Toy Story That Time Forgot

Toy Story That Time Forgot is an exciting, animated special that aired on ABC in 2014, adding to the beloved Toy Story universe. This special runs for approximately 22 minutes and is a complete treat for fans of the Pixar franchise, offering up fresh fun, laughter, and a dash of heartfelt emotion that hallmarks all films in the series.

In this special, the beloved Toy Story team of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Trixie, and Angel Kitty venture into unexplored territory when a usual playdate turns into something more adventurous. The characters are brought to life with impressive voice artist collaborations once again as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprise their famous roles as Woody and Buzz, with Kristen Schaal and Wallace Shawn returning as Trixie and Rex.

Toy Story That Time Forgot begins during a post-Christmas playdate with Bonnie, the young girl who inherited Andy's toys at the end of Toy Story 3. It's a time of cheer and joy, but Trixie the Triceratops is not exactly feeling the holiday spirit. She is experiencing an identity crisis. As a dinosaur toy, she wishes to be played in the dinosaur character, but Bonnie rarely does that.

However, things take a turn when Bonnie visits her friend Mason for a playdate, leaving her toys behind to explore Mason's biggest Christmas gift - The Battlesaurs. The Battlesaurs are a fierce and entirely unfamiliar toy line that captures the interest of Bonnie's toys. These new characters don't realize they are toys, providing a plot point reminiscent of Buzz's own existential crisis in the first Toy Story film.

Over the course of the special, our familiar Toy Story crew begins to discover the intricate and exciting mythology behind these Battlesaurs, with Trixie eventually taking center stage. She becomes infatuated with this new toy line that aligns perfectly with her dinosaur persona, adding layers to her character development. The dynamic between Trixie and Rex also evolves interestingly as they navigate this new environment filled with prehistoric warriors.

Toy Story That Time Forgot maintains the balance between comedy and heartfelt moments spectacularly, giving audiences a healthy dose of nostalgia. In form and tone, it beautifully aligns with the Toy Story movies that fans all over the world love. It is smart and charming with a handful of amusing scenarios, but also teems with emotional depth and lessons about friendship and self-identity. Similarly, it effectively pulls off a theme of unchecked commercialism through the Battlesaurs' underlying narrative.

Toy Story That Time Forgot further flaunts Pixar's stellar ability to produce visually high-quality content. The animation is top-notch, with sharply detailed and visually impressive graphics that accentuate the story. From the relevant depiction of toys to the action-filled sequences involving the Battlesaurs, every scene is crafted phenomenally. The characterization, pacing, and layering are also beautifully done to tell a meaningful story in a tidy 22-minute package.

Overall, Toy Story That Time Forgot is an engaging and emotionally compelling adventure that thrusts beloved Toy Story characters into new situations. It is a fun and charming special that neatly ties into the Toy Story narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise. With the special's dedication to the late Don Rickles (the original voice of Mr. Potato Head), it also serves as a small token of remembrance for the beloved actor, adding to the special's emotional value. So, for anyone who ever wondered what the heartwarming world of Woody, Buzz, and co would look like under the Christmas tree, Toy Story That Time Forgot is a delightful answer to explore.