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Monday, December 13, 2021

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 60th 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

Friday, December 10, 2021

DISNEY+ ANNOUNCES MARVEL STUDIOS’ “ETERNALS” STREAMING DATE

 


Today, Disney+ announced that Marvel Studios’ “Eternals,” one of the biggest movies of the year, will start streaming exclusively on Disney+ on January 12, 2022. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest team of Super Heroes has led theater audiences on an exciting journey spanning thousands of years, and now the Eternals are bringing all of that signature Marvel Studios’ action, spectacle and thrill to Disney+.

 

“Eternals” joins 13 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, which gives subscribers more picture with an expanded aspect ratio for an immersive viewing experience at home (content availability varies by region). More information about IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is available here

 

Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” follows a group of heroes from beyond the stars who had protected the Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called the Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again.

 

The outstanding ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, with Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, with Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. 

 

Chloé Zhao directs the film, and Kevin Feige and Nate Moore are the producers, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Kevin de la Noy serving as executive producers. The screen story is by Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo, and the screenplay is by Chloé Zhao and Chloé Zhao & Patrick Burleigh and Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo.

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ INTRODUCES “STRANGE WORLD”

 


Concept art is now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming feature film “Strange World.” 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. According to director Don Hall, “Strange World” is a nod to pulp magazines—popular fiction from the first half of the 20th century that was printed on inexpensive wood pulp paper. “I loved reading the old issues of pulps growing up,” he said. “They were big adventures in which a group of explorers might discover a hidden world or ancient creatures. They’ve been a huge inspiration for ‘Strange World.’”

 

Helmed by 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.

 

The Last Duel Digital Copy Review

 


Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) are friends and squires in 14th century France, who faithfully serve their count, Pierre d’Alençon (Ben Affleck), and his cousin King Charlies VI. When Le Gris viciously assaults Carrouges’ wife Lady Marguerite (Jodie Comer), she bravely and defiantly accuses her attacker. Jean challenges Le Gris to a trial by combat, a duel to the death, which places the fate of all three in God’s hands.

The Last Duel is literally Ridley Scott’s Rashomon. The story, told around the crime of a rape, is told three times from each perspective and plays with time and character development. The cast is stellar and delivers solid performances. There is also a focus on the process of film-making with the importance of camera angles, performance, direction and editing to bring the three perspectives of the same event together.

If you have seen Rashomon, then this will be a pale comparison of the Kurosawa classic. If you haven't then you may find this film perfectly compelling. At the end of the day, I still found Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel as a solid film. 



Video 

The Last Duel digital copy arrives on 4K Ultra-HD in Dolby Vision where available. The images are outstanding despite the dark and gloomy settings. Blacks are rich and there are quite natural in terms of shadows and darkness. Textures on fabrics stand out but the star here is anything with fire and the glowing effect they produce.  Another great transfer for 20th Century Studios.



Audio

The Last Duel comes with a wonderful Dolby Atmos mix. The sound stage is large and booming in the battle scenes. The rear channels provide steady ambiance to create a good sense of depth. The dialogue is also crystal clear and well prioritized. 



Extras

Surprisingly light on extras here. 

The Making of The Last Duel (HD, 33:48) – A collection of on set footage and photography from Ridley Scott’s daughter Cuba. It features some showcasing of Ridley’s directing, conversations on the set to figure out sequences and some actors giving thoughts on the the film. All done during Covid as people have various safety gear and methods going on.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:29)


Summary


Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel finds itself being a solid film with great performances. The digital 4K version looks pristine and the Dolby Atmos track creates and thoroughly immersive experience in your home. There is only one featurette, but its over 30 minutes and it is wonderful to see Ridley Scott making the film. Pick up one of the year’s best with The Last Duel on digital 4K now or the physical copy 4K UHD, blu-ray or dvd on December 14th.