"Toy Story" Disney & Pixar's first full-length CG animated feature will be screened in theaters for one week only to commemorate the 30th anniversary

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Disney & Pixar's animated feature film "Toy Story" in the United States in 1995, it has been announced that the film will be screened in theaters for a limited time of one week from September 12th to 18th. A special visual for the 30th anniversary screening has also been released. The latest film, "Toy Story 5," will be released in the summer of 2026.

It has been decided that attendees will receive a gift of four postcards featuring special visuals from the 30th anniversary screening of the first film, "Toy Story," and concept art from the latest film in the series, "Toy Story 5."

"Toy Story" was Disney and Pixar's first feature-length film, produced in 1995 and released in Japan in 1996. The story of young Andy's toys as they move around and go on great adventures when no one is looking, and the full CGI of toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear coming to life, became a hot topic and became a huge hit worldwide. A second film was made in 1999, a third in 2010, and a fourth in 2019. In the Japanese dubbed version, Woody is voiced by Toshiaki Karasawa and Buzz Lightyear is voiced by George Tokoro.

The original "world of toys" was brought to life through the free thinking and imagination of Pete Docter (currently Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios), who served as original creator and animator, and Andrew Stanton, who served as original creator and screenwriter and later produced Academy Award-winning films such as "Finding Nemo" (2003) and "Wall-E" (2008). The first film touched audiences' hearts with its humane, heartwarming story woven by toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear running around the screen, and its style that evoked childhood memories of toys. This time, you will have a rare opportunity to see "Toy Story" in theaters, a film that has rewritten film history not only for its innovative animation but also for its popularity among people of all ages.

Regarding the latest film, "Toy Story 5," which will be released next summer, Docter said, "Thirty years ago, 'Toy Story' first put Pixar on the map, and we're excited to return to that world. What will Woody and the others do in 'Toy Story 5'? I think you'll be amazed. The film is directed and written by Andrew Stanton. Andrew and I joined Pixar around the same time and made 'Toy Story' together. And we're still friends today. He's a genius who has written the scripts for all of the Toy Story films!"

Stanton, who directed and wrote the screenplay, said, "Toy Story has a special meaning to me. Throughout the series, I have been saying that toys are for children. However, in Toy Story 5, the toys face a very difficult situation. Kids today are obsessed with electronic devices (tablets). Toys can't compete. In this day and age when technology is everywhere, toys have strong rivals such as cell phones and tablets."

In an overseas interview, Tim Allen, who voiced Buzz Lightyear, said that the story of Buzz and Woody ended in the previous film, "Toy Story 4," with a touching ending in which they chose different paths. "At first, I was reluctant to make a sequel, thinking, 'After saying goodbye to Woody in 'To infinity and Beyond,' was there still a need for a sequel? But in 'Toy Story 5,' there's a good reason for him to return." He added, "What they (Pixar) are doing is truly amazing. It's very well done, and the development is very cool."

Pixar has a belief that they "don't make sequels unless they have a story to tell that surpasses the previous work," but expectations are growing for their latest film, "Toy Story 5," which they have returned to their roots and released into the world with confidence.