That's not flying, it's falling with style

TS is all about the premise of what would happen if a child's toys really did come to life when nobody was around. Initially set in Andy's bedroom (Andy is a typical, middle class, All-American kid) the opening scene is of Andy playing joyfully with his toys. Cut to Andy being called away by his mom and the toys get together for a meeting chaired by Woody the cowboy. Oh, hang on, I'd better introduce you to the cast:

Woody is one of the two main characters in the film and is a beat up, old cowboy doll that's been the favourite toy for some time. The toys get together and Woody slips in the news that the moving house date has been brought forward to tomorrow. The problem is that each toy has to have a "moving buddy" in place ready for the move. The toys are upset at this and the pace quickens when the plastic toy soldiers report that the guests have arrived for Andy's birthday party and the presents are being opened. The toy community generally feels apprehensive at the thought of new toys arriving although, for some, it's seen as an opportunity. For example, Mr Potato Head craves the arrival of a Mrs Potato Head (for reasons of conjugality?)

This film works because it operates on at least 2 levels. Firstly, kids just love it. Toys coming to life; exciting sets like Pizza Planet and Andy's bedroom and the introduction of the horrible Sid the toy killer from next door all percolate into a heady mix of action and adventure. The second level is more adult with a witty, stylish John Lassetter inspired script that parents and even those without kids can laugh out loud to.

The tension in the film comes from Sid's role as a toy's worst nightmare. He routinely dismembers toys and enjoys fusing strange combinations together in a teeny version of Frankenstein. Via a circuitous route, Buzz ends up in the clutches of the evil Sid and it's left to our hero to ultimately rescue him and catch up with the family before they drive off into the sunset forever.

One of my personal favourites is where Buzz is in Sid's house but has been commandeered by Sid's sister. He's forced to endure a doll's party and gets intoxicated on an over-generous supply of tea. I laughed out loud as Woody tried to drag Buzz away at an opportune moment only for Buzz to complain in a slur "..but I'm Miss - us N - e - s - bitt!".

The musical score is outstanding with a great musical set by Randy Newman. He belts out, among others, "You've got a friend in me" and "Strange things are happening" which compliment the film superbly.

The Toy Story DVD can also be purchased through Disney.com and has bonus footage including 1988 Academy Award -winning animated short "Tin Toy" "You've Got a Friend in Me" music video as featured on the hit "Toy Story" soundtrack and Behind-the-scenes making of "Toy Story".

Amazon are selling the DVD on it's own (as opposed to packaged with Toy Story 2 etc) at £18.99.

As ever, thanks for reading.