Universal Music LLC (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hisashi Fujikura; hereinafter 'Universal Music') announces the release of 'Best of Toy Story -30 Years & Beyond-', a definitive musical retrospective of the four-film 'Toy Story' series, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story' is a landmark film that dramatically portrays the irreplaceable bond between humans and toys, set in a world where toys come to life. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of its Japanese theatrical release, this special compilation album revisits the emotional journey of the 'Toy Story' series—from 'Toy Story' to 'Toy Story 4'—through its iconic music.

©2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Originally released in the U.S. in 1995 as the world's first full-length CGI animated feature, 'Toy Story' remains a beloved Disney and Pixar classic. It premiered in Japan on March 23, 1996, becoming a massive hit thanks to its groundbreaking visual storytelling and universally resonant narrative. The franchise continued with 'Toy Story 2' (2000), 'Toy Story 3' (2010), and 'Toy Story 4' (2019), each release capturing global audiences. Centered on the cowboy doll Woody and the space ranger action figure Buzz Lightyear, the series has touched hearts across generations, maintaining its timeless appeal as a story about friendship, loyalty, and growing up.

The music that has accompanied Woody, Buzz, and the gang's adventures was composed by legendary musician Randy Newman. This compilation features 19 tracks that encapsulate the entire series, including multiple versions of the beloved theme 'You've Got a Friend in Me,' the emotionally powerful 'When She Loved Me' from 'Toy Story 2'—sung from Jessie’s perspective—'We Belong Together' from 'Toy Story 3,' which celebrates the bond between toys and their owners, and 'For Bonnie' from 'Toy Story 4,' expressing Woody’s devotion to his new child. The booklet is richly illustrated with rare concept art from the films and includes a special bound section inspired by Andy’s hand-drawn toy sketches. Exclusive to fans, six alternate jacket designs (three double-sided sheets) feature iconic scenes such as Pizza Planet, the soles of Woody and Buzz’s feet, the 'Toy Story' logo, and other memorable moments. The limited-edition version includes a canvas art board featuring the jacket design, allowing fans to enjoy the artwork in a large format.

©2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

©2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Additionally, the original soundtrack for 'Toy Story 5,' the latest installment in the series released in Japan on Friday, July 3, 2026, is now available for digital streaming. The soundtrack features a new original song, 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' co-written, produced, and performed by 14-time Grammy Award® winner Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. Reuniting after hits like 'Cruel Summer,' 'Lover,' and 'Anti-Hero,' Swift and Antonoff crafted this song inspired by Jessie’s new adventures in 'Toy Story 5.' The track symbolizes Swift’s return to her country roots and masterfully blends her diverse musical styles, showcasing her evolution as both a songwriter and global pop icon.

Director Andrew Stanton praised the new song, saying: 'Having Taylor write and perform this song was truly magical. Her connection to Jessie, and how instantly she understood the character’s emotions, was undeniable. This song is deeply intertwined with 'Toy Story.' It felt so intrinsically part of it that the first time I heard it, it felt like it had always been there—like a long-lost member of the family had finally come home. It was truly a fated collaboration.'

I Knew It, I Knew You

Various Artists – 'Best of Toy Story -30 Years & Beyond-'

Release Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Catalog Number: UWCD-1152

CD Price: ¥3,650 (¥3,318 before 10% tax)

Specifications: Jewel case, 1 CD, booklet with bound section

Included Bonus: 6 alternate jackets (3 double-sided sheets)

Tracklist:

1. You've Got a Friend in Me (English) – From 'Toy Story' – Randy Newman

2. Everything Is Strange (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story' – Diamond Yukai

3. Woody's Roundup (English) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Riders in the Sky

4. When She Loved Me (English) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Sarah McLachlan

5. You've Got a Friend in Me (Weezer Version) (English) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Weezer

6. Woody's Roundup (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Takashi Nishii, Akeo Okazawa, Shime Nakajima

7. When She Loved Me (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Risa Oki

8. You've Got a Friend in Me (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Yasuo Suzuki

9. You've Got a Friend in Me (Instrumental Version) – From 'Toy Story 2' – Tom Scott

10. We Belong Together (English) – From 'Toy Story 3' – Randy Newman

11. You've Got a Friend in Me (Spanish) – From 'Toy Story 3' – Gipsy Kings

12. We Belong Together (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 3' – Ryuta Yamamoto

13. So Long – From 'Toy Story 3'

14. You've Got a Friend in Me (English) – From 'Toy Story 4' – Randy Newman

15. For Bonnie (English) – From 'Toy Story 4' – Randy Newman

16. You've Got a Friend in Me (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 4' – Diamond Yukai

17. For Bonnie (Japanese) – From 'Toy Story 4' – Diamond Yukai

18. The Ballad of a Lonesome Cowboy (Soundtrack Version) (English) – From 'Toy Story 4' – Chris Stapleton

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product
  • Organizations: Disney / Pixar