4K Digital Review of Pixar's Hoppers

 

Pixar's Hoppers introduces us to Mabel (Piper Curda), an animal lover since childhood, who wants to save a glade that is important to her. This puts her at odds with the town's mayor, Jerry (Jon Hamm), who wants to put a highway through the middle of the glade. The animals of the glade have left due to the construction, but Mabel believes if she can get them to return, then the mayor might have a change of heart.

Mabel discovers one of her professors has invited a "hopping" technology that would allow her to enter the body of a robotic beaver and then communicate with other animals. Mabel hopes this will bring back the animals to the glade. Along the way, Mabel becomes friends with other beavers including King George (Bobby Moynihan), who shows Mabel what it means to be a beaver and trust those around you.

This is a different film for Pixar and yet one of their best films, and funniest, in years. Director Daniel Chong was the shot-in-the-arm that Pixar needed to tell a bold story that still had the heart of Pixar. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is pristine. The details from the fur on the animals, the clothing on people, the ripples in the water and the woods themselves look amazing. The colors are stunning. Another exceptional transfer from Disney and Pixar.

Audio: 

The Dolby Atmos track here matches the exceptional video. The front channels delivery crystal clear dialogue. The surrounds envelope you in the atmospheric sounds. A wonderful audio mix as one would expect.

Bonus Features:

• The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers.
• Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers.
• "Meet King George" Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.
• Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts.
• Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth.
• Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.
• Cold Open
• The Glade
• The Mission
• Kings Arrive
• George's Bachelor Pad
• Helicopter Ride

Conclusion:

One of the best films to come out of Pixar in years. A film full of heart and one of their funniest films to date. Some fun bonus features make this a highly recommended addition to your library.

Hoppers is available on digital now and on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD June 2nd.

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