“Mufasa: The Lion King” – Teaser Trailer, Poster and Cast Roster Now Available for All-New Big-Screen Adventure

 

Disney unveiled a first look at “Mufasa: The Lion King,” the new film coming to theaters Dec. 20 that explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. The new trailer, poster and images are now available to download and share. Announced this morning is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life—plus, celebrated award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.

 

Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I'm humbled and proud to be a part of it. It's been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa's story to life, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters."

 

“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.  

New and returning cast members were called on to lend their voices to the film:

• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
• Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
• Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
• Preston Nyman as Zazu
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride 
• Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
• Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi 
• Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
• Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
• John Kani as Rafiki
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• Donald Glover as Simba
• Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
• And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala

 

Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.

Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.

DISNEY+ SHARES OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR “JIM HENSON IDEA MAN”

 

Disney+ released the official trailer for the upcoming documentary “Jim Henson Idea Man.” Directed by Academy Award ^® winner Ron Howard, “Jim Henson Idea Man” chronicles the story of extraordinary artist and visionary Jim Henson. In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. Henson also directed beloved fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. 

 

Produced with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, “Jim Henson Idea Man” is an unprecedented, intimate look at Henson’s illustrious, revolutionary career and complex personal life. Using never-before-seen personal archival home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, the film is the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most inspiring and iconoclastic creators. 

 

The Original documentary will premiere May 31 on Disney+.

 

The original documentary from Disney Branded Television is produced by Imagine Documentaries. Howard also serves as a producer alongside Brian Grazer, Sara Bernstein, Margaret Bodde, Justin Wilkes, Mark Monroe and  Christopher St. John. Paul Crowder, Meredith Kaulfers, Michael Rosenberg serve as executive producers. 

MARVEL STUDIOS RELEASES BRAND-NEW TRAILER FOR “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE”

 

Marvel Studios debuted a brand-new trailer for its highly anticipated feature film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” 

 

Shawn Levy directs “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.      

 

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey and Simon Kinberg serving as executive producers. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy. 

 

Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” delivers the ultimate team-up throwdown on July 26.

DISNEY+ UNVEILS TRAILER FOR “STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE”

 

Disney+ released the trailer, key art and trailer stills for Lucasfilm’s upcoming, original animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire.”  The new series, which is the second installment of the “Tales” series, stylistically follows 2022’s critically acclaimed “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi.”   

 

“Tales of the Empire” launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4, with all six episodes.

 

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

 

The talented voice cast includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

 

Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.      

 

“ALIEN: ROMULUS” TEASER TRAILER AND POSTER

 

The teaser trailer and poster for a truly terrifying cinematic experience from producer Ridley Scott and director/writer Fede Alvarez, 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus,” is here! “Alien: Romulus” opens exclusively in theaters nationwide August 16, 2024.  

 

The sci-fi/horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”) based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott (“Napoleon”), who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”), and Walter Hill (“Alien”), with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon (“Charlie’s Angels”), Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), and Tom Moran (“Unstoppable”) serving as executive producers. 

DISNEY+ DEBUTS FIRST TRAILER FOR “STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE”

 

Disney+ debuted the first trailer and key art for Lucasfilm’s new, original series “Star Wars: The Acolyte.”  The thrilling, live-action series launches on Tuesday, June 4, with the first two episodes, exclusively on Disney+.  

In “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….

 

The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

 

Leslye Headland created the series, based on Star Wars by George Lucas, and serves as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Charmaine DeGraté and Kor Adana are the co-executive producers. Rayne Roberts, Damian Anderson, Eileen Shim and Rob Bredow are the producers.

 

Headland also directed the premiere episodes (Eps. 101 & 102). Directors Kogonada (Eps. 103 & 107), Alex Garcia Lopez (Eps. 104 & 105) and Hanelle Culpepper (Eps. 106 & 108) round out the directing duties on the series.

 

Award-winning composer Michael Abels, known for his work on “Get Out” and “Us,” scored “Star Wars: The Acolyte.”

4K Digital Review: All of Us Strangers

 

Adam (Andrew Scott) is a TV screenwriter living in London. He is not only struggling with his writing but still dealing with the loss of his parents at a very young age. One day the fire alarm goes off in his building and he makes eye contact with a handsome young neighbor named Harry (Paul Mescal). Shortly after this, Adam "sees" his parents. They see him as an adult but they appear to be the same age as when they died.

Adam then runs into Harry again and again. The two men spend quite a lot of time together and their relationship grows. At the same time Adam sees his parents more often and they get to know Adam as an adult. They accept him as a gay man, learn about his new love and help Adam learn to deal with his grief of losing them so many years ago.

Both Adam and Harry are lost souls that have found one another. Adam must learn to let go of his parents and live with that loss. Harry has his own secret and we may discover it by the end of the movie. 

Video:

The 4K digital streaming video is excellent. The colors are absolutely gorgeous here with beautiful details and true to life skin tones. 

Audio:

The audio mix is a solid 5.1 mix with very little surround activity. Dialogue is solid and the main part of the audio mix. 

Bonus Features:

Roots of The Story - taking a look at the creation of the film from book to screen and how the changes made for this version were personal to the director

Building Adam's World - adds to the first bonus feature by taking a look at scenes that were filmed in Haigh's childhood home

Conclusion:

Loss and grief play a huge part in this movie as does love and acceptance. This is a sad film and this film proves that loss has no timeline. But also in grief, you can  find beauty and this film proves it. 

All of Us Stranger is available now on digital and on HULU.

*The film was provided for review by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and my review is strictly my own opinion*

ZOE SALDAÑA, SIGOURNEY WEAVER, AND KATE WINSLET FEATURED IN UNDERWATER ART CELEBRATING “AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER” AND SHOT BY CHRISTY LEE ROGERS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

 

Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, stars of 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water,” posed for renowned underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers for a series of photographs celebrating our oceans to raise funds to support The Nature Conservancy (TNC). 

 

James Cameron, the film’s producer/director/writer, is a long-time supporter of ocean conservation. Rogers created these artworks in her unique style, breaking usual conventions and shooting the actresses through the play of light refracting through the water to evoke the feel of a painting.

 

Cameron said: “I have long admired Christy’s art and began collecting her works several years ago. Her unique style of shooting her subjects underwater naturally inspired me to suggest she do a special shoot with our cast.”

 

The artwork will be launched online on March 8, 2024, as four  limited edition, museum quality photographs signed by Rogers, as well as a series of high-quality prints both signed by Rogers and unsigned, available for purchase through Fraser Scott at A Gallery Artists Ltd. via  Rogers’ website at  www.christyleerogers.com/avatar.

“Offering these unique pieces of art to benefit The Nature Conservancy through the “Avatar: The Way of Water’s” ‘Keep Our Oceans Amazing’ campaign is a perfect synergy, and we were excited to collaborate with Christy,” added producer Jon Landau.

 

In celebration of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” Disney and “Avatar” launched a global “Keep Our Oceans Amazing” campaign to raise awareness of the challenges facing oceans and marine life. The campaign supports TNC and its work to protect 10 of our oceans’ amazing animals and their habitats, connected to the beauty of Pandora. This art sale is one of many ways fans can help TNC reach its goal, as 100 percent of net proceeds from the art sales will go to TNC and help protect our oceans. To learn more, visit:  www.nature.org/disney

 

Christy Lee Rogers said: “Water is healing – it’s life itself. And as the provider of life – oxygen to all through tiny phytoplankton, our oceans need our care more than ever right now. It is a great honor to be able to help James Cameron, Jon Landau, and the ‘Avatar’ and Disney teams in realizing that dream of clean and protected world oceans – through the release of these images for The Nature Conservancy.” 

“Healthy oceans are vital to the health of the planet and all living things, including people. Oceans are 90 percent of the habitable planet and home to more than half of all life on earth; they provide livelihoods for billions of people, produce the food we eat and half the air we breathe,” said Melissa Garvey, global director of ocean protection at The Nature Conservancy. “Through the work of Christy Lee Rogers and the support of Disney and ‘Avatar,’ we can shape a brighter future where people and nature can thrive—ensuring healthier oceans for all.”

 

20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water,” nominated for four Academy Awards® including best picture, is filmmaker James Cameron’s highly acclaimed first follow-up to his 2009 blockbuster hit “Avatar.” Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet. The screenplay is by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. The story is by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.

Trailer and Poster for Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”— New Characters/Voice Cast Announced

 

A new trailer and poster are now available for Disney and Pixar’s upcoming theatrical release, “Inside Out 2,” which welcomes new Emotions to now-teenager Riley’s mind. Joining Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) is a group of Emotions perfectly suited for the teenage years. 

Maya Hawke voices Anxiety, the previously announced new arrival bound to shake up everything in headquarters and beyond. A bundle of frazzled energy, Anxiety enthusiastically ensures Riley’s prepared for every possible negative outcome. 

Envy, voice of Ayo Edebiri, may be small but she sure knows what she wants. She’s perpetually jealous of everything everyone else has, and she’s not afraid to pine over it. 

Ennui, who’s voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos, couldn’t care less. Bored and lethargic with a well-practiced eye-roll, Ennui adds the perfect amount of teenage apathy to Riley’s personality, when she feels like it. 

Embarrassment, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, likes to lay low, which isn’t easy for this burly guy with a bright blush-pink complexion. 

 

Additionally, Kensington Tallman lends her voice to Riley Andersen, who’s about to begin high school. Lilimar was called on to voice Valentina “Val” Ortiz, a high school hockey player who everyone, including Riley and her friends, looks up to. Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan return to voice Riley’s mom and dad; Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green and Grace Lu provide the voices for Riley’s besties; and Yvette Nicole Brown voices Coach Roberts, who heads up a summer hockey camp. The voice cast also includes Sarayu Blue, Flea, Ron Funches, Dave Goelz, James Austin Johnson, Bobby Moynihan, Frank Oz, Paula Pell, Paula Poundstone, John Ratzenberger, Kendall Coyne Schofield, June Squibb, Kirk Thatcher and Yong Yea.

TRAILER FOR “TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR (TAYLOR’S VERSION) ” AVAILABLE NOW

 

The trailer for “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)” is here! The concert film from the 14-time GRAMMY®-winning artist in its entirety for the first time, which includes the song “cardigan” and four additional acoustic songs, will debut exclusively on Disney+ one day early, Thursday, March 14, at 6:00pm PT.

 

The history-making, cinematic experience, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” directed by Sam Wrench, grossed more than $260 million worldwide at the global box office, making it the top selling concert film of all-time.

DISNEY UNVEILS FIRST LOOK FOR “TRON: ARES”—IN PRODUCTION NOW

 

Disney released the exciting first look at “TRON: Ares,” the highly anticipated, new installment in the groundbreaking “TRON” franchise. The film started production in January in Vancouver and is slated for release in 2025.

 

“TRON: Ares” is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film “TRON” and the 2010 sequel, “TRON: Legacy.”

 

Joachim Rønning directs “TRON: Ares” and says, “I’m excited to be part of the TRON franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. ‘TRON: Ares’ builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid.” 

 

“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.

 

The feature film stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson.

 

Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Russell Allen serving as executive producer.

4K Digital Review of Disney's Wish

 

Wish is an all-original fairytale celebrating the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. This film is the story of the start of the legacy of Disney Animation with a heroine coming face-to-face with a wishing star.

Asha (Ariana DeBose) loves the Kingdom of Rosas so much that there isn't anything she wouldn't do for it or for its citizens. This is why she might be the perfect person to be the apprentice to King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a sorcerer who has the power to grant the utmost wish of each of its citizens. He also keeps each citizens most valuable wish in his care. Once Asha learns that Magnifico has no plans to grant all the wishes and she decides to take matters into her own hands. At her wishing tree, as Asha looks up to the stars, she makes a wish and a star appears.

Now, with Star, the wishing star, Asha and her friends must stop Magnifico and return the wishes to the citizens. This fun-filled, musical movie is a perfect way to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

Video:

The 4K streaming video looks amazing. The very look of the film is very unique and has a layered look to it. The colors, the depth and the animation give the film a 3-D effect. The level of detail is picture perfect. Another wonderful transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is superb here. The dialogue is crisp and clear here. The atmospheric sounds surround you. The songs soar here and the voices resonate through the speakers and wisely fill the environment through the surround channels. 

Bonus Features:

• Sing Along With The Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
• Once Upon A Studio (8:48) – Beloved characters from Disney Animation’s 100 years come together for an unforgettable reunion.
• 100 Years In The Making (1:04:15) – The Inside story on the making of Wish
• What Makes Disney, Disney (6:38) – Learn what makes a Disney film and its characters so distinct, memorable and beloved. Discover how Asha and WISH are quintessentially Disney — from the extraordinary challenges Asha must overcome, to the magical, Kingdom of Rosa
• The Wish Equation (9:28) – What is a wish? Join the filmmakers for a surprising conversation as they break down the "Wish Equation," discuss the "rules of magic," and describe the role music plays in Disney films. Then hear Julia Michaels' own original demo of "This Wish."
• Looking Backward To Go Forward (8:42) – Walk the aisles of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library as the filmmakers "draw" inspiration from 100 years of animation. Learn about the "Pinocchio test," and how Wish's design blends new technology with classic techniques.
• Where Dreams And Reality Collide (2:22) – Discover the times and places that were the inspiration for Rosas and helped build the world of this original fairy tale.
• Asha Means Wish (7:52) – Learn all about Asha, from her inspired design to her boundless determination and generosity. Uncover the subtle symbolism in her jewelry, and dive into her dancing skills. See how she’s imperfectly perfect and what makes her a memorable Disney hero.
• The Return Of The Disney Villain (7:44) – You'll love to hate King Magnifico when you uncover his secrets. Find out what makes him the classic Disney villain — and why he doesn't wear a crown.
• Star Is Born (8:19) – Uncover early concept drawings to see how Star evolved into Asha's lovable wish facilitator. Learn about Star's sparkles, and why Star can communicate with Asha and the other characters.
• Those Who Stand Beside Me (4:47) – Learn more about Asha's closest allies, Dahlia and Valentino. Find out which of Snow White's seven companions served as inspiration for Dahlia, and how Valentino breaks one of the rules of Disney animals.
• When Wishes Come True (8:25) – Get to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it's like being part of the Disney legacy today.
• WISH D-Classified (6:27) – WISH is filled with references and nods to other Disney films from the studio's 100-year legacy. From hidden Mickeys to more subtle tributes, you may have caught many of them, but check out this "D-Classified” piece for ones you may have missed.
• Outtakes (2:44) – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of WISH for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.
• Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making” (2:54) – Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduce this poignant song sung by Saba Sabino (voiced by Victor Garber) expressing what it’s like to be reunited with your one true wish.
• Deleted Scenes (22:06) – Check out some scenes that didn't make the Final Cut.
• Magnifico's Secret (4:27)
• The Wishing Tree (3:54)
• To Rosas (5:02)
• Finding Flazino (4:48)
• Valentino Is A Star (3:27)
• Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
  • Welcome to Rosas (2:20)
  • At All Costs (3:00)
  • This Wish (3:18)
  • I’m A Star (3:18)
  • This Is The Thanks I Get?! (3:16)
  • Knowing What I Know Now (3:18)
  • This Wish (Reprise) (2:48)

Conclusion:

For me, Wish delivered on what I expected for an animated film celebrating the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. A classic animated film that while honoring the past, paves the way for the future. A wealth of bonus material felt like the glory days of Disney animation Blu-ray. A must addition to your library.

Wish is available on digital now and on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra-HD on March 12th.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review and the review is strictly my own opinion*

4K Digital Review: Next Goal Wins

 

Based on the true story of the 2001 American Samoa soccer team that lost to Australia 31-0 in the World Cup. Over the next ten years, American Samoa never scored one goal in any international match, making them the worst ranked national team in the FIFA World rankings. 

The US Soccer Federation, in a last ditch effort to save the team, sends in washed-up soccer coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender). The team is worse off than feared with leadership issues including a coach who doesn't want to be there. But over time, everyone slowly comes together as a team and a family. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is another wonderful transfer from Disney. The details in the textures and facial features are excellent. Colors are vibrant especially when it comes to the scenery from the tropical jungle to the beaches and ocean. 

Audio:

The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 is fairly solid. As always, the dialogue is crisp and clear. There isn't a lot from the surround channels until later in the movie during the big game. 

Bonus Features:

Featurette

• Creating The Pitch of Life - Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary.  See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world.

 

Deleted Scene

• Priest Blessing the Team4K

Conclusion:

A very entertaining movie that I want to see more from Disney. The great family movie in the sports genre is what has been missing from Disney in a long time. This fits right in with Cool Runnings, The Rookie and the like. Great video and audio quality as we have come to expect from Disney. And fun bonus features to round off a welcomed addition to your library.

Next Goal Wins is currently out on digital and on February 27th on Blu-ray and DVD.

*The film was provided for the sole purpose of review by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and the review is strictly my opinion*

4K Digital Review: The Marvels

 

Picking up right after the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel ends off, comes The Marvels. We get three superheroes, Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) who find their powers intertwined by Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Dar-Benn has found the second quantum band and is using it to destroy planets so she can save hers. Our superheroes have to learn to work together to stop Dar-Benn.

The chemistry between the three superheroes is fantastic and really moves the movie along. Sadly, the movie suffers from another one-dimensional villain. And we get a very entertaining film that not a lot of people came out to see in theaters.  

Video:

The streaming 4K video is another fantastic effort from Disney. The colors are bright and bold with inky blacks. Details are excellent, from clothing textures, to Goose's fur, to skin tones. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is solid! Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout the movie. Surrounds are very active, especially with the sounds of explosions during action sequences and the soundtrack.

Bonus Features:

FEATURETTES

·       Entangled - Take a cosmic trip behind the scenes on The Marvels with the cast and crew of the film. Learn how director Nia DaCosta and the team took on such a vast production, and dive deeper with more details about Marvel’s first ever musical number.

·       The Production Diaries – Experience the lively, upbeat set of The Marvels as cast and crew recall candid and heartwarming moments, along with hilarious anecdotes.

 

DELETED SCENES

·       Captain-in-Residence – Kamala finds herself in Carol's ship after an unexpected switch and incredulously picks up a call from Valkyrie.

·       It's Under Control – Carol, Kamala, and Monica find themselves brainstorming for solutions on Aladna.

Space Yoga – Muneeba teaches yoga while an exasperated Nick Fury looks on.

·       The Chase – Chaos ensues as Ty-Rone chases Kamala in a tension-filled scene.

 

GAG REEL

·       Watch some hilarious outtakes on set with the cast and crew of The Marvels.

 

AUDIO COMMENTARY

·       Listen to co-writer/director Nia DaCosta and VFX Supervisor Tara DeMarco talk about the film.

Conclusion:

A fun, entertaining film with a lot of bonus features. A welcomed addition to your library! 

The Marvel is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD now!

*The review copy was sent by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review and the review is strictly my own opinion*

      

Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ‘97” Streams on Disney+ Beginning March 20

 

A trailer and teaser poster are now available to celebrate the upcoming Disney+ debut of Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97.” The all-new series, which features 10 episodes, begins streaming March 20. 

 

“X-Men’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura. Featuring music by The Newton Brothers, the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo.