Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s amalgamation of four Grimm fairy stories with one of their own tales, the Broadway smash Into the Woods, has been given an imaginative transformation onto the big screen by director Rob Marshall, assisted by a group of talented singers and actors, who effectively capture the darkness, fun and quirkiness of the story.

For those unfamiliar with the story, The Baker (James Corden) and his Wife (Emily Blunt) long to become parents, but pregnancy has proved impossible. One day, the Witch (Meryl Streep) next door reveals that the wife’s barrenness is the result of a curse she put on the house years before. She offers to lift the curse if they can gather four items for her before the end of three nights. Determined to succeed, the couple set out in the nearby woods in search of a white cow, red cape, glass slipper and golden strand of hair. This interlocks their story with that of Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy). All of these fairy tale characters happen to be in the woods on quests of their own. Jack is eager to provide and his starving mother (Tracey Ullman); Little Red Riding Hood is traveling to visit her ailing grandmother (Annette Crosbie) and must avoid the hungry wolf (Johnny Depp); Rapunzel is desperate to escape her tower prison and be with her prince (Billy Magnussen). However, accomplishing their goals comes with serious consequences that may or may not be positive.

With minimal dialogue, the cast succeeds in bringing Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s brilliant musical to life. Let’s get this out of the way quickly: Meryl Streep is brilliant as usual. She looks like she’s having a grand time playing the Witch. Surprisingly though, it’s a character that has several dimensions, which she plays to perfection. Her vocal dexterity and control is also impressive. Streep aside, my favorite performance in the film is Anna Kendrick who plays Cinderella with a little extra pluck. She really breathes life into each of her musical numbers and it’s fascinating to watch as she comes to realize that her Prince (Chris Pine) may not be the man she believed him to be. Kendrick’s abilities as a singer should surprise no one who is familiar with her work in Pitch Perfect.

As to the rest of the cast, Emily Blunt is appealing and believable as the Baker’s wife. Wanting to have a child, she is resourceful and determined, without becoming nasty. James Corden is likeable, handling his musical numbers with fine pitch if not much force. It’s wonderful to see Tracey Ullman as Jack’s mother, who makes the most of her comedic moments. Johnny Depp’s appearance as the wolf is rather quick, though he’s clearly enjoying it. Christine Baranski, Tammy Blanchard, and Lucy Punch make fine arrogant stepmother and stepsisters. Child actors Lilla Crawford and Daniel Huttlestone turn in memorable performances as Little Red Riding Hood and Jack as their jobs are far from easy.

Director Rob Marshall Rob Marshall is best known for directing the Best Picture winner Chicago and while Into the Woods doesn’t surpass that film, it’s impressive and well worth watching.

Presented in its theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1, Disney’s 1080p transfer is very impressive. Even in the dark forest, there are swaths of natural color, skin tones look perfect and primeries subdued. Sharpness is outstanding throughout and Black levels are rich and deep with outstanding shadow detail.

Into the Woods‘ DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track offers perfection. Voices, no matter the tone, come through perfectly and the sixty-piece orchestra sounds appropriately grand throughout all channels. There are split effects, with wind and other sounds spinning by occasionally, panning appropriately from front to rear. Dialogue and song lyrics have been masterfully recorded and have been placed in the center channel.

English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Korean, and Mandarin (Simplified) subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Audio Commentary: Director/producer Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca share their memories of working on the production, discussing the development, editing, casting, visual effects, songs and much more about the film.
  • Streep Sings Sondheim: “She’ll Be Back” (HD, 4:48) Rob Marshall explains the reasons for cutting this newly composed number for the film and then presents Meryl Streep’s filmed rendition of it.
  • There’s Something About the Woods (HD, 13:23) Several key cast members, along with director Rob Marshall, producers John Deluca and Marc Platt, composer Stephen Sondheim, screenwriter James Lapine, director of photography Dion Beebe, art director Andrew Bennett, and production designer Dennis Gassner discuss their thoughts on various aspects of the film.
  • The Cast as Good as Gold (HD, 10:10) Rob Marshall and the cast discuss the casting process, rehearsals and developing chemistry between themselves.
  • Deeper Into the Woods (HD, 29:37) A four-part production documentary. Segments include “From Stage to Screen,” “The Magic of the Woods,” “Designing the Woods” and “The Costumes of the Woods.”
  • Music & Lyrics (HD, 53:41) Two “Music & Lyrics” options are available: watching the entire film with on- screen lyrics or viewing the individual songs (with or without karaoke-style lyrics). Songs include “Prologue: Into the Woods,” “Hello, Little Girl,” “I Know Things Now,” “A Very Nice Prince,” “Giants in the Sky,” “Agony,” “It Takes Two,” “Stay with Me,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “Witch’s Lament,” “Any Moment,” “Moments in the Woods,” “Your Fault,” “Last Midnight,” “No One is Alone,” “You Are Not Alone/Children Will Listen,” and “Finale.”
  • Easter Egg (HD, 0:50) A quick behind-the-scenes look at how Meryl Streep’s “Last Midnight” was shot.
  • Digital Copy: Code sheet enclosed in the case.