“Zootopia”, a Wild and Wonderful Animal Adventure on Blu-ray

ZOOTOPIA boxart

 

Arriving this week to home video Zootopia should make a big splash. So far the best animated film this year and it’s perfect for everyone. The family friendly characters are cute and cuddly and you’d even give a big hug to the plushy pushy bad guys. Kids are sure to attempt to try and wear out the disc, but with summer already here, that’s a good thing.

There’s a wonderful place called Zootopia where all animals live in harmony both predator and prey. Its Judy’s (Ginnifer Goodwin) goal to live and work there some day, but her chosen profession has her parents worried. She wants to be a police officer. Feared that being a rabbit she may be far from the strong and burly police that protect Zootopia, but her determination cannot be changed.

Nick Wilde and Judy Hops in Zootopia
Nick Wilde and Judy Hops in Zootopia

After getting through the police academy and with a lot of effort she gets chosen by the Mayor of Zootopia to be the first rabbit police officer. But, it’s not what Judy expected as Police Chief Bobo (Idris Alba) doesn’t thinks she’s officer material and she finds herself being a meter maid. One day she runs into a fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) who uses his flashy looks and charm to scam her. Not long after, Police Chief Bobo gets reports that the predators are starting to change back into their fearsome selves. This give him an idea to put Judy in her place and see if she can handle being a real cop.

So beings an adventure of trying to prove worthiness in the face of danger, friendship in the face of adversity, and acceptance way beyond the boundaries of possibility. Directors Byron Howard (Tangled), Rich Moore (Wreck-it Ralph) and Jared Busch (Big Hero 6) team up to provide a rollicking good time in the animal world. Establishing very good characters and providing a challenging storyline that leads them in and out of peril, Zootopia entertains from 5 year olds to adults that have a little bit of child left in them.

Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and Flash in Zootopia
Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and Flash in Zootopia

The film also features the all-new original song, “Try Everything,” written by Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, and performed by Grammy winner Shakira. And what a song it is, winsome and energetic, the toe tapper starts the film swinging with the opening credits and the closing moments of the kid friendly movie. It’s one of those tunes that gets stuck in your head and will be humming for days. And, Shakira voices Gazelle a night club singer as well. And, the vibrant score throughout the film was composed by Michael Giacchino Oscar®-winner for Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out”.

The animation in Zootopia is extremely good with the animals being depicted as if real. Their fur and skin right down to the feet and paws look so realistic. Personalities are expressed depending on the animal with kindly little old ferrets speaking meekly to slow moving sloths who take a lot of time to get a word out and burly bulls blustering to athletic giraffes. The city has towering sky scrapers, parks and run down back alleys that allow for the exciting adventure of being a cop in a crowded vibrant community.

cropedBONUS FEATURES: There’s plenty of special features to go around for the whole family. Even dad will probably feast on a few after the kiddies have gone to bed.

Featured on the Blu-Ray 3d, Blu-Ray & Digital HD:

“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 Tale” Follow 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 Adventure” The 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.

“Scoretopia” Academy 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! Pitch” Nick 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 Hopps” After 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’ Apartment” When Judy’s entire family pays her a surprise visit they are shocked to discover the company she’s keeping.
“The Taming Party” In 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.

”Music Video: “Try Everything” by Shakira

DVD: Bonus Feature
“Scoretopia”
“Try Everything” Music Video by Shakira

DIGITAL HD EXCLUSIVE:
“International Character Reel” See the variances in news reporters in Zootopia around the world!

Zootopia has been rated PG by the MPAA for some thematic elements, rude humor and action. There are some scary scenes that take place in the film where the very young may get a bit frightened, so keep them close to you so they can give you a hug the first time around. But most 5 or 6 year olds and up should be able to laugh it off.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A fun family home video with good messages all around. (A)

Specifications and additional video information:
Voice Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Tommy Chong, Octavia Spencer, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake,Alan Tudyk, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Raymond Persi, Katie Lowes, Jesse Corti, John DiMaggio. Directed: Byron Howard, Rich Moore.
Written by: Jared Bush
Genre: Comedy, Animation, Family
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements, rude humor and action
Running Time: 1 hr. 48 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: March 4, 2016
Video Release Date: June 7, 2016
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray Combo Pack
Audio: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA & 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks DVD English and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Video: Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / 2.39:1 DVD Feature Film = 2.39:1
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish/English SDH, French & Spanish
Number of Discs: Blu-ray Combo Pack 2 Discs + Digital Download Code
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com