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.*
