Why So Blu?

Toy Story That Time Forgot (Blu-ray Review)

Disney•Pixar proudly presents a hilarious new animated adventure, TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT, Join Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the gang for an unforgettable tale packed with family fun and a must-have for every Pixar fan’s collection! During one of Bonnie’s post-Christmas play dates, the “Toy Story” crew find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional.  It’s all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to ever return to Bonnie’s room. Available for the First Time on Blu-ray™, Digital HD  and Disney Movies Anywhere on November 3rd.

Film 

During one of Bonnie’s post-Christmas play dates, the Toy Story crew find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional.  It’s all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to ever return to Bonnie’s room.  Toy Story That Time Forgot is an unforgettable tale packed with family fun and a must-have for every Pixar fan’s collection!

Before we got word that Toy Story was getting a fourth installment in the film series, it seems shorts in front of Pixar films and television specials were the future for Buzz and Woody.  Toy Story That Time Forgot is the second of said television specials, following the Toy Story of Terror.  As that one focused on a more Halloween oriented tale, this one shoots for the Christmas-time spirit.

We meet a brand of dinosaur infused action figures called the Battlesaurs in this one, which leads to Trixie getting a story that pulls her into focus.  I like this direction as I’m a big fan of the comedic actress and voice acting superstar that lends her talents to the character, Kristen Schaal.  The film goes in an interesting direction having a sort of “arena battle” featured for the climax.

Toy Story That Time Forgot is definitely an enjoyable piece of Toy Story lore, but its more on the weaker end of things.  I more preferred Toy Story of Terror.  That one brought in a much stronger new character and felt altogether more impactful and sticking.  This one is solid while you watch, but its sort of easily forgettable after that (Even when I do have a 3 year old that wants to watch it over and over).  I say this is one to just catch on TV every year moreso than owning it.  But if you gotta collect, you gotta have it!

Video 

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Clarity/Detail:  Its no surprise the image here looks terrific.  In addition to be a modern CG animated adventure, the film is also very short (like 22 minutes), so a lot of focus and allocation can go to making this look pretty.  Everything is sharp, full and detailed.

Depth:  This thing is ready for the multi dimensional aspects.  Plenty of spacing abound and background imagery is nice an crisp.  Movement is smooth.

Black Levels:  Blacks show as, well, black.  Some solid shading work done here.  No crushing or missing detail.

Color Reproduction:  Colors pop and look very bold.  The palette is richly displayed and wonderful to look at through the duration of the film.

Flesh Tones:  N/A

Noise/Artifacts: Clean

Audio 

Audio Format(s): English 7.1 DTS-HD MA, English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Dynamics:  Yeah, you guessed it, this sounds terrific.  Foley effect work is well rounded, layered and distinct sounding.  There is a great balance of score, vocals and effects.  You also get the choice of having this in 7.1, 5.1 or 2.0.  Unless you were hoping for Atmos, you’re covered.

Low Frequency Extension:  Boom drum-like sounds, score, and some action gets a rumble from the subwoofer.

Surround Sound Presentation:  While 7.1 may be a bit excessive, they do have fun in this mix with the side and rear channels, especially in the arena battle toward the end.  Action is accurately depicted in movement and placement on screen.

Dialogue Reproduction:  Dialogue is crisp and clean.  Every breath from a character’s mouth or beak is accounted for.

Extras 

Toy Story That Time Forgot comes with an UltraViolet Digital Copy of the film.

Reptillus! (HD, 10:51) – Discusses creating and crafting this short’s villain, from character attributes to art design, animation, casting and performance.

Toy Story Goes To Comic-Con (HD, 3:39) – Focuses on the panel at Comic Con, with some behind the scenes of the travel and hanging at the event.

Karaoke: My Unexpected Friend

• Reptillus Sings (HD, 3:58)
• You Sing (HD, 3:59)

Battlesaurs: Animated Opening (HD, :50) – As if the new toys in the short had a sorta Anime, sorta 80s intro for its TV show.

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary (HD, 9:25)

Summary 

Toy Story That Time Forgot is an okay entry in the short adventures canon of Pixars landmark series.  Its decent enough to pass the time, but ultimately I didn’t feel its staying power like Toy Story Of Terror kind of flirted with.  This Blu-ray is excellent though.  Sound and picture are top notch.  The extras, for how short of a little piece this is, seem to have everything covered.  If catching this on TV isn’t enough for you or you are a collector, don’t hesitate to pick it up.