Actors: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Run Time: 97 minutes
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars
“Finding Nemo” is easily one of my favorite Disney/Pixar films. Pixar has been honestly rather weak though in the sequel department recently (of course outside of the “Toy Story” franchise”). “Finding Dory” was everything I wanted in a sequel and more! The original characters were back and better than ever. Everyone loves Dory but she was really able to carry this movie so well in the lead with some help from some amazing new friends. Destiny, the whale shark and Bailey, a beluga whale, nearly steal the show for me. Just a lot of love went into making this film amazing and every time I watch it it only gets better and better…and BETTER! Let’s hope that Pixar takes some notes from this film and straightens up its game for future sequels.
Official Premise: From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of Disney-Pixar’s FINDING NEMO (Best Animated Feature, 2003) comes an epic undersea adventure filled with imagination, humor and heart. When Dory, the forgetful blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres), suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them…with help from Hank, a cantankerous octopus; Bailey, a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz’ and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark!
I saw this film in 3D and I wasn’t really thrilled with the way it turned out. But the film 2D alone just looks so amazing. If you watch “Nemo” and “Dory” back to back you can see so much how the latter has improved on the first film. The 1080p transfer is simple gorgeous and compliments so well by the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track as well, which is perfect. Disney also jam packed this Blu-ray set with special features spanning over two discs. Additionally, there is a DVD copy of the film included (if anyone actually still uses these) as well as and a Disney digital copy voucher.
On disc one of “Finding Dory”, the special features start off amazing with the beautiful short film “Piper”, which better win the Oscar this year! There are some vintage (looking) Marine Life Interviews with characters from the film. “The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar” focuses on “the most complicated character” Pixar has ever created. “What Were We Talking About?” focuses on Dory as a character and how she returns in this film. “Casual Carpool” takes us on a ride with Director Andrew Stanton and some voice cast. “Animation & Acting” focuses on voice work in the film. “Deep in the Kelp” features Jenna Ortega, from Disney’s Stuck in the Middle, as she hosts on the research for the film. “Creature Features” has cast discuss their characters. Lastly there is a fun and informative audio commentary with Director Andrew Stanton, Co-Director Angus MacLane, and Producer Lindsey Collins.
Disc Two jumps right into the good stuff with a huge five part behind-the-scenes feature. The first part is “Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer”, which features the Character Art Director discusses his work on the film. “Dory’s Theme” features a discussion about the music with Director Andrew Stanton, Composer Tom Newman, and Music Editor Bill Bernstein. “Rough Day on the Reef” is a sort of gag reel of computer glitches, so is the other feature “Fish Schticks” featuring funny moments. “Finding Nemo As Told by Emoji” is what the title says it is…cute. ” “Living Aquariums” is an awesome addition as sporting a collection of four themed digitally animated “fish tanks” designed for ambient enjoyment. Hours of entertainment here! Lastly there is a WHOPPING 50+ minutes of deleted scenes with intro from the director and some trailers included.