Dream Productions (2024 Mini-Series)

Story: 8 of 10 Stars

Let's be honest-spinoff miniseries from major franchises often feel like unnecessary add-ons. They usually ride on the coattails of the main story without adding much substance. So I was surprised when Dream Productions, Pixar's series set in the world of Inside Out, turned out to be a genuinely enjoyable watch.

Released on Disney+ in December 2024, Dream Productions cleverly positions itself between the events of Inside Out and Inside Out 2, but manages to stand on its own without relying too heavily on nostalgia. The story focuses on Paula Persimmon (voiced by Paula Pell), an old-school dream director in Riley's mind, and her collaboration and occasional tension with the enthusiastic daydreamer Xeni (Richard Ayoade). Told in a mockumentary style that gives off strong The Office vibes, the show pulls back the curtain on Riley's dream-making department, showing us just how much behind-the-scenes brainpower is working to keep her emotional world afloat.

What I really appreciated was that Dream Productions didn't try to outdo the emotional weight of the films. Instead, it leaned into the idea that not every part of Riley's journey needs to be a dramatic ordeal. Sometimes, it's the little quirks, like the way her brain processes dreams or how her subconscious deals with change that are the most fascinating. It gave us more of those fleeting, imaginative corners of Riley's mind we only caught glimpses of in the movies, and it made the world feel bigger without feeling bloated.

The voice cast is top tier, with familiar voices like Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Lewis Black returning, but it's Paula Pell and Richard Ayoade who carry the heart and humor of the show. The animation is on point, and Nami Melumad's funky, jazzy score gives the whole thing a unique energy that helps set it apart from the films.

So while I went in a skeptic, Dream Productions won me over. It may not be essential viewing for Inside Out fans, but if you're looking for something clever, heartfelt, and just plain fun, it's a surprising little gem that proves even side stories can shine.

Im Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all TV Shows Large and Small!