Writer: Lai Swee Wei

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Watch this if you liked: “Toy Story”, “Toy Story 2”

Watching these two "Toy Story" films enhanced in 3D back-to-back for the price of one ticket is a bargain you can't refuse, especially if you love the animation franchise or have three hours to kill.

Debuting in 1995, "Toy Story" was a groundbreaking animated feature film which gave us a glimpse of what was possible in animation. But then again, would 15 years later make it worth the watch in 3D considering we've seen how advanced technology has been with "Avatar"? Frankly for the most part, they do! We get to experience what it's like to be a toy when young Andy grabs Woody to zoom up the flight of stairs and into his room, and when Woody and Buzz Lightyear is rocketed into the air trying to get back to their owner. It was fun and exhilarating ride being able to recap the timeless adventures of these quirky characters once more, but the fun doesn't stop here...

As the first film ends, we are given a five minute interval filled with movie trivias, fun facts and never before seen clips that will keep you glued to your seat. Bear in mind, this is the only break time you'll have to go to the loo or buy a snack. But it's worth staying for as it delivers five minutes of fresh animation out of the two flicks (if you've seen them before, that is).

Soon after, the 1999 sequel resumes and the toys venture into the outside world to rescue Woody who is stolen by a desperate toy collector. It turns out that he is to be sold in Japan along with three other toys: Jessie, a hyper cowgirl, Bullseye, a faithful horse, and Pete the Prospector, an aging toy. The three informs Woody that he was part of a 1950's marionette TV show, "Woody's Round-Up", and that his return to them finally completes the group. From here, our hero is torn between going back to Andy or be together with his newfound round-up gang.

Compared to the first movie, audiences can clearly see the transition of how a few years have improved the animation quality in terms of details. Moreover, the scope is much larger this time as the toys now are faced with numerous street blocks, busy intersections and a finale involving a baggage conveyor belt at an airport! Whereas the first movie was mostly confined to Andy's house, a quick stop at the Chuck E Cheeze restaurant and next-door neighbour Sid's house.

Both films deliver a surge of great soundtrack memories as well, such as "I Will Go Sailing No More", "Strange Things", "Woody's Round-Up", and "When She Loved Me". In preparation for the upcoming "Toy Story 3", audiences will surely enjoy watching these two films again.

Cinema Online, 20 April 2010