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*

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. 

"Moana 2" Teaser Trailer and Poster

 

Check out the new teaser trailer for Walt Disney Animated Studios’ “Moana 2.” Moana voyages back to the big screen this November in the all-new feature film starring Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and demigod Maui, respectively. 

 

Opening only in theaters Nov. 27, 2024, “Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later 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. 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 Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

4K Digital Review of Disney's Wish

 

Wish is an all-original fairytale celebrating the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. This film is the story of the start of the legacy of Disney Animation with a heroine coming face-to-face with a wishing star.

Asha (Ariana DeBose) loves the Kingdom of Rosas so much that there isn't anything she wouldn't do for it or for its citizens. This is why she might be the perfect person to be the apprentice to King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a sorcerer who has the power to grant the utmost wish of each of its citizens. He also keeps each citizens most valuable wish in his care. Once Asha learns that Magnifico has no plans to grant all the wishes and she decides to take matters into her own hands. At her wishing tree, as Asha looks up to the stars, she makes a wish and a star appears.

Now, with Star, the wishing star, Asha and her friends must stop Magnifico and return the wishes to the citizens. This fun-filled, musical movie is a perfect way to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

Video:

The 4K streaming video looks amazing. The very look of the film is very unique and has a layered look to it. The colors, the depth and the animation give the film a 3-D effect. The level of detail is picture perfect. Another wonderful transfer from Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is superb here. The dialogue is crisp and clear here. The atmospheric sounds surround you. The songs soar here and the voices resonate through the speakers and wisely fill the environment through the surround channels. 

Bonus Features:

• Sing Along With The Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
• Once Upon A Studio (8:48) – Beloved characters from Disney Animation’s 100 years come together for an unforgettable reunion.
• 100 Years In The Making (1:04:15) – The Inside story on the making of Wish
• What Makes Disney, Disney (6:38) – Learn what makes a Disney film and its characters so distinct, memorable and beloved. Discover how Asha and WISH are quintessentially Disney — from the extraordinary challenges Asha must overcome, to the magical, Kingdom of Rosa
• The Wish Equation (9:28) – What is a wish? Join the filmmakers for a surprising conversation as they break down the "Wish Equation," discuss the "rules of magic," and describe the role music plays in Disney films. Then hear Julia Michaels' own original demo of "This Wish."
• Looking Backward To Go Forward (8:42) – Walk the aisles of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library as the filmmakers "draw" inspiration from 100 years of animation. Learn about the "Pinocchio test," and how Wish's design blends new technology with classic techniques.
• Where Dreams And Reality Collide (2:22) – Discover the times and places that were the inspiration for Rosas and helped build the world of this original fairy tale.
• Asha Means Wish (7:52) – Learn all about Asha, from her inspired design to her boundless determination and generosity. Uncover the subtle symbolism in her jewelry, and dive into her dancing skills. See how she’s imperfectly perfect and what makes her a memorable Disney hero.
• The Return Of The Disney Villain (7:44) – You'll love to hate King Magnifico when you uncover his secrets. Find out what makes him the classic Disney villain — and why he doesn't wear a crown.
• Star Is Born (8:19) – Uncover early concept drawings to see how Star evolved into Asha's lovable wish facilitator. Learn about Star's sparkles, and why Star can communicate with Asha and the other characters.
• Those Who Stand Beside Me (4:47) – Learn more about Asha's closest allies, Dahlia and Valentino. Find out which of Snow White's seven companions served as inspiration for Dahlia, and how Valentino breaks one of the rules of Disney animals.
• When Wishes Come True (8:25) – Get to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it's like being part of the Disney legacy today.
• WISH D-Classified (6:27) – WISH is filled with references and nods to other Disney films from the studio's 100-year legacy. From hidden Mickeys to more subtle tributes, you may have caught many of them, but check out this "D-Classified” piece for ones you may have missed.
• Outtakes (2:44) – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of WISH for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.
• Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making” (2:54) – Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduce this poignant song sung by Saba Sabino (voiced by Victor Garber) expressing what it’s like to be reunited with your one true wish.
• Deleted Scenes (22:06) – Check out some scenes that didn't make the Final Cut.
• Magnifico's Secret (4:27)
• The Wishing Tree (3:54)
• To Rosas (5:02)
• Finding Flazino (4:48)
• Valentino Is A Star (3:27)
• Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
  • Welcome to Rosas (2:20)
  • At All Costs (3:00)
  • This Wish (3:18)
  • I’m A Star (3:18)
  • This Is The Thanks I Get?! (3:16)
  • Knowing What I Know Now (3:18)
  • This Wish (Reprise) (2:48)

Conclusion:

For me, Wish delivered on what I expected for an animated film celebrating the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. A classic animated film that while honoring the past, paves the way for the future. A wealth of bonus material felt like the glory days of Disney animation Blu-ray. A must addition to your library.

Wish is available on digital now and on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra-HD on March 12th.

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

Digital Review: Mickey & Friends 10 Classic Shorts - Volume 2

 

The second volume of classic Disney animated shorts has arrived as Walt Disney Animation Studios continues to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Mickey & Friends 10 Classic Shorts - Volume 2 is now available on digital and on Blu-Ray and DVD June 27th. 

Animated Shorts Included in this release:

The Band Concert

Pluto’s Sweater

Mickey’s Trailer

Pluto and the Gopher

Mr. Duck Steps Out

Lonesome Ghosts

Boat Builders

Tugboat Mickey

Winter Storage

Pluto’s Party

 

The shorts here are presented in full frame (1:33:1). Each short has been fully restored in high definition and they all look amazing. The audio is a 2.0 Dolby Digital stereo mix which is an upgrade from the original mono tracks. 

Just as in the previous volume, the shorts play out more like a package feature with interstitials to play between each short. Mickey and the gang are watching a slideshow and looking back upon ten of their favorite memories. 

Mickey & Friends 10 Classic Shorts - Volume 2 is a wonderful way to celebrate Disney's rich animation history as part of the 100th Anniversary of the company this year. It is a fun way to showcase some of the gang's most iconic animated shorts and hopefully leads the way to move fun volumes throughout the year. 

(Walt Disney Home Entertainment provided the digital copy for review purposes and my review is strictly my opinion only)

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ “WISH” – NEW TRAILER AND POSTER

 

Check out the new trailer, plus a poster for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” which opens exclusively in theaters on Nov. 22. The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha, the powerful King Magnifico, Asha’s pet goat Valentino, and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose; it’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film. 

 

The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.” 

 

Added Veerasunthorn, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

ABOUT THE MOVIE

In “Wish,” Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and co-produced by Juan Pablo Reyes (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. 

Digital Review: Strange World

 

Walt Disney Animation Studios' 61st animated feature Strange World tells the tale of the Clade family, a family of adventurers. Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), the family patriarch, is lost during an expedition to get through an impassable mountain range. A quarter of a century later, his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) leads a quiet farming life with his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and his son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White). On the farm they grow Pando, a plant that has revolutionized the world due to its energy giving properties. But Pando is dying and there is a new expedition to find out the cause of the problem with the plants.

The voice cast is wonderful here and each one is solid in their own way. The design of the world is also impressive. There is so much detail to take in and you will watch it again and again to try to see it all. 

Here is a video for the home video release:

Video Quality:

The 1080p video is beautiful and seemingly pushes the HD video to its limits. It is as sharp and clear as any 1080p video I have ever seen. The character faces and clothing are extremely detailed, as are the variety of creatures and the lush landscapes. There is little compression issues here and the blacks are near perfect as are the whites. This will be one of the top reference 1080p videos for the year. 

Audio Quality:

The Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is surprisingly good here. Dialogue is centered and well balanced. The score is rich and engaging, creating a cinematic experience in the home. 

Bonus Features:

• Anatomy of a Scene: Creating A Strange World – Learn about Walt Disney Animation Studios' creative process through a single, visually stunning scene as the filmmaking team puts all of their imagination – and more – on the screen.
• Strange Science – Jaboukie Young-White (voice of Ethan Clade) hosts an exploration of how Walt Disney Animation Studios artists were inspired by real science to create Strange World.
• Creature Feature – Journey into the world beneath Avalonia and meet some of the terrifying, slimy, gassy ­– and sometimes cute – creatures that inhabit this Strange World.
• The Hidden Secrets of Strange World – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the film, along with some fun facts and behind–the–scenes stories of how Strange World was made.
• Outtakes – Go behind the glass as we join the cast of Strange World inside the recording booth for some fun, flubs and outtakes.

 

Deleted Scenes

• The Ballad of Jaeger Clade
• Lightning Lynx
• Funerals and Promises
• Ethan and Searcher

Conclusion:

Strange World is a good story with a twist and surrounded by great characters. The reference quality video, good audio and a few extras make this a solid recommendation for your collection.

* The movie was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review. The opinions within the review are purely my own. *

DISNEY ANIMATION’S “STRANGE WORLD” – ALL-NEW FEATURETTE NOW AVAILABLE

 

A new featurette is now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ action-packed adventure “Strange World,” revealing how the voice cast describes the upcoming feature: crazy, bizarre, adventurous, mysterious, thrilling, mind-blowing and, of course, strange. Featured stars include Jake Gyllenhaal, who lends his voice to Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid, who voices Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White, who is the voice of Searcher’s 16-year-old, adventure-seeking son, Ethan; Gabrielle Union, who provides the voice of Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu, who voices Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. Opening in U.S. theaters this Nov. 23^rd, the feature film introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures. “Strange World” is helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”).

 

The Strange World Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, featuring score by composer Henry Jackman (“The Gray Man,” “Ron’s Gone Wrong,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”), will be released in both digital and Dolby Atmos by Walt Disney Records on Nov. 23. The soundtrack is available for pre-save/pre-add here.

DISNEY ANIMATION’S “STRANGE WORLD” – ALL-NEW TRAILER & POSTER

 

A brand-new trailer, poster and trailer stills are now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ action-packed adventure “Strange World.” Opening in U.S. theaters this Nov. 23^rd, the feature film introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures. “Inspired by classic adventure stories," said director Don Hall, “‘Strange World’ is an original animated adventure/comedy about three generations of the Clade family who overcome their differences while exploring a strange, wondrous and oftentimes hostile world.”

 

The voice cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Dennis Quaid as Searcher’s larger-than-life explorer father, Jaeger; Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who longs for adventure; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, Avalonia’s fearless leader who spearheads the exploration into the strange world. “Strange World” is helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”).

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ “STRANGE WORLD” – TEASER TRAILER & POSTER

 

Check out the teaser trailer and poster from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Strange World.” Jake Gyllenhaal (“The Guilty,” “Spider-Man: Far from Home”) lends his voice to Searcher Clade, the son of a steadfast explorer. The original action-adventure journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. Helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli  (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022.

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*

                                                              

Encanto Arrives on Digital December 24 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD February 8

 

Bring Home the Magic When Encanto Arrives on Digital December 24
and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD February 8

 

Includes All-New Animated Short, Far From The Tree, Plus Sing-Along Version With On-Screen Lyrics and Never-Before-Seen Bonus Features

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 13, 2021) – Encanto marks the 60^th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios and will soon be available to audiences to enjoy at home. Fans can enjoy a sing-along movie version, never-before-seen bonus features and deleted scenes when Encanto arrives on all major digital platforms this holiday season on December 24 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 8.

 

Encanto will also be available on Disney+ starting December 24.

 

Film Synopsis

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, with all-new songs by award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.

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