TURNING RED is a coming of age, animated treat from Disney that is a lot of fun. Regardless of age or gender, we can all relate to the struggle Mei is having. As an adult it was also relatable watching Mei’s parents navigate these waters as well. The balance of story, humor, and stunning visuals made this a film my entire family had a blast with for movie night.
Activate Red Panda Mode When Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red
Bursts onto Digital April 26 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD May 3
Film Synopsis: In Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red, confident, dorky 13-year-old Mei must balance being a dutiful daughter with the chaos of adolescence. Her slightly overbearing mom is never far from her daughter. And, as if changes to Mei’s interests, relationships and body aren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
The film revolves around Mei wanting to go to a boy band concert with her middle school classmates. All of the emotion and excitement happens to coincide with a huge change in her body. One her parents might have wanted to mention was coming. There is a lot in this story about the bond of friendship and what it means to embrace who you are. Words that are easier said than done at any age.
As Mei finds a way to manage this new part of her life she also has to deal with her parents. They want her to hide this from the world as a way to protect her. It is the classic struggle of minding your parents vs finding your own path. As always Disney handles all of this with grace and humor.
- Product reviewed on the following equipment:
- DENON AVR-S720W 7.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver
- SAMSUNG QLED Q70T Series – 4K UHD Dual LED Quantum
- SAMSUNG UBD-M8500/ZA 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player
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.
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