Review: Toy Story 2 3D (U)****

Released five years after the original took everyone by surprise, Toy Story 2 sees pull-string cowboy doll Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and shiny plastic space figurine Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) co-existing peacefully within owner Andy's bedroom.

Things go wrong when Woody, on a rescue mission to save fellow toy Wheezy the asthmatic penguin from a yard sale, is kidnapped by the grasping owner of a sprawling toy emporium.

It transpires that Woody is the missing character in a set of vintage toys that are earmarked for a museum in Japan.

Titivated, glossed and primped to his former glory, Woody has to choose whether to go with his fellows to the land of the rising sun or return home to Andy.

Meanwhile, Buzz is leading Woody's pals – cynical spud Mr Potato Head, Rex, the neurotic plastic dinosaur, Hamm, the stubborn piggy bank and Slinky Dog – on a rescue mission of their own.

Toy Story 2 provides a natural extension to the original storyline.

If the original was about the toys' fear of being abandoned by their owner or supplanted by a newcomer, the sequel looks at loyalty, friendship and the notion

of family.

Throw in Zurg, a nemesis for Buzz (and a cheeky nod to Star Wars and Darth Vader) and this hints at a long-term future for Woody, Buzz and Co.

Wait a minute, what's that on the horizon? Do I see a release date looming for Toy Story 3?

Can this 3D re-release be merely a cynical marketing ploy?

Who cares? This is pure gold, and is as good now as on its original release. The addition of 3D just adds to the sense of fun.