“TOY STORY 5” ARRIVES ON DIGITAL AUG. 18 AND 4K UHD / BLU-RAY DISC SEPT. 22

 

Be the first to reunite with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang at home as they set out on their biggest adventure yet when Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” arrives on digital platforms August 18, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. Filled with humor, fun, heartwarming moments and unforgettable characters both old and new, the adventure continues when “Toy Story 5” arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on September 22.

 

Disney and Pixar’s smash hit “Toy Story 5,” which Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier called “the very best Pixar has to offer,” has grossed over $1 billion worldwide since its June debut in theaters, a success that’s matched by overwhelming audience and critical acclaim. The film is Certified Fresh™ and Verified Hot by Rotten Tomatoes® and earned an A CinemaScore®.

 

Families will have the chance to dive even deeper into the world of “Toy Story 5” and discover how toys and tech can work together with a slate of exclusive bonus features that extend the fun beyond the film, including an inside look at playful behind-the-scenes moments from the recording booth and special feature commentary. The digital and Blu-ray release also includes a fun collection of deleted scenes, offering fans even more laughs, surprises and world-building.

 

Also arriving on September 22 is a limited-edition 4K SteelBook®, featuring the classic characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Bullseye alongside the new tech characters including Lilypad and Smarty Pants.  

Audiences of all ages can now enjoy twice the fun with a digital special-edition 2-Movie Collection featuring the original “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 5” in 4K Ultra HD. 

And no toy box would be complete without all five Disney and Pixar “Toy Story” adventures – now available in one unforgettable 5-Movie set! Collect “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3,” “Toy Story 4” and “Toy Story 5” in digital and DVD bundles for the ultimate family viewing experience.

 

Additionally, families can now pre-order the “Toy Story 5” Original Soundtrack in Vinyl and CD formats. The soundtrack features the record-breaking number-one hit single “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 Academy Award® winner Randy Newman. 

Music Video for "I Knew It, I Knew You" by Taylor Swift from Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5

 

Original song "I Knew It, I Knew You" by Taylor Swift from Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5, in theatres June 19.

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.

Final Trailer and Tickets for Toy Story 5 now on sale

 

Tickets to see Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated animated adventure “Toy Story 5” in theaters are on sale wherever tickets are sold. A final trailer – featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the gang as they reunite on a mission to confront Lilypad, a new smart tablet with her own ideas about the best way to help their kid Bonnie make new friends – is now available along with a series of brand-new posters.  

Joining the voice cast is genre-defying, multi-platinum global recording artist and 6x GRAMMY® Award winner Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – known professionally as Bad Bunny – who has a voice cameo in the upcoming film as the new character Pizza with Sunglasses. Effortlessly cool and mysterious, Pizza with Sunglasses is a member of a small but mighty community of forgotten toys that live in an abandoned backyard shed.

 

Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actor Alan Cumming (“The Traitors,” “The Good Wife,” “Cabaret”) has also joined the voice ensemble in a cameo as Evil Bullseye – Bullseye’s playtime alter ego in the new film. While Woody’s trusty steed still lacks the power of speech in the world of “Toy Story,” Cumming provides Bullseye’s voice during a funny playtime sequence in the film.

 

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 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.

Link to purchase movie tickets for Toy Story 5

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 Pixar's Elio

 

Elio tells the story of a young boy named Elio (Yonas Kilbreab) who recently just lost both of his parents. Living with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana), Elio suffers from loneliness and low self-esteem. Olga is a major in the US Space Force and has no time to be with Elio. She is struggling on how to be a parent and Elio sees this as just another sign that no one wants him. 

Elio overhears that the US Space Force may have come in contact with extraterrestrials, he sends a message to them in hopes they will take him away from Earth. The aliens respond and end up taking him away. These aliens are part of a group of ambassadors of every species of being throughout the universe. They believe that Elio is the leader of Earth and will allow him to join the ambassadors if he can pass some screening tests. This is all Elio has ever wanted to do in life, to belong, to have a purpose. 

The only thing in his way is Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), a warlord who wants to also become an ambassador for this people. But he is a blood thirsty, war obsessed being that the other ambassadors see and do not allow him to join their group. Lord Grigon is out for revenge and Elio is the only one who can try to stop him. 

Video:

This is an outstanding 4K streaming video transfer. The colors are rich and bright. The space scenes and the ship the ambassadors are on are real standouts here. The details are crisp and sharp. Another wonderful transfer from Disney and Pixar.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is a winner. Dialogue is crystal clear and the soundtrack immerses you. The surround channels get a good workout from the sounds of spaceships, the fight with Lord Grigon and the welcome to the ambassadors. A solid effort from Disney and Pixar.

Bonus Features:

• Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of Elio – Launch behind the scenes with the cast and crew to get an in-depth look at the design and development of our meteoric main characters, as well as the making of all the celestial environments that make up Elio's universe.
• Out of This World: An Astro Q&A – Calling all space enthusiasts! Voice actors Yonas Kibreab (Elio) and Remy Edgerly (Glordon) meet with a real-life astronaut to discuss space travel, possible alien life on other planets, and why it's important to study space.
• Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon – Join Nicolle Castro, the lead story artist, as she shares her role on the film and guides viewers through drawing a couple of the film's interstellar characters, Ooooo and Glordon.
• Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Pixar films hidden throughout Elio, along with other fun facts.
• Galactic Gag Reel – Discover the fun inside the recording booth with the starry voice actors from Disney and Pixar's Elio as they bring their characters to life with some entertaining laughs.
• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn't make the final cut:
• Bike Chase
• Garden Party  
• Carver Legend
• Questa's Second Test
• Home Visit

Conclusion:

Elio is a slow burn that sticks the landing for any of us who have felt like we do not belong. A powerfully emotional movie that reminds us that even in the darkest of times we are never alone. And a reminder to embrace what makes us truly unique. Completely unexpected and left me emotionally wrecked. A solid video transfer along with a wonderful audio mix and some fun bonus features makes this a welcomed addition to your library.

Elio is available on digital, 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD.

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

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”). 

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.*

Stars, Filmmakers, Special Guests Celebrate “Inside Out 2” World Premiere

 

Stars cast joined filmmakers and special guests on the purple carpet in Hollywood to celebrate the world premiere of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” Attendees screened the all-new feature film that opens in theaters nationwide this Friday, June 14, inviting moviegoers inside the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters undergoes a sudden demolition to make room for new Emotions. 

 

The event welcomed members of the voice cast, including Amy Poehler (Joy), Maya Hawke (Anxiety), Kensington Tallman (Riley), Liza Lapira (Disgust), Tony Hale (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), Ayo Edebiri (Envy), Lilimar (Valentina), Grace Lu (Grace), Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green (Bree), Kyle MacLachlan (Dad), Yvette Nicole Brown (Coach Roberts), Ron Funches (Bloofy), James Austin Johnson (Pouchy), Kirk Thatcher (Foreman), Frank Oz (Mind Cop Dave), June Squibb (Nostalgia), Sarayu Blue (Margie), Flea (Jake), Bobby Moynihan (Forgetter Bobby) and Kendall Coyne Schofield (Hockey Announcer). Filmmakers in attendance include Kelsey Mann (directed by/story by), Mark Nielsen (producer), Andrea Datzman (music by/score produced by), and Pixar’s chief creative officer Pete Docter (EP), among others. 

 

In the follow-up to 2015’s Oscar®-winning “Inside Out,” Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust—who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts—aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up. The voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser and Yvette Nicole Brown. “Inside Out 2” is directed by Kelsey Mann, produced by Mark Nielsen and executive produced by Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera and Dan Scanlon. The film features a screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein and story by Mann and LeFauve. With music by Andrea Datzman, the all-new feature film releases only in theaters June 14, 2024.  Tickets are now available on Fandango, https://www.fandango.com/InsideOut2, and wherever tickets are sold. 

Trailer and Poster for Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”— New Characters/Voice Cast Announced

 

A new trailer and poster are now available for Disney and Pixar’s upcoming theatrical release, “Inside Out 2,” which welcomes new Emotions to now-teenager Riley’s mind. Joining Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) is a group of Emotions perfectly suited for the teenage years. 

Maya Hawke voices Anxiety, the previously announced new arrival bound to shake up everything in headquarters and beyond. A bundle of frazzled energy, Anxiety enthusiastically ensures Riley’s prepared for every possible negative outcome. 

Envy, voice of Ayo Edebiri, may be small but she sure knows what she wants. She’s perpetually jealous of everything everyone else has, and she’s not afraid to pine over it. 

Ennui, who’s voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos, couldn’t care less. Bored and lethargic with a well-practiced eye-roll, Ennui adds the perfect amount of teenage apathy to Riley’s personality, when she feels like it. 

Embarrassment, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, likes to lay low, which isn’t easy for this burly guy with a bright blush-pink complexion. 

 

Additionally, Kensington Tallman lends her voice to Riley Andersen, who’s about to begin high school. Lilimar was called on to voice Valentina “Val” Ortiz, a high school hockey player who everyone, including Riley and her friends, looks up to. Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan return to voice Riley’s mom and dad; Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green and Grace Lu provide the voices for Riley’s besties; and Yvette Nicole Brown voices Coach Roberts, who heads up a summer hockey camp. The voice cast also includes Sarayu Blue, Flea, Ron Funches, Dave Goelz, James Austin Johnson, Bobby Moynihan, Frank Oz, Paula Pell, Paula Poundstone, John Ratzenberger, Kendall Coyne Schofield, June Squibb, Kirk Thatcher and Yong Yea.

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*