RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON [2021] [Blu-ray] [UK Release]
Welcome To The Magical Kingdom of Kumandra!
Walt Disney Animation Studios' ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. But when evil threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned — and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and unite its divided people.
FILM FACT: James Newton Howard composed the film score for ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.’ The animated film marks the fourth time James Newton Howard has scored an animated film by Walt Disney Animation Studios, having previously composed for ‘Dinosaur,’ ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ and ‘Treasure Planet.’ The film music score was released on the 26th February, 2021. Jhené Aiko wrote and performed a song for the end-credits, titled "Lead the Way."
Voice Cast: Kelly Marie Tran [Raya], Awkwafina [Sisu], Izaac Wang [Boun], Gemma Chan [Namaari], Daniel Dae Kim [Benja], Benedict Wong [Tong], Jona Xiao [Young Namaari], Sandra Oh [Virana], Thalia Tran [Little Noi], Lucille Soong [Dang Hu], Alan Tudyk [Tuk Tuk], Gordon Ip [Merchant #2], Dichen Lachman [General Atitaya / Spine Warrior], Patti Harrison [Tail Chief], Jon Park [Chai as Jon 'Dumbfoundead' Park], Sung Kang [Dang Hai], Sierra Katow [Merchant / Fang Officer], Ross Butler [Spine Chief], François Chau [Wahn], Paul Yen [Merchant #1], Isabella Abiera [Additional Voices], Deuce Basco [Additional Voices], G.K. Bowes [Additional Voices], Reggie De Leon [Additional Voices], Liza Del Mundo [Additional Voices], Terri Douglas [Additional Voices], Tania Gunadi [Additional Voices], Ren Hanami [Additional Voices], Ben Hisoler [Additional Voices], Jennie Kwan [Additional Voices], Aleks Le [Additional Voices], Kayla Rose Melikian [Additional Voices], Yabo Obien [Additional Voices], Lucian Perez [Additional Voices], Vyvan Pham [Additional Voices], Griffin Puatu [Additional Voices], Vincent Rodriguez III [Additional Voices], Abraham Sigler [Additional Voices], JB Tadena [Additional Voices], Lily Villegas [Additional Voices], Jenn Wong [Additional Voices] and Sanyee Yuan [Additional Voices]
Directors: Carlos López Estrada, Don Hall, John Ripa (co-director) and Paul Briggs (co-director)
Producers: Jared Bush, Jennifer Christine Vera, Jennifer Lee, Nathan Curtis, Osnat Shurer, p.g.a. and Peter Del Vecho, p.g.a.
Screenplay: Adele Lim (screenplay/story), Qui Nguyen (screenplay/story), Carlos López Estrada (story), Dean Wellins (story), Don Hall (story), John Ripa (story), Kiel Murray (story) and Paul Briggs (story)
Composer: James Newton Howard (original score)
Cinematography: Rob Dressel (Director of Photography – Layout) and Adolph Lusinsky (Director of Photography – Lighting)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Audio: English: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Spanish: 5.1 DTS Digital Surround
Spanish [Catalan]: 5.1 DTS Digital Surround
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH and Spanish
Running Time: 107 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: DISNEY’s ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ [2021] travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. But when evil threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later that same evil has returned— and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya [Kelly Marie Tran], to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and unite its divided people.
Kumandra is the location of our tale, a landscape steeped in a history where dragons and humans lived in harmony. When an overwhelming evil force threatened the world, those gentle giants sacrificed themselves for their human comrades. There hasn’t been a dragon sighting in five centuries. That same evil that cost us our friendship with those mythic beasts has returned.
Raya is a proud Guardian of the Dragon Gem, a title she holds alongside her beloved father Benja [Daniel Dae Kim], the Chief of the Heart lands. Raya’s world is turned upside down when the Gem is broken, and her father is turned to stone. Now on a mission to save the world, Raya’s grown up to be a resilient warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade.
Sisu [Awkwafina], short for Sisudatu, is the last dragon of Kumandra. Legends say Sisu’s is a divine water being of unspeakable beauty and unstoppable magic, but what Raya finds instead is a funny self-deprecating dragon who sees herself as the perennial C-student. Now she must learn to become the dragon of legend if she is to save the world with Raya.
Brilliant, calculating and a formidable warrior, Gemma Chan [Namaari] is Raya’s unrelenting nemesis. Namaari is the daughter of the Chief of the Fang lands and is determined to do whatever it takes to protect her people. However, down deep, she holds a secret love for dragons.
In those centuries since dragons disappeared, humans, themselves have become fractured. There’s another adage at work here and that is that nothing brings adversaries together like a common enemy. Hopefully, that one will bear fruit as well. Not only does Raya have to find this last dragon but must discover a way to unite the peoples of this region.
The best-animated films speak to adults while entertaining and enlightening children. That is certainly the case with ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON,’ but there is something else at work here as well and that is the animated film has a potent message that transcends age. It not only looks amazing, but it leaves you feeling totally amazing.
Tran is a revelation. She joins the Disney princess’s conclave with a character that is layered, sure. But Tran is simultaneously as resonant as she is righteous in her convictions. As a parent, one wishes all children’s entertainment contained such characters.
The actress as Tran possesses that internal fighting spirit that permeates the title character. Yet it is the little nuances that she brings to the table that sends her characterization into priceless territory. Those quieter moments in the film require a thespian to dig deeper into their toolbox and find what it is that drives and moves their character to even get up every day. Tran’s work here is transformative as it encapsulates the essence of the film itself. No pressure!
She is not alone in the titanic talent vocal department. Tran is joined in the voice cast by Awkwafina, Daniel Dae Kim, Gemma Chan, Benedict Wong, Sandra Oh, Thalia Tran, Patti Harrison, Ross Butler, Lucille Soong, and Disney regular Alan Tudyk.
In particular, Awkwafina dazzles as Sisu. Yet again, the young actress impresses and her chemistry with Tran is — in many ways — the key to this entire thing working or not. Awkwafina is the elusive titular dragon and watching her and Tran’s Raya build a bond is equally endearing as it is wholeheartedly enjoyable. In hindsight, the casting had to be a no-brainer. She embodies the awkwardly fierce and mystical dragon with a panache that is pitch-perfect.
In the director’s chair, there is a Fab Four — Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada are directing, while Paul Briggs and John Ripa are listed as co-directors. Usually when there are so many cooks in the kitchen, what is served is rather messy. That could not be further from what is achieved in ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.’ There is an immaculate pace with a story that stops to breathe, while still having action sequences that are breathless. Then, there are the thrills. There is a lot at stake here, and that comes through via Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim’s script.
There is a lot to be proud of — from an animated cultural expansion from a region that has been found more wrong than right in Hollywood history to a compelling story that has lessons that transcend borders — ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ is riveting. It is not simply an envelope-pusher in terms of representation matters; and the animated film is a case of a great story finding stellar storytellers.
As is the case with a Disney releases, the bonus features are alone worth the price of admission. The Walt Disney studio always goes the extra mile and ensures that all questions are answered, and insight offered that will only greatly enhance the entire viewing experience.
RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON MUSIC TRACK LIST
LEAD THE WAY (Written Jhené Aiko) (Produced by Julian-Quan Viet Le) (Recorded and Mixed by Gregg Rominiecki) [Performed by Jhené Aiko]
* * * * *
Blu-ray Image Quality – Walt Disney Animation Studios presents us the film ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ with a stunning 4K upscale with an equally stunning 2.39:1 aspect ratio and has very nice improvement over the standard Blu-ray. Some really nice colour saturation, sharpness, detail and black level improvements are quick to notice. You get to experience a really solid depth and an almost 3D looking image. No issues regarding motion distortion, jitter or blur, just total image perfection. Characters move quite naturally and smoothly. Blacks are quite deep and at natural standards. There are magnificent looks at shadow and night time scenes in here. The contrast really helps add to a nice glow when things get fantastical. Colours are totally excellent and with a nice, distinct and strong palette. Magic power things, dragon stuff, and fanciful threads and town designs really have a nice pop to them and give this image a good uptick in the hi-definition department. You also get wonderful glow emanating from certain objects. Overall, it is a top notch image presentation as much as you can get with these animated films 4K upscale and the ultimate viewing experience for DISNEY’s ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.’
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Walt Disney Animation Studios brings us one solid 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience. The soundscape mix will tick off many check list item as a net positive. It has some good balance that plays around, and builds good ambiance and emphasis on deeper sounds. Some nice light up top accompaniment from things flying overhead and battle sounds, but nothing too overbearing or overdone. Vocals are clear and crisp.
* * * * *
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: An Introduction To ‘US AGAIN’ [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [1:21] Here Writer/Director Zach A. Parrish does a very nice introduction of going behind-the-scenes with his short, but also goes into great detail about the concept of Theatrical Short Film and talks about his family as well as talking about the past and that he wished at the time of his youth that he dreamed of pursuing a dream and decided with ‘US AGAIN’ to tell the story through dance and we get a quick glimpse of choreographers Keone & Mari Madrid who are an award-winning choreographer and director team. Their ability to tell stories through detailed choreography has permeated beyond the dance world and into theatre, music, film and online platforms. While coming from a dance background, their approach to utilizing all human movements, alongside their inventive dance vocabulary, has allowed their work to connect too many. Anyway they both show us their style of dance that can create a world where dance is not something you do, but how you do it and at the same time we get to view some reference footage, where they bring their unique ability to blend styles of dance from the past to the present, that is fresh, modern and emotional. Zach A. Parrish thanks for being with him and hopes you enjoy his short animated film ‘US AGAIN.’
Special Feature: ‘US AGAIN’ – Theatrical Short Film [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [6:49] ‘US AGAIN’ is an American computer-animated short film directed and written by Zach A. Parrish and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is a story about ageing and feeling young again, and is told through dance. In a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement, an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. This is a really delightful and magical computer-animated short film.
Please Note: As usual, you can either watch each of the above two special features separately or Play All.
Special Feature: TASTE OF RAYA [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1] [22:09] In early January 2021, the creative filmmakers team of ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ gathered to discuss their experiences making the animated film, and they did this event via ZOOM because of COVID-19. Here we view the animated creative filmmaker’s team virtually sitting together for a cuisine of a Southeast Asia meal, discussion and covering the animated film process and also the in-depth moviemaking process within a global pandemic. It’s a priceless insight into the camaraderie established between artists of all walks of life — and reminisced in the same way they had made most of the animated film . . . virtually and even at a distance! Now and again we get clips from the animated film. We also get to view some amazing beautiful colourful illustrations of the concept of the animated film. You also get to view some of the people in the ZOOM chat that went to Southeast Asia to photograph all aspect of the culture so they can incorporate it into the animated film, and again, we get to view some amazing illustrations relating to the culture of Southeast Asia that again they wanted to incorporate into the animated film ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.’ We also get to view some amazing cartoon drawings of all the nine people who did the ZOOM meeting. Contributors include: Kelly Marie Tran [Raya], Carlos Lopez Estrada [Director], Don Hall [Director], Paul Briggs [Co-Director], Osnat Shurer [Producer], Quin Nguyen [Writer], Adele Lim [Writer], Fawn Veerasunthorn [Head of Story] and John Ripa [Co-Director].
Special Feature: RAYA: BRINGING IT HOME [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1] [14:35] This special feature shows how Disney got it together to equip 450 of their employees who were working on this animated film to have the tools they needed when going into COVID-19 quarantine at home to complete this gem of an animated film. It’s a fascinating look at their creative energy, all shared by the team and all it took to make this dream a reality. We again get to view more amazing beautiful illustrations, as well view some more scenes from the animated film. We also get to view lots of black-and-white storyboard illustrations that is partially animated. While working on the animated film at the Disney Animated Studios, suddenly COVID-19 happened and everyone were instructed to go home and to isolate and to carry on working on their computers and they thought it was only going to last for three weeks, but of course they were proved wrong and it felt like an eternity. Also they inform us, with working at home, the tended to work longer hours on the computer and did not get a lot of sleep, but it was also a great strain on the eyes. Paul Briggs said, “There’s something really exhausting about seeing people flat. I think my brain is trying to comprehend: they should be in 3D but they are not.” “We’re all trying to figure this thing out and we all have to trust in one another that we’re going to make the right decision.” Osnat Shurer said, “One of the keys for work from home was to be able to work with every single artist individually and find out what works for them.” John Lipa said, “We were very fortunate and very lucky that we were able to still continue to work throughout all this.” Out of all these people having to work from home, although it was a great experience, but in the end they will all be glad to finally get back to the Walt Disney Animation Studios and be back working with everyone again, as they really miss that human contact and comradery, and especially coming together for the greater good. Contributors include: Osnat Shurer [Producer], Carlos Lopez Estrada [Director], Fawn Veerasunthorn [Head of Story], Paul Briggs [Co-Director], Nathan Curtis [Associated Producer], John Ripa [Co-Director], James Romo [Editorial Production Supervisor], Nora Rogers [Production Coordinator], Malcon Pierce [Head of Animation], Adolph Lusinsky [Director of Photography – Lighting], Amy Smeed [Head of Animation], Berenice Robinson [Head of Post Production], Meghan Gillet [Yechnology Manager of Platform Engineering], Fabienne Rawley [Editor], Kyle Odermatt [Visual Effects Supervisor], Jesica Kain [Senior Technical Support Engineer], Don Hall [Director], Adele Lim [Writer], Quin Nguyen [Writer], Elise Aliberti [Production Office Manager], Andrew Feliciano [Supervising Animator], Izaac Wang [“Boun”], Daniel Dae Kim [“Benja”], Kelly Marie Tran [“Raya”] and Awkwafina [“Sisu”].
Special Feature: MARTIAL ARTS [2021] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [5:49] At the start of this feature we get to view several martial art fight scenes from the animated film, and the animators discuss what they wanted to show the courage of Raya. We also see the animators watching real people doing their martial art movements and sketching their movements they were performing, but at the same time video recorded their martial art movements. We also get to view scenes from the animated film relating to the martial art fight scenes, and we are informed that the martial art movements we see performed by the animated characters were the combination of PENCAK SILAT – Indonesia / Malay Martial Arts, ARNIS [Kali or Eskrima/Escrima] Filipino Fighting Martial Arts and MUAY THAI [Thai Boxing] Cultural Martial Art of Thailand. All in all this is quite a nice little feature, but one thing I just could not stand is Quin Nguyen, as I thought he was a pompous little twat who just spoke total garbage. Contributors include: Quin Nguyen [Writer], Maggie MacDonald [Fight Choreographer] and Dr. S. Steve Arounsack [Anthropologist of Southeast Asia Syory Trust].
Special Feature: WE ARE KUMANDRA [2021] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [9:09] This is an incredibly special featurette that has animators meet members of the Southeast Asia Story Trust and in the process, learn about the cultural influences that laid the groundwork for the ground-breaking animated film. This feature also stresses the companies unwavering commitment to cultural representation at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. They inform us, that to create the World of Kumandra, we have to collaborate closely with experts in the Southeast Asia cultures. Together with our Head of Story, writers and other crew members whose heritage stems from that region, they comprise out of the Southeast Asia Story Trust. Again we see the animators visiting locations in Southeast Asia and meeting the residents in these particular Asian countries and with the Asian architectural buildings, they were able to sketch them on their ipads, to incorporate them into the animated film. Contributors include: Dr. Juliana Wijaya [Linguist of the Southeast Asia Story Trust], Dr. Chen Chanratana [Archaeologist of the Southeast Asia Story Trust], Dr. S. Steve Arounsack [Anthropologist of the Southeast Asia Story Trust], Osnat Shurer [Producer], Nathakrit “Tatan” Sunthareerat [Architect of the Southeast Asia Story Trust], Dr. Rebeca S. Hall [Curator of the Southeast Asia Story Trust], Jes Vu [Cultural Consultant of the Southeast Asia Story Trust] and Emiko Saraswati Susilo & Dewa Putu Berata and director of Çudamani [Southeast Asia Story Trust],
Special Feature: OUTTAKES [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1 / 1.37:1] [2:23] Here we get a plethora of totally crap brain dead outtakes, that should have been left on the cutting room floor, because they all act like moronic idiots and they might think they are funny, because they all know each other, but to us outside their world it is not at all funny or hilarious and a totally yawing experience and they should act more like adults.
Special Feature: FUN FACTS & EASTER EGGS [2021] [1080p] [2.39:1 / 1.78:1] [4:16] Exploring some of the animated film's hidden secrets that gives us some interesting facts and things you may not have noticed with scenes in the film ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON,’ and what is pointed out is the following Disney cartoon characters like Hei Hei from ‘Mona,’ Bruni from ‘Frozen 2 and the hidden Mickey Mouse symbols, so they say to you, when watching the animated film ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ make sure you look out for the items mentioned.
Special Feature: THE STORY BEHIND THE STORYBOARD WITH JOHN RIPA [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [5:02] Here we take a close in-depth look at the process of storyboarding with John Ripa [Co-Director] and also Fawn Veerasunthorn [Head of Story] and helps in taking us inside the magic and the thought processes that went behind making the animated film ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ a reality. We are informed that it took a total of 450 people that was involved in the process of producing the animated film; at first they produce rough drawings on their ipads and did seven changes until they were satisfied 100% with the results and the process took over 18 months of intensive work until they were happy with the results and we get a glimpse of some of the meetings round a big table that happened on the 6th August, 2019, and John Rips shows us the storyboard sequence he worked on, and hopes you enjoyed viewing his storyboard sequence, and says that if you like drawing cartoons, and hopes to be working with you at Disney.
Special Feature: DELETED SCENES [2021] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.39:1] [19:00] With this final special feature, there are a plethora of deleted scenes that one can see why they were left on the cutting room floor, but are interesting, nonetheless. Introduction finds the Head of Story Fawn Veerasunthorn introduces the deleted scenes from ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.’ First up we get to view THE BRIDGE where Raya confronts an early version of the. Next up id ESCAPING NAMAARI and spotlights an early version sequence of an introduction to Namaari as an adult. Next up is DRAGON BLADE where we discover an early version of Raya’s sword when it used to have magical powers. Next we get to view MEET BOUN, where we get an introduction to an early version of Boun before he was a chef and shrimp boat captain. Lastly, there is THE HEART OF THE DRAGON and Co-director John Ripa introduces this particular deleted scene whose sole purpose was to bring hope to the animated film. As usual, you can either watch each deleted scene separately or Play All.
Theatrical Trailer [2020] [1080p] [1.85:1] [1:27] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the animated film ‘LUCA.’
Finally, DISNEY’s ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ does it again and shows the importance of representation in the animated film. Walt Disney Animation has a long and well-documented history of excellence, one that continues with their latest —‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON,’ out now on a brilliant and stunning Blu-ray disc. In terms of the artistic aesthetic, ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ is a beautiful animated film. The thing is, all of it is fantastic and totally magical —but the key to any kind of cinematic reverberation through society is the story. It’s true, the story is definitely king and with ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON,’ it’s a layered with rich tales that grabs the viewers’ attention from its opening moments and doesn’t let you go in any capacity until those closing credits roll at the end of the animated film. For me, its power stayed with me for days after screening this majestic piece of work. As is the case with Disney releases, some of the bonus special features are a great watch. The Walt Disney studio always goes that extra mile and ensures that all questions are answered, and the insight offered will only greatly enhance the entire viewing experience. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
