4K Digital Review of The Amateur

 

The Amateur has all the tools for a great one-man-army story but sadly fails on the execution. Rami Malek plays Charles, a CIA crytographer, who loses his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) to a terrorist attack. Charles begins to go through the evidence and with a CIA training session with Robert (Laurence Fishburne) is off to track down the terrorists. 

What starts off as a great movie is bogged down in the second act with needless rehashing of what Charles is going through. Strange story choices as well as new characters that have nothing to do, pull you out of the momentum of the film.    

Video:

The 4K UHD streaming video is a great presentation. Everything is sharp and crisp with lots of details. Another fine transfer from Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is practically perfect. Wait until you hear the big pool scene. The way that the sound washes (sorry for the pun) over you is phenomenal. The environmental effects are consistent and engaging throughout the movie. The score plays well in the surround channels. Dialogue is crisp and clean.

Bonus Features:

• The Team – Join the cast and crew as they reflect on what drew them to this bold project. Rami Malek shares his dual experience as both actor and producer. Director James Hawes and others discuss how the script blends emotional depth and high-stakes action.
• The World – Explore how the film’s production combined real-world locations with intricate set designs to create a visually stunning and immersive world, from the shadowy halls of CIA headquarters to the bustling streets of Europe.
• The Pool – Go behind the scenes as the talented creative team uncovers how Charlie’s ingenious plan involving the sky pool was conceived, planned and executed, blending practical effects and cutting-edge technology to deliver a show-stopping moment.
• The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score’s various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
• Deleted Scenes:
• Sarah Wonders How Charlie Can Trust His CIA Bosses 
• Henderson Blasts Heller for Failing a Training Exercise
• Heller Tracks Gretchen Through Paris
• A Third Assassin Chases Heller Through the Hotel Basement
• Heller Asks Inquiline Some Personal Questions

Conclusion:

The Amateur starts off really strong and then struggles to get to the finish line. The audio and video quality is solid with some enjoyable bonus material. 

The Amateur is available on digital and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

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

4K Digital Review of Snow White (live-action)

 

This live-action Snow White was called by many as a disaster. Most of the internet buzz was highly negative and definitely from more people that clearly did not see the movie than by those that actually watched it. There are some story changes that might be deemed as "Disneyfied" modern approaches here. There is a large multi-ethnic cast. There are also several new songs that have more of a contemporary feel. Rachel Zegler as Snow White was delightful and her songs were perfect for her. 

I guess it could be argued that the story changed made this more of a Cinderella story than a Snow White story but for me they fit the modern approach to telling this tale. All in all, a good effort that sadly got more slack than it deserved. 

Video:

The 4K streaming video is stunningly gorgeous. Here the CG elements almost flawlessly combine with the practical elements. The colors literally explode off the screen. Take time to enjoy the highlights of Snow White's color palette or the darker tones of the Evil Queen's palette of teal and jade. This is a masterclass in digital transfers.

Audio:

The Atmos audio track matches the video quality note for note. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The score feels like it is floating around you through the surround channels. The environmental sounds, especially those of the forest, are noticeable throughout the movie. Scenes with the Magic Mirror and the wild mine car sequence make the most of creating an immersive audio experience. 

Bonus Features:

·       Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics.

 

·       Deleted Scenes:

o   Anguish and Opportunity

o   Danger in the Woods

o   Hunt for Snow White

 

·       Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

 

·       Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics.

 

·       Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more.

 

·       Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

Conclusion:

This version of Snow White has very impressive visuals and fun, new songs. Zegler is great as Snow White. The technical aspects of the film are stellar. The bonus materials are few but enjoyable. A welcomed addition to your library.

Snow White is available on digital now. 

*This film was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

Trailer Now Available for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart”

 

Check out an exciting new trailer and image for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart,” launching exclusively on Disney+ on June 24. Says Dominique Thorne, who stars as young, genius inventor Riri Williams, “What was interesting for me was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story. We’re not necessarily going back in time; it’s more of catching up and seeing the effects of how those first pivotal moments of her life have shaped her, and seeing the person that she’s trying to become.”

 

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Thorne), determined to make her mark on the world, returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.

“Elio” – New Trailer and Advance Tickets Now Available

 

Tickets are now on sale wherever tickets are sold for Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” the cosmic misadventure that introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. Opening exclusively in theaters on June 20, “Elio” features a fun and funny array of aliens with whom Elio aligns himself in hopes he can relocate to outer space permanently. Moviegoers who can’t wait till the release date can check out early-access screenings on June 18—check local theaters for more information. Plus, showcasing fun alien characters like liquid supercomputer Ooooo, friendly ambassador Helix, Elio’s new alien friend, Glordon, and space warlord Grigon.

 

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! When Elio is beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian (“Burrow” Sparkshort), Domee Shi (“Bao” short, “Turning Red”) and Adrian Molina (co-screenwriter/co-director of “Coco”), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as Ooooo. 

4K Digital Review of Tombstone

 

In the year 1878, Tombstone in the Arizona territory is a boomtown. Ex-lawmen Wyatt (Kurt Russell) and Virgil Earp (Sam Elliot), and their younger brother Morgan (Bill Paxton) have moved here along with their wives. Wyatt's friend "Doc" Holiday (Val Kilmer), who is suffering from tuberculosis, has also come to town in hopes the dry weather will help him get better. 

A gang known as the Cowboys have also settled down in Tombstone. Their illustrious leader is "Curly" Bill (Powers Boothe). They have a skilled gunman in Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). They want the freedom to do what they want and the innocent people of Tombstone stand in the way. The Earps feel that they need to protect the town's people. This all leads towards a fateful and historic showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Video:

This 4K transfer is a brand new scan of the original negatives and is absolutely spectacular. Every detail is vastly superior to the Blu-ray release back in 2010. The textures of materials, to the clouds in the sky are all sharp and crisp. Dimly-lit scenes are as detailed and focused as daytime scenes. One of the finest transfers from Disney.

Audio:

The audio track is essentially the same from the Blu-ray. Dialogue is rich and clear, the surrounds are enveloping and there is a lot of atmospheric ambiance. An excellent audio track then and an excellent audio track now.

Bonus Materials:

• The Making of Tombstone 
• An Ensemble Cast
• Making An Authentic Western
• The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

• Director's Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence
• Trailers & TV Spots

Conclusion:

A solid film with an amazing cast surrounding a legendary story of the Wild West. The video and audio are some of the best ever. A highly recommended addition to your library.

*The movie was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review and the review is strictly my opinion*

4K Digital Review of Captain America: Brave New World

 

Captain America: Brave New World, picks up where we left off on the Falcon and the Winter Soldier Disney+ series. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is still trying to take on the mantle of being Captain America from Steve Rodgers. General Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has just become President of The United States and wants Sam to work with him. Sam is hesitant after the Sokovia Accords but agrees to work with the reformed Ross. 

While at the White House, Sam's friend, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), attempts to assassinate the President. Sam and Joaquin (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, try to find out what really happened. Every lead goes to Professor Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). Sterns has been alive all of these years and has been working with Ross to create super weapons for the United States. Ross changed his mind about letting Sterns free and now Sterns is out for revenge. Now Captain America must summon all of his strength to take down Sterns and save the world from the brink of disaster.

Video:

The 4K stream is beautiful here and is a visual treat for the eyes. All of the details are marvelous here from cloth, to skin tones, to the energy coming from Cap's new wings. The colors are bright and vivid here. Another stellar transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio completely compliments the video transfer. Audio levels are perfect and the audio mix is fantastic. The surround and main channels are all working overtime with the sheer amount of action that takes places throughout the entire movie. One of the better streaming audio tracks from Disney.

Bonus Features:

●      Deleted Scenes:

○      A Heartfelt Thanks

○      The Mission

○      Stick Around

●      Assuming the Mantle

●      Old Scores, New Scars

●      Gag Reel

●      Audio Commentary

Conclusion:

Captain America: Brave New World does a great job of bringing Sam Wilson's Captain America to the forefront. Sam is making Cap his own and shows his heart and his intelligence are his greatest strengths. A solid audio and video presentation along with some fun bonus features, including audio commentary, make this a welcome addition to you library.

Captain America: Brave New World is out on digital platforms, DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD.

* This movie was sent to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment strictly for the purpose of review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of A Complete Unknown

 

Robert Zimmerman (Timothee Chalamet), a complete unknown 19 year old, hitchhikes his way to New York. He is trying to meet his idol Woodiy Gurthie (Scoot McNairy). Zimmerman finds him in a hospital in New Jersey where Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) is keeping Woody company. Woody is near death and Zimmerman, soon to change his name to Bob Dylan, plays a song of his. Seeger becomes Dylan's mentor and introduces his to other stars such as Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). 

Here we enter the evolution of popular music. The radical changes from the music after the World War 2 era. We see the rise of Rock and Roll and the growth of "folk music". The popularity of "folk music" in the 1960s with its powerful messages and how Dylan helped shaped and influence that music for years to come.  

Video:

The 4K streaming video is beautiful. The movie was shot using Sony's CineAlta cameras that gives the movie more of an actual shot on film look. There is a graininess that gives the movie the look and feel of a documentary from the time period rather than being a modern digital movie. The level of detail is still phenomenal from close-ups to wide shots taking in all the scenery. Another solid transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The streaming Dolby Atmos audio mix is impressive. The music is such a huge part of this story and the audio mix takes full advantage of the speakers in front of you and behind you. The live performances immerse you into the movie. The surround channels are very activate for not only the music but the environmental sounds. The dialogue is rich and clear from the front channels. Just an elevated audio experience from Disney. 

Bonus Feature:

• The Making of A Complete Unknown
• The Story
• Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
• The Supporting Cast
• The Design
• Audio Commentary by James Mangold

Conclusion:

A solid movie with powerful performances that not looks at the music and the early days of Dylan, but the incredible world of changes happening around these events. A solid video and audio package with two wonderful bonus features makes this a highly recommended addition to your library. A Complete Unknown is currently available on digital.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review of Mufasa: The Lion King

 

After the success of the live-action The Lion King in 2019, another movie was more than likely. Who knew that it would be a prequel of how Mufasa became king. 

The film opens where The Lion King ended, with Simba as King. As he and Nala expect a new cub, they leave their first-born Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan). When a huge storm hits, Rafiki (John Kani) comes to help calm Kiara. Then Rafiki begins to tell the story of how Mufasa and his adoptive brother Take (Kevin Harrison Jr.) leave their homeland when the evil Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) arrives. Heading towards the land of mythical land of Milele, they meet new friends Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Zazu (Preston Nyman) and a young, wise baboon. 

The story and the characters grow and develop as they discover what it means to be family. The animation has greatly improved from the 2019 The Lion King. Everything from the foliage, the fur, the scenery all look incredibly photorealistic. All help to tell the story and make you a part of this world. A fine prequel to the legacy of The Lion King.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The level of detail has vastly improved since the live-action versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King. The fine details of the fur, the feathers, the plants and the scenery are breathtaking. The visuals are borderline true to life. There is a depth and a weight to the characters that wasn't felt in the 2019 movie. The colors are gorgeous and the blacks and shadows bring that weight and depth alive. Another fantastic video transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos mix here is solid. The dialogue is crisp and clear. The Lin-Manuel songs are catchy and fun and really fill the surround channels. The mix really shines in the various environments. The grasslands feel vast, the snowy mountains feel cold and windy, and you can feel the rumble of the loud crashes of falling rocks and the elephant stampede. Another fine audio mix from Disney. 

Bonus Features:

Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.

 

Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life.

 

Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King.

 

Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie.

 

Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth.

Deleted Scenes:

• Who's the Mole Rat?
• What Do You Feel in There?
• Have Faith in Her
• Taka's Dream

 

Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot.

 

Song Selections:

• Milele (First Rain)
• I Always Wanted a Brother
• Bye Bye
• We Go Together
• Tell Me It’s You
• Brother Betrayed

 

Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

Conclusion:

I wasn't sure that this was a film that we needed, but I was wrong and Mufasa: The Lion King ended being a great movie. The story was engaging and the more emotive characters looked photo-real. The 4K transfer along with the Dolby Atmos audio mix are stunning. As always, I wish there were more substantial bonus features like an audio commentary. Mufasa: The Lion King deserves a place in your library. The movie is available on digital now.  

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

THE “LILO & STITCH” TRAILER IS HERE!!!

 

Your first look at “Lilo & Stitch” is here! The eagerly anticipated film, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, will open exclusively in theaters May 23, 2025. 

“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

 

“Lilo & Stitch” opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 23, 2025.

Disney’s MUFASA: THE LION KING Makes Its Streaming Debut on Disney+ on Mar. 26

 

Streaming audiences around the world will finally get to experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King again and again as the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.

Directed by Oscar®-winning director Barry Jenkins and featuring all-new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda – including the viral sensation, “I Always Wanted a Brother” – Mufasa: The Lion King became a sensation, earning over $700 million at the global box office and becoming one of the top 10 biggest global releases of 2024.

Critics and fans alike have praised Mufasa: The Lion King as “adventurous” (Brian Truitt, USA Today), a “dazzling musical” (Kevin Maher, The Times), and “visually stunning” (Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood). It comes to Disney+ – the exclusive streaming home of the film – and joins other titles from the iconic franchise including The Lion King (1994), The Lion King (2019), The Lion Guard, and the recently-released The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl concert special. 
 
Now through March 30, new and eligible returning customers can subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic for $2.99/month for four months – a $32 savings compared to the regular monthly price for four months – by visiting www.disneyplus.com.

ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR “DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE”

 

Advance tickets for “Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, are now available for purchase at Fandango (Fandango.com/Disney SnowWhite) or wherever tickets are sold. A new clip from the magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, is now available to download and share. “Disney’s Snow White” opens exclusively in movie theaters on March 21, available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Cinemark XD, 4DX, and premium screens everywhere.

 

“Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including Waiting on a Wish, the recently released first single from the film’s original soundtrack. Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify.

DISNEY+ SHARES SPECIAL LOOK & BRAND-NEW POSTER FOR LUCASFILM’S“ANDOR” SEASON 2

 

Disney+ released an exciting special look and unveiled a brand-new poster and images for the highly anticipated second season of Lucasfilm’s Emmy®-nominated thriller “Andor,” which returns for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22. The special look, available now on Disney+ and YouTube, offers a glimpse at the making of Season 2 of the compelling series, in which the characters and their relationships will intensify as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound.  

 

Rife with political intrigue, danger, tension, and high stakes, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction: The Death Star, setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.  

 

The final season will unfold over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each. The first chapter will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each week.  

“Andor” Season 2 stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Alan Tudyk, with Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker. The series was created by Tony Gilroy, who also serves as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna, Luke Hull and John Gilroy. Tony Gilroy wrote the first three episodes, with Beau Willimon writing episodes 4-6, Dan Gilroy penning episodes 7-9 and Tom Bissell putting pen to paper for episodes 10-12. The directors for the series are Ariel Kleiman (Eps. 1-6), Janus Metz (Eps. 7-9) and Alonso Ruizpalacios (Eps. 10-12). 

RACHEL ZEGLER FROM “DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE” PERFORMS FILM’S FIRST SINGLE WAITING ON A WISH AT ROPPONGI HILLS ARENA IN TOKYO

 

Rachel Zegler, the star of “Disney’s Snow White,” was in Tokyo to perform Waiting on a Wish, the first single from Walt Disney Records’ original soundtrack. She was joined on-stage by local actress and singer Sakura Kiryu, who provides the Japanese dubbing voice of Snow White, at Roppongi Hills Arena, where they performed for hundreds of fans who lined the red carpet.

 

“Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, is a magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen. The film opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer.

 

Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify. The original soundtrack of songs from “Disney’s Snow White” will be released March 14. Waiting on a Wish was written by EGOT® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with additional lyrics by Jack Feldman.  The song was produced by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Ian Eisendrath and Dave Metzger, and is performed by Rachel Zegler. 

4K Digital Review of Moana 2

 

It has been eight years since Moana hit theaters and the sequel takes us back into the world almost effortlessly. The sequel picks up three years after the events of the first film. Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is out on a quest to find the god Nalo, who has placed a curse of the hidden island of Motufetu, once a place that brought the people of the ocean together. Moana's (Auli'i Cravalho) ancestors summon a comet for her to follow to take her to Motufetu. She puts a crew together, reunites with Maui and they face Nalo.

Just like in the first movie, Moana 2 is filled with fun and memorable songs, stunning animation and a strong voice cast. Returning and new cast deliver outstanding performances. Moana 2 focuses on the importance of friends and family. It is a wonderful family film to sharer with loved ones.

Audio:

The streaming Dolby Atmos track is solid. Voices are crisp and clear. The surrounds are filled with the musical score and environmental sounds. Another great effort from Disney.

Video:

The 4K Dolby Vision video is stunning. The colors of the ocean are filled with rich blues and greens. Skin tones, clothing and hair look realistic and move fluidly. The animation is crisp and clean. A beautifully stunning transfer from Disney.

Bonus Features:

Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.

Call of the Wayfinder – Celebrate Pacific wayfinding with the Moana 2 filmmakers as they meet real-life navigators from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Hear from Nainoa Thompson, CEO of PVS, and other crew members as they discuss the cultural renaissance of wayfinding.

A New Voyage – Join the filmmakers and artistic leads for a deep dive as they reveal the development of this sequel and discuss the impact that the first film had across the globe. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson talk about what it means to them to return.

Songs of the Sea – Sit down with songwriters Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear, Pacific Islands music legend Opetaia Foa‘i, and composer Mark Mancina as they discuss making the music. Get to know this talented team as they share insight into writing each brand-new song.

Kakamora Chronicles – Ever wanted to know more about the Kakamora? Gather ’round while Moni, everyone’s favorite Motunui historian, tells the tales from real Solomon Island folklore surrounding the mysterious and unforgettable beings known as the Kakamora.

Fun in the Booth – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of Moana 2 for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.

Deleted Scenes – Overall introduction to Deleted Scenes by directors David G. Derrick Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller.

• Call to Motufetū
• Late to the Party
• Crew’s In for a Bruisin’
• Help Wanted
• Odd Birds
• Reunited
• Simea’s Chant

Song Selection:

• “We’re Back”
• “Beyond”
• “Finding the Way”
• “What Could Be Better Than This”
• “Get Lost”
• “Can I Get a Chee Hoo”
• “Mana Vavau”
• “Beyond” Reprise
• “Finding the Way” Reprise

Conclusion:

Moana 2 is a wonderful sequel bringing us back familiar friends and a host of new ones. The film is packed with fun and delightful songs and stunning animation. The video transfer is stunning and the audio track is another winner. A must have in your collection.

Moana 2 is available on digital now, and will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD March 18th.

*The movie was provided for review purposes by Walt Disney Home Entertainment but my review is strictly my own opinion*