Toy Story 3 opened on this day 15 years ago. To say it was a success might be downplaying it, as the sequel became Pixar’s first movie to score a $100 million opening and briefly became the biggest animated film ever worldwide before Frozen took the title a few years later. Toy Story 3 is also on the very short list of animated features to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, joining Beauty and the Beast, Up, and…well, I told you it was a short list.

Sadly Toy Story 3 came out during the dark ages of Disney marketing, meaning it had no McDonald’s or Burger King promotions. Fuck, even Subway wasn’t invited to the party. So let’s instead talk briefly about the film’s viral campaign, which included a pair of brilliant “commercials” for everyone’s favorite lovable Toy Story hero: Lotso Huggin’ Bear (or Lots-O’-Huggin’ BEAR, as he’s referred to in these ads).

As someone who obsesses over 80s commercials, I can say these feel pretty fucking authentic. I will admit the “tracking” effect is kind of overdone (most VHS tapes didn’t look like that, kids!), but overall, these are just like real commercials from the era. I wonder how Lotso’s sales were compared to Care Bear dolls.

Have a hugging night, y’all!