Discover the Hidden Toy Story Spinoff That Will Leave You Wanting More!

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Although I’m quite fond of the Toy Story films, as I write this, I haven’t yet had the chance to watch 2022’s Lightyear. To be honest, Chris Evans taking over from Tim Allen didn’t particularly concern me. The only reason I skipped the movie is that there was already a spinoff focusing on Buzz Lightyear’s childhood called Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins.

Originally premiered as a direct-to-video release in 2000 and featuring Allen reprising his iconic character, this film essentially served as the introductory episode for an animated series that ran for just a couple of seasons but remains beloved. Unfortunately, neither the movie nor the TV show can be streamed with a Disney+ subscription or anywhere else at present, forcing me to rewatch it in the same way I first experienced it – on VHS, a copy of which I recently found at a second-hand store.

As a film enthusiast looking back after 25 years, I must say that “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins” still holds up quite well for me. In fact, its relative obscurity today leaves me feeling rather frustrated, reaching beyond the limits of infinity! Let me explain why…

The Movie Expands On Buzz Lightyear Lore In Fascinating Ways

The 1995 Pixar film, which introduced the confident, space-faring action figure Buzz Lightyear, subtly hinted at his adventures with Star Command. In the 1999 sequel, Toy Story 2, we were introduced to his main adversary, Emperor Zurg. Many consider this sequel as superior. The following year, The Adventure Begins offered further insights into Buzz’s fictional past.

From the get-go, the film introduces Lightyear as a legendary figure at Star Command, a place with an impressive design that I believe would be fascinating to witness in real life. Furthermore, we encounter more of Zurg, who aims to cause chaos throughout the cosmos by snatching the Uni-mind, a gadget capable of psychically connecting the Little Green Men. These characters are given slightly deeper personalities compared to their rubber counterparts in the Toy Story films.

The Action Is Genuinely Fun And Thrilling

Ever since I can recall, I’ve had a penchant for action-packed content, and as a child, I was captivated by fantastic animated shows and films that didn’t shy away from portraying heroes in precarious situations. As an adult, I continue to admire animations that can scratch this itch, and let me tell you, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins is undeniably among them.

I found myself genuinely thrilled while witnessing the opening scene of the film, where Lightyear embarks on a mission to save three LGMs from Zurg’s fortress. Throughout this adventure, he skillfully avoids numerous laser attacks and explosions. What makes his space battles so engaging is his ability to add a touch of ingenuity, like disabling his laser-armed bracelet mid-fire to confuse Agent Z and seek safer shelter.

The Movie Is Not Afraid To Get Dark

The initial sequence not only hints at the exciting adventures ahead, but also demonstrates that this animated film caters to an audience beyond children, as it includes mature sci-fi elements that adults might find appealing.

For example, Lightyear discovers three LGMs imprisoned inside a tank labeled as Zurg’s Punishment Room – a title I’m sure Disney wouldn’t use for a children’s show today. In the same scene, Lightyear experiences the heartbreaking death of his long-time comrade and partner, Warp Darkmatter, in a devastating explosion. This event sets off an engaging storyline where he promises to prevent any more deaths under his command and rejects taking on a new partner.

It’s Not Afraid To Get Comically Meta, Either

Discussing onscreen captions, “The Adventure Begins” employs them extensively, not merely for identifying locations. They incorporate amusingly sarcastic commentary (like one popping up before a violent scene that labels the LGMs’ planet as “Under attack”, followed by “Clearly”), which enhances the film’s recurring nods to sci-fi Saturday morning cartoon spoofs.

In the opening scene, the movie itself establishes a humorous self-awareness by depicting Andy’s room where Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other toys assemble to watch this film. Notably, Andy’s green army action figures bring in the VHS tape for them. The humor intensifies as secondary characters are introduced, making it even more amusing.

The Movie Introduces Many Fun New Characters

The Space Ranger is undeniably the main character, but this film is more like a team effort that skillfully showcases unique characters. For instance, Mira Nova, who transforms from a princess into an inspired member of Star Command and effectively employs her phase powers, is one such character. Additionally, there’s Warp Darkmatter, a former partner of Lightyear.

One of the more amusing characters is a jovial, red, plump extraterrestrial named Booster, who serves as a janitor at Star Command. Despite his role, he’s nudged by Lightyear to pursue his dreams of becoming a Space Ranger. This eventually leads him to lend a hand in times of crisis. Additionally, providing continuous humor is XR, a chatty robot constructed solely for Lightyear to have an immortal companion, who never stops talking.

The Voice Cast Is Top Notch

It’s plausible that Tim Allen didn’t mind not appearing in “Lightyear” since he had already taken on the character again as the main lead in “The Adventure Begins“. Joining Tim Allen, who was a cast member of “Home Improvement”, as the voice actress for Mira Nova is Nicole Sullivan, a well-known star from MADtv, also recognized for her role as Shego on “Kim Possible” and Larry Miller as XR. Furthermore, Stephen Furst, who played Flounder in “Animal House”, brings his character to life as Booster in the film.

Previously known sitcom actor Diedrich Bader takes on the role of Warp Darkmatter, while Patrick Warburton, who later voiced Buzz Lightyear in the series, voices the LGMs. In place of Pixar legend Andrew Stanton (directing Toy Story 5), we have Seinfeld’s Wayne Knight, who previously lent his voice to Al in Toy Story 2, stepping in as Zurg. However, the most awe-inspiring addition to this star-studded cast is William Shatner, not portraying a character but performing an original spoken word song titled “To Infinity and Beyond,” which plays during the end credits. This should be more than enough to entice Star Trek enthusiasts to watch this film.

If someone wants to watch “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins”, they’ll need to start looking online or at local yard sales for a physical copy, as Disney hasn’t released it for streaming yet. Perhaps by the time “Toy Story 5” hits cinemas next June (as per the 2026 movie schedule), there might be enough renewed interest for Disney to make it available again, giving more people a chance to appreciate this often-overlooked piece of the beloved Buzz Lightyear’s legacy.

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2025-07-12 18:08