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While all of us at Done Dirt Cheap DVD have left our childhood well and truly behind, we still have a soft spot for a good animated movie. But Pixar don’t do good animated movies – they do great ones. With Up hitting Australian cinemas this week (after a loooooong delay from the US; what’s up with that?), we thought we should take a look at the previous Pixar flicks and show why they’re so good, through our favourite characters.

Toy Story – Buzz Lightyear

Buzz Lightyear

In many ways, it seemed like Buzz Lightyear was a metaphor for Pixar themselves. They burst onto the scene offering something that had never been seen before, and the older toys (or animation studios) were threatened by what they could offer. Plus how could you not love Buzz’s self-obsessed pomposity?

(Unfortunately Toy Story isn’t available on DVD until Toy Story 3 is released. So in the meantime, here is some Buzz Lightyear magic!)

A Bug’s Life – Tuck and Roll

"It's our alloted life. It's not a lot.. but it's a life!"

We couldn’t understand a single thing these two performing pill bugs could say, yet they made us roll around laughing at their hyperactive stunts. What’s a pill bug? You might know it under another name – the woodlouse.

Toy Story 2 – Woody

Woody finds out where he came from in Toy Story 2

While the first Toy Story was mainly about Buzz, the second was Woody’s tale. After he’s kidnapped by an obsessed toy collector, he realises the purpose of his life as the other toys mount a daring rescue to find him.

For those of you looking for the beginnings of the Pixar tale – check out the Pixar Short Films collection

Monsters, Inc. – Mike

I wanna be like Mike..

Sure, Sully does all the scaring, but it’s Mike who provides the funny. Just the sight of him is enough to make us laugh, but combine his look with Billy Crystal’s laugh-a-minute voiceover and you’ve got comedy gold. Check it out at Done Dirt Cheap.

Finding Nemo- The Seagulls

Speaking of comedy gold, how can a group of characters that only say one word stand out in one of the best animated movies ever made? When they’re as funny (and dangerous) as The Seagulls, it’s easy. Mine! Mine! Mine!

The Incredibles – Mr. Incredible

Mr Incredible doing his thang

He’s big, he’s strong and he, er, works in insurance? Mr. Incredible’s explosive way of delivering his comeuppance to his nagging boss would strike a chord with anyone who’s worked under a painful manager. Not that we would ever have those thoughts boss, honest!

Cars – Mater

If you need help on the roads, Mater is the one to call!

The redneck with a heart of gold, Mater the jalopy tow-truck is the voice of conscience in Cars. Sure, the thrilling race scenes will get you watching Cars, but it’s Mater’s message that will see you watch it for the sixth time.

Ratatouille – Mustafa

Mustafa from Ratatouille

In accordance with Pixar tradition, we had to choose one character voiced by Pixar “good luck charm” (and former star on Cheers) John Ratzenberger. That one is Mustafa from Ratatouille.

WALL-E – WALL-E

Wall-E trying to figure out the universe.

We secretly hate WALL-E. Here we are, a bunch of (mostly) grown-up adults blubbing over the fate of an animated robot that can’t even talk. We hate you because you made us cry, WALL-E.

Oh, who are we kidding. We love you, with all of our hearts!