4K Digital Review: The Testament of Ann Lee

 

In The Testament of Ann Lee, Amanda Seyfried plays Ann Lee, the founder of the devote religious sect known as the Shakers. We follow Ann Lee as she leads her followers from England to colonial America. In America, they hope to build a utopian society based on gender equality and communal faith. Through the use of reimagined Shaker hymns, we see the joy of Ann's vision as well as the costs. Her strength and faith are questioned in a world that is hesitant to believe what she is preaching.

Writer-director Mona Fastvold's approach is bold. The use of the Shaker hymns is less musical theater and more of prayers made to be seen. And Seyfried delivers a career-best performance. This is a film that wants to be felt, not just seen.  

Video:

The streaming 4K is beautiful. There is a natural graininess that brings the time period to life. The natural light in the daylight scenes and the candlelight scenes at night have exceptional clarity. There is a sense of real depth and texture.     

Audio:

The Dolby 5.1 audio mix is wonderful. It really captures the immersive level of the Shaker hymns. Dialogue is clear from the front channels. The surrounds do a great job with environmental effects as well as the score. 

Bonus Feature:

• The Testament of Ann Lee: A Special Look (21:40) - Join filmmakers and cast members - including director/co-writer Mona Fastvold and actor Amanda Seyfried - for a behind-the-scenes look at making this original film about compassion, empathy, community and one woman’s charismatic leadership in founding the Shaker movement. Learn details about the research, set design, cinematography, choreography, music and costume design that create the film’s spellbinding and extraordinary look and feel.

Conclusion:

The Testament of Ann Lee is a bold movie that feels less like a bio pic, and more of an experience. The streaming 4K video is exceptional as is the Dolby 5.1 audio. I do wish there was more than just one bonus feature. But this is a film that deserves a watch and another watch for good measure.

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

The Testament of Ann Lee is available on digital now. 

4K Digital Review of Is This Thing On?

 

The latest film from director Bradley Cooper, "Is This Thing On?" tells the story of Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern). Thyeh vae decided to end their marriage of 20 years and Alex turns to stand-up comedy as a way to try to understand what is happening. Tess, a former Olympian volleyball player and was one of the all-time greats. Since retirement she became a wife and a mom. With the upcoming divorce, she turns to volleyball once again but this time to become a coach.

Through the movie we learn about the difficulties of co-parenting and self-discovery. We also learn how hardships can lead you down new paths, opening up new doors. Arnett is outstanding as an everyman trying to handle failure. Blending his comedic skills in a dramatic role gives Alex a sense of vulnerability that feels believable. Dern is equally outstanding as she brings strength to a role that also showcases the quiet sacrifices of partnership. Her chemistry with Arnett is the grounds of the emotional core of the movie. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is stunning. The streets and colors of New York come to life. Skin tones are accurate and details such as cloth and other materials are rich and vibrant. A wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio track here is wonderful. Dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. Ambient environmental sounds and audience laughter in stand-up comedy shows fill the surround channels. The score blends in around you. A solid audio mix from Searchlight and Disney. 

Bonus Feature*

• Mic Drop: Making Is This Thing On? – Go behind the scenes as filmmakers and cast open up about the inspirations behind this story of love, loss, and starting again. Get a glimpse into working with a remarkable ensemble and hear about how the team developed their comedy sets.

Conclusion:

"Is This Thing On?" is a solid look at separation and self-discovery. Solid performances from Arnett and Dern capture the pain of life at times as well the rewards that come through hardship. A decent bonus feature combined with solid video and audio make this a welcomed addition to your movie library. 

"Is This Thing On?" is available on digital and on 4K Blu-ray and DVD March 17th.

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

4K Digital Review of Ella McCay

 

Emma Mackey plays Ella McCay, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) takes a job in Washington D.C. and leaves his job to Lt. Governor Ella. She has plans for her 14 months in office. But her problems with her family take over her life. She struggles with her womanizing father Eddie (Woody Harrelson), as well as the emotional issues faced by her brother Casey (Spike Fearn). Ella's husband Ryan (Jack Lowden) creates a scandal for his wife and threatens her plan to help the people of her state.

Estella (Julie Kavner) plays Ella's secretary and narrator of this film. She gives us the details of Ella's life. We see her mother (Rebecca Hall), deal with her husband's cheating. When her mom passed away, Ella is pretty much on her own. But as we move back into the present, there is literally too much going on and nothing seems to be resolved. This is what hurts the movie. Too many characters with too many motivations and we get a maze that we never get out of.  

Video:

The 4K streaming video is crystal clear. Fine details such a as sets and clothing are wonderful. Colors are natural and unsaturated. Another outstanding transfer from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Audio:

The 5.1 Dolby Atmos audio track is very immersive. Environmental sounds surround you whether the scene takes place indoors or outdoors. Even background voices fall into the surround channels to increase the level of immersion. Dialogue is crystal clear through the front channels. The Hans Zimmer score fills in the space wonderfully. 

Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes:

• “You Win, We Lose”
• “Forget About The Union Rep”
• “I Love Girl”
• “No More Interruptions”
• “Make Your Family Whole”
• “A Small Concussion”
• “Hazel Bottomless”
• “You Got Him Out”
• “Nice Family”

 

Bloopers

Featurettes:

• A James L. Brooks Film: Go behind the scenes as the film’s star-studded cast and crew share their joy of working with acclaimed writer-director James L. Brooks. Experience Brooks’ singular gift for creating beloved, memorable movie moments — and what it’s like to hear him laugh.

• In Good Company: The Cast Of Ella McCay: Sit down with James L. Brooks as he talks about his extraordinary cast and as the actors share their respect and appreciation for Brooks — and each other. Hear about the casting process that created heartfelt chemistry both on set and onscreen.

Conclusion:

Ella McCay has an amazing cast and some witty writing but sadly this ends up feeling like something for television instead of a motion picture. The audio and video are solid and the bonus features are enjoyable if you are considering to make this a purchase. 

Ella McCay is out on digital and will available on Blu-ray on March 3rd.

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

DISNEY AND PIXAR DEBUT NEW “TOY STORY 5” TRAILER AND POSTER

 

An all-new trailer and poster for Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming animated adventure “Toy Story 5” debut today. The toys are back and this time, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?

 

The trailer also teases the anticipated reunion of Woody and Buzz following Woody’s decision to leave the gang and start helping lost toys at the end of 2019’s “Toy Story 4.” As the toys face the tech devices of today, it’s going to be all hands on deck with some familiar and all-new characters.

 

Several actors have joined the incredible roster of voice talent including Craig Robinson as Atlas, a cheerful talking GPS hippo toy; Shelby Rabara as the excitable camera toy Snappy; Scarlett Spears as the sweet and shy 8-year-old Bonnie; Mykal-Michelle Harris as Blaze, an independent 8-year-old girl who loves animals; and Matty Matheson as the tech-fearing toy Dr. Nutcase.

 

Also rounding out the voice cast are John Ratzenberger as the wisecracking piggybank Hamm; Wallace Shawn as Rex, the anxiety-riddled tyrannosaurus rex toy; Blake Clark as the ever-loyal Slinky Dog; Jeff Bergman as the sarcastic Mr. Potato Head; Anna Vocino as the nurturing Mrs. Potato Head; Annie Potts as the adventure-loving Bo Peep; Bonnie Hunt as the wise rag-doll Dolly; Melissa Villaseñor as Karen Beverly, Bonnie’s homemade toy fashioned out of a plastic knife; John Hopkins as the dignified hedgehog plush toy Mr. Pricklepants; Kristen Schaal as the plastic triceratops toy Trixie; Ernie Hudson as the action figure Combat Carl; and Keanu Reeves as Canadian daredevil toy Duke Caboom.

 

The previously announced voice cast includes Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie), Greta Lee (Lilypad), Conan O’Brien (Smarty Pants) and Tony Hale (Forky).

“Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton (“WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory”), co-directed by Kenna Harris (“Ciao Alberto”), produced by Lindsey Collins (“Turning Red,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Dory”), and features an original score by Academy Award® winner Randy Newman who returns to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature. The film releases exclusively in theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026. 

NEW TRAILER FOR “STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU”

 

A brand-new epic, action-packed trailer for “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” has arrived! Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” opens exclusively in theaters May 22, 2026.

 

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Directed by Jon Favreau, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” also stars Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White and is produced by Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce,  with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.

4K Digital Review of Zootopia 2

 

The first Zootopia is one of my favorite animated films ever. A sequel was inevitable and nine years later, Zootopia 2 has arrived. The movie begins one week after the end of the first film. Nick (Jason Bateman) and Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) get in trouble for a bust that goes wrong. But while this bust went wrong, they have stumbled upon another mystery that will lead them into further trouble as they continue to investigate it. 

This movie contains a lot of the same DNA of the original, but we get to focus on the relationship between Nick and Judy. You can see that the two have come a long way from the first film. You don't get the bickering of the first film but more of their differences of how to get this case solved. I won't get into any spoilers so you can let the movie unfold on its own.

While almost everyone returns to voice their characters again, there are a lot of new characters. We meet Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) who is a wonderful addition to the cast. Pawbert Lynxly (Andy Samberg) is a lynx and adds warmth and charm. Mayor Winddancer is voiced by Patrick Warburton in perhaps my favorite character since Kronk. 

If you are a fan of the first movie, then you will like the sequel. It continues the story along without just being a rehash of the first one. The returning characters move forward in their story and the new characters are a welcome addition.

Video:

The streaming 4K video is picture perfect. The colors are bright and bold, the details of the fur, scales, and cloth are all exceptional. Backgrounds are full of details and create a lived in world. A fantastic transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track is a wonderful match to the video quality. Dialogue is crisp and clear from the front channels. Environmental sounds surround you and invite you into the world. The amazing songs and soundtrack fill in all the surround channels. Another solid audio track from Disney. 

Bonus Features*

• Featurettes:

o   The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o   A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o   Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o   Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o   Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o   The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o   "Zoo" Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.”

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.

• What's In the Box?

• Where Are They Now?
• Animal Hospital

• Welcome to the Team

• Desert Festival

• Clawhauser Tracks Judy

• A Plight at the Museum

• Clawhauser's Family

Conclusion:

A fun movie filled with laughs and heart. We get wonderful returning characters and great new characters to propel the story forward. Lots of great bonus material as well will make this a more than worthy addition to your movie library.

Zootopia 2 is now available on digital. It will be available on DVD, 4K UHD on March 3rd.

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

4K Digital Review of Rental Family

 

Rental Family is a charming "feel good" film about human connections and a movie that is sorely needed at this time. Phillip (Brendan Fraser) is an American actor, living in Japan. His career is not going so great. He takes a gig to be a sad American, where he catches the eye of Shinji (Takehiro Hira), the owner of a "rental family" business. At this type of business, customers hire actors to fill in roles in their lives. 

Phillip isn't sure about taking this job but once he does his first gig he is hooked. But as he takes on further roles, he becomes emotionally invested and can see that he is making a positive difference in these people's lives. Two of these clients will also change Phillip forever.

The first is an elderly man, Kikuo (Akira Emoto), an aging actor with dementia. Phillip has been assigned to be a reporter who is seeking an interview. As the two men talk, the bond becomes strong. The second client is Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman). Her mother needs a father to help place Mia into a private school. Phillip and Mia also develop a strong bond. Phillip never had a father in his own life and feels the paternal relationship between him and Mia. 

As the relationships between Kikuo and Mia flourish, Phillip can see how tricky it can be toying with people's lives and hearts. The ideas of finding connection and purpose while also feeling completely lost in life is apparent. It is a heavy, dramatic film filled with powerful performances that will stay with you long after the movie is over.      

Video:

The streaming 4K video is crisp and sharp. Skin tones are accurate and clothing is detailed. The background environments, both indoors and outdoors are sharp and clear. Another wonderful transfer from Searchlight and Disney.  

Audio:

The audio mix is subtle which is perfect for a movie such as this. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. The environmental effects are subtle and immerse you in the scene. The beautiful score will surround you, envelope you, haunt you. 

Bonus Materials:

• Featurette: Rental Family Revealed — Go behind the scenes with Brendan Fraser, director HIKARI, and the Japanese cast as they explore friendship, culture, found family, and filming in Japan in this intimate look at the making of Rental Family.

 

• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
• Columbus
• Crying Session
• Apology
• Aiko’s First Client
• Clearbright
• Tickets
• Audition
• Phone Call
• Final Montage

Conclusion:

Rental Family is a deeply moving film that made me question my own role in life. Simple and honest storytelling with powerful performances throughout. A quiet charming film that will stay with you. Some good bonus features that would have done even better with an audio commentary. A highly recommended addition to your movie library.

4K Digital Review: Predator: Badlands

 

After Prey, I found myself fully vested in the Predator franchise once again. Predator: Killer of Killers added to that. That now brings us to Predator: Badlands, one of my most highly anticipated Predator movies ever. It did not fail to disappoint. By focusing on the Predator species known as the Yautja, we get this wonderful look into their culture and family structure.

Here we focus on Dek, a Yautja youth, who is considered to be the runt of the family by his father. His father wants him dead, but his brother tries to stop him. Dek, wants to prove he is a warrior and sets out to hunt a Kalisk, an apex predator on the planet of Genna.

Literally everything on Genna is out to kill you. Dek struggles but then comes across Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android. Even though she has been cut in half, Thia is remarkably resourceful and agrees to help Dek track the Kalisk. She also wants to meet up with the others from the corporation that are also on the planet.  The unlikely pair then meet a friendly creature that Thia names Bud. At the same time, Tessa, Thia's android "sister" has been retrieved by the corporation.

The corporation has other plans for the Kalisk. Dek and his friends go against the Wetland-Yutani corporation. I am curious to see how or if the Predator franchise will merge with the Alien franchise once again. In Alien: Earth we see some of the species that the Weyland-Yutani corporation are searching for. 

Video:

The 4K video is stunning. Details are sharp and crisp. Take a look at the characters and the environments. The details on the armor and weapons that Dek carries, the colors on the planet, the way the fur moves on Bud are all wonderful examples of the video quality.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack matched the video quality. The environmental sounds are immersive and completely surround you. The dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels. 

Bonus Features:

• Deleted & Pre-Visualization Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary:
• Sand Trap – An early animatic version of Dek’s very different first encounter with Thia.
• Squirt Canyon – The full version of Dek and Thia traversing the water-filled trench while trying to survive Genna…and each other.
• Tessa vs. Abe – Tessa faces off against a superior synth in this deleted scene and storyline.
• Razor Grass – The original previsualization of Dek, Thia, and Bud’s first hunt together…sort of.
• The Outpost – Thia takes Dek to a small Weyland-Yutani field facility where they experience a few things that ended up being used elsewhere in the final film.
• Super Power Loader Extended – Special additional moments during Dek’s climactic final battle with the Super Power Loader and the Kalisk.

 

• Featurettes:
• Embodying the Predator – Meet the talented team of designers, performers, and effects artists responsible for bringing one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures to life on screen in ways we’ve never seen before!
• Authentic Synthetics – Get up close and personal with synths Thia and Tessa as star Elle Fanning walks us through the process of crafting two characters who may look the same but have evolved in surprisingly unique ways.
• Building the Badlands – With razor sharp grass, killer trees, and terrifying animals, never has a planet been more deadly than Genna. Uncover how a team of artisans built this threatening landscape, transforming real locations into the dangerous environments seen on screen.
• Dek of the Yautja – For the first time ever, director Dan Trachtenberg has given audiences an extended peek at Predator culture. Follow the evolution as filmmakers reveal the process behind developing the Yautja’s home world, spacecraft, and family dynamics.  
• Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by Director Dan Trachtenberg, Producer Ben Rosenblatt, Director of Photography Jeff Cutter and Stunt Coordinator Jacob Tomuri.

Conclusion:

Predator: Badlands is a fun, visual spectacle with good bonus features. It takes the franchise in a different direction and I look forward to see what comes next. Highly recommended addition to your library.

Predator: Badlands is available now on digital.

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

IT’S TIME TO RAISE THE CURTAIN ON ‘THE MUPPET SHOW’ AS OFFICIAL TRAILER IS REVEALED

 

• The official trailer for “The Muppet Show” was revealed today, giving audiences a brand-new look at the highly anticipated special event featuring just-announced guest star Maya Rudolph, alongside special guest star Sabrina Carpenter and executive producer/guest star Seth Rogen.

• Premiere Info: “The Muppet Show” returns Feb. 4 for a triumphant special event on Disney+ (12:00 a.m. PST / 3:00 a.m. EST) and ABC (9:00 p.m. EST/PST).

• Music: “The Muppet Show Theme (2026)” single will be available Feb. 4 and is performed by The Muppets and produced by GRAMMY® and Emmy® Award-winner Bill Sherman. 

• Background on “The Muppet Show”: The original series “The Muppet Show,” created by Jim Henson, ran from 1976 through 1981 and aired in over 100 countries, featuring notable guest stars, including Elton John, Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, Gladys Knight, Liza Minelli, Paul Simon and many others. During its run, the series earned Emmy, GRAMMY, Peabody, BAFTA and numerous other awards. In a 1978 story, Time magazine called it "the most popular television entertainment now being produced on Earth." In 2026, “The Muppet Show” will celebrate its 50th anniversary. All five seasons of “The Muppet Show” are currently available to stream on Disney+.  

• Veteran Muppet performers Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Peter Linz, David Rudman and Matt Vogel will perform the majority of the iconic Muppet characters in this production, supported by a talented team of additional performers. Dave Goelz, who has performed with The Muppets for over 50 years, was one of the performers on the original “The Muppet Show” and originated the characters Gonzo and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, among many others. 

“STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD” TO PREMIERE ON DISNEY+ APRIL 6, 2026

 

An all-new animated series from Lucasfilm Animation, “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” will premiere on Disney+ April 6, 2026. Two episodes will premiere each week, with the final two airing on the ultimate Star Wars holiday, May the 4^th. Set after the events of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” this pulpy adventure finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who could be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

 

“Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord” is created by Dave Filoni, based on Star Wars and characters created by George Lucas. The series is developed by Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz. Brad Rau is supervising director. The executive producers are Dave Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Carrie Beck, and Josh Rimes. Alex Spotswood is the co-executive producer. The voice cast includes Sam Witwer as Maul, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Oscar® nominee Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David C. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

4K Digital Review of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

 

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is an almost emo look at the man and his music. A dark, depressive world that Springsteen turned into music. We see his sad childhood and we know that this is not going to be a glossy, feel good biopic. It is a showcase for Jeremy Allen White who plays Springsteen. 

As we hear the lyrics of the songs, we hear the problems Springsteen had with his father. The movie itself goes back and forth between the troubled childhood of Springsteen and his troubled early professional career. In the current time frame of the movie, there is also a romantic interest that is introduced. But history shows that Springsteen was very single during this time and I think would have made for a more interesting story. 

Video:

The 4K streaming presentation is another solid transfer from Disney and 20th Century Studios. There is so much detail and clarity. The color graded scenes are beautiful and the colors pop off the screen. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos presentation here is stunning. The live concert sequences take full advantage of this in terms of creating a huge immersive soundscape. Dialogue is clear and front channel forward. Environmental effects move effortlessly from the side and rear channels. This is another solid effort from Disney and 20th Century Studios.

Exclusive Four-Act Documentary: Making Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

• Act 1: From Book to Screen — See how Warren Zanes’ moving book inspired filmmakers to bring Bruce Springsteen’s most intimate chapter to life on screen.

• Act 2: Beyond the Music — An intimate look at Bruce Springsteen’s raw and enduring masterpiece “Nebraska” — its sound, spirit, and powerful influence on the film’s tone and emotion.

• Act 3: Becoming Bruce Springsteen — Jeremy Allen White dives deep into the mind and music of Bruce Springsteen, capturing the grit, grace, and humanity that define the icon’s artistry.

• Act 4: Deep Authenticity — From vintage wardrobe to the Asbury Park boardwalk, experience how the filmmakers captured the raw soul of Bruce Springsteen’s New Jersey.

Conclusion:

The film is slightly disjointed, but there are solid technical merits and a rather enjoyable look at the making of the film for anyone who is interested in adding this to their library. 

The movie is currently available on digital and 4K Blu-ray.

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

4K Digital Review of The Emperor's New Groove

 

The Emperor's New Groove Celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a new 4K UHD Digital and Blu-ray release. This animated film had troubles right from the start. A title change, vast story changes and a new director taking over in the 11th hour makes this a surprise that this movie is a really good animated buddy comedy. 

Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is the Incan ruler who is arrogant and is turned into a llama. Pacha, (John Goodman) a large shoulder peasant, befriends Kuzco in llama form. The movie's villain, Yzma, (Eartha Kitt) who is the advisor to Kuzco and her loyal assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton) are the main focus of the movie. The problems don't end there. But for a film that was hastily put together, it is still a fun movie full of enthusiasm and laughs. A definite welcomed addition to any animation fan's library. 

Video:

Not sure what happened here but the 4K streaming video isn't full of the "pop" or "wow" factor that I would have expected from a 4K release. Warmer colors such as reds and yellows do shine here. This is only a limited upgrade from the Blu-ray version. 

Audio:

There is a Dolby Atmos mix here that adds some fun immersion to the movie. The rainstorm at the beginning of the movie is a perfect example. The outdoor sequences have great environmental effects. Dialogue is clean and clear through the center channel. Finally, the score is nice and spacious.

Bonus Features:

There are no Bonus Features which is a huge shame for a 25th Anniversary release.  

Conclusion:

Unless you have a need for the video to be in streaming 4K or the audio to have an Atmos soundtrack, then this is not needed for your library. Hold on to your DVD or Blu-ray copy. 

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