After Toy Story 4, I didn’t think we needed another Toy Story movie. I was wrong, because I didn’t have the vision of two brothers who were willing to dedicate themselves to a nearly decade-long vision and see it through.
Okay, so Toy Story 3 IRL is not a “new” movie. In fact, it tracks the exact audio bed of the third film in the franchise. But over a period of 8 years, brothers Mason and Morgan McGrew spent their teenage years in Iowa together (starting when they were 12 and 15 years old) recreating Toy Story 3 shot-for-shot in live action stop-motion animation.
Utilizing computer software like iMovie, Adobe Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro, the McGrews posed each toy figure and prop frame by frame, sometimes employing up to 25 various video elements.
Yes, they did this for the entire movie. Every single shot. Using toys they bought and props they built, and even some clay from time to time. It’s all the more impressive when you consider the lighting involved as well. This is legitimate craft on display in every regard.
And now, you can watch the whole thing. (Just click on the YouTube link above.)
It’s easily one of the best Fan Films ever made, perhaps second only to the complete remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark that two friends produced over several decades.
After being blown away by the opening sequence, I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy watching the whole thing. Hopefully this won’t be the last thing we see from the Brothers McGrew. Good job, partners.
(To get a sampling of whta the McGrews pulled off, watch the trailer for Toy Story 3 IRL below.)
