Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Epic Comedy-Adventure MOANA Out on Blu-ray March 7th

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Epic Comedy-Adventure

Sails Home on Digital HD Feb. 21 and Blu-ray™ March 7

 

Continue the journey with hours of fun-filled extras showcasing an all-new mini-movie,

the charismatic cast, famed filmmakers, dynamic musical team, the beautiful people and cultures of the Pacific Islands, a deleted song, deleted scenes, and more!

 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes and the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office opening weekend. Now, “Moana” sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Feb. 21, and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7.

 

 

Continuing the fun-filled adventure, families can continue their journey filled with hours of extensive and entertaining bonus offerings including: a new, hilarious mini-movie featuring Moana and Maui; an in-depth look at how the people, cultures and heritage of the Pacific Islands shaped the story of “Moana;” revealing Q&A with co-stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, and famed animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker; insider access to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi, the trio behind the film’s moving music; four mini-documentaries highlighting the movie’s groundbreaking effects; deleted scenes; a deleted song; hidden Easter Eggs; music video; “Inner Workings,” the theatrical short film directed by Leo Matsuda that spotlights the internal struggle between a man’s Brain and Heart; and much, much more.

 

 

“Moana” stars Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of Moana, Dwayne Johnson as the voice of Maui, Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Rachel House (“Whale Rider,” “Hunt for Wilderpeople,” “Eagle vs Shark,” “Boy,” “White Lies”) as Moana’s trusted Gramma Tala; and Nicole Scherzinger (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End’s “Cats”) as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; Jemaine Clement (“The BFG,” “Despicable Me,” “Rio,” “Rio 2,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” Flight of the Conchords) voices Tamatoa, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab; and Alan Tudyk (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”) lends his voice to stowaway rooster Heihei.

 

 

According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of “Moana” was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. “Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity,” says Clements. Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming. This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers’ imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story. “The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing,” explains Musker. Moana’s quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity – a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders.

 

Our family really enjoyed Moana and have watched it a couple times!  My daughter loved learning about the Pacific Islanders culture – from foods they eat daily (coconuts) to what they make their clothing from.  Definitely check out the Things You Didn’t Know About… as it introduces us to the stars of Moana and crew behind the fantastic music created for the movie.

 

 

We attended the Moana Q & A event with the Directors and Producers of Moana and had a chance to speak to some of the creative crew behind the costumes created for the movie and animators. It was a great afternoon spent at Disney Animation Studios learning more about this beautiful culture and the attention to detail the filmmakers spent on making sure that this culture was accurately portrayed in Moana.  From consulting with locals from beginning to end, the filmmakers felt it was important to ensure Moana was an accurate portrait of the Pacific Islanders.

 

 

Throughout the studio they had items from this region. I loved seeing the folks in traditional Polynesian clothing.

 

 

 

Headdress:

A contemporary take on a traditional Tahitian head-dress used for dance and other performance-based ceremonies.

 

 

Conch Shell:

The conch shell, or pu, is one of the few instruments found and used throughout Polynesia.  Traditionally, it could be held during performances, in times of war, in important ceremonies, and even as part of fishing expeditions.  Modern day Polynesians still use them today.

 

Tanoa or Kava Bowl:

 

Canoe:

An original canoe!  I am attempting to recreate a scene from Moana!

 

We were treated to a traditional Polynesian dance before the director and producer came out for the Q & A.

 

 

 

Producer Oshnat Shurer

Ms. Shurer spoke about how great of an experience it was working on Moana and seeing the filmmakers stay true to the Polynesian culture.  She also talked about how excited she was that Moana was nominated for two Oscars!  She mentioned that she really liked the extra footage on the soon to be released Blu-ray + DVD and particularly thought the “Things You Didn’t Know About” section was fun to watch.  Questions like “What did you eat this morning” and if you could shapeshift what would you be were asked of both directors, Ron Clements and John Musker.  One of the directors said he would shapeshift into one of his Basset Hounds.  We all laughed at this!  What would you shapeshift into if you could?

 

 

Director Ron Clements

Unfortunately John Musker wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t attend the session but Ron kept us entertained and spoke about how the idea came about.  John had come up with the idea to do a movie about the Pan Pacific region.  He spoke to John Lasseter about his idea and John said he needed to dig deep into this culture and do some research.  So Ron and John spent over 3 weeks traveling throughout this region exploring and speaking with the locals.  In The Voice of the Islands – a short documentary we were shown, both Ron and John spoke about how very important it was to them to make sure that they portray an accurate portrait of the people and culture.  I really appreciated that they took so much care throughout the movie making sure to consult with the locals about aspects of the film.  In one scene in particular they had Moana throwing coconuts out into the ocean when she was angry with her father.  When they showed this scene to some locals they immediately said that a young child, or for that matter anyone in their community wouldn’t throw coconuts into the ocean.  They are too valuable of a food source and they also wouldn’t disrespect this treasured food by wasting it away.  So instead the filmmakers have her throwing sticks into the sand which gave the same effect.  These little fun facts were super interesting to hear and learn about.

After the Q & A were were treated to some Polynesian music and dancing in the Disney Animation Studios conference area.

 

The dancers gave us quite a show!  Loved the pretty attire and seems like a great work-out!  Click here to check out a video of these talented dancers and singers.

 

Talented Disney crew behind Moana:

Include Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, Carlos Cabral, Marlon West, Jeff Snow, and Neysa Bove.  They handled everything from costume design to animation.  I told them I too, wanted to come work for Disney Animation Studios because it just seemed like such a fantastic place to come to work everyday!  They agreed, but said it was a lot of work but they were inspired by each other because everyone is bringing their A-game to the table.

 

 

Blue Moana:

 

They created a Blue Moana drink for the occasion.  I must say it was quite tasty!  Here is the recipe:

1 oz. vodka

1/2 oz blue curacao

6 oz. lemonade

couple dashes of vermouth

Good News!  We have a fun giveaway that includes this Moana Adventure Pack and a Digital Copy of Moana.  Good Luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Be sure to grab yourself a copy of Moana on Blu-ray and DVD!  I am sure it will be used quite a bit for family movie night!  Bonus features include*:

 

Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital 3D/HD/SD:

• Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings” – With introduction by the filmmakers, is the story of the internal struggle between a man’s pragmatic, logical side and his free-spirited, adventurous half. Created by a small team at Walt Disney Animation Studios in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, the short explores the importance of finding balance in daily life.
• Maui Mini-Movie: “Gone Fishing” – When Maui decides it’s time to take charge of the ocean and catch his next meal, Moana must show him the error of his ways … with a little help from her friends!
• Voice of the Islands – An in-depth look at how Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the filmmakers to create the story of “Moana.”
• Things You Didn’t Know About …
  • Meet the stars of “Moana” in this dynamic Q&A featuring Dwayne Johnson, newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, and famed animation directors Ron and John.
  • Meet the musical team behind “Moana” in this fascinating Q&A featuring Opetaia Foa‘i, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Island Fashion – Find out how costume designer Neysa Bové took on the unique challenge of creating costumes using materials and techniques native to the islands of Oceania.
• They Know the Way: Making the Music of “Moana” – Musicians Opetaia Foa‘I, Marc Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda take us on a personal journey through their involvement in the movie and how it changed their lives.
• Fishing for Easter Eggs – Dive deep into the ocean and fish for the Easter Eggs hidden by the animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
• The Elements of … – This series of four mini-docs explores the technical achievements behind some of the ground-breaking effects used in the film.
  • Mini Maui – Meet “Mini Maui,” Maui’s tattoo sidekick. Animated by legendary hand-drawn animator Eric Goldberg, we explore how the 2D world collides with CG animation to bring the demigod’s tattoos to life.
  • Water – In the movie, the ocean is a character. This piece explores how the water is given a personality, along with the technical feats of creating a believable ocean landscape farther than the eye can see.
  • Lava – Te Kā is a creature made of lava, smoke and fire. This piece dives into the challenges of making an animated creature of massive scale brought to fiery life by character, technical and effects animators.
  • Hair – One of the greatest technical achievements of the film was the animation of the beautiful, curly hair on Moana and Maui. Take a look at the hair-raising detail that goes into animating each strand, adding performance to the movie that has never been seen before.
• Deleted Song: “Warrior Face” – With introduction by songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Deleted Scenes – Ron and John introduce the following deleted scenes:  Race the Wind/Ties that Bind; Discussing Moana’s Future; Under the Sea;Grandmother’s Warning/Legend of Maui; Education of Moana; Father, Daughter, Boat; and Canoe Race.
• Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” – Performed by Alessia Cara.
• “How Far I’ll Go Around the World” – Multi-language reel of the song “How Far I’ll Go.”
• Audio Commentary – With directors Ron and John.

 

DVD:

• Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings,” Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” and Audio Commentary

 

 

Helmed by Clements and Musker, the directing team behind “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” and “The Princess and the Frog,” and co-directed by Chris Williams & Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6” -Best Animated Feature Film in 2015), “Moana” is produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and executive produced by John Lasseter. Jared Bush (“Zootopia”) wrote the screenplay. “Moana” features original songs from a diverse and dynamic team that includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton,” Tony-winning “In the Heights”), Mark Mancina (“Speed,” “Tarzan” “The Lion King”) and Opetaia Foaʻi (founder and lead singer of the award-winning world music band Te Vaka). Mancina composed the original score.

 

The clips below are from the Voice of the Islands bonus feature and how the filmmakers developed and cast some of your favorite Moana characters, Moana and Maui.

Moana | Voice of the Islands: Casting Moana

0