Since Toy Story 3 in 2010, the Toy Story characters have appeared in three Toy Story Toons shorts and two television specials. The first was Toy Story of Terror, a mediocre spoof on the classic horror film genre that disappointed fans of John Lasseter’s brainchild. As a dinosaur fan though, I was excited by the potential of Toy Story That Time Forgot, which finds Rex and Trixie in the play set of a world where dinosaurs rule.
As it turns out, Toy Story that Time Forgot is much more in the spirit of Toy Story of Terror than any of the award-winning Toy Story products that came before it. Set at Christmastime, Bonnie takes a few of her toys to a friend’s house and leaves the toys alone with his Battlesaurs play set, where the gang has to help a group of delusional dinosaurs realize that they are just toys.
This special had a great premise and a lot of potential that didn’t feel like it was explored enough. The jokes are great, but spread too far. The premise is familiar, a retread of the original Buzz/Woody story arch, and the most satisfying moments come not from any of the dinosaurs, but an angelic Christmas plush kitty. The issue is not the length of the special, after all Toy Story Toons had no problem entertaining and reconnecting audiences with these beloved characters. But it’s impossible to watch either of the TV specials and not instantly feel like something has gone horribly wrong in the process.
Almost a year after it aired, Toy Story That Time Forgot is now available on home video. Trying something new, Disney has opted to not include a DVD in the Blu-Ray/Digital HD combo pack, the first time they’ve excluded the medium from an animated release. A DVD-only version is also available.
Video
Pixar has delivered a top-notch video presentation. The 21-minute special looks flawless on Blu-Ray. Colors are vibrant and the darker tones of the Battlesaurs world are expertly delivered. Highly detailed moments, such as the scaley texture of the dinosaur toys and the needles on the Christmas trees, are crisp and clear.
Audio
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track primarily keeps to the front speakers, but occasional sound effects bounce around the rear speakers. A stereo descriptive audio track is offered for the blind, while French and Spanish tracks in 5.1 cater to non-English speaking Toy Story fans.
Bonus Features
- Reptillus! (10:51) – The creative team reveals the deep backstory that was written for the new dinosaur toys in the special.
- Toy Story Goes to Comic-Con (3:39) – The creative team introduces the special to a crowd at San Diego Comic-Con.
- Karaoke: My Unexpected Friend (3:59) The song “My Unexpected Friend” is presented twice with two options, with Reptillus singing or as a music-only track. The video features on-screen lyrics so you can sing along.
- Battlesaurs – Animated Opening (0:50) – This hand-drawn animated intro to the fictional show “Battlesaurs” was produced by Japanese animation company Studio Trigger.
- Deleted Scenes (9:25)) – Five deleted scenes are presented individually or as a “Play All” option. The scenes are “Battlesaurs Christmas,” “Prisoners of Bone,” “SOS,” “Trixie’s Proposal” and “Light of Play.” Director Steve Purcell introduces each sequence and all of the scenes are in storyboard form.
- Commentary (21:36) – Steve Purcell (director) and Derek Thompson (head of story) discuss how they tried to balance the story and humor of this TV special.
Packaging & Design
Toy Story That Time Forgot is housed in a standard single-disc Blu-Ray case that fits inside an embossed slipcover. Inserts include a digital copy/Disney Movies Anywhere/Disney Movie Rewards code and a flyer for Disney Movie Club. The disc features disc art that replicates the case’s cover.
The disc opens with ads for Disney Movies Anywhere, The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out. The menu features a shot of the Battlesaurs play set with dramatic music.
Final Thoughts
The Toy Story films are classic, but the television specials are far from it. Toy Story That Time Forgot isn’t as bad as Toy Story of Terror, but manages to be incredibly forgettable and doesn’t offer enough humor or heart to make it a must-own. Those who were impressed, however, will be pleased with this release. With great video quality and some fun bonus features, it’s a decent release for a subpar product.