With the release of the “Toy Story” trilogy in Disney Digital 3D, many lovers of the series have returned to see the movies which charmed them in 1995 and 1999. “Toy Story 2,” the first Pixar sequel, is given a stunning 3D recreation along with the original. Most recently, the 3D re-releases along with “Toy Story 3″ were shown in matinee form at a Memphis Midnight Run social event. This mom and pop social group screened all three in a row on a freshly purchased Samsung LCD 3D TV.
After weeks of fundraising and donation gathering, Midnight Run was fortunate enough to purchase their first 3D TV. The purchase of the aforementioned television set opened the floodgates for 3D movie screenings. As you can guess, the “Toy Story” series was given the honor of being the first to be screened by the Memphis, Tennessee movie group. As an audience of over twenty members eagerly seated themselves before the screen, Pixar’s masterpiece began inspiring tears and laughter. The saddest, most impactful moments can be found below.
Pixar’s hit series has reduced so many to tears that it’s impossible to peg just one truly precious moment to list first. The first legitimate tearjerker is witnessing Woody’s perfect world radically change with the arrival of Buzz Lightyear. Of course an even more devastating event is Buzz’s failed attempt to fly while trapped at Sid’s home. He’s descent lost him not only an arm but his sanity. It was hard to find a single MR member not crying as Buzz was crippled by reality.
The first sequel gave us Jessie. After sharing an unconditional love with Emily, Jessie wasn’t ready to handle the sudden abandonment that fated her. Even sadder is that upon being recovered from under the bed by teenage Emily, Jessie believes her best friend has returned along with that same happiness. Less than an hour later she’s donated to charity by an unfeeling Emily. “You Never forget kids like Emily or Andy… but they forget you.”
The showing of the third film was truly a treat. Many Midnight Runners hadn’t previously seen the film and were experiencing the trilogy finale for the first time. The Disney Digital 3D experience rivaled that of the theatrical one. Smiles, laughter, and infantile crying were all that awaited the viewers.
The incinerator scene claimed every dry eye in the room as it shared the finale to “Toy Story 3.” Those that managed to keep from crying during the home movies on Andy’s growth, couldn’t keep from tearing up as all the toys clasp hands and accept their fate. They looked into the flames below and conceded. The struggling ended and the little toys decided to cherish their last moments together. That scene cemented it as my favorite of the trilogy- as I’d imagine many others would agree.
Lotso’s tragic backstory is worth mention as well as it gives not only some justification for his evil deeds, but also an alternate interpretation of what could have happened to Woody or Jessie after being abandoned. One final scene begs to be mentioned. The note Woody writes to Andy about what to do with the toys is incredibly touching. The following scene in which Andy introduces all his treasured toys to Bonnie makes for the greatest conclusion to a Pixar film, if not to any animated flick.
Midnight Run and myself would like to thank Disney for re-releasing these fantastic films in beautiful, breath-taking 3D. We can only hope this opens the three films to more generations as Pixar likely releases other hits to claim the animated spotlight.
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