MALEFICENT Real 3D [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 No1: Awards and Nominations: 2014 BAFTA Awards: Nominated: BAFTA Children's Award for BAFTA Kids Vote for Feature Film for Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Joe Roth, Linda Woolverton and Robert Stromberg. Nominated: BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film for Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Joe Roth, Linda Woolverton and Robert Stromberg. 2014 Heartland Film: Win: Truly Moving Picture Award for Robert Stromberg, Roth Films and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. 2014 Hollywood Film Awards: Win: Production Designer of the Year for Dylan Cole and Gary Freeman. 2014 Hollywood Music In Media Awards: Nominated: Best Original Score for a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film for James Newton Howard. 2014 Hollywood Post Alliance, USA: Nominated: HPA Awards for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Feature Film for Adam Valdez (visual effects supervisor), David Seager (cg supervisor), Carey Villegas (visual effects supervisor), Kevin T. Hahn (compositing supervisor), Seth Maury (visual effects supervisor) and Moving Picture Company (MPC). 2014 Leggio d'oro: Win: Best Female Performance for Claudia Catani fFor the dubbing of Angelina Jolie. 2014 Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Live Action Family Film. Nominated: Best Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. 2014 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards: Nominated: Rondo Statuette for Best Film for Robert Stromberg. 2014 Satellite Awards: Nominated: Best Art Direction & Production Design for Dylan Cole, Frank Walsh and Gary Freeman. Nominated: Best Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. 2014 Teen Choice Awards: Nominated: Choice Movie: Action Adventure. Nominated: Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure for Elle Fanning. Nominated: Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure for Angelina Jolie. 2014 The Operators Award: Nominated: Feature Film for Gary Spratling (camera operator). 2014 Young Hollywood Awards: Nominated: We Love to Hate You Sam Riley. Nominated: Favorite Flick. 2015 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Achievement in Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. 2015 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Actress for Angelina Jolie. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Costumes for Anna B. Sheppard. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Elle Fanning. 2015 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Hair and Make-Up. 2015 Cinema Bloggers Awards, Portugal: Nominated: Best Make-Up in an International Competition for Arjen Tuiten, Rick Baker and Toni G. 2015 Costume Designers Guild Awards: Nominated: Excellence in Fantasy Film for Anna B. Sheppard and Jane Clive. 2015 GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics: Nominated: Dorian Award for Campy Flick of the Year. 2015 Gold Derby Awards: Nominated: Costume Design for Anna B. Sheppard. Nominated: Make-Up and Hair for David White and Paul Gooch. 2015 Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards: Nominated: Artisan Award for Best Special Makeup Effects for a Feature Films for Arjen Tuiten, Rick Baker and Toni G. 2015 International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society's Creative Arts Awards: Nominated: Creative Arts Award for 3D Feature Film Live Action. Nominated: Creative Arts Award for Outstanding Use of 2D to 3D Conversion. 2015 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 James Newton Howard for the Track: "Maleficent Suite." Nominated: Film Music Composition of the Year for James Newton Howard for the Track: "Maleficent Flies." 2015 Into Film Awards: Win: Childrens Film of the Year. 2015 Italian Online Movie Awards: Nominated: Best Make-Up (Miglior trucco) for David White, Paul Gooch and Rick Baker. 2015 Kids' Choice Awards, USA: Win: Blimp Award for Favorite Villain for Angelina Jolie. Nominated: Blimp Award for Favorite Movie for Walt Disney Pictures. Nominated: Blimp Award for Favorite Movie Actress for Angelina Jolie. Nominated: Blimp Award for Favorite Movie Actress for Elle Fanning. 2015 People's Choice Awards, USA: Win: Favorite Movie. Win: Favorite Family Movie. 2015 Rembrandt Awards: Win: Best International Actress (Beste Buitenlandse Actrice) for Angelina Jolie. 2015 SESC Film Festival, Brazil: Win: Audience Award for Best Foreign Actress (Melhor Atriz Estrangeira) for Angelina Jolie. 2015 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture for Adam Valdez, Barrie Hemsley, Carey Villegas, Kelly Port and Michael Dawson. Nominated: Outstanding Performance of an Animated Character in a Photoreal/Live Action Feature Motion Picture for Darren Hendler, Elliot Rosenstein, Jeremy Buttell and Matthias Wittmann for the character “Thistlewit.” 2015 Young Artist Awards: Nominated: Best Performance in a Feature Film for a Leading Young Actress for Elle Fanning.
FILM FACT No2: As a previous production designer, Robert Stromberg sought to balance the use of practical and computer-generated effects. For example, while Maleficent's horns and facial prosthetics were created by makeup artist Rick Baker, Digital Domain took facial capture of Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville, and Juno Temple for the three pixies to be generated with high authenticity with the help of special rigging by Disney Research in Zurich. For the visuals, Robert Stromberg wanted to make it "a bit more grounded" and "not too surreal" because it could be distracting from the simplicity of the story. Robert Stromberg also regretted not employing bigger sets and allowing actors to work in a more tangible environment, on "real sets with real lights."
Cast: Janet McTeer (Narrator voice), Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville (Flittle), Imelda Staunton (Knotgrass), Juno Temple (Thistletwit), Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites, Kenneth Cranham, Sarah Flind, Hannah New (Princess Leila), Isobelle Molloy (Young Maleficent), Michael Higgins (Young Stefan), Ella Purnell (Teen Maleficent), Jackson Bews (Teen Stefan), Angus Wright, Oliver Maltman, Gary Cargill, John O'Toole, Harry Attwell, Anthony May, James Hicks, Stephan Chase, Mark Caven, Chris Leaney, Jamie Maclachlan, Shaun Smith, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt (Aurora 5 years), Eleanor Worthington-Cox (Aurora 8 years), John Macmillan, Tim Treloar, Peter G. Reed (Guard voice), Marama Corlett, Liam McKenna, Steven Cree, Karen Anderson (uncredited), Lasco Atkins (uncredited), James Ayling (uncredited), James Ballard (uncredited), David Boat (uncredited), Adam Bond (uncredited), Scott Bradley (uncredited), Sophie-Anna Brough (uncredited), Alfred Camp (uncredited), Max Cavenham (uncredited), Raf Cross (uncredited), Nick Donald (uncredited), Terri Douglas (Curse Voice, Fairies, Creatures) (uncredited), Damon Driver (uncredited), Josh Dyer (uncredited), Stephanie Elstob (uncredited), Sandy Fox (Fairies and Creatures voices) (uncredited), Craig Garner (uncredited), Sam Gibbons (uncredited), Alex Gillison (uncredited), Victoria Gugenheim (uncredited), Daniel Harland (uncredited), John Heartstone (uncredited), Matt Hookings (uncredited), Craig Izzard (uncredited), Ceri Jerome (uncredited), Pax Jolie-Pitt (uncredited), Zahara Jolie-Pitt (uncredited), Lee Edward Jones (uncredited), Hrvoje Klecz (uncredited), Alex Marek (uncredited), Bruno Mello (Prince Phillip voice) (uncredited), João Costa Menezes (uncredited), Karen Mkrtchyan (uncredited), Matthew John Morley (uncredited), Edd Osmond (uncredited), Jo Osmond (uncredited), Guy Potter (uncredited), Marc Rolfe (uncredited), Peter Stacey (uncredited), Daniel Stisen (uncredited), Richard Summers-Calvert (uncredited), Leo Suter (uncredited), Tom Swacha (uncredited), Daniel Westwood (uncredited) and Christian Wolf-La'Moy (uncredited)
Director: Robert Stromberg
Producers: 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 Roth
Screenplay: Bill Peet (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited), Charles Perrault (based on "La Belle au bois dormant"), Erdman Penner (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ story adaptation) (uncredited), Joe Rinaldi (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited), Linda Woolverton (screenplay), Milt Banta (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited), Ralph Wright (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited) Ted Sears (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited) and Winston Hibler (based on the motion picture ‘Sleeping Beauty’ screenplay) (uncredited)
Composer: James Newton Howard
Cinematography: Dean Semler, A.C.S., A.S.C., (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: English: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Italian: 5.1 DTS Digital Surround Sound
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Italian, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish
Running Time: 97 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘MALEFICENT’ Real 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’ Real 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’ Real 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 her character than what we witnessed in the Disney original animated film ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ The ‘MALEFICENT’ Real 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’ Real 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 MUSIC TRACK LIST
ONCE UPON A DREAM (Melody composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky for the ballet "The Sleeping Beauty") (1890) (Written by Sammy Fain and Jack Lawrence) (Arranged by Julian Shah-Tayler and Daisy O'Dell) (uncredited) (Remixed by Raffertie) (uncredited) [Performed by Lana Del Ray]
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3D Blu-ray Image Quality – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has once again brought you this Blu-ray disc in a stunning awesome 1080p Real 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 Real 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 Real 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.
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2D 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:
STEFAN IN KING’S CHAMBER: This scene would have taken place before King Henry’s battle with Maleficent.
PIXIES SEEK ASYLUM: This scene was to be part of Stefan’s coronation before Diaval flies away from the window.
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.
DIAVAL ASKS ABOUT THE CURSE: This scene came after the Pixies in the cottage and before maleficent tries to revoke the curse.
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’ Real 3D 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’ Real 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 Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
