It’s a struggle so many parents face today: Should I let my kid have a screen? If so, when? That decision inevitably opens a Pandora’s box of potential problems, and this relatable plight is at the heart of Toy Story 5, as pull-string cowgirl Jessie’s current child, sweet little Bonnie, is growing up in a tech-obsessed world that expects her to keep up. Will Bonnie put her childish ways behind her and lose part of herself in the process? And will Jessie lose another owner and wind up in a donation bin once again?
The answers are quite emotional, but often quite funny and extremely smart. This is Andrew Stanton’s first time back in the Pixar director’s chair since Finding Dory ten years ago, and it has been worth the wait. He takes us on an irresistible journey that honors these beloved characters, as well as the unique world where playthings live their different identities, interact with one another, and put the needs of their children above all else.
The visuals here are truly jaw dropping. It doesn’t make logical sense, but these computer generated images somehow seem more real than live action. The bumpy drips on a painted wall, the texture of cloth, and the differently smooth surfaces of plastic all look and presumably feel exactly as they should. Levels of focus within the 1.85:1 frame further sell the illusion that these walking, talking toys were actually filmed on a real set somewhere.
Colors are vibrant, and highlights are outstanding, as when the new and improved space ranger Buzz Lightyear glows in the night.
The sonic embrace of a team of heroic Buzzes is always reassuring, his deep voice coming at us from all around as he takes charge of his latest “mission.” The soundfield comes alive with ample atmospheric effects, while Randy Newman’s score enjoys a pleasing mix across the speakers. Without giving away too much, events in Act III provide ideal and thrilling fodder for the height channels in particular. I’m glad I make a habit of confirming the audio options before the movie starts, however, because this disc defaulted to Dolby Digital Plus (remember that?) rather than the supplied Dolby Atmos track.
We can tune into a commentary with co-director and co-writer Kenna Harris and others on the 4K disc, while the HD Blu-ray adds five deleted scenes, a featurette about the toys and characters cut from the final film, a gag reel, and more. Not included on either disc, but available digitally, are the Taylor Swift music video and lyric video for her song in the movie, “I Knew It, I Knew You.” A Movies Anywhere code is included.
The 4K edition is available exclusively as a SteelBook with very attractive cover artwork and a wonderfully subtle image on the reverse.
Toy Story is back. After the disappointment of Toy Story 4, this fifth (!) feature film in the franchise defies the odds and delivers everything we’d want: heart, humor, new and established characters, and a fresh, compelling story.
The movie and the disc come highly recommended.
Movie Details:
- STUDIO: Disney/Sony
- FORMAT: Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray (September 22, 2026)
- THEATRICAL RELEASE YEAR: 2026
- ASPECT RATIO: 1.85:1
- HDR FORMATS: Dolby Vision, HDR10
- AUDIO FORMAT: Dolby Atmos with TrueHD 7.1 core
- LENGTH: 102 mins.
- MPAA RATING: PG
- DIRECTORS: Andrew Stanton
- STARRING: Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tom Hanks, Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, Scarlett Spears
Our Ratings
★★★★★★★★★★ Movie
★★★★★★★★★★ Picture
★★★★★★★★★★ Sound
★★★★★★★★★★ Extras
Where to buy:
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