“Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2″ to be released in 3D

Our generation is about to take a trip down memory lane – “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2″ will be re-released in 3-D on Oct. 2 for only two weeks.

This isn’t surprising; Disney has been hopping on the 3-D bandwagon for quite a long time now. The exciting news is why Disney has made the decision to reinvent a few classic: “Toy Story 3″ is set to premiere in theaters on June 18, 2010.

The third movie will feature all of our favorite cast members. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger and Don Rickles have all signed onto the movie. Michael Keaton will also be joining the star-studded lineup.

Everyone knows that sequels are never as good if the faces, or in this case voices, are not familiar. Look at “Aladdin: The Return of Jafar.” It was apparent that no one else could successfully play the character of the Genie except Robin Williams.

Disney is pulling out all of the stops to promote “Toy Story 3,” including teaser trailers, a deal with Lego to make a “Toy Story” themed kit in 2010 and a “Toy Story Mania” Wii video game. Beefing up the original two movies with 3-D is just a step in the direction of a larger “Toy Story” franchise.

For our generation, it is most likely unnecessary to promote our favorite animated toys. For us, just knowing the original cast will be gracing the big screen again is enough to make us drop $10 at the box office (or at least hit “order” from the On Demand screen) . However, Disney is introducing the characters to younger generations that appreciate MTV more than they appreciate Disney.

Disney is franchising “Toy Story” once again, but sticking with a plot line that all can enjoy. Andy, Woody and the rest of the toys’ owner will be going off to college. It isn’t the most solid plot, but it also is the only part of the plot officially released. I have faith in director Lee Unkrich’s capabilities.

Unkrich has an experienced background with Disney and Pixar, having directed “Toy Story 2″, “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters Inc.,” “ Cars” and “A Bug’s Life.” His family film track record seems rather impressive.

So, if Disney needs to release Woody and Buzz in 3-D, they can go for it. Personally, I won’t be spending any extra money to see two movies that I already own on VHS just to see them pop out at me. But the news of “Toy Story 3″ is an excellent step toward feeling six years old again, at least for two hours of my life.

“To infinity, and beyond.”