4K Digital Review: Elemental

 

Elemental is a visually stunning animated film surrounded by a beautifully rich and emotional story. At it's heart, is a cross-cultural love story, combined with the struggle faced by immigrants. A rather deep set of concerns that Pixar is never afraid to face head on. We see how individuals deal with those interacting with those outside of their culture and how two characters falling in love deal with the emotions and thoughts of those around them.

Ember (Leah Lewis) is a hot tempered, fire element resident of Fire Town and works at her dad Bernie's (Ronnie del Carmen) store. He longs for the day to pass his store to his daughter. He and his wife Cinder (Shila Ommi) immigrated here for a better life. Ember comes across water element Wade (Mamoudou Athie) and their world comes to a boil as they have to work together to work on an issue in Fire Town. As the story progresses they are drawn closer to one another despite their differences.

Their romance isn't rushed and the two begin to see things in one another that they admire. Wade's emotional depth along with Ember's relatable story makes for a very strong connection and reminds us that Pixar hits us in all the feels. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is superb here. All the speakers are put to good use throughout the entire movie. The score is loud and plays through all of your speakers. Dialogue is front and center and crystal clear. Environmental sounds fill in the rest of the soundscape to help create a truly immersive experience. A wonderful effort from the team at Pixar and Disney.

Video:

Elemental is a feast for the eyes in gorgeous 4K video. Everything is vibrant, with colors leaping off the screen. Each of the different elements give off their own vibe and aura. Just a stunning colorful movie that is a treat for your eyes.    

Bonus Features:

Short Film

• Carl’s Date – Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, this all-new short, “Carl’s Date,” finds Carl reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with a lady friend —but admittedly with no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl’s pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends — if you’re a dog. “Carl’s Date” opened in theaters in front of Disney and Pixar’s Elemental.

 

Featurettes

• Ember and Wade – Take a deeper look at the development of main characters Ember and Wade, from early designs to final effects, and learn how the complex work of the technical and character teams brought these characters to life.
• Next Stop: Element City – Explore how Element City is built to accommodate its different inhabitants. Director Peter Sohn and crew members share insights about the evolution of the designed world, as well as some of the research that inspired its unique look.
• Paths to Pixar: The Immigrant Experience – Hear from first-generation filmmakers on the Elemental crew as they share their journeys to Pixar.  Discover how Elemental’s real-world themes of sacrifice and identity, amongst many others, reflect or diverge from their own lived experiences.

Deleted Scenes

Director Peter Sohn introduces five scenes that are storyboarded, set to music, timed, and voiced, but are not included in the final version of Elemental.

• Intro Ember – An alternate opening in which our hero Ember helps a newly immigrated Fire family navigate through, and acclimate to, Element City. Scene introduced by director Peter Sohn.
• Mom Rejects Wade – Ember’s traditional parents learn that she’s enamored with watery Wade…and it doesn’t go well. Scene introduced by story supervisor Jason Katz.
• Dante Challenge – In an attempt to keep Ember apart from Wade, Bernie tasks her with finding a place to live for newcomer Dante, who Wade finds himself rather enamored with. Scene introduced by story artist Nira Liu.
• Brook Dinner – Ember joins Wade for dinner at his home, in this abandoned storyline in which Wade’s mother, Brook, is revealed to be the villain diverting water into Firetown. Scene introduced by story artist Anna Benedict.
• Beach Proposal – Sharing a tender moment on the beach, Ember and Wade propose marriage to each other. Scene introduced by story artists Yung-Han Chang and Le Tang.

 

Audio Commentary

• Elemental Filmmaker Commentary – Join director Peter Sohn, supe tech Sanjay Bakshi, supervising animator Mike Venturini, and directing animator Gwendelyn Enderoglu as they provide insight into the making of this remarkable animated feature while you watch it.

 

*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Conclusion:

In the end, we get a universally charming film that will touch your heart. Pixar succeeds once again in telling a story that feels unique and special. It tells such a human story that will be worth watching again and again. Stunning animation and immersive audio along with solid bonus features makes this an easy recommendation to your film library. 

Elemental is available on digital now and on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD on September 26th.

*This movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for review purposes but the review is entirely my own opinion*

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” Red-Carpet Premiere—Event Photos

 

Stars and filmmakers from Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” joined special guests at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to celebrate the U.S. premiere of the upcoming feature film. Attendees included members of the voice cast—Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ronnie del Carmen and Mason Wertheimer—and filmmakers Peter Sohn (director), Denise Ream (producer), Pete Docter (EP), John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh (screenplay by), and Lauv (performer/co-writer “Steal the Show”). Also attending were Bob Peterson (director), Kim Collins (producer) and Andrea Datzman (composer)—the filmmakers behind the short “Carl’s Date,” which opens in theaters in front of “Elemental.”  

 

ABOUT “ELEMENTAL”

In theaters June 16, “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember (voice of Leah Lewis), a fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun and sappy guy named Wade (voice of Mamoudou Athie) challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. Advance tickets can be purchased on Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, or wherever tickets are sold. 

 

ABOUT “CARL’S DATE”

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, this all-new short, “Carl’s Date,” finds Carl reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly with no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl’s pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you’re a dog. “Carl’s Date” opens in theaters in front of Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” on June 16, 2023.

Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter Lauv Performs, Co-Writes “Steal the Show” for “Elemental”

 

Listen to the new song here:

Apple Music

Spotify

Amazon

YouTube Music

An all-new song, “Steal the Show,” from Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is now available across all streaming platforms. Multi-Platinum chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Lauv worked with composer Thomas Newman—who’s behind scores for Pixar films “Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E” and “Finding Dory”—and songwriter Michael Matosic on the film’s original single that can be heard in part during the film and in full during the end credits. 

 

In the film, “Steal the Show” helps bring to life an extraordinary journey through Element City where quick-witted Fire woman Ember and go-with-the-flow Water guy Wade realize that maybe they’re not so different after all. “This was one of my favorite songs ever to write because the process was really different,” said Lauv of the creative process. “I sat down with Thomas Newman and he gave me a couple of sounds that he was working with and I asked, ‘Can I have a couple of minutes in a room, pull up a piano and turn on the microphone?’ I had melodies, chords and a couple of key lyrics totally freestyled after watching the scene. It was a very in-the-moment thing. It was really cool to go back and forth with Thomas and build the whole soundscape and then I combined it with very classic Lauv sounds."

 

Director Peter Sohn actually used one of Lauv’s songs as a placeholder early in production. “I love Lauv’s music,” said Sohn, “so when we finally got the chance to work with him, I referenced his music and how we were using it. He captured the beauty [Ember and Wade] saw in each other and how it could be something more. We were so emotional when we first heard his song. It was overwhelming and we feel absolutely indebted to what he gave the film.”

 

“Steal the Show” is performed by Lauv with music by Ari Leff and Thomas Newman and lyrics by Ari Leff and Michael Matosic. Featuring the song plus original score composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, The Elemental Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available June 16 on all streaming platforms.

 

“Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun and sappy guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. Advance tickets can be purchased on Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, or wherever tickets are sold. 

Four Posters + Featurette for Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental”

Four fun posters are now available for Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” which opened in theaters on June 16. Also available is a new featurette introducing moviegoers to the film’s key characters and the voice talent helping to bring them to life. Included in the featurette are Leah Lewis, who voices the fiery Ember, Mamoudou Athie as the Water-guy Wade; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; and Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s funny-but-tearful mom, Brook—plus insight from director Peter Sohn. Feel free to check it out and share with your readers. 

 

“Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “ELEMENTAL”—MULTI-CITY MALL TOUR KICKS OFF THIS WEEK

 

Advance tickets are now available for Disney and Pixar’s all-new, original feature film “Elemental,” which opens only in theaters in one month on June 16. Tickets can be purchased on Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketing service, or wherever tickets are sold. 

 

Disney and Pixar’s Elemental Experience

An exciting multi-city mall tour that invites fans into the world of “Elemental”—a stunning locale only Pixar artists could create—kicks off this Friday, May 19, in New York City’s Brookfield Place through May 21. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental Experience, which hits Chicago (May 26-28), Dallas (June 2-4), Los Angeles (June 10-12), and San Francisco (June 16-18), offers an immersive thematic environment for visitors of all ages. Sponsored by Fandango, Dolby and I’m the Chef Too, the tour features fun film-themed activities like photo and video opportunities, a chance to draw with Pixar artists, a movie-ticket grab in a wind tunnel, plus giveaways and special film content.  

 

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. “Elemental” opens only in theaters on June 16, 2023. 

DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “ELEMENTAL” SELECTED AS CLOSING FILM FOR CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Pixar Animation Studios returns to the globally revered Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of its all-new feature film “Elemental” on May 27, ahead of its theatrical release on June 16. Debuting out of competition as the closing film of the 76th edition of the festival, “Elemental” is the fourth film from the storied studio to be selected for the event and joins previous favorites “Up,” “Inside Out” and “Soul.”

 

Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, said this year’s return to Cannes is particularly special for the studio. “As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it’s a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” said Docter. “Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, ‘Elemental’ is so funny, full of heart and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and I love that it’ll make its world premiere at Cannes.” 

 

Docter, Sohn and producer Denise Ream will join members of the film’s voice cast at the event. Cannes has hosted the international competition since 1946. “For many years, the Cannes Film Festival has welcomed animated films from around the world,” said Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, Cannes Film Festival. “Pixar Animation Studios, with ‘Up’—directed by Pete Docter—made Cannes history by opening the 62nd edition of the Festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event! This is another great opportunity to present the amazing ‘Elemental’ on the closing of this 76th Cannes Film Festival and to think about our lives in such a powerful way.” 

 

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The voice cast includes Leah Lewis as the fiery Ember; Mamoudou Athie as the water-guy Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Ember’s soon-to-be retired dad, Bernie; Shila Ommi as Ember’s love-seeking mom, Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Wade’s stormy and Air-Ball-loving boss, Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Wade’s welcoming mom, Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Ember’s admiring neighbor, Clod; and Joe Pera as an overgrown city bureaucrat, Fern. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. “Elemental” opens with Pixar’s all new short, “Carl’s Date,” in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2023.

Teaser Trailer and Poster for DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “ELEMENTAL”

 

Check out the teaser trailer and a poster for Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, and featuring the voices of Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade, respectively, “Elemental” releases on June 16, 2023. 

Pixar Releases Details on Their Next Film, "Elemental"

 

Pixar Animation Studios revealed details about its 27^th feature film, “Elemental,” which will release on June 16, 2023. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Partly Cloudy” short) and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), the film journeys alongside an unlikely pair, Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The fiery young woman and the go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common. 

 

“Elemental” is an original film inspired by Sohn’s childhood in New York. “My parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s and built a bustling grocery store in the Bronx,” said the director. “We were among many families who ventured to a new land with hopes and dreams—all of us mixing into one big salad bowl of cultures, languages and beautiful little neighborhoods. That’s what led me to ‘Elemental.’

 

“Our story is based on the classic elements—fire, water, land and air,” Sohn continued. “Some elements mix with each other, and some don’t. What if these elements were alive?”