, "Toy Story 3" on Blu-ray 3D is a definitive release that exemplifies how 3D technology can enhance storytelling in animated cinema. Both visually and aurally exemplary, this edition is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship inherent in Pixar and Disney's collaboration. For any animation aficionado or family home entertainment collection, this release is indispensable. Make space on your shelf for the entire Toy Story 3D collection; it's an investment in timeless animation excellence.