[amazon_link asins=’B07885CY3T’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’moviegazett03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c6af7157-3119-11e8-9a67-f5d983d3c315′]Coco–Pixar’s first non-sequel film since 2015’s The Good Dinosaur—tells a heartwarming story about the importance of family, while delivering the eye-popping visuals we’ve come to expect. Set in a small Mexican village, 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) lives with three generations of his relatives. While he is expected to follow in the family tradition of shoemaking, Miguel yearns to be a musician. His family has banned music for several generations, following a time when the family matriarch’s father abandoned the family to pursue a singing career. That matriarch, now elderly and wheelchair bound, is Coco, Miguel’s great-grandmother. Though forbidden, Miguel practices his guitar in secret, guided by videos of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) a musician and movie star who died in a freak on-stage accident. Miguel is determined to make his performing debut at a talent contest to celebrate Dia de los Muertos–Day of the Dead–the Mexican holiday when departed relatives come to visit the living.

In an unexpected turn, Miguel finds himself closer to the spiritual world than he ever imagined. Unable to be seen by the world of the living, but able to reconnect with his relatives in the land of the dead, Miguel must undertake a journey that will teach him about the value importance of family, history, and culture, while giving him the courage to pursue his dreams.

Lee Unkrich, whose last directorial effort was Toy Story 3, and co-director Adrian Molina touch on the familiar themes of family, friendship, and maturity. However, the films significant exploration of Mexican culture, is both unique and timely. The music is an essential part of the entire story. Initially, music is a source of great pain for everyone, but as Miguel’s talents become clear to everyone, that pain becomes a source of pride. The songs are memorable, and closely tied into the narrative. One listen, and it’s easy to understand why “Remember Me” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

As we’ve come to expect from Pixar, the animation is top-notch, and the characters are richly detailed, aided by an excellent voice cast. Coco offers something for everyone, even as it explores the Mexican way of life. Anthony Gonzalez’s enthusiasm will be a hit with kids, the animation is simply breathtaking, and the songs are beautiful.

Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is stunning. Coco celebrates the most vibrant aspects of Mexican, culture, as does this Blu-ray. The explosions of color throughout are sublime. Each hue jumps off the screen. Whether large or small, the animation detail is phenomenal. Definition is outstanding, no matter the object, textures are top notch. This is a top-level transfer.

The DTS-HD 7.1 lossless soundtrack is very impressive. Music sounds very full throughout and shows off exceptional clarity. Atmospherics are clear and involved, allowing the viewer to feel in the middle of the action. The track is well balanced, and the dialogue is clear and concise. This serves as a strong companion to the excellent video.

English, English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are included.

The extras span two Blu-ray discs. A DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy are included with purchase.

Disc One:

  • Audio Commentary: Director Lee Unkrich, Co-Director Adrian Molina, and Producer Darla Anderson discuss the films structure, story, character details, research trips to Mexico, background details, changes to the film along the way, visuals and visual effects, voice work, more.
  • Welcome to the Fiesta (HD, 2:16) A “proof of concept” short film. With optional Director Lee Unkrich, Co-Director Adrian Molina, and Producer Darla Anderson commentary.
  • Mi Familia (HD, 10:00) The filmmakers share some of the rules they had to follow growing up. It also looks at research for the film, including travel to Mexico to become immersed in the culture depicted in it and discover the characters who would appear in it.
  • Dante (HD, 6:14) A look at the dog in the film and the canine inspirations for him.
  • How to Draw a Skelton (HD, 3:18) A lesson on how to draw one of the key figures in the film.

Disc Two:

  • A Thousand Pictures A Day (HD, 20:03) A detailed look at the crew’s travels to Mexico in a bid to make the most detailed movie they could.
  • The Music of Coco (HD, 13:12) A look at the music, and how it helps to shape the story.
  • Land of Our Ancestors (HD, 6:19) A look at the creation of the Land of the Dead, with particular emphasis on the research and inspirations.
  • Fashion Through the Ages (HD, 8:39) A look at the character costumes from both worlds, and how they help to define the themes of the film.
  • The Real Guitar (HD, 3:08) Creating the guitar seen in the film, in the real and digital world.
  • Paths to Pixar: Coco (HD, 11:44) Members of the creative team discuss their childhood dreams, work history, and how they came to Pixar.
  • How to Make a Papel Picado (HD, 2:19) A tutorial on how to make the Mexican decoration.
  • You Got the Part! (HD, 2:12) Anthony Gonzalez is cast in the lead role!
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 33:07 total runtime) Following an Introduction to the deleted scenes with Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, the following scenes are included: Día del los Muertos, The Way of the Riveras, Celebrity Tour, The Bus Escape, Alebrije Attack, The Family Fix, and To the Bridge. Scenes are presented as unfinished storyboards.
  • Trailers & Promos (HD) Feeling — United States Trailer #1 (2:12), Dante’s Lunch — Web Exclusive short film (1:56), Destiny — Mexico Trailer (2:34), Journey — Brazil Trailer (2:01), Belong – Australia Trailer (2:13), and Promo — Un Poco Coco (3:05).