Zootopia: Blu-ray Review
The progressive mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a melting pot where animals from every habitat live side by side and “anyone can be anything.” But when new rabbit police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives in town she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of tough hulking animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack an unsolved, challenging case even if it means working with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. But the case leads these two unlikely partners to an uneasy conclusion that Zootopia’s “evolved” society is being pulled apart by unseen forces determined to use fear to take control of the city by turning predators and prey against each other.
Disney knows how to market a movie and they do it really well because months before it’s release my family and I had already decided we wanted to see it. The film was immensely entertaining with soooooo many characters involved. There were so many that I was still finding funny characters in the background when seeing it for a second time. When watching Zootopia you’ll definitely laugh and smile throughout the film but about halfway through it hit me that it had a great underlying message that involves acceptance and tolerance. Disney movies usually have deeper messages but I don’t think it’s ever been anything to this degree and in this day and age I feel like it’s needed more than ever. It isn’t really preachy about it either, it just kind of slides it across to you in a clever way. Like all of Disney’s films they tend to include humor that appeals to adults as well as kids and this was no different. My favorite moment was the inclusion of a Breaking Bad type scenario that only fans of the show would appreciate. I enjoyed this movie a whole lot and so did the rest of my family and when a movie can get my 5 year old son’s eyes to be glued to the screen then it’s a win in my book. It doesn’t have the same emotional pull as a Pixar/Disney film BUT it is extremely well done with lots of heart to it. A must buy for sure! 9/10
Special Features:
Research: A True-Life Adventure – The filmmakers study animals in order to get a better view on how to create the characters in the film.
The Origin of an Animal Tale – This feature looks at the development of the film and how the filmmakers came across the story, characters and themes.
Zoology: The Roundtables – A three part feature that looks in depth about the characters, the environments in the film and the animation process.
Scoretopia – A feature on the music of the film and how fitting it is.
Z.P.D. Forensic Files – A really cool look at all the Disney easter eggs in the film.
Shakira “Try Everything” Music Video
Deleted Characters – The Directors look at some of the characters that were taken out of the film.
Deleted Scenes – Around 7 scenes here that were understandably cut from the film but interesting to see nonetheless.
