Disney's Maleficent [DVD]

MALEFICENT [2014] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray] [UK Release] Angelina Jolie is Wickedly Good!MALEFICENT explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain, from the classic Sleeping Beauty, and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent [Angelina Jolie] cruelly places an irrevocable curse on the human king’s new-born infant Princess Aurora [Elle Fanning]. As the child grows, Princess Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom Princess Aurora has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Princess Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever. Narrated by Janet McTeer.FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2014 BAFTA® Awards: Nominated: BAFTA Kids Vote in a Feature Film for Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Joe Roth, Linda Woolverton and Robert Stromberg. Nominated: Best Feature Film for Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Joe Roth, Linda Woolverton and Robert Stromberg. 2014 Hollywood Film Awards: Win: Production Designer of the Year for Dylan Cole and Gary Freeman. 2014 International Film Music Critics Award: Win: Best Original Score for a Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror Film for James Newton Howard. Nominated: Film Score of the Year for James Newton Howard. Nominated: Film Music Composition of the Year for "Maleficent Suite" for James Newton Howard. Nominated: Film Music Composition of the Year for "Maleficent Flies" for James Newton Howard.2015 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Achievement in Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. 2015 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films: Nominated: Best Actress for Angelina Jolie. Nominated: Best Fantasy Film. Nominated: Best Costumes for Anna B. Sheppard. Nominated: Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Elle Fanning. 2015 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Costumes for Anna B. Sheppard. Nominated: Best Hair and Makeup. 2015 Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association: Nominated: Campy Flick of the Year. 2015 International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society's Creative Arts Awards: Nominated: 3D Feature for Live Action. Nominated: Outstanding Use of 2D to 3D Conversion.Cast: Angelina Jolie, Isobelle Molloy (Young Maleficent), Ella Purnell (Teen Maleficent), Sharlto Copley, Michael Higgins (Young Stefan), Jackson Bews (Teen Stefan), Elle Fanning, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt (Little Aurora), Eleanor Worthington Cox (Pre-teen Aurora), Janet McTeer (Elderly Aurora/Narrator), Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, Brenton Thwaites, Kenneth Cranham, Hannah New, Sarah Flind, Hannah New, John Macmillan, Liam McKenna, Bruno Mello (Prince Phillip voice), Lasco Atkins (uncredited), James Ayling (uncredited), David Boat (Creatures voice uncredited), Terri Douglas (uncredited), Sandy Fox (voice uncredited), Daniel Westwood (uncredited) and Christian Wolf-La'Moy (uncredited)Director: Robert StrombergProducers: Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Joe Roth p.g.a., Lori Korngiebel, Matt Smith, Michael Vieira, Palak Patel, Sarah Bradshaw, Scott Michael Murray, Stephen Jones and Zack RothScreenplay: Linda Woolverton (screenplay), Bill Peet (uncredited), Charles Perrault (uncredited), Erdman Penner (uncredited), Joe Rinaldi (uncredited), Milt Banta (uncredited), Ralph Wright (uncredited), Ted Sears (uncredited) and Winston Hibler (uncredited)Composer: James Newton HowardCinematography: Dean Semler, A.C.S./ASC (Director of Photography)Video Resolution: 1080pAspect Ratio: 2.40:1Audio: English: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English: 2.0 Discriptive Audio and Italian: 5.1 DTS Digital Surround SoundSubtitles: English SDH, Italian, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and SwedishRunning Time: 97 minutesRegion: All RegionsNumber of discs: 2Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home EntertainmentAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D [2014] is of course re-imagining the infamous evil queen who curses an innocent girl, and is very much a cautionary tale for modern times and of course stars a wickedly good Angelina Jolie as the legendary Maleficent and in her hands, the queen is endlessly fascinating and worlds away from the fairy tale staple that so many generations have been introduced to especially via the Disney's spectacular ‘Sleeping Beauty’ 1959 animated film. This new film position is clear and uncompromising on the question of who was in the wrong.Like most fairy tales, there are good and evil metaphors for little ones and grown-ups alike. In that regard, ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D is Disney's most adventurous female empowerment parable yet, as it explores how the age-old power struggle between men and women shapes the identity of both parties. Though it never plays like a polemic, meaning “a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something,” the film has so much it wants to say regarding the classic emotional power that is the other power struggle going on in the film.To me ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D is visually striking from its watercolour palette to its ethereal woodland creatures, the ones that rise from the earth have the kind of fearsome look and power that might frighten young children, so just reassure them it is only fantasy and not real life. Director Robert Stromberg's mastery of the craft earned him art direction Oscars for his work on the other two 3D films like ‘Avatar’ [2009] and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ [2010] and you can feel the imprint of his fantastic artistry in every frame you view.Much of the film revolves around the relationship between Maleficent and Aurora as the young girl grows up. A trio of tiny fairies that includes Knotgrass [Imelda Staunton], Flittle [Lesley Manville] and Thistlewit [Juno Temple] who buzz around offering opinions and stirring up nonsense with their magic are somehow charged with raising the girl and they do a job of delivering many of the films lighter moments. British actor Sam Riley makes a perfect minion as Diaval, a raven Maleficent saves before she turns him into a human to aid in her protection of Aurora and he has a similar widow’s peak as Angelina Jolie, and they are definitely a great match. This is definitely Angelina Jolie's film because of the Maleficent character of her making to great effect. Everyone else, even Aurora, fades in her presence, especially when Angelina Jolie is on the screen, is all you really get to view.As to the acting performances overall, Angelina Jolie [Maleficent] is simply remarkable, especially from the aspect of her costume to her make-up and makes Angelina Jolie look magnificent and regal. Sharlto Copley [King Stefan] also does a wonderful job, especially when his evil character reveals itself as the film progresses; and the range of emotions Sharlto Copley evil betrayal is believable and consistent. As for Princess Aurora [Elle Fanning], I would say her performance was good in parts when on her own, whereas when up against Angelina Jolie [Maleficent] powerhouse persona and when being very scary as the dark evil, especially when dishing out a lot of spells and curses, that are given the magical effects to good use. But of course the film’s overall message is about redemption and love in a very positive way and with this film it gives Maleficient more depth to the character than what we witnessed in the Disney original animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ The ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D film is definitely a new take on the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY,’ where the evil fairy of the story is a wronged fairy out for revenge that casts a curse on her enemy’s daughter, that eventually regrets her actions and is a very dark version of the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’ with lots of dark magic, an environmentalist message, and most of all a villainous father, who of course gets his comeuppance eventually.Along with an amazing brilliant creative team that includes cinematographer Dean Semler, production designers Gary Freeman and Dylan Cole, costume designer Anna B. Sheppard and senior effects supervisor Carey Villegas, the filmmaker creates a world that sits on the edge of fantasy and reality. James Newton Howard's film music score is a lovely accompaniment.Again, the film ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D is pretty much Angelina Jolie's vehicle all the way, because looking at how she fits this role down to the letter, it's hard to imagine anyone else inhabiting the character of a good person-turned-evil as well as she does in this film. Elle Fanning imbues her character with a freshness that balances off nicely against Maleficient's demeanour. All in all, it is a very imaginative take on the old fairy tale classic. So well done the Walt Disney Studios.MALEFICENT 3D MUSIC TRACK LISTONCE UPON A DREAM [Performed by Lana Del Ray]3D Blu-ray Video Quality – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has once again brought you this Blu-ray disc in a stunning awesome 1080p 3D image and as an added bonus the 2.40:1 aspect ratio that gives you even more spectacular views that gives you even more extra presentation that is a feast for the eyes and the high definition transfer on Blu-ray looks spectacular. The colour palette is mostly soft with earth tones which add to the ambience of the film, but darker scenes feature lots of black, which is flawlessly depicted on this 3D Blu-ray disc, which features plenty of good detail. Maleficent is all dressed in black but you can make out all the detail of her headgear as well. Colours are bold, vibrant and well represented. Green is an ever present colour and looks rather luscious and impressive in this transfer, and the occasional bright colours, mostly in the bioluminescent scenes in the Moors, really pop off the screen. Flesh tones are natural and consistent. Facial detail is high, as wrinkles, scuffs and Angelina Jolie’s makeup are perfectly defined. So all in all there are some impressive sequences of flying and the whole of the film is very well rounded, well focused, and looking wholly and spectacular three dimensional throughout the film.3D Blu-ray Audio Quality – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment brings you an even more spectacular 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience. The 3D film has an amazing music film score with awesome choral orchestrations that fill the rear speakers with amazing sounds. Also the big action scenes make excellent use of the subwoofer, especially the booming with its awesome battles and fill the whole room as if you’re in the thick of it. This audio track also is quite lively and awesome when a spell is being cast too and everything is well defined in the audio sound mix, clearly audible and wonderfully balanced making it a lively experience. But with the battle sounds and score get an oompf. What is really cool is when Maleficent flaps her wings swoops by the screen; you get a nice burst from your subwoofer. Also, when magic is happening it spreads the thunder throughout your audio pleasure. Especially when you hear the loud, clear and crisp sounds and the volume and pitch is accurately depicted. So well done Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Special Feature: Aurora: Becoming A Beauty [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1/2.40:1] [4:53] With this short special feature, we take a look at Elle Fanning's love of the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ We also see Elle Fanning and her casting, her work in shaping the character, and "sleeping" in the film. We get some clips from the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ Contributors include: Elle Fanning [Aurora], Joe Roth [Producer] and Angelina Jolie [Maleficent].Special Feature: From Fairy Tale to Feature Film [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1/2.40:1] [8:13] With this very short special feature, we take a look at the writing process by sourcing the original material, having an in-depth look at the story outline and of course the characters, and alterations made from the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ We get some clips from the original Disney animated film ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY.’ We get to see some rare behind-the-scene filming and how the special effects were produced. Contributors include: Angelina Jolie [Maleficent], Linda Woolverton [Writer], Palak Patel [Executive Producer], Joe Roth [Producer], Sam Riley [Diaval], Robert Stromberg [Director] and Elle Fanning [Aurora].Special Feature: Building An Epic Battle [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1/2.40:1] [5:48] With this special feature, we take an in-depth look into the making of one of the film's largest battle scenes ever produced and how the very special effects were produced. Contributors include: Linda Woolverton [Writer], Joe Roth [Producer], Eunice Huthart [Stunt Coordinator], Michael Dawson [SFX Supervisor] and Carey Villegas [Senior Visual Effects Supervisor].Special Feature: Classic Couture [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1/2.40:1] [1:34] With this very short special feature, we take a close look at the Maleficent costume details, especially Maleficent’s spellbinding head gear and Maleficent’s stunning rings. Contributors include: Justin Smith [Voice only] [Millinery Designer].Special Feature: Maleficent Revealed [2014] [1080p] [2.40:1] [4:45] Here is another very short special feature, that recounts the story and shows the special effects progression and behind-the-scenes footage along the way and especially the younger and older Maleficent. There are some key moments from the film and we also see some of the spectacular special effects studio shooting, especially with all the rigging, as well as seeing the awesome special effects with the massive battle scene that is totally amazing. We also get clips from the film seeing Maleficent as a child and eventually a grown-up and find out a tiny bit about her hostility and we get a running commentary from the Narrator Janet McTeer. For some unknown reason this special feature is shown in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio.Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2014] [1080p] [2.40:1] [6:41] Here we get to view five individual deleted scenes and you can either watch them individually or Play All and they are as follows:01. STEFAN IN KING’S CHAMBER: This scene would have taken place before King Henry’s battle with Maleficent.02. PIXIES SEEK ASYLUM: This scene was to be part of Stefan’s coronation before Diaval flies away from the window.03. PIXIE IDIOTS: This scene was to take place after Stefan entrusts the Pixies with Aurora and they take her to the cottage. Diaval tells Maleficent that the Pixies are hiding the baby.04. DIAVAL ASKS ABOUT THE CURSE: This scene came after the Pixies in the cottage and before maleficent tries to revoke the curse.05. SUITOR: The Pixies bring in additional men to kiss Aurora before prince Philip appears.SNEAK PEEKS: CINDERELLA [2014] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:07]; DisneyLand Paris [2014] [1080p] [2.40:1] [00:32]; Disney Infinity 2.0 [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1] [00:32] and TinkerBell and the Legend Of The Neverbeast [2014] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:00].Finally, ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D [2014] finally shows us the flipside of the coin that was otherwise not shown in the Disney animated film ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ This Disney film draws you into a world where a slight grim entity reigns supreme, but this might make this fantasy world that much more enchanting. We get great acting performances and an extremely good story that definitely makes this a really good fantasy film. I personally really love and endorse this film ‘MALEFICENT’ 3D, especially when I first saw it at the cinema and is even more spectacular viewing it via my Home Cinema set up, because Disney brings this film with perfection and especially the video and audio on this 3D Blu-ray disc is outstanding and definitely reference quality. Overall this is a really terrific release of the film for people, and you should definitely pick it up if you are keen on wanting to buy it personally to add to your Walt Disney Collection. Highly Recommended!Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film AficionadoLe Cinema ParadisoUnited Kingdom

Absolutely love this film and the grandchildren loved it to came through straight away and clear to watch

went to see this in the cinema lastnight and i honestly smiled all the way through it, exept for one little part that was very sad. This is a really good for kids and adults. Jolie, again delivers a masters performance and is such a joy to watch. Her character has been tweaked in this movie so she is not the horrible evil witch that everyone thinks she is. The truth is she is a fairy with huge black wings (looove those wings), and defender of her land. She is betrayed by someone she trusted because some idiot had his ego bruised and said his avenger will be the next successor to the thrown. Her betrayl is very hard to watch, she is in so much pain and sorry, screaming it out. when she learns to truth she gets REALLY mad. should she have just let them get away with it? plenty of good lessons here for kids. always watch your actions when you get really mad or angry at someone. some things you do are extremely hard to undo. people get caught in the crossfire and get badly effected.there are a few moments that really got me in the movie. One is when baby Aurora starts to grow up and starts to nag malificent to pick her up. it was just the most adorable scenes iv seen in a long time. The cliff scene was brillant too. The whole movie is fantastic but i just love the way Malificent interects and watches over Aurora in her early years its so cute and quite funny at times. the mud fight was awsome i cant wait to see that again.I would recommend this movie to anyone really its funny, charming, magical, sad at times and can be very surprising too. She watches over Aurora as she is growing up and would do anything to protect her. there is nothing evil about this woman, sure she curses a child and all but she did so because she was blinded by hate and revenge. i dont think that makes her evil really. she almost turns into her mother at one point. Naturaly she realises her mistake and regrets cursing her but when she tries to undo it she is reminded that only a true loves kiss can break it. a true loves kiss has to be pure, so what happens if there is no such thing?this movie had a twist like the movie frozen did. The prince, though he is lovely looking and charms the pants off Aurora he is useless and so is his kiss, the king is just pure nuts and hates Maleficent for reasons i have no idea, I think she just scares him. He is the one that did the evil in the first place. Disney has this thing going on at the moment where men seem to be more the villians or are just plain useless. The women in these movies seem to be given all the power and are the heros. its a nice change now these days where all the powers of the world seem to be men. we need some maleficents in politics i think.Oh and by the way for all of you people out there that seem to be slamming Ellen fanning you are wrong about her. She has such a wonderful spirit and it shines in every scene in this movie. I loved her and I am so happy she got a shot at her dream role. Some of you forget that she was co staring with one of the biggest female actors on this planet, Christ give the girl a bit of slack. I found myself being under her spell to be honest. She really did have one of the most genuine loving smiles I have seen on set. I think she was truly wonderful in this movie and will be keeping an eye out for her later movies if she is given the chance. Some of you said horrible things about her saying she was average looking - Aurora is supposed to be 15 years old, what the hell were you looking for? The 23 something looking year old in the original cartoon? Some reviewers can be extremely harsh and don't realise how much they can hurt with their opinions. Ellen if you are reading this you were fantastic in this role and I am glad they picked you.this movie is very good for kids, the story is told through a narator throuout the movie. some parts will have you in stitches laughing. i never realised how good a sense of humour Maleficent actually has, she is actually quite funny. finaly i do believe that this movie is worth buying on bluray, its a really good journey that i want to go through again some day when it comes out. so many scenes i want to see again.5/5 stars