Encanto (review)

disclosure: I was provided with a Digital copy of Encanto in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own, No other compensation was received.

Encanto marks the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios. While available on Disney+ and Digital right now, it will soon be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 8. Fans can enjoy a sing-along movie version, never-before-seen bonus features and deleted scenes. We were excited to receive a Digital copy, so let’s chat about Encanto!

About Encanto

Everyone is talking about Bruno! But just in case you haven’t seen Encanto, here is the general synopsis.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, with all-new songs by award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.

Encanto is relatable

If I am being honest, I really enjoyed Encanto. Encanto is a very relatable movie, more for adults than children, I think. Growing up in an Italian Catholic household, I got a lot of this movie. If something was “bad” or not joyous, you just didn’t talk about it. Quiet whispers at holiday dinner tables taught you that at an early age. What I loved the most was how one person(Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) fought past those family “traits” and broke through the fears, reminding the family to have faith.

Encanto is colorful

You cannot say that Encanto is dull, that is for sure. The colors are vibrant and everywhere. This really gives a great energy to the film.

Let’s talk about Bruno…

The Encanto soundtrack is INCREDIBLE. One of the beautiful parts of Encanto is the ability to showcase an entire family, all with different traits. Everyone can find someone to relate to in this movie. It seems as if every character has a song(there are 44 tracks on the soundtrack!) and it is easy to identify with at least one character in this movie. The music is as upbeat as this movie is colorful.

While everyone is talking about Bruno as their favorite song, I really liked Surface Pressure, sung by Luisa(Jessica Darrow). Luisa is the strong one, who worries about keeping it all together and not letting the family down, carrying all the burdens without complaining. Sounds a lot like a mom’s job, right?

I do have to give credit where credit is due. We Don’t Talk About Bruno, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a fabulous song. So much energy and style! If this is the new Disney song our kids will be listening to for the next, oh I don’t know, say, 7 years..I say let it go and embrace it!(see what I did there?)

Far From the Tree

Far From the Tree is the Disney short that appears before the movie in the theater. We always love to watch the short before the movie, so in keeping with that tradition, we did. Far From the Tree writer and director Natalie Nourigat also explains the story behind the short before it begins. While a little intense, the short shows how parenting is hard, but, once again, you do not have to live in fear in order to be safe.

Bonus Features

Encanto is packed with bonus features that are not available on Disney+. Check out all that is available:

Sing Along with the Movie – Sing along with your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics as you watch the movie.
Familia Lo Es Todo – Members of the Disney Animation “Familia” cultural trust share real-life experiences in this exploration of the lovable Madrigal family members. We learn what inspired each character, and about how the artists’ designs bring realism to their personalities.
Discover Colombia – The filmmaking team discusses how the multiple cultures, biodiversity and vibrant colors of Colombia are expressed in Encanto. They describe how satisfying it was to fully celebrate this beautiful country and support the theme of magical realism.
A Journey Through Music – The filmmakers invite us to discover how each character came to be represented musically. We follow the creation of Encanto’s Colombian-inspired music, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs and Germaine Franco’s score, from concept to final recording.
Let’s Talk About Bruno – Learn how the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” with its intriguing undertones, was created. Discover the extensive collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda, choreographer Jamal Sims, the voice cast and animators in bringing it to the screen.
Our Casita – La Casa Madrigal is alive with magic, and its emotional state is affected by other family members. From its colorful doors to its fine stonework, the magical house was designed using principles of Colombian tradition.
Outtakes – From the thrill of “nailing” a take in the presence of an entertainment industry icon to the hilarity of losing a wrestling match with tongue-twisting dialogue, join the cast for some good-natured fun from behind the microphone.
Journey to Colombia – With the help of the Colombian Cultural Trust, a dedicated team of consultants, the filmmakers of Encanto embark on a journey of discovery to learn more about Colombia and how best to reflect the country’s cultures and environments on the big screen.
An Introduction to Far From the Tree – Writer and director Natalie Nourigat introduces the Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Far From the Tree.
Far From the Tree – Parenting is hard, especially when curiosity tugs at a young raccoon whose parent tries to keep them both safe. In the Walt Disney Animation Studios short Far From the Tree, this youngster learns to live with an open heart… even as danger lurks.
Deleted Scenes
- Introduction – Heads of Story Jason Hand and Nancy Kruse present four scenes not seen in the film’s release, but were part of the journey toward the final version of the story.
- Chores! – Abuela has sent most of the family to town on various assignments that bring them acclaim, while Mirabel, her father and uncle are asked to clean the house.
- Another Way In – Mirabel attempts to understand a clue found in her uncle’s vision. To make this happen, she must go through Antonio’s room, where adventures unfold.
- Isabela Goes Into the Woods – When Mirabel sees her sister head for apparent danger in the woods, she races to save her, and encounters the surprise of a lifetime!
- Back to the Mural – Feeling rejected, Mirabel goes back to town. Abuela seeks her out and reveals a part of her personality that her granddaughter has never seen.
Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
- The Family Madrigal
- Colombia, Mi Encanto
- Waiting on a Miracle
- Surface Pressure
- We Don’t Talk About Bruno
- What Else Can I Do
- Dos Oruguitas
- All of You*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Overall

Encanto is definitely a family movie for all ages. There are a few intense scenes that could possibly cause a younger child to hop in your lap or close their eyes, but these are minimal. Encanto will be the movie your kids will watch all day and sit down again at night to watch with the family. Be sure to check it out!

Maria H. (ndm#130)

A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.

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