Loved by generations and considered a landmark in the history of animation, “Toy Story 1” has delighted audiences since its release in 1995. Behind this Pixar masterpiece lies a fascinating universe of trivia and secrets that contributed to its creation and success. From the technological challenges faced by the animation team to the inspirations behind the most beloved characters, this text will delve into the inner workings of the original “Toy Story” film, revealing intriguing and revealing details that helped shape the first chapter of one of the most beloved sagas in animated cinema.
1 – NO FAIRY TALES HERE
When embarking on the creation of the first Disney Pixar film, the production team had a clear vision of what they wanted to avoid: an overly fantastical fairy tale narrative, filled with imposing villains or prominent musical elements – features that often permeated traditional 2D Disney animated films.
2 – THE FILM WOULD HAVE HAD A DIFFERENT PROTAGONIST
Initially, the original script of the film envisioned Tinny as the main character, the same toy that starred in Pixar’s short film “Tin Toy” in 1988. In this version, Woody was imagined as a ventriloquist cowboy, while Buzz Lightyear could have been conceived as a miniature. Interestingly, Buzz also went through other designations, such as the alternative name “Lunar Larry”.
3 – HAVE YOU NOTICED THE BOOKS THAT APPEAR IN THE FILM?
The books displayed on Woody’s shelf pay homage to Pixar’s short films. Most of the titles are actually inspired by the names of short films produced by the studio, while the authors are the animators themselves involved in creating these works.
4 – BASED ON A REAL PERSON
Buzz Lightyear was named in homage to astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon.
5 – WOODY WOULD HAVE BEEN QUITE DIFFERENT
Initially, Woody was conceived to be a rather… cruel cowboy. His behavior would have aroused the ire of other toys, but the production chose to soften his personality a bit.
6 – WOULD WOODY DATE BARBIE?
Initially, the screenwriters planned for Woody to romantically pursue a Barbie in the first film. However, Mattel, the manufacturer of the doll, declined the association of its image with the animation, fearing it might result in failure. However, with the enormous success of the film, the brand reconsidered its decision, and several Barbies and Kens began to appear from “Toy Story 2” onwards.
7 – CHALLENGES OF THE TIME
All human characters in the film sport short hair (with the exception of Andy’s mom, who is usually seen with a ponytail). This choice stems from the period in which the film was produced, when 3D animation effects were challenging to create, and short hair simplified the animation process.
8 – THE VILLAIN
In the first movie, the main antagonist isn’t a toy, but rather a human named Sid Phillips, a unique characteristic in the series. Interestingly, the surname “Phillips” was chosen in homage to a Pixar employee known for his ability to create “mutant toys.”
9 – PIZZA PLANET
The Pizza Planet delivery vehicle is a constant presence in all the Toy Story series films, as well as in various Pixar productions, with the exception of The Incredibles.
10 – THE FILM WOULD HAVE HAD ANOTHER TITLE
The famous line from Woody, “You’re a toy!” almost became the title of the original film. “The Cowboy and the Astronaut” was also considered as an option for the title.
11 – THE FILM HELPED A TOY AVOID BANKRUPTCY
The red Etch A Sketch that Woody draws on was a popular toy in the United States during the 1980s. However, in the following decade, it experienced a significant drop in sales, pushing the manufacturing company to the brink of bankruptcy. Nevertheless, thanks to the movie, sales of the item increased by 20%, bringing new life to the product.
12 – THE CHALLENGES OF MAKING ANIMATION IN THE 90S
Producing computer-generated animations in 1995 was a monumental challenge. Just three minutes of animation for Toy Story required, on average, a week of hard work. Each frame took 30 to 45 minutes to render, while the team spent an entire week synchronizing just one second of voices, facial expressions, and sound effects. To make this entire process feasible, the studio relied on 117 computers that operated continuously, even during the late hours of the night.
Exploring the curiosities behind the film “Toy Story 1” takes us on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of one of the most iconic works of animation. From the technical challenges faced by the production team to the creative decisions that shaped the narrative and characters, every detail reveals the care and dedication required to create such a memorable story cherished by people of all ages. Behind the magic of animation, we find a story of perseverance, innovation, and a passion for cinema that will continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world for many generations. “Toy Story 1” is not just a movie; it’s a celebration of imagination and the power of toys to connect us to the world of fantasy and nostalgia.