Blu-ray Review “The Emperor’s New Groove / Kronk’s New Groove”

Starring: David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Tracey Ullman, Wendie Malick
Director: Mark Dindal
Number of discs: 3
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Run Time: 150 minutes

The Emperor’s New Groove: 5 out of 5 stars
Kronk’s New Groove: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

Last year Disney started flooding the market with their less than par animated films on Blu-ray in these 2 Movie Collection sets. A few of them that we got “The Rescuers”/”The Rescuers Down Under”, “Pocahontas”/Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” and “Mulan”/”Mulan II”. This month we are getting a few more to add to our collections including “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”/”Atlantis 2: Milo’s Return”, “Lilo & Stitch”/”Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch” and this release “The Emperor’s New Groove”/”Kronk’s New Groove”.  I was never a huge fan of “Atlantis” but “Lilo & Stitch” is a Disney classic and “The Emperor’s New Groove” is an underrated film and one of my favorites.  I do not think that I can do a week without quoting this film at last one. “Pull the lever Kronk!….WRONG LEVER!” I will be wearing this Blu-ray out for sure.

Official Premise: Experience Disney’s outrageously funny animated comedies, The Emperor’s New Groove and Kronk’s New Groove – presented for the first time ever on Blu-ray, with perfect picture and sound. Featuring an all-star cast and the Academy Award-nominated song, “My Funny Friend And Me!” (best music, original song, Sting, 2000), this 2-movie collection is king-size fun for the entire family! When the young and spoiled Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his sinister advisor Yzma, it takes a thoughtful peasant to restore the kingdom and show Kuzco just how much fun it is to be true to yourself. Then laugh along with Yzma’s hilarious henchman Kronk as he cooks up big trouble in the hilarious sequel. These two comedy classics are better than ever on Disney Blu-ray!

The 2-Movie Collection release of The Emperor’s New Groove / Kronk’s New Groove is a 3-disc set. Which includes both films on one Blu-ray with each film also included on their own DVD. In terms of Blu-ray presentation, the 1080p transfers both looks great! The colors are vibrant and very sharp, especially on “The Emperor’s New Groove”.  “Kronk’s New Groove” doesn’t quite have that polished look to it but still very impressive. Both films come stocked with a standard, yet impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio tracks. “The Emperor’s New Groove” is a loud, funky and fun film. It features fun music and sounds great on this Blu-ray. “Kronk’s New Groove” doesn’t have the flair of the first film but also sounds very impressive for a direct-to-video entry.

Now we get to the special features, which is a real disappointment. “The Emperor’s New Groove” / “Kronk’s New Groove” does not have ANY special features included on the Blu-ray, only on the bonus DVD copies.  This is a real disappointment, especially with the first film’s audio commentary, which now can only be listened if you are watching the DVD of the film.  I would have loved to had the opportunity to watch it with the Blu-ray.  Same thing goes for the recently released “Lilo & Sitch 1 & 2” double feature Blu-ray as well.  Disney if you are reading this please cut it out with the double feature Blu-ray.  This issue is the result of that.