9/17/2023 0 Comments Pixar to infinity and beyond![]() It was three years later in Westworld ’s Sequel Futureworld that the first attempt at visualising a three-dimensional object in computer graphics was made. In that case a computer was used to reprocess footage and simulate the point of view of the film’s robot antagonist. Technically speaking, the first feature film to include computer-generated images was Michael Crichton’s Westworld in 1973. To start with CGI: the potential of using computers to develop specific images and animations was seen very early in the development of information technology, however it took time for the computing power at the cutting edge to reach a standard where it could be applied to narrative film. To infinity and beyond indeed.Įxplaining the history and impact of Toy Story requires a jump back in time, and a look at three converging elements: the development of computer-generated images (CGI) in the motion picture industry, the evolution of the Pixar Animation Studios, and the early career of aspiring animator and director John Lasseter. Toy Story is, quite literally, a film that changed the world. To find an animated film with as great an effect on the global industry, you need to go back to Walt Disney’s own Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. Collectively Pixar’s films have grossed a total of US$14.3 billion dollars. Pixar themselves have made a total of 23 CGI films from 1995 to 2020 the latest, Soul, is due sometime before the end of the year. Toy Story has been followed by a staggering 200+ computer-generated features. Jump forward a quarter-century, and outside of a select few independent productions no one in America makes hand-drawn animation any more. All of these acclaimed pictures were ultimately hand-animated. Toy Story made its debut in the middle of the ‘Disney Renaissance’, a period spanning from The Little Mermaid in 1989 and Tarzan in 1999 in which Disney produced a string of unprecedented smash hits with groundbreaking animation techniques. ![]() It was the first computer-animated feature film ever produced, and not only was it a commercial and critical success it fundamentally altered the animation medium for good. I love Toy Story so much and will continue to always love it.Twenty-five years ago film history was made when Walt Disney released Toy Story, the debut production from Pixar Animation Studios. Maybe a new film set in the Bug’s Life universe, or why not a new story catching up with Ian and Barkley from Onward? As much as I love Pixar’s original stories, I am a sucker for sequels, sometimes. I’m glad that the idea of Lightyear worked but can confidently say that Disney and Pixar should leave the Toy Story franchise alone. Toy Story 4 happened… but still acted as a great ending for Woody, specifically. For me, Toy Story 3 was a great ending for the series. I would be happy to meet up with Woody, Buzz and the Gang one day in the future, but I’m happy also not seeing these beloved characters again. Seeing things like the final spaceship being the one from Buzz’s packaging, the original Green Space Ranger costume and of course, the Pizza Planet Truck! So Long, Partner. Obviously, many things have their issues, especially when something means a lot to you, it can sort of dampen an experience however, on this occasion – that did not stop Lightyear from being a hell of a ride. I sort of felt like Andy watching the film in a way, it was perfect. The inner Toy Story fan within me was even more pleased, when little touches and nods calling back to the films was great. It’s safe to say I was pleased with Lightyear – the fast-paced sci-fi adventure was a really fun watch and was really happy with the final project. Songs about friendship, relationships and family are so important when telling these kinds of stories and Randy Newman does them perfectly. Firstly, for how good they are is one thing, but the messages they carry is another. Songs like “You’ve Got A Friend in Me”, “When She Loved Me”, “We Belong Together”, even “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” are all great songs. Not only are the stories at the centre of these films endearing, but the music throughout the series is too. The idea that when you’re not playing with these toys, they’re coming to life. Feeling like a kid, playing with his favourite toys. Like I’m sure many other people have done similarly, I’ve grown up with these films and the thought of Toy Story just brings me back to being a kid, and that is what the film is about.
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