A historic milestone for Pixar, the animation industry, and Hollywood itself, November 22 marks the twentieth anniversary of Toy Story, the world’s first computer-animated film and the first feature-length project from Pixar Animation Studios. Two events will celebrate the occasion.
First reported by Stitch Kingdom in August, Amazon lists a November 29 release date for a Toy Story Blu-ray. The page has since been updated to show cover art that is scaled-back and simple, as is the lack of any specific “edition” of the release (It just says Toy Story without any identifying special release like most reissues). It is unknown at this time if the Blu-ray will include any new bonus material, or if the other two films in the series will wind up with their own new releases.
With more concrete information is the all-new Toy Story 20th Anniversary Special, airing December 10 at 8pm EST on ABC. News of the special comes buried in a press release of all of ABC’s holiday programming. The official description reads:
ABC will air a tribute to the Pixar Animation Studios film that ushered in a new era of computer generated animation. The special will take a look at how Pixar’s early beginnings making short, digitally-animated films lead them to take the bold step of making the first feature length computer animated film, “Toy Story.” Producers, animators, technical artists, designers and some of the film’s voice talent will discuss making the film and the impact it has had over the years, spawning two sequels, with a new installment, “Toy Story 4,” on the way. “Toy Story 20th Anniversary” will be executive produced and directed by Brad Lachman of Brad Lachman Productions in conjunction with Pixar Animation Studios.
How exciting is that? The special will be followed by a telecast of the entire original feature film. If last year’s ABC Frozen documentary is any indication, we’re in for a real treat. Clearly animated classics is something the network views as important, which is great to see spotlighted in prime time.
In related news, ABC will also air 2014’s Toy Story That Time Forgot on December 3 and 15, both at 8pm.
What do you hope to see on the new ‘Toy Story’ Blu-ray? Will you watch the new television special?
Edited by: Kajsa Rain Forden
