Toy Story: The Buzz is back

Toy Story was the world's first computer-generated feature, released in 1995, and became a smash hit with memorable characters. Photo / Supplied

Given the current dominance of computer animation, it seems inconceivable that the medium was initially viewed with contempt. John Lasseter, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, had been making short films before he launched the world's first computer-generated feature, Toy Story, in 1995, and he realised he needed to make a strong statement.

"John knew that the technique was cool and that no one had ever seen it, but he knew that if we hadn't told a good story the medium might have been blamed," explains Lee Unkrich, who worked as an editor on the original Toy Story, and as a co-director on the sequel, Toy Story 2.

Lasseter made his statement so forcefully that Toy Story became a huge hit. He followed up with 1998's A Bug's Life, co-directed by Andrew Stanton, and then Toy Story 2 in 1999. Now, Toy Story 3, directed by Unkrich, is in the can. The movie, like Up before it, will be released in 3D in New Zealand on July 1, and to whet our appetites the studio is re-releasing the original films in 3D.

"The films are exactly the same," explains Unkrich.

"Since we were originally working on the computer with a virtual camera, we were able to just set up a second camera for the other eye and with a little effort we were able to create that same view."

Boasting a starrier voice cast than any of Pixar's subsequent films, Toy Story follows the antics of toys belonging to a boy named Andy. His favourite had always been the cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) until the macho astronaut Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) arrives on the scene as a birthday present and takes pride of place on Andy's bed.

Incredibly, the second film was originally planned as a DVD release, but was deemed so good that they completely redesigned it for cinemas. Woody, looking worse for wear with a torn arm, discovers he is part of a set, the Roundup Gang, which also includes Jessie the Yodelling Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), and that they are being shipped off to Japan to be part of a permanent toy exhibition. The other toys are spurred into action.

"We love these characters," says Unkrich. "They're the bedrock of our studio, more than any of the other characters."

The storyline for Toy Story 3 is largely under wraps.

"Well, the toys have been used a few more years," notes Unkrich. What has been revealed is that Woody, Buzz, and the rest of their toy box friends are dumped in a daycare centre after Andy departs for college.

Following the popularity of Barbie (Jodi Benson) in the second film, there will also be a Ken doll (Michael Keaton) in Toy Story 3.

"Michael Keaton's a very funny guy and he loves playing Ken," notes Unkrich. "He's just made the character his own."

Ken and Barbie, of course, don't have genitalia so won't be up to much. But the humans in the film will look more realistic, given technological advances.

"The first Toy Story had a particular look. That was partially by design, but also because of the technological limitations at the time. Nobody had really done humans very well.

"We just wanted them to be believable as people living in a different world than the toys. We've since made a number of films with believable humans, The Incredibles and Ratatouille, so the challenge now is to take advantage of the new technology, but not have the film feel completely different.

"Luckily we're at the point where anything we can dream up we can put on screen. In the old days you had to dream up stories that were do-able."

There's no doubting that Toy Story 3 is going to be a blockbuster, possibly Pixar's biggest ever, as fans of the movies span several generations.

"There are people on our team who were 8 when they saw the first film, which makes me feel old," Unkrich admits with a sigh.

"Then there are people like myself who have since had kids, and they are growing up very quickly. At the time of Toy Story, I remember John's four sons climbing on to his lap at the same time, and now he has three kids in college. We're different people now. In the film we're dealing with a lot of themes like growing up and letting go, as these are things we've been living with first-hand. I don't think we could have made this movie 11 years ago."

They certainly couldn't have made it in 3D. In the next decade there's every chance 3D movies will be able to be viewed at home. "I hear a lot of rumblings about that happening," Unkrich admits. "James Cameron's invested a lot in getting 3D out there with Avatar and I think that extends in wanting to get it into the home more."

Pixar would surely reap the benefits.

Lowdown

What: Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D

When: Opens today. The movies run as a double feature (173 mins) There will be an intermission, during which a Toy Story quiz will play.

Also: Toy Story 3, opens July 1