By Melanie Linn Gutowski

Though computer animation is now the norm, it's hard to remember how sensational Toy Story was when it first was released in 1995. The film was the first feature-length movie ever to be animated entirely by computer.

In the case of Toy Story 3, now art is imitating life: Andy, the film's catalyst - if not protagonist - is off to college, as are the millions of fans of the original Toy Story film.

Nieces and nephews who were between the ages of three and seven when the original film was released are today's college freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

In the latest (and, we are told, final) chapter in the Toy Story saga, Andy's old toys are donated to a day care center once he is out of the house. Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang have to escape and get back to their rightful owner. In the process, they come into contact with some of today's youth and the cycle begins again.

Younger fans of the films have, by now, likely watched them hundreds of times on DVD and will be begging mom and auntie alike to take them to the theater for part three.

Those of us who were older at the time of the first film's release can remember being subjected to hours of VHS replay as younger nieces, nephews and even brothers and sisters sat in front of the glowing screen, rapt.

While the movie certainly appeals to the younger set, Disney has been explicitly marketing to college students this time around, banking on the nostalgia factor to draw in the coveted 18 to 24 demographic.

So what can you do to celebrate the release of Toy Story 3 with your older nieces and nephews? Buy them a Spud Lightyear to decorate the dorm and keep them company on their newest adventure to infinity, and beyond!

Melanie Linn Gutowski, Savvy Auntie's Associate Editor, is a proud Godmother and ABC.

Photo: ToyStory.com
Published: June 14, 2010