Book Review: The Art of Toy Story 3

May 18, 2010 by Parka

Let me say this first, if you haven't watch the movie, this book is going to be a major plot spoiler.

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It's great to be back in the world of Toy Story. It's like meeting old friends with that feeling of nostalgia.

This book has 176 pages, 16 more pages that previous Pixar art books. You'll see new toys, colour scripts, storyboards, sculptures, sketches and some photographs. Some pieces of art from Toy Story 2 were also included. Many pieces of art are digitally created, which is how it's done these days. It doesn't take away anything though, the art is still good. Colour studies from Dice Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo are beautiful, just like the one on the cover. And so are all the art from other artists.

The writeup is marvelous. There so much more to read compared to previous Pixar art books. I can see Author Charles Soloman has talked to a lot of people and done some good research. The commentary is filled with lots of quotes from the staff, interesting stories and insight into Toy Story. You'll read about the legacy of Toy Story, the updates to this movie, story sequences, the characters and other details right down to how Andy's neighbour decorates his lawn.

For the most part, the commentary is really about the plot and the characters. Nuances and deliberations to every story decisions are explained. Many of the ideas translated to screen are actually from personal life experiences. This film is clearly a piece of love for everyone who worked on it and you'll feel that love and level of commitment on every page you read.

I'm pretty sure this is going to be one of Pixar's most touching film to date.

Highly recommended. It's a great book.

In Toy Story 3, we deal with the point in time that concerns toys the most; being outgrown. They're at the threshold, as Andy has finished high school and is leaving for college. When you're broken, you can be fixed. When you're lost, you can be found. When you're stolen, you can be recovered. But there's no way to fix being outgrown by a child. - John Lasseter, executive producer

When we had out first screening, Lee and I invited everybody who'd worked on the original Toy Story and was still at Pixar. At the end of the movie, people were sobbing. A lot of that had to do with it being part of our life story. It reflects the birth of the company and the amazing journey we've been on ever since. - Darla K. Anderson, producer

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I've deleted quite a few photos posted initially after realising that some of them might contain spoilers.

Buzz's infinity jump sequence (just behind the cover)

Recognise any familiar character(s)?

Some updates made to Woody for Toy Story 3.

Sequence colour key by Dice Tsutsumi

Some sketches from Toy Story 2

Storyboard sequence of a playtime

Andy's new room. Art by Glenn Kim.

Sketches of grown up Andy. Art by Peter Sohn.

Lotso sketches from Bob Pauley

Colour scripts by Dice Tsutsumi, lighting art director. This one's shown across a double page gatefold, hence you can see the fold.

More colour scripts by Dice Tsutsumi. I had to zoom in real close because the multiple rows of colour scripts cover the whole story.

Concept art for the playground.

Art of children playing

Some toy concepts.

SPOILER ALERT from 35s onwards!
The Flickr video below uses a countdown timer. Hit the "Pause" button when there are 15s left to avoid the spoiler.

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Places to get The Art of Toy Story 3:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de | Amazon.co.jp | Bookdepository.com | Bookdepository.co.uk

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