Toy Story

Smith, Brown, and Summers’ Toy Story examines Toy Story the film as a work of art, a cultural phenomenon, an industry game changer, and as beloved movie. In illuminating both how – and why – Toy Story is one of the most successful films of all time, this volume, like its namesake, is destined to become a classic. * Amy M Davis, Lecturer in Film and Animation History, The University of Hull, UK *
Toy Story is a remarkable film for so many reasons, but the essays collected here place particular emphasis on its fascinating (and highly successful) blending of innovation and convention. By positioning it in relation to diverse continuities and changes in filmmaking, animation, storytelling, music, and art, ultimately the book serves as a kaleidoscopic exploration of the movie’s enduring resonance and influence. * Richard McCulloch, Lecturer in Film and Cultural Studies, Centre for Participatory Culture, University of Huddersfield, UK *
Toy Story the volume, like Toy Story the movie, offers many pleasures. Its discussions of Pixar’s expressive textures, of the new animator as a kind of puppet master, of the cultural meanings of toys, and of the value, even subtlety possible in computer animation are both intellectually satisfying and welcome additions to animation scholarship. But many of these contributions also come with a clearly felt, almost emotional appreciation for what is demonstrably a great film and a testimony to what animation can accomplish. This book fully appreciates that film and, in turn, deserves to be appreciated. * J. P. Telotte, Professor Film and Media Studies, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA *