Toy Story 2
Disney / 1999 / 94 Mins / Rated G

MOVIE
Toy Story 2 is the wonderful sequel to the original Toy Story released a few years ago now. Again the story follows the adventures of Andy's toys and the perils involved in there everyday lives.

After rescuing a small toy penguin wheezy, Woody is stolen by a scheming toy store owner who sees Woody for who he really is, a very valuable part of a toy collection from an early 50's show.

Now it's up to Buzz Lightyear and crew to save Woody and bring him home.

Toy Story 2 is a sensational movie for all ages to enjoy time and time again.
VIDEO
Like Disney's previous DVD release of A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2 is also derived from a pure digital video source with no film used at all and again like A Bugs Life it shows.

Toy Story 2 has in my opinion the best ever transfer I have seen on a DVD, in fact it looks even better than A Bug's Life.

The transfer is absolutely razor sharp throughout with no hint of softness at all.

Being a digital transfer there are no film artifacts present at all as well. There were no MPEG artifacts present in this transfer. If there is one word to sum up this transfer it would be marvelous.

Toy Story 2 is framed at 1:85:1 and is 16:9 enhanced. If there was one problem I have with the disc is the framing. Toy Story 2 was originally framed at 1:66:1 but this release has been matted to a 1:85:1 ratio. But anyway this is not enough to lessen the score on this wonderful transfer.

This is a single sided, dual layer disc. The layer change occurs at 51:42
AUDIO
Again I have nothing but rave reviews regards the soundtrack on Toy Story 2. Encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1 in an English and French soundtrack, Toy Story 2 has one of the most immersive soundtracks around. Toy Story 2 was originally release in Dolby Digital EX 6.1 but I could not confirm this as I do not possess and EX decoder yet.

Right from the beginning you are treated to a fully functional perfectly rendered soundstage. There is perfect channel separation and panning effects from the rear speakers and the front speakers are used equally as well. The .1 channel was used effectively but did not draw attention to itself at all.

The dialog was very easy to hear throughout.
EXTRAS
Surprisingly there are a few extras on this disc but they are very limited.

Short Featurette - Luxo, Jnr (2:18): This is Pixar's first short featurette made in 1986, it is of excellent quality. Dolby Digital 5.0, 1:33:1.

Featurette - Character Featurette (3:55): A very short featurette about the stars behind the characters from the movie. Limited Value. Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:33:1.

Featurette - Outtakes (5:27): These are the same outtakes as featured at the end on the movie only in full screen. 1:33:1, Dolby Digital 5.1.

Featurette - Coolest Toy (3:15): This is a fluff piece to pad out the disc. It features the stars saying who is better, Buzz or Woody. 1:33:1, Dolby Digital 2.0.

Featurette - Music Featurette (3:25): A short piece on the music from the movie. Quite good but all too short. Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:33:1.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Easily goes to the top of my list as one of the most impressive DVD's available on the market today.
16:9 ENHANCEMENT DISC RATING

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AUDIO:
EXTRAS:

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REVIEW EQUIPMENT
Display: 48" Sony RPTV.
DVD Player: Panasonic A350 Player using S-Video Cables.
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-D508 Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.
Speakers: Accusound speaker system.

Copyright © 2000 by [Roger Ward].
Revised: 28 Oct 2000 01:26:47 +1100 .

DVD INFORMATION
Region Coding: Region 4
No of Discs: 1
OFLC Rating G
Running Time: 94 Mins
Case Type: Clear Amaray
Release Date: 18/10/1999
Catalog Number: 34748
List Price: $39.95
Distributor: Buena Vista
DISC SPECIFICATIONS
Disc Format: PAL
Disc Type: Picture Disc
Disc Format: RSDL
Chapters: 35
Macrovision: Yes
Manufacturer: Technicolor
VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS
Aspect Ratio: 1:85:1
Anamorphic: Yes
Film Format: 35mm
SOUND SPECIFICATIONS
Dolby Digital:

5.1 Surround
DTS: None
PCM Stereo: None
Other: None
Languages:

 English
French
Subtitles: Yes
SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary: None
Theatrical Trailer: None
Teaser Trailer: None
TV Spots: None
Dolby Trailer: None
Featurette: Yes (3)
Cast & Crew Bios: None
Deleted Scenes: None
Music Videos: None
DVD Rom Content: None
Collectable Booklet: None
Scene Access: Yes
Animated Menus: None
Production Notes: None
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