Alien: Romulus Invades Digital Retailers on Oct. 15 and Terrorizes on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on Dec. 3

 

The legendary Alien franchise gives birth to an all-new terrifying sci-fi horror thriller when 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on October 15 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3.

Director Fede Alvarez takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots in the next jaw-dropping installment heralded by critics as “sheer terror” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) and “utterly breathtaking” (Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film). Alien: Romulus is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and has already thrilled audiences at the box office, becoming the second highest grossing film in the Alien franchise globally.

Alien: Romulus is the start of a new chapter with a brand-new story unlike any other Alien movie that came before it, featuring all-new creatures and characters that are “tense enough to grab you by the throat” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety). Fans can delve deeper into the Alien franchise with all-new exclusive bonus features, including featurettes with filmmakers Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, behind the scenes content, and alternate and extended scenes. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook® with custom artwork and packaging.

The original 1979 sci-fi thriller, Alien, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Fans can experience the terror in a 2-Movie Collection digital bundle (Alien & Alien: Romulus) on October 15 in 4K UHD, HD and SD.

Bonus Features*
Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus

• The Director’s Vision – Discover how one of today’s greatest horror directors, Fede Alvarez, collaborated with master filmmaker Ridley Scott to craft a new, heart-pounding chapter in the Alien franchise.
• Creating the Story – Learn what inspired the story of Alien: Romulus and see the many easter eggs from previous Alien installments that you may have missed.
• Casting the Faces – Meet the stars of Alien: Romulus as they take us inside the hearts and minds of their characters. Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley, and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past.
• Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically built facehuggers, chestbursters, and xenomorphs.

Inside the Xenomorph Showdown – Experience the film’s climactic zero-gravity sequence from every angle as filmmakers break down what it took to make the moment spectacular. From sets and performances, to wirework, stunts, and VFX, see how it all came together.

Alien: A Conversation – A special conversation with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the Alien 45th Anniversary theatrical re-release.

Alternate / Extended Scenes – Check out scenes that didn't make the final cut.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE ARRIVES ON DIGITAL 10/1 AND ON 4K UHD, BLU-RAY & DVD 10/22

 

LFG! Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine bursts onto digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango) on October 1 and explodes on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on October 22.

The highly anticipated introduction of the edgy, and dynamically comical heroes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already proven to be a massive success, becoming the biggest rated-R movie in history and the #5 highest-grossing MCU domestic release of all-time. “The movie broke so many records,” said Ryan Reynolds. “The only way to describe how I feel is, just south of ‘I’m finally enough’ and slightly north of, ‘I forgive my father.’”

Certified-Fresh and Verified Hot on Rotten Tomatoes™ and celebrated by critics as “Just really f*cking fun” (Kristy Puchko, Mashable), “Fires on all cylinders, and one viewing is not enough” (Pete Hammond, Deadline), and “The Greatest Film Ever Made” (Ryan Reynolds), the home entertainment release goes far beyond the fourth wall with exclusive content featuring a hilarious gag reel, deleted scenes, all-new featurettes, filmmaker commentary with director/producer/writer, Shawn Levy and star/producer/writer, Ryan Reynolds and much more of that extras s$%t fans love.

Plus, get your socks ready, nerds…you can look for all the cameos and easter eggs you missed in the theater when the film arrives in stunning, mind-blowing 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision® along with Atmos® audio for the finest picture and sound presentation at home!

Moreover, a maximum effort has gone into Amazon Prime Video’s Bonus X-ray Experience. More revealing than red spandex, it includes featurettes you can’t get just anywhere including Deadpool doodles, character pros and cons, and trivia that’s been fact-checked by the Merc with a Mouth himself (pinkie swear). And there’s a carousel of fun on Fandango at Home and crisp, juicy bits on Apple TV for pumpkin-pie lovers and everyone else, including those who are Avengers-adjacent, to enjoy.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray will be released in a national sku and special limited-edition SteelBooks®, featuring exclusive custom art and packaging. Fans will see red and yellow with two SteelBook versions to choose – one version spotlights Deadpool and the other showcases Wolverine, with images of each character’s multiple variants in all their glory included inside!

Film Synopsis
Marvel Studios presents their most significant mistake to date – Deadpool & Wolverine. A listless Wade Wilson toils away in civilian life. His days as the morally flexible mercenary, Deadpool, behind him. When his home world faces an existential threat, Wade must reluctantly suit up again with an even more reluctantlier... reluctanter? Reluctantest? He must convince a reluctant Wolverine to... oh hell, just watch the movie. Synopses are stupid.

Bonus Features*

• Finding Madonna: Making the Oner – Director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds break down a historic scene in the film: the “Oner,” which highlights the first fight in which Deadpool and Wolverine finally unite.
• Practical Approach: Celebrating the Art of Ray Chan – A tribute to longtime Marvel Studios collaborator Ray Chan, who sadly passed away in 2024 – the cast and crew recall anecdotes and echo the resounding positive effects of filming on the set he helped design, full of intricate details and Easter eggs.
• Loose Ends: The Legacy Heroes – Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and the cast and crew go through some of the mind-blowing cameos and the characters who finally get their deserved endings. They cover the intensive choreographed sequences, updated costumes, and assembling the iconic team.
• Wolverine – Hugh Jackman describes the return to his iconic role as Wolverine. Cast and crew discuss how he picks up his yellow and blue suit for the first time, brings variety to the role, and continues his legacy from previous films.
• Filmmaker Commentary – Listen to audio commentary by director Shawn Levy and actor Ryan Reynolds.
• Gag Reel – Watch some hilarious outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Deadpool & Wolverine
• Deleted Scenes
  • Elevator Ride – Paradox explains the sacred timeline to Deadpool as they walk around the TVA.
  • Do Nothing – B-15 instructs Paradox to stay out of trouble, rejecting his efforts to take action.
  • Daddy’s In Love – B-15 and Peter strike up a romance. Peter announces he is in love to his friends, Headpool and Kidpool.
• “Fun Sack”
  • Dr. Deadpool – Dr. Deadpool, Ph.D. very kindly informs us of the risks of testicular cancer and tries to convince Hugh Jackman to do a live checkup.
  • Product Review – Deadpool shows off some toys and trinkets from the franchise, including one top-secret item that may or may not be a spoiler.
  • Wade is Back – Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman promote a movie...but Ryan misleads Hugh on just exactly which movie they are there for.

4K Digital Review: The Bob's Burgers Movie

The plot of The Bob's Burgers Movie centers around several disasters around the restaurant including a loan that is now due and a water main break that has caused a massive sinkhole at the entrance to the restaurant. So, with the loan payment due that will repossess their equipment and not being able to bring customers into the restaurant, our story begins. Adding to the problems is a skeleton that is found in the sinkhole and thus leads us to the Belcher kids on  a Scooby-Doo type mystery. Filled with music, songs, humor and very real family dynamics makes this a movie worth watching. 

Video

The 4K streaming video is pristine as the movie, and the show for that matter, has a charming minimalism to it.  The animation is very simple and not overly complex and that lends itself to the charm of the movie. So, the fine detail that I usually discuss, is not part of the mix here.

Audio

The Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is solid and makes good use of the surround channels. The score surrounds you and sound effects envelope you especially in the Wonder Wharf sequence. The dialogue is centered and is crisp and clean. 

Take a look at the video for the home video release:

Bonus Features*

Audio Commentary

· Watch the movie with audio commentary by H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Kristen Schaal, Directors Loren Bouchard and Bernard Derriman, Writer Nora Smith and Production Designer Ruben Hickman.

Featurette

· Making Of the Movie: Bob's Burgers Creator Loren Bouchard talks about turning Bob's Burgers the TV show into Bob's Burgers the show that’s a movie.

Theatrical Short (Seen Only in Limited Theaters)

· My Butt Has a Fever - Theatrical Version: The Belcher children perform in the school talent show in order to share their very important and powerful message.

· My Butt Has a Fever - Animatic Version: A look Behind-the-scenes, the animatic of the theatrical short My Butt Has a Fever.

Deleted Scenes

· Metal Detector: Bob and Linda go to City Hall in a version of the movie where they went to City Hall.

· Burning Piers: The turbulent history of Wonder Wharf.

· Grover's Office: Bob and Linda go to Grover’s office in a version of the movie where they went to Grover’s Office.

Deleted Scenes with Audio Commentary

· The Movie We Didn't Make: Creator Loren Bouchard and Writer Nora Smith discuss trying to make a movie, particularly The Bob’s Burger Movie.

· Metal Detector: Bob and Linda go to City Hall, with commentary by Creator Loren Bouchard and Writer Nora Smith.

· Burning Piers: The turbulent history of Wonder Wharf, with commentary by Creator Loren Bouchard and Writer Nora Smith.

· Grover's Office: Bob and Linda go to Grover's Office, with commentary by Creator Loren Bouchard and Writer Nora Smith.

Animation Extras - Animatics

"Sunny Side Up Summer" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress not-even-color-yet animatic of the song “Sunny Side Up Summer.”

· "Lucky Ducks" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress not-even-color-yet animatic of the song “Lucky Ducks.”

· "Not That Evil" Storyboards and Rough Animation Featuring David Wain: David Wain performs an entire dance routine, with no formal training, to his character Grover’s song “Not That Evil.” Plays alongside the song’s animatic.

· "End Credits" Storyboards and Rough Animation: The work-in-progress animatic of the End Credits, comes with provocative dance moves and unconventional rhythm.

Animation Extras - Animating the Scene

· Linda Through the Pass-Through with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: The progression of a scene from storyboard to animation, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman, and also Linda is in it.

· Bob And Linda Go to The Bank: A time lapse of the bank scene being animated.

· Bob And Linda Go to The Bank with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: A time lapse of the bank scene being animated, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman.

· Louise Grabs the Fuse: A time lapse of the “Louise Grabs the Fuse” scene being animated.

· Louise Grabs the Fuse with Commentary by Director Bernard Derriman: A time lapse of the “Louise Grabs the Fuse” scene being animated, with commentary by Director Bernard Derriman.

Conclusion

The movie will be enjoyed by everyone who enjoys the series and even by those who are discovering the Belcher family for the first time. The vast amounts of bonus features have a sense of hope and optimism. A solid video and audio with wonderful bonus features make this a welcome addition into your collection.  

The Bob's Burgers Movie is available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD.

*A digital copy was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own.*

4K Digital Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes place a few months after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It opens with Strange waking from a nightmare, where he is being helped by a young girl as they are being chased by a monster. As he attends the wedding of his ex, Christine Palmer, a monster attacks New York City. As Strange springs into action he realizes the monster is the one from his nightmare. That monster is chasing the young girl Strange also saw in that same nightmare. 

Strange, with the help of Wong, defeats the monster and they save the young girl. This young girl is America Chavez and she is able to travel the multiverse. She tells strange and Wong that someone is after her to use her powers for their own needs. 

Strange realizes that a witch is controlling the monster and seeks out Wanda to help him discover who this witch may be. When it becomes apparent that the Scarlet Witch has taken over Wanda, Strange and America find themselves traveling the multiverse to find a way to stop the Scarlet Witch.

Sam Raimi was the perfect choice to direct the darkest film in the MCU to date. The film is filled with his quick camera moves and dark humor. Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen are both fantastic but Olsen really shines here. Her performance is power, emotional and compelling. 

There are a lot of surprises, some fantastic easter eggs and two post credit scenes so, as always, stay until the very end. 

Video

The streaming 4K video is stunning as to be expected from Disney. The attention is in the details from skin tones, to costume textures and all the details in the multiverse whether it is real or computer generated. The colors are bold and leap off the screen from Strange's cape to America's denim jacket. This is as perfect as you can get.

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is pretty solid. Some of the action scenes could use more depth from the sound field but other than that the surround sound is rich and enveloping as to be expected from Marvel and Disney. The dialogue is clear and centered throughout the entire movie.

Check out the trailer for the home video release below:

Bonus Features*

There are some fun bonus features but the real star is the audio commentary that is insightful of the story and film making process and maybe gives some clues into the future of the MCU.

Featurettes

• Method to the Madness - Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
• Introducing America Chavez - In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character's unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
• Constructing the Multiverse - Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Bloopers

• Gag Reel - Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Deleted Scenes

• A Great Team - A journalist questions Doctor Strange's integrity.
• Pizza Poppa - Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange's spell ends.
• It's Not Permanent - Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.

Audio Commentary

• View the film with audio commentary by Sam Raimi, Richie Palmer, and Michael Waldron.

Conclusion

Another solid entry into the MCU as Phase 4 moves right along. Near perfect video and audio with some fun bonus features and a fantastic audio commentary makes this a must have in your collection. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available for digital download and will be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on July 26th.

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

4K Digital Review: Death On The Nile

Based on Agatha Christie's novel of the same name, Death on the Nile, is the sequel to 2017's Murder on the Orient Express. Detective Hercule Poirot vacation in Egypt becomes a search for a murderer after a picture-perfect couples honeymoon is cut tragically short. This tale of passion and jealousy is filled with twists and turns until the shocking finale. The cast here is solid with fantastic performances by Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, and Russell Brand. In fact this may be Gadot's finest role and goes toe to toe as the best actor in the film with Branagh. 

Video:

The streaming 4K is superb as the movie is native 4K and shot in 70mm. The film is bright and vibrant with great details and sharpness. My only complaint on the clarity is that some of the green screen is so obvious that it took me out of the film for a moment. The scope of the film is big and watching it, the rooms and all of Egypt, feels wide and spacious. Colors are bright and bold. Details such  as fabrics are very clear. Skin tones and facial features look like you are seeing the actors through a window. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is solid. Vocals are crisp and clear as you would expect. The score soars and helps build the tension of the movie. Ambient sounds surround you while the sounds of gunshots or a falling boulder or two are loud and create the desired impact. 

Bonus Features*

Featurettes

• Death on the Nile: Novel to Film – Explore the new vision for Agatha Christie’s classic novel DEATH ON THE NILE, and how Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Michael Green collaborated with Christie’s estate to bring a new twist to this story of love and murder.
• Agatha Christie: Travel Can Be Murder – The story behind the book connects with Christie’s own love of travel, and especially Egypt and its secrets. Her legacy continues through her family and new generations of filmmakers and actors, all at once contributing to the immortality of her novels.
• Design on the Nile – The setting, the costumes, the photography, all contribute to the Agatha Christie touch. We take a fun tour of this “ship of suspects” and learn details about the overall look and design of everything from the characters to the environment.
• Branagh/Poirot – Kenneth Branagh is a one-of-a-kind artist who can switch hats with exceptional skill, playing Poirot one moment and directing the next. This piece pays tribute to Branagh’s ability to stay connected to his cast and creative team through it all.

Deleted Scenes

• The Market
• Poirot's Cabin
• Rosalie and Bouc Outside Temple
• Windlesham Jogging
• Poirot Discusses Case
• Poirot and Bouc Approach Jackie
• Confronting Bouc and the Otterbournes
• Poirot Orders Books

Conclusion:

Death on the Nile is a wonderful film that will make for a great murder-mystery movie night. The cast is exceptional, the film transfer is vibrant with a solid Dolby Atmos track. The bonus features add some nice perspective as well some depth to the film. 

Death on the Nile is now available for digital download and available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2022. 

*The digital download was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are solely mine.*

4K Digital Review: Nightmare Alley

 

Nightmare Alley is adapted from the novel of the same name by Lindsay Gresham and the basis for the 1947 movie starring Tyrone Power. The 1947 movie is considered to be one of the greatest in film noir. This time is it director Guillermo del Toro's take and it is easily his most beautiful film yet to date.  

The film opens with a mysterious scene and Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) is on the run. He ends up at a traveling carnival, where the carnival's barker (Willem Dafoe) finds him a job. Soon he becomes friends with Zeena "The Seer" (Toni Collette) and her husband Pete (David Strathairn) and becomes part of their act. Stanton learns their secrets and leaves with Molly (Rooney Mara), an innocent young women who also has an act at the carnival. 

Less than a decade later, Stanton and Molly have a mentalist act that lures in the socially elite. At one of the shows, they meet Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett) who is out to disprove his abilities. Will this be the end of the scam or just the start? This is now a battle to the finish. 

Audio

The Dolby Atmos track is perfect considering the film's genre of film noir.  So don't expect a lot of attention-grabbing sounds but the use of creating depth using the score as well as atmosphere and other sound effects draw you further into the movie without causing any distractions. 

Video

The streaming 4K video is fantastic with incredible detail and visual depth. With the use of many sequences of the film using close-ups the richness of the details shine. The skintones, costumes and sets are superbly rendered. The use of shadows and lighting look very natural. 

Bonus Features

• Del Toro’s Neo Noir – Writer-director Guillermo del Toro and his standout cast decipher the dark, complicated world of Nightmare Alley. The filmmaker reveals how his take on noir is rooted in classic cinema but offers an accessible, modern narrative.
• Beneath the Tarp – Production designer Tamara Deverell and her talented team skillfully delivered both a decaying traveling carnival world and a gilded Art Deco high society with striking visuals. We explore how this design supported del Toro’s genre-bending filmmaking.
• What Exists in the Fringe – Costume designer Luis Sequeira unravels his collaboration with Guillermo del Toro and reveals the symbolism that’s constantly at play in the film’s carefully crafted wardrobe’s design.

Conclusion

Nightmare Alley is a beautiful journey into film noir. The video quality is wonderful and the audio mix draws you further into the film. There is a fair offering of bonus features. You owe it to yourself to add this to your collection.

Nightmare Alley is now available on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 22. 

*disclaimer: the digital copy was provided to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review but the opinions are strictly mine alone*

4K Digital Review: The King's Man

 

The first two Kingsman movies were action spy comedies that never took themselves too seriously. The King's Man, while being a prequel, is more a traditional spy thriller that doesn't live up to the expectations set forth by the previous two movies. 

The cast is solid with the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Djimon Hounsou, Rhys Ifans, and more that all stand out. Unfortunately, the film tries to do too much. While I enjoyed the historical references of World War 1, it seems like director Matthew Vaughn is trying to set up another Kingsman franchise within the timeline of this movie.  

The action sequences are far and few between but all of them will leave a solid impression on you. After all action sequences are what Vaughn is known for. But in the end, all the action and comedy of the previous Kingsman films make way for a more serious movie closely tied into the actual events of World War 1, making for a much more serious movie than the previous two. 

  

Video

The 4K video is crisp and clean. The black levels are dark and inky. The details on clothing and even the beard on Rasputin are crystal clear. In fact, the video clarity is almost too clean and there is no evidence of film grain.  

Audio

The Dolby Atmos 5.1 audio track is wonderful and makes full use of all the surround sound speakers. The World War 1 battle scenes are the best examples of this as the sounds of war envelope you into the scene. The score makes incredible use of all the speakers available to it and dialogue is crystal clear. 

Bonus Features*

• The King's Man: The Great Game Begins Documentary
• A Generation Lost – Discover how the filmmakers created a richly textured story that explores the origins of the Kingsman spy organization.
• Oxfords and Rogues – Meet the phenomenal new cast of characters Matthew Vaughn has assembled.
• All the World's a Stage – Delve into the meticulous world-building of THE KING’S MAN with interviews, on-location footage, artwork, and details of on-set construction and design.
• Instruments of War – Experience the analog spy tech and early 20th century weaponry utilized in THE KING’S MAN and see a breakdown of the precise execution and evolution of the major stunts and combat in the film.
• Fortune Favors the Bold – Join Matthew Vaughn and his team for music scoring and sound design.
• Long Live the Kingsman – Cast and crew reveal their thoughts about their collective journey through the very special experience of making THE KING’S MAN.

• Featurettes
• No Man's Land – Experience the creative process behind the harrowing knife battle sequence in several stages: rehearsals, storyboards, interviews and on-set footage, culminating with the atmospheric VFX.
• Remembrance and Finding Purpose – Learn about amazing organizations such as The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes, two U.K.-based resources for recovery, well-being and employment for military veterans. Also hear why Matthew Vaughn strongly supports their mission.

Conclusion

The King's Man is a decent prequel to the Kingsman franchise but might be setting up more stories for future movies. The video and audio are exceptional and the bonus features are top notch. 

*disclaimer: The digital download was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment but the review is strictly my opinion*

4K Digital Review: Summer of Soul - Perhaps the Best Concert Film of All-Time

 

It was the summer of 1969 and some of the biggest acts in music took the stage and I am not talking about Woodstock. This was a six-weekend festival in the heart of Harlem, that was filmed and no producers were interested so the footage ended up in a basement for half a century. Imagine a festival with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, The Fifth Dimension and Gladys Knight and The Pips all in their prime and yet this event was written out of the history books. Musician and record producer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson feature debut intertwines the music with interviews and politics to make perhaps the best concert film of all-time.  

The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival played out during a time of cultural and political change. While it was a little over a year after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the festival was taking place at the same time as the moon landing.  One common view at the festival was that more attention was spent on sending men into space than ending poverty or racism. Fifty years later, how much has changed? Think about that as you take in the powerful performances at a turning point in the the history of the United States. 

Video

The 4K transfer is great considering most of the footage is from archival footage sitting in a basement for 50 years. Skin tones look natural and details hold up really well. 

Audio

The 5.1 surround sound is pretty good considering the audio sources were from 50 years ago. In the commentary you find out that they recorded the festival using 19 microphones so there was abundant sources of audio available. 

Bonus Features*

• Audio Commentary – View the film with audio commentary by director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. This is a really insightful commentary and you learn so much about the making of the film that it truly is information overload in the best way possible. 
• Soul Searching – A behind-the-scenes look at Summer of Soul. We’ll learn about where the footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival has been, how it was uncovered, and why director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson decided to tell this story now.
• Harlem: Then & Now – We revisit Mount Morris Park, location of the Harlem Cultural Festival. We learn how the neighborhood was a crossroads of culture and precarious politics and explore why Summer of Soul is so relevant during this present time of great political upheaval.

Conclusion:

Summer of Soul is one of the best concert films of all-time in terms of the musical content as well as the insight from people in attendance as well as what was happening in our country during the time of this music festival. The film quality is exceptional considering the age of the footage and the audio commentary alone is worth the price of this digital download. A solid addition to your film collection. 

Summer of Soul is now available on digital and DVD. 

*disclaimer: the digital download was provided by Disney for the purpose of this review but the opinions are entirely my own*

4K Digital Review: Disney's Encanto - A Magical Film About Family

 

Walt Disney Animation Studio's 60th film Encanto is another classic!

We are introduced to the Madrigal family, who live in a magical home that bestows upon each of them a magical gift when they become of age. That is, everyone but for Maribel, who is constantly reminded that gifts are of utmost importance in the family. The lack of her gift makes Maribel feel worthless. But as the house begins to lose its magic, we also see each family members facade start to crack and fall apart. In order to try to save the house, the magic and her family, Maribel sets out to find Bruno, the black sheep of the family, who can see the future and his vision may tear the family apart or bring it back together.

Encanto continues Disney's excellence in embracing family and friendship. The animation is gorgeous and the colors explode off the screen while the memorable songs will have you singing for days. We are also reminded that while families don't always get along, in the end, they will always be there for one another. 

Video

The streaming 4K video is excellent. Details are superb from clothing to the house itself. Colors pop off the screen. Just a perfect video presentation. 

Audio

The 5.1 audio mix is superb offering pinpoint clarity of audio effects, crystal clear dialogue and the score and songs envelope you. 

Bonus Features*

• Sing Along with the Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics as you watch the movie.
• Familia Lo Es Todo – Members of the Disney Animation “Familia” cultural trust share real-life experiences in this exploration of the lovable Madrigal family members. We learn what inspired each character, and about how the artists’ designs bring realism to their personalities.
• Discover Colombia – The filmmaking team discusses how the multiple cultures, biodiversity and vibrant colors of Colombia are expressed in Encanto. They describe how satisfying it was to fully celebrate this beautiful country and support the theme of magical realism.
• A Journey Through Music – The filmmakers invite us to discover how each character came to be represented musically. We follow the creation of Encanto’s Colombian-inspired music, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs and Germaine Franco’s score, from concept to final recording.
• Let’s Talk About Bruno – Learn how the song “We Don't Talk About Bruno,” with its intriguing undertones, was created. Discover the extensive collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Jamal Sims, the voice cast and animators in bringing it to the screen.
• Our Casita – La Casa Madrigal is alive with magic, and its emotional state is affected by other family members. From its colorful doors to its fine stonework, the magical house was designed using principles of Colombian tradition.
• Outtakes – From the thrill of “nailing” a take in the presence of an entertainment industry icon to the hilarity of losing a wrestling match with tongue-twisting dialogue, join the cast for some good-natured fun from behind the microphone.
• Journey to Colombia – With the help of the Colombian Cultural Trust, a dedicated team of consultants, the filmmakers of Encanto embark on a journey of discovery to learn more about Colombia and how best to reflect the country’s cultures and environments on the big screen.
• An Introduction to Far From the Tree – Writer and director Natalie Nourigat introduces the Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Far From the Tree.
• Far From the Tree – Parenting is hard, especially when curiosity tugs at a young raccoon whose parent tries to keep them both safe. In the Walt Disney Animation Studios short Far From the Tree, this youngster learns to live with an open heart… even as danger lurks. 

• Deleted Scenes
• Introduction – Heads of Story Jason Hand and Nancy Kruse present four scenes not seen in the film’s release, but were part of the journey toward the final version of the story.
• Chores! – Abuela has sent most of the family to town on various assignments that bring them acclaim, while Mirabel, her father and uncle are asked to clean the house.
• Another Way In – Mirabel attempts to understand a clue found in her uncle’s vision. To make this happen, she must go through Antonio’s room, where adventures unfold.
• Isabela Goes Into the Woods – When Mirabel sees her sister head for apparent danger in the woods, she races to save her, and encounters the surprise of a lifetime!
• Back to the Mural – Feeling rejected, Mirabel goes back to town. Abuela seeks her out and reveals a part of her personality that her granddaughter has never seen.

• Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.

o    The Family Madrigal 

o    Colombia, Mi Encanto 

o    Waiting on a Miracle

o    Surface Pressure

o    We Don’t Talk About Bruno

o    What Else Can I Do

o    Dos Oruguitas

o    All of You        

Conclusion:  

Encanto is an instant classic full of warmth and thoughfulness that we have come to expect from Disney. A family film about family filled with gorgeous animation, solid music and wonderful bonus features makes Encanto a must have in your collection.

Encanto is available now on digital and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD February 8th. 

*disclaimer: a digital copy was provided to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for review purposes but all of the opinions are strictly mine*