The Fandads were provided with an advance copy of Encanto in exchange for a review. All thoughts, opinions, and searching for our gift is our own.
When Encanto was released we were not able to see it in the theaters. I feel this was a missed opportunity for us because when we finally saw it at home the music and visuals would have been better appreciated on a bigger screen. How you first experienced Encanto will not affect the powerful message behind the movie about finding your place and who you are in your family.
The movie Encanto follows the Family Madrigal and the many gifts that they have. In the beginning, we learn about all the gifts the family has from Mirabel as she sings a song introducing the audience to her family. Through this song, we learn that while all of her family had a gift Mirabel is the only one that was not granted one. This “otherness” that Mirabel has makes her seem less than in the eyes of her Abuela and this brings the conflict in the movie.
One of the things that Encanto reveals is the multi-generational trauma that is passed down from family to family. We see how the weight of these gifts is both a blessing and a curse to those that have them. Little by little, we see through song, how the family has been trying to hide who they are to placate their Abuela. Everything that they do is for the good of the family and not for themselves. There is a lot more to the movie but we don’t want to give too much away.
As with all home releases the extras are where it’s at. There are a lot of great extras that really give you the ins and outs of the creation of the movie. A Journey Through Music is a great breakdown of most of the songs and what went into making them. It is great to see how each song was created and crafted for the character and comes to fruition.
One of the great extras on the Blu-ray is the Familia Lo Es Todo special feature. This feature shows how a group was formed at Disney Animation with Latino employees to share stories and anecdotes about Latino families and how some of that helped create and flesh out the characters in Encanto. This was great to see because this group benefitted the employees and helped them see that there was a community of fellow employees that they can relate to and share what it feels like to be a Latino in a big company.
The company I work for has created groups for all the different ethnicities in the company and these groups are helping the company learn more about our cultures and roles in the company. I think more companies need to create something along these lines.
Final Thoughts: The film is a great look into the dynamics of large families. It shows us how everyone plays a part in the family but at times family members feel overshadowed by their siblings. Even though we get that feeling, we are still important and have a part to play
Kid-Friendly: The movie is filled with a lot of fun moments and catchy songs that will welcome repeated viewing.
Violence: There is nothing that would be considered too violent in this movie for children. The verbal violence from Abuela to Mirabel regarding the house falling apart might be too strong for younger children.
Encanto marks the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios and will soon be available to audiences to enjoy at home. Fans can enjoy a sing-along movie version, never-before-seen bonus features and deleted scenes when Encanto is now on all major digital platforms and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 8.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, with all-new songs by award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.
Bonus Features
- Sing Along with the Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics as you watch the movie.
- Familia Lo Es Todo – Members of the Disney Animation “Familia” cultural trust share real-life experiences in this exploration of the lovable Madrigal family members. We learn what inspired each character, and about how the artists’ designs bring realism to their personalities.
- Discover Colombia – The filmmaking team discusses how the multiple cultures, biodiversity and vibrant colors of Colombia are expressed in Encanto. They describe how satisfying it was to fully celebrate this beautiful country and support the theme of magical realism.
- A Journey Through Music – The filmmakers invite us to discover how each character came to be represented musically. We follow the creation of Encanto’s Colombian-inspired music, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs and Germaine Franco’s score, from concept to final recording.
- Let’s Talk About Bruno – Learn how the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” with its intriguing undertones, was created. Discover the extensive collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Jamal Sims, the voice cast and animators in bringing it to the screen.
- Our Casita – La Casa Madrigal is alive with magic, and its emotional state is affected by other family members. From its colorful doors to its fine stonework, the magical house was designed using principles of Colombian tradition.
- Outtakes – From the thrill of “nailing” a take in the presence of an entertainment industry icon to the hilarity of losing a wrestling match with tongue-twisting dialogue, join the cast for some good-natured fun from behind the microphone.
- Journey to Colombia – With the help of the Colombian Cultural Trust, a dedicated team of consultants, the filmmakers of Encanto embark on a journey of discovery to learn more about Colombia and how best to reflect the country’s cultures and environments on the big screen.
- An Introduction to Far From the Tree – Writer and director Natalie Nourigat introduces the Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Far From the Tree.
- Far From the Tree – Parenting is hard, especially when curiosity tugs at a young raccoon whose parent tries to keep them both safe. In the Walt Disney Animation Studios short Far From the Tree, this youngster learns to live with an open heart… even as danger lurks.
- Deleted Scenes
- Introduction – Heads of Story Jason Hand and Nancy Kruse present four scenes not seen in the film’s release, but were part of the journey toward the final version of the story.
- Chores! – Abuela has sent most of the family to town on various assignments that bring them acclaim, while Mirabel, her father and uncle are asked to clean the house.
- Another Way In – Mirabel attempts to understand a clue found in her uncle’s vision. To make this happen, she must go through Antonio’s room, where adventures unfold.
- Isabela Goes Into the Woods – When Mirabel sees her sister head for apparent danger in the woods, she races to save her, and encounters the surprise of a lifetime!
- Back to the Mural – Feeling rejected, Mirabel goes back to town. Abuela seeks her out and reveals a part of her personality that her granddaughter has never seen.
- Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
- The Family Madrigal
- Colombia, Mi Encanto
- Waiting on a Miracle
- Surface Pressure
- We Don’t Talk About Bruno
- What Else Can I Do
- Dos Oruguitas
- All of You