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*

4K Digital Review: Next Goal Wins

 

Based on the true story of the 2001 American Samoa soccer team that lost to Australia 31-0 in the World Cup. Over the next ten years, American Samoa never scored one goal in any international match, making them the worst ranked national team in the FIFA World rankings. 

The US Soccer Federation, in a last ditch effort to save the team, sends in washed-up soccer coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender). The team is worse off than feared with leadership issues including a coach who doesn't want to be there. But over time, everyone slowly comes together as a team and a family. 

Video:

The streaming 4K video is another wonderful transfer from Disney. The details in the textures and facial features are excellent. Colors are vibrant especially when it comes to the scenery from the tropical jungle to the beaches and ocean. 

Audio:

The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 is fairly solid. As always, the dialogue is crisp and clear. There isn't a lot from the surround channels until later in the movie during the big game. 

Bonus Features:

Featurette

• Creating The Pitch of Life - Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary.  See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world.

 

Deleted Scene

• Priest Blessing the Team4K

Conclusion:

A very entertaining movie that I want to see more from Disney. The great family movie in the sports genre is what has been missing from Disney in a long time. This fits right in with Cool Runnings, The Rookie and the like. Great video and audio quality as we have come to expect from Disney. And fun bonus features to round off a welcomed addition to your library.

Next Goal Wins is currently out on digital and on February 27th on Blu-ray and DVD.

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

4K Digital Review: The Marvels

 

Picking up right after the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel ends off, comes The Marvels. We get three superheroes, Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) who find their powers intertwined by Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Dar-Benn has found the second quantum band and is using it to destroy planets so she can save hers. Our superheroes have to learn to work together to stop Dar-Benn.

The chemistry between the three superheroes is fantastic and really moves the movie along. Sadly, the movie suffers from another one-dimensional villain. And we get a very entertaining film that not a lot of people came out to see in theaters.  

Video:

The streaming 4K video is another fantastic effort from Disney. The colors are bright and bold with inky blacks. Details are excellent, from clothing textures, to Goose's fur, to skin tones. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is solid! Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout the movie. Surrounds are very active, especially with the sounds of explosions during action sequences and the soundtrack.

Bonus Features:

FEATURETTES

·       Entangled - Take a cosmic trip behind the scenes on The Marvels with the cast and crew of the film. Learn how director Nia DaCosta and the team took on such a vast production, and dive deeper with more details about Marvel’s first ever musical number.

·       The Production Diaries – Experience the lively, upbeat set of The Marvels as cast and crew recall candid and heartwarming moments, along with hilarious anecdotes.

 

DELETED SCENES

·       Captain-in-Residence – Kamala finds herself in Carol's ship after an unexpected switch and incredulously picks up a call from Valkyrie.

·       It's Under Control – Carol, Kamala, and Monica find themselves brainstorming for solutions on Aladna.

Space Yoga – Muneeba teaches yoga while an exasperated Nick Fury looks on.

·       The Chase – Chaos ensues as Ty-Rone chases Kamala in a tension-filled scene.

 

GAG REEL

·       Watch some hilarious outtakes on set with the cast and crew of The Marvels.

 

AUDIO COMMENTARY

·       Listen to co-writer/director Nia DaCosta and VFX Supervisor Tara DeMarco talk about the film.

Conclusion:

A fun, entertaining film with a lot of bonus features. A welcomed addition to your library! 

The Marvel is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD now!

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

      

Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ‘97” Streams on Disney+ Beginning March 20

 

A trailer and teaser poster are now available to celebrate the upcoming Disney+ debut of Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97.” The all-new series, which features 10 episodes, begins streaming March 20. 

 

“X-Men’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura. Featuring music by The Newton Brothers, the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo.

MARVEL STUDIOS DEBUTS FIRST TRAILER & POSTER FOR “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” DURING BIG GAME

 

Today during the Big Game, Marvel Studios released the first trailer for the highly anticipated “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.” The trailer, poster and trailer stills are all available now to share with your readers.

 

Shawn Levy directs “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

 

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin serving as executive producers. “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy.

 

Marvel Studios’ “DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE” opens in U.S. & Canadian movie theaters on July 26, and will be available in IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, Cinemark XD and premium screens everywhere.