Toy Story

TOY STORY was the first feature-length motion picture that Pixar released in theatres. The movie was literally ground-breaking in what it did for animation and also included one of the best movie plots to be seen on screen that whole year (1995). In addition, there was the music. Randy Newman has been plugging out show tunes for years on end. However, with the release of the TOY STORY, Newman entered a new era. Some will disagree and others will say that TOY STORY is when Newman sold out, but with the TOY STORY soundtrack, Randy Newman's music went mainstream in a major way and became popular with a whole new audience (largely composed of children and young adults).

TOY STORY is a buddy flick and the songs and music on the album reflect that. From the wonderful "You've Got a Friend in Me" to the charming instrumental "Woody and Buzz", the music and songs of TOY STORY reflect an awareness and mentality that is often missing in movie music.

I enjoy...Read more

Randy Newman, in addition to being an excellent singer and songwriter, delivers a great orchestral score for Toy Story. "You've Got a Friend in Me" is a great song, along with "Strange Things" and "I Will Go Sailing No More." The instrumental tracks contain a lot of variations on themes from these 3 songs played, in addition to a lot of other themes and ideas. The average person might think that scoring for an animated film would mean that the music would have to fit the scene exactly on every single move, otherwise known as mickey-mousing, done in the old Warner Bros. cartoons. However, Newman scores it as if it were a drama and just listening to the music would tell you that. There are some comedic and fun parts in the music, which hint that it is an animated film, but not like the cartoons of old. The score is overall enjoyable, light-hearted, and fun. Other parts of the score contain jazz related ideas and there is action music present in several of...Read more

In November of 1995 audiences were treated to the first computer animated motion picture event: Toy Story. Many were to soon pick up a Copy of the Soundtrack to own that following Christmas. When I first heard the Score for the film 'Toy Story' it stuck with me for a bunch of years. Now I am finally able to write a review for the Score. Here is my Track-by-Track Review: (I will be only reviewing the Instrumental Pieces!)
04. Andy's Birthday: (3/5): As the opening to the Score of the Film I don't think I really expected much. For the opening it certainly doesn't start with much of a bang! Though I must say, it does get right to the idea of this piece. It's Andy's Birthday and Woody and rest of the toys are dreadfully worried!
05. Soldiers Mission: (3/5): Okay's heres the whole idea, Woody has sent the little green army men to go and see what presents Andy is getting for his birthday. This Instrumental doesn't say very much in terms of storyline presentation, but it definaly...Read more