Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins (August 8, 2000)

This is a spinoff of the Toy Story franchise, set after the events of the second movie. It is a package direct-to-video movie of the first three episodes of the Buzz Light of Star Command tv show. In its original format it begins with Andy’s toys watching a VHS copy of the movie we are about to see. When released on television this opening was removed. The opening was animated by Pixar in the original Toy Story style while the movie itself, like the tv show, was traditionally animated by Walt Disney Television Animation. Additionally, Tim Allen voices buzz in the video release but when it was later aired on television his lines were redubbed by Patrick Warburton. The animation is actually quite good with great action sequences and expressions. The actual movie starts off with a flashback to a previous mission Buzz lightyear went on that went terribly wrong and ended with the death of his partner, Warp. This causes him to promise to always work alone. Flash forward and Buzz is unexpectedly given a new Star Command recruit, Princess Mira Nova. She has the power of ‘ghosting’ which makes her nearly invincible. This is a pretty awesome power and allows for cool visuals. She is extremely headstrong- trying to prove herself. But She is also the voice of reason to Buzz’s hotheaded, equally bullish nature. Buzz ends up teaming up, unwittingly, with two other people, Booster, a janitor, and XR, a robot soldier, to stop the evil Emperor Zurg’s plan to use a “Mega-Ray” to bend everyone to his will. Booster is very likable but XR is very annoying- trying to be funny with a biting wit but failing miserably. In the end Buzz, after admitting he cannot work alone, creates a new team called “Team Lightyear” with Mira, Booster, setting up the following tv show. Overall, while the plot is predictable, it is an entertaining watch with an interesting setting and ok characters. and has made me interested in watching the tv show in the future (which means the movie has done its job!) It is one of the better direct-to-video releases and worth a watch for anyone who wishes to learn more about the world of Buzz Lightyear.

Final Rating: 5.5/10