Trailer and Poster for The Bluey Movie DEBUTS at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

 

Hooray! The brand-new teaser trailer and poster for “The Bluey Movie” have arrived, offering a first look at the CG-animated film. Based on the beloved series about Bluey, a lovable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog who lives with her Mum, Dad, and little sister, Bingo, “The Bluey Movie” takes place on an action-packed day when a big surprise changes everything for Bluey and her family. The film arrives in theaters on August 6, 2027.

 

The teaser trailer just played to a packed house at the Honda Center as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, complete with a surprise game of Keepy Uppy for the fans with the iconic red balloons. The trailer and poster are now available to view and share.

 

“The Bluey Movie” is written and directed by creator Joe Brumm and produced by Ludo Studio in collaboration with BBC Studios, with distribution through Walt Disney Studios. The film is produced by Amber Naismith and co-directed by Richard Jeffery. Joe Brumm also serves as executive producer, alongside Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson for Ludo Studio, and Justine Flynn for BBC Studios. Returning voice talent includes Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Mum (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit).

 

The Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning animated series “Bluey” was 2025’s #1 most-streamed program in the U.S. for the second year in a row, with 45.2 billion minutes streamed. “Bluey” was also the No. 1 kids’ show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the U.K.

TRAILER AND POSTER FOR DISNEY’S “HEXED”

 

The first trailer and poster for Disney’s “Hexed,” an all-new magical coming-of-age saga releasing in theaters November 25, are here. The original animated film is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65^th animated feature.

 

Joining previously announced voice cast members Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones are seven-time Emmy Award® winner Tracey Ullman (“The Tracey Ullman Show,” “Tracey Takes On…,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”) who voices the enchanted feather quill pen Ms. Quill, and Stephen Fry (“The Interrogator,” “The Hobbit” trilogy, “Gosford Park,” “Jeeves and Wooster,” “V for Vendetta”) as the magical journal Elias Quire.

 

The new trailer introduces the impulsive and unconventional teenage girl Billie (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and her cautious mother Alice (voiced by Rashida Jones). When Billie accidentally unleashes secret magical abilities, she’s hurtled out of suburbia and into a magical realm called Hexe, where she’s greeted by Ms. Quill (voiced by Tracey Ullman) and Elias Quire (voiced by Stephen Fry). As Billie’s spectacle-filled journey unfolds, she discovers family mysteries that could change the magical world of witches forever.

Director Fawn Veerasunthorn said, “A wonderfully strange phenomenon is happening all around Billie, something she can’t explain. She's someone who has felt miscast in her own life, and it takes leaving her normal world behind and entering a hidden world of wild, unhinged magic to begin to understand herself.”

 

“Hexe is a place where Billie begins to feel seen for the first time in her life,” director Jason Hand said. “She embarks on a journey of self-discovery that reveals a powerful connection to magic, and in the process uncovers long-held secrets about her family.”

 

Disney’s “Hexed” is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, co-directed by Josie Trinidad, and produced by Roy Conli and Yvett Merino. The film opens exclusively in theaters November 25, 2026.

TEASER TRAILER AND POSTER FOR DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “GATTO”

 

The first teaser trailer and poster for Disney and Pixar’s “Gatto,” an original animated adventure that takes viewers into the feline-run underbelly of Venice, Italy, is here. 

 

Mark Ruffalo (“Poor Things,” “The Avengers,” “Spotlight, “Foxcatcher”) has joined the voice cast as the scrappy black cat Nero, and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix” trilogy, “Boyz n the Hood,” “What's Love Got to Do with It”) will voice the ruthless mob boss cat Rocco. The teaser trailer introduces Nero and Rocco as they question another cat in a funny interrogation scene.

 

In “Gatto,” after years of maneuvering the canal-ridden, superstitious city of Venice, Italy, Nero begins to question whether he’s lived the right lives. Indebted to Rocco, the local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose—unless Venice gets the better of him first.

 

“Gatto” is directed by Enrico Casarosa and produced by Andrea Warren, the filmmaking team behind the Oscar®-nominated feature “Luca.” The new film releases exclusively in theaters March 5, 2027.

TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN, JOAN CUSACK, TAYLOR SWIFT AND MORE CELEBRATE “TOY STORY 5” WORLD PREMIERE IN LA

 

The voice cast and filmmakers behind Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming animated adventure “Toy Story 5,” including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Taylor Swift (original song by), Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, Craig Robinson, Tony Hale, Andrew Stanton (director), Kenna Harris (co-director), Lindsey Collins (producer) and Randy Newman (composer), convened at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood earlier this evening to celebrate the film’s show-stopping world premiere.

 

The premiere concluded with an unforgettable surprise performance from 14-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Taylor Swift, who performed the brand-new original song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff for the upcoming film. Swift was then joined by 7-time GRAMMY Award and 2-time Academy Award®-winning composer Randy Newman for a special duet of the beloved classic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Written and performed by Newman for the original “Toy Story,” the iconic song has been featured in all five of the “Toy Story” films.

 

Voice cast members Scarlett Spears, Shelby Rabara, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Lori Alan, Jay Hernandez, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Wallace Shawn, Krys Marshall, Jeff Bergman, Blake Clark, Anna Vocino, Matty Matheson, John Ratzenberger and Melissa Villaseñor, as well as Pete Docter (executive producer, Pixar chief creative officer) and Jonas Rivera (executive producer) were also in attendance.

During the red-carpet at tonight’s premiere, attendees – including the stars of the film – wrote heartfelt messages to kids in children’s hospitals. Disney, Pixar and Starlight Children’s Foundation are making “Toy Story 5” available to nearly 400 hospitals via the Disney Movie Moments program, which gives patients the opportunity to enjoy movies while they’re still in theaters. In Oakland, Orlando, and Washington, D.C., Disney is taking the experience even further by transforming hospital play areas into Bonnie’s room, along with hosting screenings of the film, character meet and greets, themed activities, and more. More “Toy Story 5” screenings and charitable initiatives will take place for kids and families in the coming weeks.

 

The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) 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? “Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, p.g.a., and written by Stanton and Harris from a story by Stanton. The film features the original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” – performed by Taylor Swift and written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff – along with an original score by Oscar® winner Randy Newman, who returns to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature. “Toy Story 5” is rated PG and releases exclusively in theaters June 19, 2026.

“ICE AGE: BOILING POINT” TEASER TRAILER AND POSTER

 

An all-new teaser trailer and poster are now available for “Ice Age: Boiling Point,” the highly anticipated next chapter in the iconic herd’s prehistoric misadventures.

 

The teaser trailer shows Manny (voice of Ray Romano), Diego (voice of Denis Leary), Sid (voice of John Leguizamo), Buck (voice of Simon Pegg) and Ellie (voice of Queen Latifah) – along with acorn-obsessed Scrat, Crash, Eddie and Baby Scrat – as they blast out of a volcano and straight into a dinosaur-and-lava-filled madcap adventure to visit never-before-seen corners of the treacherous Lost World.

 

“Ice Age: Boiling Point” is directed by John Donkin (“The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild”) and produced by Lori Forte (“Ice Age,” “Ice Age: Collision Course”). The film releases exclusively in theaters February 5, 2027.

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.* 

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. 

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.* 

“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 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*

“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 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*

Disney and Pixar’s Cosmic Misadventure “Elio” – Teaser Trailer and Poster

 

What if the thing you were searching for found you first? In Pixar Animation Studios’ big-screen comedic misadventure, alien-obsessed Elio discovers the answer to that question when he is transported to the Communiverse, an interplanetary paradise that is home to intelligent life from galaxies far and wide. But when he’s mistaken as Earth’s leader, he’ll have to form unexpected bonds, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and make sure he doesn’t lose the opportunity to live out his ultimate dream. The new trailer and poster for Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” are now available.  

 

Opening only in theaters June 13, 2025, “Elio” 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. The film is 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”). 

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ “MOANA 2” SMASHES BOX OFFICE RECORDS

 

With a 5-day domestic debut of $221M, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2” is shattering numerous box office records including the biggest 5-day opening of all time, the biggest Thanksgiving debut and Thanksgiving weekend (3-day and 5-day), the biggest Thanksgiving day, and the biggest Black Friday ever. The film, which reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage, opened in most markets around the world with $165M internationally, bringing its global cume to date to $386M, the second biggest global debut of 2024. 

 

“‘Moana 2’ has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that ‘Moana’ has become,” said Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman. “We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented and hard-working creative team at Disney Animation who brought this new adventure to life, alongside our wonderful stars Auli’i and Dwayne and great new music. This is a moment to celebrate, and we’re thankful to all the moviegoers and fans who’ve helped make this a record-breaking debut.”

Domestic records include:

• Biggest 5-day opening of all-time (surpassing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”/$204.6M)
• Biggest Thanksgiving weekend of all time by far ($221M 5-day, $135.5M 3-day, surpassing “Frozen 2”/$125M 5-day and $94M 3-day)
• Biggest Thanksgiving debut by far (more than doubling “Frozen”/$94M 5-day and $67M 3-day)
• Thanksgiving Day of $28M (nearly doubling “Frozen 2”/$15M) 
• Highest ever Black Friday at the box office with $54.5M (exceeding “Frozen 2”/$34.2M)
• Biggest Walt Disney Animation Studios debut of all time.
• Disney now holds the top 7 Thanksgiving debuts of all time and 9 of the top 10. 

 

This is Disney’s third film this year to surpass $150M domestically in its opening weekend, alongside Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($211M) and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” ($155M), marking the three biggest openings of 2024.

“Moana 2” is off to a strong start internationally as well, driven by No. 1 openings around the world. 

• Highest animated opening weekend of all time in France
• Second highest animated weekend of all time in Italy and Brazil
• Highest WDAS opening weekend of all time across the Latin American region and in nearly 30 individual markets worldwide, including France, Italy, Australia, Brazil and Mexico

 

It is now open in all markets except Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, releasing in all three in the coming week. 

DISNEY ANIMATION’S “MOANA 2” -- NEW TV SPOT AND POSTER

 

A new TV spot offers a sneak peek at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2,” including a new song, “We’re Back,” from the film. The epic animated musical, which opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.  

 

The voice cast also features returning stars Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), as well as Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. 

 

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. 

4K Digital Review of Inside Out 2

 

When Inside Out came out in 2015, it caught us all by surprise with a heartwarming story about growing up and the emotions that struggle to work together to keep us together. A charming movie and a huge box office win meant that a sequel was inevitable. I don't think anyone was prepared  for Inside Out 2 to not only recapture the originals magic but far surpass it and become the biggest growing animated film in history.

Inside Out 2 essentially picks up right where the first movie left off and gives us a quick recap to get us all up to speed. Riley (Kensington Tallman) is now 13 years old and has grown up to be a kind, loving person who loves hockey and has two best friends, Grace (Grace Lu) and Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green). Riley hits puberty and is flooded with a whole new set of emotions along with all of the original emotions. She also finds out her friends are going to be going to a different high school from her and this threatens their friendships. 

Inside Out 2 serves as a way to let kids know that things will get better. That we are all more than just our emotions. The complexities of growing up, trying to fit in, all shape who we are and who we will become. This film is a reminder that none of us are alone when it comes to experiencing all our emotions.  

Video:

The 4K Digital UHD transfer is stunning from beginning to end. The textures of the materials, the characters and the backgrounds are sharp and the vividness of the colors really stand out. There is so much to take in and you will keep finding better and better examples of the attention to detail that Pixar always puts into their animation. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio track is practically perfect here. The dialogue is crisp and clean from the front channels. Surround activity is spectacular and will give your side and rear channels a good workout. Another outstanding audio effort from Disney and Pixar.

Bonus Features:

• New Emotions – With Riley's imminent puberty, the story of Inside Out 2 always suggested that there would be a party of new emotions complicating Riley's world—and throwing a wrench into Joy's hard-won stability. But exactly what those new emotions could be was a big question mark. Casting the new emotions in Riley’s mind was a fun exploration into the shifting mindset of a teenager, and was also informed by some of the discarded scenes and characters from the original film. In this documentary we’ll discuss that process of creating Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy—from narrowing them down from a long list of possible emotions, to the design, animation, and voicing of these new, hilarious, and strangely recognizable characters.

 

• Unlocking the Vault – In a kind of visual commentary, a group of central creatives watch and discuss the scene “The Vault.” As they stop and start—and refer to various IP versions of the scene—we’ll hear about the inspiration for Riley’s repressed memories like Bloofy and Lance Slashblade, the development of the scene in Story, and the technical challenges of creating 2D characters that exist in the CG world of Riley’s mind.

 

• Deleted Scenes
• Cold Open – In this alternate opening, a now 13-year-old Riley awkwardly fumbles her way through an original song she wrote for a school audition.
• Broken Joy – After momentarily being unable to drive the console, Joy worries that she might be starting to malfunction.
• Pool Party – After Riley tries too hard to be fun at an older teen’s party – resulting in utter embarrassment – her “Anxiety” becomes “Self-Loathing” who then ousts our hero emotions from headquarters.
• Puberty Park – After seeing their faces printed on “wanted posters,” Joy and the others rogue emotions race through a puberty-themed amusement park while being chased by mind worker cops.
• Shame Spiral – At a lock-in with some cool, older girls, Riley and friends play a game of “Never Have I Ever” that goes a bit too far – wreaking havoc in Riley’s mind.

Conclusion:

Inside Out 2 is a return to form for Pixar and couldn't have come at a better time. The story is outstanding, balancing both laughs and heart while combining with beautiful animation artistry. Another solid movie from Pixar, with good supplemental features, though I would have loved an audio commentary. Inside Out 2 is a must have addition to your library.

Inside Out 2 is currently out on digital, 4K UHD, blu-ray and DVD.  

*The movie was supplied by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.*