In 1995, Pixar Animation Studios opened a new era in animated storytelling with the first feature film ever to be made with computer-generated imagery : Toy Story. 4 years later, a sequel saw the light with Toy Story 2, which broadened the world with new characters. Audiences had to wait until 2010 to end the trilogy with Toy Story 3. The franchise ran on with Toy Story Toons, a series of shorts, the first of which was Hawaiian Vacation in 2011.



Yet another series was in existence as from 1996. Known as Toy Story Treats or Toy Story Shorts, it aired on the American channel ABC, on "Disney’s One Saturday Morning", a children’s programme (renamed ABC Kids). It consists of 37 episodes that are between 10 and 40 seconds long.



But where does it belong in the franchise ? Nowhere, as a matter of fact. Although this series is set between Toy Story and Toy Story 2, many inconsistencies do not allow the viewer to locate it in time.

First of all, we are always in Andy’s bedroom, which leads us to suppose that the story takes place before Toy Story. So then what exactly is the problem? It has to do with the choice of characters.

The viewer is shown Woody, Hamm, Rex and the others, which for the time being matches the timeline. But Buzz is also in on it ; he furthermore still thinks he is a space ranger. To add to the confusion there are dozens of aliens, which is impossible because they only join the gang of toys as from Toy Story 2 and there are only three of them. And finally, even more unlikely, Sid’s toys are featured in various episodes. With all these elements, this series is therefore meant to be a spin-off that does not stick to the existing foundations.

American viewers were probably more confused than we were. Tom Hanks, who voices the Sheriff, gives way to his brother Jim Hanks. Likewise, Pat Freely takes over from Tim Allen (who plays Buzz). For us, on the other hand, the French voices remain the same.

However entertaining and well thought-out these short stories are, their technical aspect is appalling. The animation lacks fluidity and some textures are not as elaborate as in the 1995 feature film. Peculiar animation can be seen on Rex, whose tail has lost its stiffness and can be twisted every which way.

Toy Story Shorts was shown in France in 1996 on TF1 (a national TV channel).

This series is available on DVD with :
- Toy Story & Toy Story 2 : Ultimate Toy Box Edition ;
- Toy Story : 10th Anniversary Edition.













The episode entitled "Buzz Becomes Obsolete" shows a commercial for an improved Buzz. This idea will end up in Toy Story 2 with the famous utility belt. We can furthermore see that Buzz has a red spacesuit. Originally, in Toy Story, the space ranger was meant to have a suit that colour.

The episode entitled "Woody’s Nightmares" was originally meant to be featured in Toy Story but was not used (only the storyboards are to be found). The idea was nevertheless taken up in a different way.

"Circus Gag" features a car-shaped toy. This is the toy version of Ms. Davis’ car.

In "Green Army Man Chants", a ball can be seen with the ABC logo on it.



Editor : Ravnek - Translator : Camilla Jones.

Discuss it the forum.

Tweeter