Toy Story - Action Figures
Toy Story changed the animation industry when it premiered in 1995. As the first fully computer-animated film, it set a new precedent for animation to follow, leading to the mostly computer-generated animation of today. More importantly, it had a wonderful story. Children and adults find something to enjoy about it, whether it’s the first time they see it or a rewatch of a nostalgic favorite. For those who grew up with the movie series alongside Andy, it hits a special sentimental spot. Companies have been recreating the classic characters for decades. However, the best new figures for Toy Story are “Nendoroid Toy Story Woody DX Ver.,” “BE@RBRICK Toy Story Alien 1000,” and “Nendoroid Toy Story Buzz Lightyear DX Ver.”
Nendoroid Toy Story Woody DX Ver. Figure
Good Smile Company brings an unconventional approach to the Nendoroid in their Woody figure. While standard Nendoroid height is 100mm, Woody stretches to 120mm to account for the height difference with his companion, Buzz Lightyear. Woody’s face is nearly a replica of his appearance in the movies. Painted details like the light pink just around the edges of his mouth provide a subtle dimension to the sculpting. The gold shiny sheriff’s badge and belt buckle pop against the vibrant blue and yellow. He has a standard smile, sad, and frightened expression face plates. Articulated eyes with interchangeable eye parts provide greater posing customization. Nendoroid meticulously reproduced every detail of Woody’s design from his empty gun holster to the stitched seams on his knee joints. Importantly, he has Andy’s name carved on the bottom of his boot.
Product Name: Nendoroid Toy Story Woody: DX Ver.
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Toytec D.T.C.
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 120mm | 4.7"
BE@RBRICK Toy Story Alien 1000 Figure
This absolutely massive 25th-anniversary commemorative figure from Medicom Toy depicts Toy Story’s iconic three-eyed aliens. At over two feet tall, it is the biggest Toy Story Alien figure in production. The Pizza Planet claw machine toy retains the Saturn-like Pizza Planet logo on its chest. As a BE@RBRICK concept figure, the alien design is painted on an articulated teddy bear-shaped figure. While the bear ears take the main form, the pointy green ears are painted on top of them and emphasized with gray negative space. The iconic slightly open mouth is also painted on and the bear nose is completely hidden by the same lime green as the rest of the face. As an extra detail, a special 25th-anniversary design featuring the little alien is painted on the back.
Product Name: BE@RBRICK Toy Story Alien 1000%
Release: November 2020
Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
Specifications: Painted & articulated plastic figure
Height (Approx.): 700mm | 27.6"
Nendoroid Toy Story Buzz Lightyear DX Ver. Figure
Toy Story’s famous space ranger first got a utility belt form, now he has a Nendoroid figure. Buzz Lightyear’s original head shape stays the same but is blown up to chibi proportions. There are three faceplate expressions: a grin, a stern scowl, and an upturned wistful face. His eyes rotate to change the direction he’s looking. He also includes a removable visor and functional retractable wings. The labels on his spacesuit denoting laser, jet exhaust, and his name are faithfully recreated as well as the Space Rangers logo. The DX version includes more arm parts, such as Buzz aiming his laser beam. On all versions, he has Andy’s name on the bottom of his foot and his signature chin whorl.
Product Name: Nendoroid Toy Story Buzz Lightyear: DX Ver.
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Toytec D.T.C.
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9”
Toy Story Series Story
Every Toy Story movie depicts the world of toys when humans aren’t around when they can walk and speak and form relationships on their own. The first Toy Story movie centers on Woody, a cowboy doll and favorite toy of his owner, Andy. When Andy gets a new toy, the exciting Buzz Lightyear action figure, he quickly abandons Woody. Woody is hurt and annoyed that Buzz is getting so much attention from Andy and the other toys. However, Buzz doesn’t realize he’s a toy as he believes he is a real astronaut. The realization devastates him and Woody begrudgingly helps his new friend cope. The subsequent movies deal with concepts like the purpose of toys as collector’s items, abandonment, and growing up. The bonds between characters, particularly Woody’s relationships with Buzz and Andy, carry the heart of the franchise.
Toy Story Series Development
Toy Story made history as the first fully computer-animated film and first film released by Pixar. Director John Lasseter first wanted to try a fully-computer-generated film with The Brave Little Toaster but was rejected and fired. He then started Pixar with the goal of computer animation. Lasseter’s first story from a toy’s perspective was Pixar’s 1988 Oscar-winning short film Tin Toy. Toy Story storyboarding began as a spinoff of Tin Toy but later changed into an odd-couple buddy comedy. The film premiered Thanksgiving 1995 and almost instantly became a resounding success. The critical response prompted a theatrical release for a sequel, unusual for animated films. Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, and Toy Story 4 are all highly regarded, with some claiming they make the best film series of all time.
Links
Nendoroid Toy Story Woody DX Ver.
BE@RBRICK Toy Story Alien 1000
Nendoroid Toy Story Buzz Lightyear DX Ver.
Toy Story Label