The latest Disney/Pixar charmer TURNING RED features a 13 year old girl named Mei going through many changes along with dealing with her overbearing (according to her) mom. So much so that she has recently developed a new problem…when she gets too anxious she turns into a giant adorable red panda.
TURNING RED is also a love letter to the city of Toronto, featuring many early 2000s landmarks, streetcars (though I’d kill for an animated subway station or older train!) and dress of the time, and of course filmmaker Domee Shi followed this up from her Oscar winning short BAO with even more colorful references. As a West-coaster, this really makes me miss the incredible city.
While you can easily stream TURNING RED on Disney+ if you have a subscription, I also love just having a physical copy in my hands of a movie and knowing it’s available for to watch on disc format. My only wish is that this had a theatrical release to watch with a captivated audience.
ABOUT THE 4k release:
Full disclosure: Disney sent me a 4k Digital Copy to check out the movie. As expected, this is a gorgeous 4k/HDR transfer that showcases the colorful animation with eye popping colors and terrific detail, pretty much matching what I saw on Disney+ last month. The below are the bonus features available on the 4k and Blu Ray:
Bonus Features*
- Audio Commentary – View the film with audio commentary by director Domee Shi, producer Lindsey Collins, and director of photography Mahyar Abousaeedi.
- Featurettes
- Life of a Shot – Domee Shi and members of the crew describe the many-layered process and artistry involved in creating the hilarious Red Peony scene – from observing red pandas in a zoo to creating a storyboard to finalizing the animation and background lighting.
- Build Your Own Boy Band – Step backstage to learn how 4*TOWN came to animated life. From creating each band member’s persona to writing and producing the songs to fine-tuning the details of their stadium performance, the filmmakers reveal how they designed the ultimate boy band.
- Ani-Mei-Tion – Because Mei’s heightened emotionality is central to the story, it was important that her look and movement reflect that energy. Learn how Domee Shi led the animation team to incorporate hints of expressive anime to create Mei’s lovable, dynamic character.
- Deleted Scenes
- Deleted Scenes Introduction – Director Domee Shi introduces scenes not included in the final version of Turning Red.
- Intro Meilin – In this alternate opening, Ming and young Mei have their portrait taken in a studio…but Ming has her own specific vision for the photo.
- Taming The Panda – Under her mother’s guidance, Mei learns techniques to control her ability to magically turn into a red panda…to varying degrees of success.
- The Debate – Mei runs for class president against frenemy Tyler, and the speeches get a little out of hand.
- Fei And Christina Hang – Mei (formerly Fei) shares a banana split while having a heart-to-heart with Aunt Christina.
- 4*TOWN Dilemma – Mei scores tickets to her dream concert, but her strict mother won’t let her out of the house. What will she do?
- Roping In Leo – Pleading with Leo for help with getting out of trouble, Mei learns a couple of his closely guarded secrets.
- Easter Egg – Robutton Deleted Scene – An alternate ending in which Mei, finding herself sitting next to her 4*TOWN dream-idol Robaire on a flight to California, has some feelings.
TURNING RED is now available on 4k Blu Ray as well as streaming on Disney+. Our thanks to Disney for sending us a copy for review!