Monday, June 6, 2016

Blu-ray Review - Zootopia


PG; 108 minutes; $39.99; Amazon

Arriving on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD from Disney Home Entertainment this week is the mega-hit Zootopia. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, the film has grossed over one-billion dollars at the box-office.

Set in a world full of anthropomorphic mammals, Zootopia centers on a Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), a rabbit who has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. Despite her small size, she is accepted into the police academy and later graduates at the top of her class. She says goodbye to her home in Bunnyburrow and heads to the big city of Zootopia to work as the police department there.

Sadly, the chief and none of the officers takes her very seriously. Instead of getting assigned to one of the missing animal cases, she is assigned to parking duty. This is where she first runs across the con artist Nicholas P. "Nick" Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman).

Eventually, Judy is assigned to find out what happened to Mr. Otterton, who had vanished into thin air. She persuades (well, more like blackmail) Nick into helping her solve the case.


The Blu-ray Bonus extras includes:
  • Zoology: The Roundtables - Ginnifer Goodwin hosts an in-depth look at the movie’s characters, animation, environments and more. The artists at Disney Animation give a rare and in-depth look at the complexities of bringing an all-animal world to life from the ground-breaking technology behind the characters’ fur and clothing to the varied and vast environments of Tundratown, Sahara Square and the Rainforest District as well as the deep thought and research given to bringing 64 unique animal species to life through animation.
  • The Origin of an Animal TaleFollow the story’s development from its origins to a big story shift that turned the film upside down. In this feature-length documentary, filmmakers give a candid look into the difficulties of creating the story of Zootopia and the bold decision to switch the main character late in the production process, putting one resolute rabbit center stage. 
  •  Research: A True-Life AdventureThe filmmakers traveled the globe to find inspiration for the diverse characters and amazing city of Zootopia. They reflect on the importance of research and how a deep dive into animal behavior at Disney Animal Kingdom theme park and a deep immersion into animal society on the African savanna shaped and inspired the characters of Zootopia and changed the filmmakers’ lives forever. 
  •  Z.P.D. Forensic Files Find the movie’s hidden Easter Eggs. Every city has its hidden gems, especially when it has been created by the filmmakers of Disney Animation who love nothing more than sprinkling hidden references to some of Disney’s greatest animated features throughout the story. 
  • ScoretopiaAcademy Award-winning composer, Michael Giacchino spotlights five of cinema’s greatest percussionists and how they brought an organic, animalistic sound to his powerful and emotional music score. 
  • Deleted Characters Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore introduce citizens of Zootopia who did not make the final cut. 

  • Deleted Scenes: 
    • Alternate Opening – Young Judy Hopps rescues a fellow classmate and realizes she can reach beyond a life in carrot farming to a future in law enforcement. 
    • Wild Times! PitchNick desperately pitches the bankers of Zootopia on funding Wild Times!, an amusement park made exclusively for the predators of Zootopia and a sure-fire, money-making scheme for Nick and his friends
    • Alternate Homesick HoppsAfter a frustrating first day on the force, Judy has a conversation with her parents. See how this scene changed from a heartfelt conversation with her parents to tough love when her parents discover their daughter is only a meter maid and not a “real cop.” 
    • Detective Work Judy borrows a fellow police officer’s computer to conduct research, which turns out to be no small task. 
    • Alternate Jumbo Pop In this early version of the story where Nick was the main character, the filmmakers and Jason Bateman were able to take hustling to a new level. 
    • Hopps’ ApartmentWhen Judy’s entire family pays her a surprise visit they are shocked to discover the company she’s keeping. 
    • The Taming PartyIn this emotional clip from an early version of “Zootopia,” Judy attends her first “taming party” and gains a deeper understanding of the plight of the predator. ? 
  • “Try Everything” Music Video by Shakira 


Final Thoughts: I was little surprised when Zootopia became the big hit that it was this year. I only saw a handful of commercials and none them appealed to me. However, after the film passed the $1 billion mark, I became interested in seeing the film, just to see what all the fuss was about.

The plot involves Judy becoming the first rabbit police officer who has to deal with prejudice and racism in the big city of Zootopia. It feels less like a cartoon and more like a buddy-cop flick. The film received high praises from critics, but some viewers felt it had a left-wing political agenda. I believe some people tend to over-think while watching a movie. Honestly, it's just a cartoon!

The computer-animation is topnotch; full of vivid colors and outstanding designs. The entire voice-cast did an excellent job.

I know some of you like to buy Blu-rays for the extras. Well, the good news is that there are plenty of featurettes and deleted scenes on the Blu-ray disc.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Zootopia. It turned out to be a smart, funny comedy that the entire family can enjoy watching together.


*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

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