4K Digital Review of Snow White (live-action)

 

This live-action Snow White was called by many as a disaster. Most of the internet buzz was highly negative and definitely from more people that clearly did not see the movie than by those that actually watched it. There are some story changes that might be deemed as "Disneyfied" modern approaches here. There is a large multi-ethnic cast. There are also several new songs that have more of a contemporary feel. Rachel Zegler as Snow White was delightful and her songs were perfect for her. 

I guess it could be argued that the story changed made this more of a Cinderella story than a Snow White story but for me they fit the modern approach to telling this tale. All in all, a good effort that sadly got more slack than it deserved. 

Video:

The 4K streaming video is stunningly gorgeous. Here the CG elements almost flawlessly combine with the practical elements. The colors literally explode off the screen. Take time to enjoy the highlights of Snow White's color palette or the darker tones of the Evil Queen's palette of teal and jade. This is a masterclass in digital transfers.

Audio:

The Atmos audio track matches the video quality note for note. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The score feels like it is floating around you through the surround channels. The environmental sounds, especially those of the forest, are noticeable throughout the movie. Scenes with the Magic Mirror and the wild mine car sequence make the most of creating an immersive audio experience. 

Bonus Features:

·       Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics.

 

·       Deleted Scenes:

o   Anguish and Opportunity

o   Danger in the Woods

o   Hunt for Snow White

 

·       Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

 

·       Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics.

 

·       Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more.

 

·       Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

Conclusion:

This version of Snow White has very impressive visuals and fun, new songs. Zegler is great as Snow White. The technical aspects of the film are stellar. The bonus materials are few but enjoyable. A welcomed addition to your library.

Snow White is available on digital now. 

*This film was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review. The review is strictly my opinion.*

Trailer Now Available for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart”

 

Check out an exciting new trailer and image for Marvel Television’s “Ironheart,” launching exclusively on Disney+ on June 24. Says Dominique Thorne, who stars as young, genius inventor Riri Williams, “What was interesting for me was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story. We’re not necessarily going back in time; it’s more of catching up and seeing the effects of how those first pivotal moments of her life have shaped her, and seeing the person that she’s trying to become.”

 

Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Television’s “Ironheart” pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Thorne), determined to make her mark on the world, returns to her hometown of Chicago. Her unique take on building iron suits is brilliant, but in pursuit of her ambitions, she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos).The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White. Chinaka Hodge is head writer; episodes are directed by Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. Executive producers include Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Zoie Nagelhout, Chinaka Hodge, Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Produced in association with Proximity Media.

“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. 

4K Digital Review of Tombstone

 

In the year 1878, Tombstone in the Arizona territory is a boomtown. Ex-lawmen Wyatt (Kurt Russell) and Virgil Earp (Sam Elliot), and their younger brother Morgan (Bill Paxton) have moved here along with their wives. Wyatt's friend "Doc" Holiday (Val Kilmer), who is suffering from tuberculosis, has also come to town in hopes the dry weather will help him get better. 

A gang known as the Cowboys have also settled down in Tombstone. Their illustrious leader is "Curly" Bill (Powers Boothe). They have a skilled gunman in Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). They want the freedom to do what they want and the innocent people of Tombstone stand in the way. The Earps feel that they need to protect the town's people. This all leads towards a fateful and historic showdown at the O.K. Corral.

Video:

This 4K transfer is a brand new scan of the original negatives and is absolutely spectacular. Every detail is vastly superior to the Blu-ray release back in 2010. The textures of materials, to the clouds in the sky are all sharp and crisp. Dimly-lit scenes are as detailed and focused as daytime scenes. One of the finest transfers from Disney.

Audio:

The audio track is essentially the same from the Blu-ray. Dialogue is rich and clear, the surrounds are enveloping and there is a lot of atmospheric ambiance. An excellent audio track then and an excellent audio track now.

Bonus Materials:

• The Making of Tombstone 
• An Ensemble Cast
• Making An Authentic Western
• The Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

• Director's Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence
• Trailers & TV Spots

Conclusion:

A solid film with an amazing cast surrounding a legendary story of the Wild West. The video and audio are some of the best ever. A highly recommended addition to your library.

*The movie was given to me by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of this review and the review is strictly my opinion*