Last night we watched Disney Pixar's COCO for the first time, and "Wow!" it was amazing. As soon as the movie starting playing we could tell that this was going to be another Disney Pixar winner, and that it was. Did you see Coco when it was in theaters. Like so many other must see movies we had on our 2017 in theater watch list, this is one movie we hoped to see, but missed due to illness. So, I made a point to mark the DVD/Blu-Ray release on the calendar in 2018 so that we could pick up the movie when it hit stores shelves to enjoy as a family. But, thanks to the folks at Walt Disney Studios, they made my girls' day the other day when Coco arrived on our doorstep to watch. They also offered to give one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a digital copy of this movie, so be sure you read on to learn how to enter my giveaway for your chance to win this wonderful family-friendly movie to enjoy with your family soon.
I wish you could have saw the reaction on my girls' faces when I took the movie out of the package. They were all smiles. Even though we haven't seen the movie, the girls know all the songs thanks to the original motion picture soundtrack, and the story thanks to all the wonderful Coco storybooks and activity/sticker books my girls received when the movie released in theaters. Even though they knew what the movie was about, it was ten times better (my daughter Bella said) watching the movie and seeing what they read in the Coco books come to live on the screen. And, because the girls knew the songs, they broke out into song and dance when their favorite Coco songs started to play. My youngest really got into the whole song and dance and pulled out one of her toy guitars to pretend to strum along like Miguel. :-)
Even though my girls are of Latin descent -- my husband is from El Salvador, they could relate to some of what they saw in the movie, as Miguel's skin color was brown like theirs, and he and his family spoke Spanish words they could understand. We have also studied Dia de los Muertos in homeschool as my husband's family used to celebrate this every Nov. 2nd when he lived in his country. I really liked seeing how the families in the film honored their ancestors by preparing shrines with their ancestors photos and candles, and how they threw a party to honor them, as well as visit the cemetery to bring offerings. This is all we talked about in school and how my husband has described Dia de los Muertos to my girls, so it was nice to see it played out like this in the movie.
If you cry easily at movies, especially Disney Pixar ones, then you will want to have a box of tissues handy. My youngest daughter and I always try -- even at happy moments -- and we found ourselves reaching for tissues to wipe our noses and dab our eyes. I will not spoil the ending, but will say that if you haven't cried throughout the movie, the final scenes will have you crying like a baby. But, then the movie ends and you can't help but smile as you realize you sat and watched a beautifully made movie that does a great job at honoring Mexican history and heritage, and love how Miguel's journey ends.
Just like the Lady and the Tramp release I recently blogged about, this upcoming Coco DVD/Blu-ray/digital release is chock full of bonus features you and your family will enjoy watching after you watch this amazing heartwarming film. My girls really enjoyed "The Music of Coco" and "How to Draw a Skeleton" features. Who knew that making a skeleton could be so easy and fun. My girls spent the afternoon yesterday after watching the easy step-by-step art lesson by Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga, drawing and honing their skeleton drawing skills. And, as they drew and added embellishments to their skeletons, they listed to and sung along to the Coco soundtrack. I have "Remember Me" stuck in my head, thanks to them having this particular song on repeat. :-)
I could go on and on about how great the Coco movie, or how entertaining the bonus content is, but I am guessing you have already seen this movie, or have heard family and friends rave about and are waiting for Tuesday to get here so that you can pick up at the store, and plan a fun family movie night. To make it more fun, why not consider printing off some fun Coco coloring and activity sheets -- just do a Google search and you will find a lot of great free printables to download and share with your child, as you prep a fun Mexican-themed dinner to enjoy before you sit for this fun-filled movie.
I can't wait to see what you think of this movie, if you haven't seen it already. Even though I wished we could have seen it on the big screen, we are happy that we have finally had the chance to watch this much talked about animated movie, and will be watching it again soon, and time and again. This is one of those animated movies you will never grow tired of, especially when you hear the catchy music, and find yourself wanting to sing along and tap your feet to. :-)
---
More about this upcoming Disney Pixar animated release:
"Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” —the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician’s extraordinary journey
to the magical land of his ancestors—won a 2018 Golden Globe
AwardÒ for
Best Animated Motion Picture, topped the domestic box office Thanksgiving holiday weekend, became the
highest grossing film of all time in Mexico, broke records in China and earned
widespread praise, receiving 96 percent from critics and 97 percent from
audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Now this vibrant tale filled with love and
laughter arrives home Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere
on Feb. 13, and on 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Feb.
27.
Through fresh
and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with
filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential
role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect
with the film’s message. They’ll step behind the scenes to discover the
inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family;
Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the
living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary,
the music of Coco and more.
"Coco"
is packaged several ways to ensure viewers get the most out of their in-home
viewing experience. The Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo
Pack) includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility
to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may
opt for Digital 4K Ultra HD or the 4K UHD Combo Pack, which includes 4K
UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the
resolution of HD, bringing the rich color, textures and sounds to life and
immersing viewers in two fantastically animated worlds. Dolby Atmos audio
heightens the memorable score created by Oscar®-winning composer Michael
Giacchino and his 83-piece orchestra, as well as original songs like “Remember
Me” by the Oscar®-winning team behind “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert
Lopez.
BONUS FEATURES*
Blu-ray
& Digital:
·
Deleted Scenes with Introductions - Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina
talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of
“Coco.”
o
Día
de los Muertos - In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of
Día de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz.
o
The Way of the Riveras - A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare
their Día de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family
history and traditions.
o
Celebrity Tour - Héctor, a Land of the Dead tour bus guide, agrees to help Miguel,
revealed to be a living boy, on his quest to find de la Cruz.
o
The Bus Escape - The Rivera family catches up to Miguel and Héctor and attempts to
halt their mission to find de la Cruz.
o
Alebrije Attack - Miguel and Héctor are interrupted on their journey to find de la Cruz
by a fierce alebrije.
o
The Family Fix - After de la Cruz reveals his true colors, the Rivera family puts
their dismay aside and comes together to repair the smashed guitar needed to
send Miguel home.
o
To the Bridge - As the Land of the Dead counts down to the end of Día de los
Muertos, Miguel and de la Cruz come head-to-head on the marigold bridge.
·
Filmmaker Commentary – Presented by Lee Unkrich (director), Adrian Molina (co-director) and
Darla K. Anderson (producer).
·
The Music of “Coco” - Collaborating with musicians of Mexico and some unique
instrumentation, this documentary explores the beautiful fusion of music essential
to the story of “Coco.”
·
Paths to Pixar: “Coco” - Explore how the film crew’s personal stories resonate
with the themes of the movie itself.
·
Welcome to the Fiesta - A musical exploration of the skeletons that make the
Land of the Dead in “Coco” so wondrous and intriguing.
·
How to Draw a Skeleton - Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga gives a lesson on the
quick and easy way to draw skeletons using simple shapes.
·
A Thousand Pictures a Day - Join the “Coco” crew on an immersive travelogue through Mexico,
visiting families, artisans, cemeteries, and small villages during the Día de
los Muertos holiday.
·
Mi Familia
- Developing the Riveras was a labor of love that took the cast and crew on a
deep dive into the meaning of family.
·
Land of Our Ancestors – Watch Pixar artists lovingly construct layer upon layer
of architecture from many eras of Mexican history, bringing the Land of the
Dead to life.
·
Fashion Through the Ages – The cast of characters in “Coco” are from many
different eras, making for some magnificent costuming opportunities.
·
The Real Guitar – The majestic guitar that spurs Miguel on his journey through the Land
of the Dead is a unique creation. Watch as it is initially designed by a Pixar
artist and ultimately realized as a real instrument by a master luthier in this
poetic ode to craftsmanship.
·
Dante -
How the crew fell in love with the uniquely Mexican breed of Xoloitzcuintli (or
“Xolo”) dogs that inspired Dante.
·
How to Make Papel Picado - Join Pixar artist Ana Ramírez González as we learn
how papel picado is made traditionally, and then try your own approach to this
beautiful art form.
·
Un Poco “Coco” - A montage of original animated pieces used to promote “Coco.”
·
“Coco Trailers” - Trailers include “Feeling,” “Dante’s Lunch,” “Destiny,” “Journey” and
“Belong.”
DVD:
·
Filmmaker
Commentary
·
Dante
About “Coco”
In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,” Pixar Animation Studios’ 19th feature film, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams
of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (voice
of Benjamin Bratt)—despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on
music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and
colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the
way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice
of Gael García Bernal), and
together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story
behind Miguel's family history.
The voice cast of “Coco” includes characters from the Land of the Living and
the Land of the Dead. From the Land of the Living, Anthony Gonzalez (“Ice Box,”
TNT’s “The Last Ship”) lends his voice to Miguel, Renée Victor (“Weeds,” “The Apostle”) provides the
authoritative voice of Abuelita, and Jaime Camil (CW’s “Jane the
Virgin,” Disney Junior’s “Elena of Avalor,” “The Secret Lives of Pets”) is the
voice of Papá. Lombardo Boyar
(“Happy Feet,” TNT’s “Murder in the First”) voices a town mariachi, and Ana Ofelia
Murguía is the voice of Miguel’s cherished great-grandmother Mamá Coco. Sofía Espinosa (“Gloria”)
provides the voice of Miguel’s loving Mamá, and Luis Valdez (“Which Way Is Up,”
director
“La Bamba”
and “The Cisco Kid”) lends his voice to Tío Berto, Miguel’s hardworking uncle.
From the Land of the Dead, Gael García Bernal (Amazon’s “Mozart in the Jungle”) helps bring to life
charming trickster Héctor, Benjamin Bratt (Fox’s
“Star,” “Doctor Strange”) is the voice of Miguel’s idol Ernesto de la Cruz,
and Alanna Ubach (“Meet the Fockers,” Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to
Divorce”) provides the voice of Miguel’s great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda. Alfonso
Arau (“¡Three
Amigos!” director/ producer “Like Water for Chocolate,” director “A Walk in the Clouds”) is the voice of Miguel’s late
great-grandfather Papá Julio, Herbert Siguenza (“Larry
Crowne,” “Ben
10: Alien Swarm”) lends his voice to both
Tío Oscar and Tío Felipe, Miguel’s late
identical twin uncles, and Gabriel Iglesias (“Planes,” “The Nut Job,” “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature”)
lends his voice to the Clerk. Natalia Cordova-Buckley (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”) provides the voice of
legendary artist Frida Kahlo, Selene Luna (“My Bloody Valentine,”
“Celebrity Wife Swap”) voices Miguel’s aunt Tía Rosita, and Edward James Olmos (“Blade Runner,” “Stand and Deliver”) lends his voice to Chicharrón.
Also lending their voices are Carla Medina, Dyana
Ortelli, Blanca Araceli, Salvador Reyes, Cheech Marin, Octavio Solis and John Ratzenberger.
Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy
Story 3”) and co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”)
from a script by Molina and Matthew Aldrich (“Spinning Man”). Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”) produces, and John Lasseter is
executive producer. “Coco” features an original score from
Oscar®-winning
composer Michael Giacchino (“Up,” “Rogue One”), a song by Oscar winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and
Robert Lopez (“Frozen”), and additional songs
co-written by Germaine Franco (“Dope,” “Shovel
Buddies”) and Molina. Also part of the team is musical consultant Camilo Lara
of the music project Mexican Institute of Sound, as well as cultural
consultants Lalo Alcaraz, Marcela Davison Avilés and Octavio Solis."
----
--GIVEAWAY--
As promised, the kind folks at Walt Disney Studios are offering one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader the chance to win a digital copy of Coco to enjoy with their family.
To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
----
Disc Specifications
Product SKUs: Digital = 4K UHD with HDR (HDR-10 or Dolby Vision), HD, SD
Physical
= 4K UHD Combo Pack (4K
UHD+Blu-ray+Digital HD/SD), Multi-screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD/SD)
and DVD
Feature Run Time: Approximately
109 minutes
Rating: PG
in U.S., G in CE, and G in CF
Aspect
Ratio: 2.39:1
Resolution: 4K
UHD = 3840 x 2160, HD = 1920 x 1080, SD = 720 x 480
Audio: 4K UHD Blu-ray = English
Dolby Atmos, English, Spanish and French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English 5.1
Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio; 4K
UHD Digital = English Dolby Atmos (platform dependent), English 5.1,
English 2.0; Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 5.1 DTS-HDHR,
English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language
Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio; DVD = English, Spanish and French
5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0
Descriptive Audio
Subtitles: Blu-ray
= English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Closed
Captions: Digital =
English; DVD = English
Social Media
Facebook: Facebook.com/pixarcoco
Website: movies.disney.com/coco
Twitter: Twitter.com/pixarcoco
Instagram: Instagram.com/pixarcoco
ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE (MA):
Movies Anywhere simplifies and
enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by
allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place
when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Movies Anywhere brings together the movies
from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney
Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal
Pictures and Warner Bros. Participating digital retailers at launch are Amazon
Video, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu. Movies Anywhere offers a library of
over 7,300 digital movies at launch, including new releases, and will
continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital
retailers and platforms are added. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and
website, consumers can connect their Movies Anywhere account with participating
digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies from the comfort of
their living room and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon
Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone,
iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices and popular browsers.
Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray and
DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies
Anywhere.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney
Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built.
Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers
throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners:
Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios;
Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Lucasfilm. The Disney Music Group encompasses
the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music
Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events,
including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
We loved Woody Woodpecker.
ReplyDeleteheather [email protected]
The best family friendly movie that I have seen was Jumanji. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com
ReplyDelete