“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” Now on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD

 

Review by John Delia

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil brings a powerhouse of Disney magic that will astound and delight everyone even on their home screens. Filled with so many characters that you will want to stop and count them as they fly by and even freeze frame them to get a better look. The direction is incredible keeping the main actors in character as they work in front of the stage screens. It’s the kind of wonderment that boggles the mind, especially with the opening scenes and later during the battle. Youngsters will enjoy the film and want to see it over and over again. Parents will marvel at the storyline that stretches the imagination beyond the first Maleficent movie. Whether it’s on 4k, Blu-ray or even DVD, the film is seamless and clear.

It’s a beautiful day and Prince Phillip has come to ask for Princess Aurora’s hand in marriage. She accepts and now it’s just the task of telling her God Mother Maleficent that she has made a decision that will bring the land of the Moors together with the human kingdom. Oh, and guess who’s coming to dinner at the Human Kingdom… yup!

Going with a seasoned director Joachim Ronning proves to be the right choice. Dealing with a lot of special effects and CGI when he took the helm of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, he was prepared to make a lot of magic happen and he does for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Jam packing hundreds of fairies, pixies, elves, and other cute little goblins, then adding the awesome flying Feys, crumbling castles, and walking trees, he puts on a ground and aerial show that will be remembered by the whole family.

The world that the movie production provides is jam packed with wonders and amazement, especially the Moors where elves, fairies, walking trees, lively flowers and other wild life make up Queen Maleficent and Princess Aurora’s kingdom. There are so many fun things that unless you are completely focused on the fields, you’ll never see them all. But with the wonders of a Blu-ray player, just press pause to get a better look.

Bonus features include:

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
“Lickspittle” Fantasy film veteran Warwick Davis considers how every aspect of the film’s design inspired his tragic character.

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS:
“The Queen Comforts Aurora” – Queen Ingrith takes advantage of Aurora’s fragile state to gain her confidence and accelerate the wedding plans.
“Philip and Aurora Dance” – Aurora struggles to gain Queen Ingrith’s approval when she realizes how she is viewed among aristocracy.
Featurettes:
“Origins of the Fey” – Angelina Jolie discusses Maleficent’s lore, her newly discovered origins, and the diversity of the cast who portray the Fey.
“Aurora’s Wedding” – Elle Fanning gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding; plus, hear from some special guests as they give their best to the bride and groom.
“If You Had Wings” – Get a glimpse of the elaborate visual effects that allow the Fey to take to the skies.
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” VFX Reel – Discover how a perfect blend of practical and visual effects were used to create the stunning landscapes in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”
“You Can’t Stop The Girl” – Music video performed by Bebe Rexha
“Outtakes” – Uncooperative cats, a serious case of the giggles and even the “floss dance” found their way into Ulstead.
“Extended Scenes”

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil has been rated PG for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images. The very young and immature may need to sit by mom or dad during this presentation, but if there is enough microwave popcorn and a drink next to the tot, they may be grabbing that instead.

FINAL ANALYSIS: a very good sequel, much better than to the original. (5 out of 5 Stars on Blu-ray)

Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Cast: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Harris Dickinson,  Robert Lindsay, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, Warwick Davis, Jenn Murray, David Gyasi, Judith Shekoni, John Carew, Freddie Wise
Directed by: Joachim Rønning
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy (Bonus material is not rated)
MPAA Rating:  PG for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images
Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min.
Video Release Date: January 14, 2020
Original Theatrical Release Date: October 18, 2019
Language: Blu-ray- English (changeable to Spanish or French. Also English Descriptive Audio)
Reviewed Format: Multi-screen Edition
Audio: Blu-ray- English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: Blu-ray- English SDH, French and Spanish, English Closed Captions
Number of Discs: 2 Discs plus digital Code
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Released on: 4k Ultra HD, Multi-screen Edition Blu-ray DVD Digital Code, DVD, Digital 4K, HD, SD and On Demand