On November 19, 1995 the world of animation was forever changed when Pixar Animation Studios released its first feature-length animated film, “Toy Story”. The first film to be entirely computer-animated, “Toy Story” has become one of the greatest and most beloved animated film franchises of all-time. With three sequels, shorts and specials, mountains of merchandise and a land dedicated to the films at Walt Disney World, it’s safe to say, “Toy Story” was the gift the Disney company knew it needed since the late 1980s.
The concept of “Toy Story” was sparked by one of Pixar’s early short films, “Tin Toy”. Created by one of Pixar’s co-founders and former Disney animator, John Lasseter, “Tin Toy”, was the first computer-generated film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Short film. The film’s success was not lost on new Disney CEO Michael Eisner and chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. After a failed attempt to lure Lasseter back to Disney, the team put together a production deal with Pixar to produce a film (a rarity for the company).
It took a long time for the Walt Disney Company and Pixar to get on the same page, but eventually after many rewrites, the concept of “Toy Story” was established. Even with the talents of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen by their side, Steve Jobs and the animators at Pixar were nervous for the film’s release, even making a few tweaks and edits before the film’s premiere in two weeks time.
However, their worries would be for nothing as the film became an instant hit with tremendous praise from critics and families alike. “Toy Story” grossed over $350 million worldwide, surpassing any expectations Disney and Pixar had. In the months that followed, “Toy Story” would go on to receive numerous awards and accolades including a Special Achievement Academy Award.
Although it wasn’t known until many years later, “Toy Story” changed the game for the Pixar company and animation as a whole. Its success led to many other Pixar box office hits such as “The Incredibles” and “Finding Nemo”. It also made other production companies such as Dreamworks turn to computer animation as well with the release of films like “Shrek” and “Madagascar”.
Many believe “Toy Story” is as revolutionary as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” with its impact on animation. However, unlike Disney’s first film which many have come to recognize as outdated, “Toy Story” manages to still stand the test of time with kids that were born nearly 20 years after the film’s release, in large part thanks to its successful sequels.
In a world where everyone is divided about nearly everything, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love “Toy Story”. The characters, the story, the animation – “Toy Story” has left a legacy over the last 25 years that will forever be etched in cinema history.
What do you love the most about Toy Story and want to celebrate on its 25th anniversary? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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