Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, J.K. Simmons, Nate Torrence
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: June 7, 2016
Run Time: 108 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
“Zootopia” is the latest smash hit from Walt Disney Animation Studios! They have been nailing it one hit after another. The story is not only fun but also sets a good picture of the world and gives real lessons (for those that can see them). I really enjoyed this from beginning to end and in fact better with repeat viewings. I have a four year old and we watch one A LOT!!! The voice cast is phenomenal starring Ginnifer Goodwin from “Once Upon a Time”, Jason Bateman from “Arrested Development”, Idris Elba from “Prometheus”, Alan Tudyk from “Wreck-It Ralph” and also Oscar winner J.K. Simmons from “Whiplash”. Keep the hits coming Disney! Can’t wait for “Moana” this fall!
Official Premise: The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like r itzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
As expected, like the film, the Blu-ray is gorgeous. The 1080p transfer is yet another winner from Disney. The colors are so amazing and vibrant in this film alone and it just pops out so well. Haven’t seen this in 3D but I can’t imagine it gets much better that this. The level of detail is also notable. I remember when “Monsters Inc.” came out and we saw the hairs moving on Sully and thought “Wow!” This movie improves on that 10x and just looks outstanding. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track also nails it completely. The score is amazing and the track is full and works great with the pop songs, thanks Shakira!
In terms of special features, there are some decent but short extras included here. First up, Research: A True-Life Adventure, which features the filmmakers playing in the real world in order to create this film’s characters and world. The Origin of an Animal Tale takes us through the film’s development from story to themes etc. Zoology: The Roundtables is a three-parter available with an introduction from the film’s star Ginnifer Goodwin aka Judy Hops. There are four short featurettes focusing on the film’s characters, the world created, the animation and the score as well as few Easter eggs. Lastly there is a music video for “Try Everything” by Shakira as well as a few deleted scenes and characters to check out wit intros from Rich Moore (the director).