The Art Of Toy Story 4 (book review).
I should say from the start that if you’re buying this book to see pictures from the film then this might not be the book for you. However, if you want to see the designs that became the stars of the film, then you’ll be well at home. You do get to see storyboards for particular scenes but it doesn’t build up to a complete story, simply because the emphasis is on art not text.
However, it’s not too difficult to work out the plot. Woody finds out what happened to Bo Peep after her and her sheep were sold earlier in the previous ‘Toy Story’ film. There are implications of toys doing their own repairs and some bizarre changes in some.
Although I read this book in early May, permission to show pages from the book had to be held back until the film’s release. As I’m sure you folk would rather see a review with pictures, I’ve held back putting this review out until now.
There’s several new toys introduced that are sure to endear themselves to your sprogs. Gabby Gabby has a drawstring that allows her to speak several phrases. You have to wonder if she can speak independently of that. The clay sculpture by Jerome Ranft shows there is still a place for clay modellers out there. There’s also a booklet insert of Gabby’s life.
John Lee, digital painting
Bo Peep’s own transformation as she has to find different clothes shows how much, literally, we gets impressions by what people wear. The introduction is by Annie Potts, who is the voice of Bo Peep, which was a minor role in the original films and now gets a starring role in this one.
Deanna Marsigliese, digital
Probably the most blatant renamed character is Duke Caboom, riding a trick motorbike and if that doesn’t remind you of a certain bus-jumping stunt motorcyclist, then you’ll have to show footage to your sprogs. I love the image of the lumberjack racing on a log though.
There are a lot of sight gags that you do have to wonder will be spotted in watching the first time around.
John Lee, digital painting
As always, this is a wealth of art and ideas. It’s understandable that the people at Pixel treat these Chronicle Books as yearbooks. For those starting out in the world, this book might also encourage you to develop your talents and get into these kinds of jobs.
Don’t lose your sheep.
GF Willmetts
May 2019
(pub: Chronicle Books. 160 page illustrated square hardback. Price: £28.99 (UK), $40.00 (US). ISBN: 978-1-4521-6382-6)
check out website: www.chronicles.com
