MOANA (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD)
Release Date: March 7, 2016
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Video: 2.39:1 1080p Widescreen
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, English DVS 2.0
THE RATINGS
The Movie Itself - ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Video Quality - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Audio Quality - ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Special Features - ★ ★ ★ ★ ✰
Overall - ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
_____________________________________________________________________________
THE FILM ITSELF Our Reviewer's Take
She is as cool as the ocean.
She is as cool as the ocean.
Reviewed by Gavin King
Disney Animation seems to be taking the Illumination Entertainment route of things, by releasing two films in the span of one single year. Whereas Illumination launched the the hilariously heartfelt The Secret Life of Pets and the musical sensation Sing over the course of 2016, Disney Animation took a similar approach (or did Illumination follow those footsteps?). Animation fans were graced with the bravely mature yet heartwarmingly funny Zootopia, which tackled some important messages on equality all while keeping a brilliant balance of entertaining enjoyment for both children and adults alike. And we can't forget the gut-busting DMV nod that had audiences like me laughing their pants off at the relatable nature that made for one of the funniest scenes in animated movie history. Fast-forward to November of the same year and we get the gorgeously animated Moana, a briskly-paced tale of adventure, mythology, and a hilarious comic relief chicken. Moana is a beautiful, funny, and narratively broad feature that'll entertain the kids with its wildly-fun action scenes and impress the older audiences with its deeper narrative themes and much appreciated throwbacks to good old Disney animated musicals.
Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) is one of the many who are part of a Polynesian-esque tribe. As a youngster, she was fascinated by the ocean. She's made friends with it and one day while exploring its depths she finds the heart of Te Fiti that was once stolen by the legendary demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) but was lost in the ocean after he was defeated by Te Ka. However, her father (voiced by Temuera Morrison) discourages her visits to the ocean, preferring her to stay with her village where's she's supposedly safer and out of danger. One day, Moana's grandmother (voiced by Rachel House) brings her to a secret cave filled with ancient boats. After banging a drum inside the cave, she discovers that her tribe were voyagers and is also told by her grandmother that her tribe stopped voyaging because ever since the heart of Te Fiti was lost, Te Ka was summoned and began sprouting dangerous sea monsters from the ocean. Suddenly, grandmother becomes ill. A dying grandmother tells Moana to set sail, meet the legendary Maui, and restore the heart of te Fiti. On her journey, she brings along her dumbminded chicken Heihei (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and encounters several obstacles, such as the coconut-headed tribe of Kakamora and a full-of-himself crab by the name of Tamatoa (voiced by Jemaine Clement).
Moana tries to calm her zany chicken during a boat ride...
Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) is one of the many who are part of a Polynesian-esque tribe. As a youngster, she was fascinated by the ocean. She's made friends with it and one day while exploring its depths she finds the heart of Te Fiti that was once stolen by the legendary demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) but was lost in the ocean after he was defeated by Te Ka. However, her father (voiced by Temuera Morrison) discourages her visits to the ocean, preferring her to stay with her village where's she's supposedly safer and out of danger. One day, Moana's grandmother (voiced by Rachel House) brings her to a secret cave filled with ancient boats. After banging a drum inside the cave, she discovers that her tribe were voyagers and is also told by her grandmother that her tribe stopped voyaging because ever since the heart of Te Fiti was lost, Te Ka was summoned and began sprouting dangerous sea monsters from the ocean. Suddenly, grandmother becomes ill. A dying grandmother tells Moana to set sail, meet the legendary Maui, and restore the heart of te Fiti. On her journey, she brings along her dumbminded chicken Heihei (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and encounters several obstacles, such as the coconut-headed tribe of Kakamora and a full-of-himself crab by the name of Tamatoa (voiced by Jemaine Clement).
Moana's narrative strengths are immediately obvious. The film's story is told with a lot of care and exceptional depth. Probably the most refreshing aspect of all of this is that all of it is presented with a refreshingly natural and unforced delivery. It doesn't devolve into the unintelligible noise trap that far too many animated missteps like The Wild Life fall into. It instead takes its time explaining its unique story yet it's all exhiliratingly fast-paced and doesn't devolve into a gray slog. Character depth is obvious and irresistible. Moana in particular is a fascinating character. Not only does she set a great role model for girls - and, heck, maybe even the boys in the audience! - worldwide, but she's also bumped up by intelligent dialogue and beautiful character design by the Walt Disney Animation Studios team. Other character arcs - such as Dwayne Johnson's Maui or even the calm Gramma Tala, Moana's grandmother - are equally fantastically thought-out and further prove that Disney Animation is just a natural at this kind of filmmaking.
The film also largely succeeds as a musical. The songs portrayed the film are toe-tapping and catchy yet beautifully realized and appreciably reminiscent of classic Disney animated musicals like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast (which, as some of you know, is getting a live-action adaptation this month). The film offers an excellent mix of peppy, finger-snapping happiness and more realized, slower yet no less enchanting pieces. The more rhythmic numbers come into play with pieces like Dwayne Johnson's You're Welcome where there's playful cadence to the tune as Maui describes his significance to Moana's life via the sun, the sea, etc. More emotionally challenged notes like Auli'i Cravalho's Oscar-nominated How Far I'll Go are just as appreciated, if not even more. It's arguably the best song in the film in this reviewer's opinion. Composer Mark Mancina and the lovely Auli'i Cravalho combine to create a song that's not only the film's best (in my opinion, once again) but one that further advances the story forward in all the right ways.
Voice performances are terrific, too. The highlight is newcomer Auli'i Cravalho. She brings life to Moana's character and springs all of her emotions to thematically effective life. Pair that with her ability to beautifully nail the film's songs, and you've got a voice actress who's likely to be an inspiration for casting directors to come. Dwayne Johnson doesn't disappoint as well. It's almost as if you could transport to the world of Moana and fully imagine that being his voice in the first place; he fits the demigod character so well. Jemaine Clement doesn't fall short either as the greedy Tamatoa, showcasing all of his gloat and villainry with surprise and gusto. Animation is fantastic; not only is it expectedly bright and colorful, but every single detail seems to really spring to life, whether waves on the ocean, breezy trees, or the interior of a dim cave. This really is fantastic stuff. Moana is an outstanding animated feature and one that won't soon be forgotten.
MOANA Blu-ray - Video Quality
There's no two ways about it: Moana is a visual feast for the eyes. The Blu-ray presentation is 110% colorful and astonishingly detailed without one single note of compaint. The blues of the ocean waves and the daytime skies are gorgeously rendered and beautifully presented with lifelike saturation that could simply pass for photorealistic. The same can be applied to grassy greens in Moana's Polynesian village, the shiny purples of Tamatoa's cave, and dozens among dozens of others that literally splash from the screen with exceptional color balance that never overheats to overly gaudy to freezes to frustratingly pale. Details are just as impressive. Skin intricacies, naturally flowing hair, the sail of a ship, clothing textures, and other painstakingly animated nooks and crannies are straight-from-the-digital-hard-drive wonderful. One of the best looking moments comes towards the end of the film when Moana must face Te Ka. The fiery lava oranges and crackly details of Te Ka are nothing short of brilliant and make for an absolute reference moment, even this far into Blu-ray's lifespan. Black levels hold expertly deep and firm in nighttime moments. Banding, aliasing, and other animated movie-prone issues are absolutely nonexistent. To say that Moana looks fantastic on Blu-ray would be an understatement.
Moana is just a really good movie. It walks that very fine line between a blast of an animated feature and one that's beautifully thematic narratively. The film is everything one would expect of a great Disney animated feature; wonderful animation, top-notch voice performances, phenomenal songs, exciting action sequences... the list really does go on. This is animated cinema at its most narratively stout without sacrificing a single hint of detail when it comes to it technical elements as well. Disney's Blu-ray release of Moana is guaranteed to overjoy its fans. With a video presentation so gorgeous you'll just need to see it to believe it, a 7.1 audio track that isn't far behind, and an entertaining supplemental package, Moana ranks as one of the best Blu-ray releases of this year so far. Moana earns my highest recommendation. Enjoy!
What can I say, except... you're welcome!
The film also largely succeeds as a musical. The songs portrayed the film are toe-tapping and catchy yet beautifully realized and appreciably reminiscent of classic Disney animated musicals like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast (which, as some of you know, is getting a live-action adaptation this month). The film offers an excellent mix of peppy, finger-snapping happiness and more realized, slower yet no less enchanting pieces. The more rhythmic numbers come into play with pieces like Dwayne Johnson's You're Welcome where there's playful cadence to the tune as Maui describes his significance to Moana's life via the sun, the sea, etc. More emotionally challenged notes like Auli'i Cravalho's Oscar-nominated How Far I'll Go are just as appreciated, if not even more. It's arguably the best song in the film in this reviewer's opinion. Composer Mark Mancina and the lovely Auli'i Cravalho combine to create a song that's not only the film's best (in my opinion, once again) but one that further advances the story forward in all the right ways.
Voice performances are terrific, too. The highlight is newcomer Auli'i Cravalho. She brings life to Moana's character and springs all of her emotions to thematically effective life. Pair that with her ability to beautifully nail the film's songs, and you've got a voice actress who's likely to be an inspiration for casting directors to come. Dwayne Johnson doesn't disappoint as well. It's almost as if you could transport to the world of Moana and fully imagine that being his voice in the first place; he fits the demigod character so well. Jemaine Clement doesn't fall short either as the greedy Tamatoa, showcasing all of his gloat and villainry with surprise and gusto. Animation is fantastic; not only is it expectedly bright and colorful, but every single detail seems to really spring to life, whether waves on the ocean, breezy trees, or the interior of a dim cave. This really is fantastic stuff. Moana is an outstanding animated feature and one that won't soon be forgotten.
MOANA Blu-ray - Video Quality
There's no two ways about it: Moana is a visual feast for the eyes. The Blu-ray presentation is 110% colorful and astonishingly detailed without one single note of compaint. The blues of the ocean waves and the daytime skies are gorgeously rendered and beautifully presented with lifelike saturation that could simply pass for photorealistic. The same can be applied to grassy greens in Moana's Polynesian village, the shiny purples of Tamatoa's cave, and dozens among dozens of others that literally splash from the screen with exceptional color balance that never overheats to overly gaudy to freezes to frustratingly pale. Details are just as impressive. Skin intricacies, naturally flowing hair, the sail of a ship, clothing textures, and other painstakingly animated nooks and crannies are straight-from-the-digital-hard-drive wonderful. One of the best looking moments comes towards the end of the film when Moana must face Te Ka. The fiery lava oranges and crackly details of Te Ka are nothing short of brilliant and make for an absolute reference moment, even this far into Blu-ray's lifespan. Black levels hold expertly deep and firm in nighttime moments. Banding, aliasing, and other animated movie-prone issues are absolutely nonexistent. To say that Moana looks fantastic on Blu-ray would be an understatement.
MOANA Blu-ray - Audio Quality
Moana's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack is technically excellent, though it could stand to be a bit bassier at reference levels. No doubt the key effects sound amazing. Music, whether the sung numbers or adventurous background score, is effortlessly powerful with an incredible saturation across the entire stage without ever being too powerful or too quiet. The film's action sequences offer standout surround envelopment. Whether a Kakamora attack involving piercing arrows and menacing coconut creatures or bigger, more intense battles with a lava monster, we as the listeners get the sensation that we're right with Moana and Maui as the action takes place. As mentioned earlier, bass could stand to be somewhat less shy in these moments, but it's hardly a major concern and by no means does not distract from the enjoyment of the film itself. Amibent effects are nicely filling and immersive. Moana's village is alive with the sounds of leaves rustling, birds chirping, and people talking. While sailing on the ocean, we're able to hear the sound effects of water lapping all around us, creating a seamless 360 degree sound experience. To wrap up an already terrific track, dialogue is wonderfully prioritized throughout the stage, and placement is always natural and never over-exaggerated for effect.
MOANA Blu-ray - Special Features
- Inner Workings is a fun short film about how a body's organs can influence a man's day. This was also released theatrically with Moana.
- Maui Mini-Movie: Gone Fishing Maui gets hungry for some fish. So where's the best place to find some? The ocean, of course!
- Voice of the Islands takes a very fascinating look at Moana directors Ron Clements' and John Musker's trip to the Pacific Islands and how it changed them. It also looks closely at how their research of the Pacific Islands influenced the film Moana.
- Things You Didn't Know About... consists of two parts: Ron, John, Auli'l, and Dwayne is a hilarious rapid-fire Q&A with the directors and main voice actress/actor, and Mark, Opetaia, & Lin-Manuel follows suit.
- Island Fashion includes interviews with Neysa Bove, the "costume designer" for Moana as she walks us through the process she and the crew took to create the film's costumes.
- The Elements Of... in a whole is about how Moana's animators designed and animated some of the film's most challenging elements. It consists of four parts: Mini-Maui, which looks at the animation process behind Maui's tattoos, Water, which looks closer at one of the film's most primary aspects, Lava, which includes the process behind animating Te Ka, and finally Hair, which takes a look at one of the toughest aspects of animation.
- They Know the Way: Making the Music of Moana is a piece on the film's wonderful music and the themes its composers mainly focused on, including South Pacific apsects.
- Deleted Song: Warrior Face Including an introduction by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this scrapped song is essentially about Maui and Moana facing the dangers on their journey.
- Fishing for Easter Eggs is a fun look at some of the secret nooks and crannies and references the skilled animators over at Disney Animation hid in the mix of beautiful animation.
- Deleted Scenes include an introduction by the film's directors and the following: Grandmother's Warning/Legend of Maui, Canoe Race, Father Daughter Boat, Education of Moana, Discussing Moana's Future, Race the Wind/Ties that Bind, and Under the Sea.
- How Far I'll Go: Performed by Alessia Cara Alessia Cara sings Auli'i Cravalho's moving song from the film. This song can also be heard in the end credits in Moana.
- How Far I'll Go: Around the World A neat little feature that showcases Auli'i Cravalho's How Far I'll Go multilanguage seamlessly.
- Audio Commentary Directors Ron Musker and John Clements lead a great commentary track. The duo discuss their inspiration for the movie, the animation, performances, the film's songs, and more. Fans will love it.
- Inner Workings is a fun short film about how a body's organs can influence a man's day. This was also released theatrically with Moana.
- Maui Mini-Movie: Gone Fishing Maui gets hungry for some fish. So where's the best place to find some? The ocean, of course!
- Voice of the Islands takes a very fascinating look at Moana directors Ron Clements' and John Musker's trip to the Pacific Islands and how it changed them. It also looks closely at how their research of the Pacific Islands influenced the film Moana.
- Things You Didn't Know About... consists of two parts: Ron, John, Auli'l, and Dwayne is a hilarious rapid-fire Q&A with the directors and main voice actress/actor, and Mark, Opetaia, & Lin-Manuel follows suit.
- Island Fashion includes interviews with Neysa Bove, the "costume designer" for Moana as she walks us through the process she and the crew took to create the film's costumes.
- The Elements Of... in a whole is about how Moana's animators designed and animated some of the film's most challenging elements. It consists of four parts: Mini-Maui, which looks at the animation process behind Maui's tattoos, Water, which looks closer at one of the film's most primary aspects, Lava, which includes the process behind animating Te Ka, and finally Hair, which takes a look at one of the toughest aspects of animation.
- They Know the Way: Making the Music of Moana is a piece on the film's wonderful music and the themes its composers mainly focused on, including South Pacific apsects.
- Deleted Song: Warrior Face Including an introduction by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this scrapped song is essentially about Maui and Moana facing the dangers on their journey.
- Fishing for Easter Eggs is a fun look at some of the secret nooks and crannies and references the skilled animators over at Disney Animation hid in the mix of beautiful animation.
- Deleted Scenes include an introduction by the film's directors and the following: Grandmother's Warning/Legend of Maui, Canoe Race, Father Daughter Boat, Education of Moana, Discussing Moana's Future, Race the Wind/Ties that Bind, and Under the Sea.
- How Far I'll Go: Performed by Alessia Cara Alessia Cara sings Auli'i Cravalho's moving song from the film. This song can also be heard in the end credits in Moana.
- How Far I'll Go: Around the World A neat little feature that showcases Auli'i Cravalho's How Far I'll Go multilanguage seamlessly.
- Audio Commentary Directors Ron Musker and John Clements lead a great commentary track. The duo discuss their inspiration for the movie, the animation, performances, the film's songs, and more. Fans will love it.
MOANA Blu-ray - Overall Recommendation
Moana is just a really good movie. It walks that very fine line between a blast of an animated feature and one that's beautifully thematic narratively. The film is everything one would expect of a great Disney animated feature; wonderful animation, top-notch voice performances, phenomenal songs, exciting action sequences... the list really does go on. This is animated cinema at its most narratively stout without sacrificing a single hint of detail when it comes to it technical elements as well. Disney's Blu-ray release of Moana is guaranteed to overjoy its fans. With a video presentation so gorgeous you'll just need to see it to believe it, a 7.1 audio track that isn't far behind, and an entertaining supplemental package, Moana ranks as one of the best Blu-ray releases of this year so far. Moana earns my highest recommendation. Enjoy!
EXTRA SCREENSHOTS (Right-click and select 'Open image in new tab' to see full size)
No comments:
Post a Comment