Toy Story 2 Parent Guide

Parent Movie Review
by Rod Gustafson

When you were a teenager, you probably drove too fast, stayed up too late, and even worse - discarded some of your best friends. Whether it was a teddy bear or a favorite doll, Toy Story 2 will bring back all those sentimental feelings, with a little guilt and regret mixed into a load of laughter.

When Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) is stolen from a yard sale he was accidentally placed in, his friends Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Hamm (voice of John Ratzenberger), Mr. Potato Head (voice of Don Rickles), Slinky Dog (voice of Jim Varney) and Rex (voice of Wallace Shawn), mount a rescue mission. They will overcome any obstacle to free their friend from Big Al (voice of Wayne Knight), the owner of a huge warehouse toy store who recognized Woody as the prized item he needed to complete a deal with a toy museum in Japan.

Locked in Al’s apartment, Woody discovers he’s a part of the Roundup Gang. At first Woody just wants to go home, but the other Roundup members, Prospector Stinky Pete (voice of Kelsey Grammer), a horse named Bullseye, and Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack), a wiry cowgirl, try to convince him to stay by showing him tapes of the 1950’s television show that made them famous. Woody becomes star-struck and considering the probability of Andy abandoning him in the near future, decides “Why not become a famous toy that’s on display for the world to see?”

Like the first effort, this sequel works its comic magic in a way that is equally entertaining to children and adults. (those of us who are husbands can relate to the caring Mrs. Potato Head packing her husband an extra set of “angry eyes” to scare Big Al.) It plays on the “natural” humor that evolves as such a diverse set of characters interact, along with superb writing, pacing, and animation.

The toys of Toy Story 2 demonstrate wonderful work together attitudes. The difficult decision Woody is forced to make brings additional depth to this hilarious film. It is everything a real family movie should be. But be warned, your children may be reluctant to part with their toys.

Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don RIckles, Wallace Shawn.. Running time: 92 minutes. Theatrical release November 23, 1999. Updated June 20, 2019

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.

Toy Story 2 Parents' Guide

Woody must decide between the Roundup Gang and a predictable life of safety in a museum, or going home to good friends and accepting an uncertain future. Like Woody, there are times in our lives when we want to take the "safe" way out, rather than facing what we really need to do. Encourage your children to make a list of their greatest fears. Now make another list of things they can do to overcome obstacles that are holding them back from reaching their goals.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Toy Story 2 movie is March 23, 2010. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Toy Story 3: 3D

Release Date: 1 November 2011

Toy Story 2 releases in 3D on November 1, 2011. The package includes 3D Blu-ray, 2D Blu-ray, and Standard DVD Versions of the Feature Film

Home Video Notes: Toy Story Trilogy

Release Date: 1 November 2011

All three Toy Story movies are releasing together on November 1, 2011. The Toy Story Trilogy (in either Blu-ray, or 3D Blu-ray) comes with the following:

- Toy Story (Blu-ray + Standard DVD + Disneyfile Digital Copy)

- Toy Story 2 (Blu-ray + Standard DVD + Disneyfile Digital Copy)

- Toy Story 3 (2-Disc Blu-ray + Standard DVD + Disneyfile Digital Copy)

The Toy Story 3D Trilogy also includes 3D Blu-ray copies of each of the feature films.

Click here for more details about "The Toy Story Trilogy" release.

Toy Story 2 (Two-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack)

Release Date: 23 March 2010

Toy Story 2 releases in a Combo Pack, which offers copies of the movie in DVD and Blu-ray. Extra features include:

- Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek: "The Characters"

- Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: International Space Station

- Paths to Pixar: Technical Artists

- Studio Stories: ‘Toy Story 2’ Sleep Deprivation Lab

- Pinocchio

- The Movie Vanishes

- Pixar’s Zoetrop

- Celebrating Our Friend Joe Ranft

- BD Live-Portal

Toy Story 2: 2-Disc Special Edition

DVD Release Date: 26 December 2005

If you are a bargain hunter, be sure to look for this DVD as it makes a début at the height of the post-Christmas sales. Repackaged in a 2-Dics Special Edition, Toy Story 2 now has an all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Souround EX audio track (or you can choose the DTS 5.1 Surround sound SE). Bounus features include deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, a sneak peek at Pixar’s upcoming production Cars, and a game titled, Which Toy Are You? So, if you are looking to spend some of the money from your Christmas returns, this Toy may be the perfect gift.