Walt Disney Animation Studios' Encanto Review

Disclosure: I was given a code to watch it digitally.

Over the holidays we spent time watching Walt Disney Animation Studios' Encanto!

This wonderful family film is currently available on digital, and will release on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 8.

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.

This fantastical film about a magical home in a magical town where people with magical powers live was lively and fun, as well as very meaningful.

The Madrigal family was given gifts by a special candle - from being able to control the weather or heal people with food, the gifts were abundant in this Madrigal household. However, Mirabel was mysteriously not bestowed a gift, but visions of a crumbling home and the candle's flame going out made her determined to save the treasured home, even without having been given a gift.

During her pursuit, family tensions rise - so much so, that relationships and both the precious home begin to destruct.

Ultimately, despite tragedy, Mirabel makes significant discoveries, and helps all her loved ones realize that the greatest gift of all is that of family.

Our family enjoyed the numerous songs throughout the movie, and there were many humurous moments as well.

My youngest son loved when Antonio was given the gift to speak to and understand animals. We also both thought it was funny when Mirabel found Bruno, who had been in hiding for years, and he conjured up a vision for Mirabel to try and help save their home - one in which she was hugging her sister, with whom she did not get along very well with.

The animation was engaging and enchanting, and Disney never fails when it comes to family films that are both entertaining and meaningful.

Watch Encanto now on Digital, or get it on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray, or DVD on February 8!

 

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

 

*bonus features vary by product and retailer