Frozen 2 Blu-Ray Review: Cold as Ice Cream, Just Not as Sweet

Title: Frozen 2

Film Release Date: November 15th, 2019

DVD and Blu-ray Release: February 25th, 2020

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Release Format: Theatrical

Frozen 2 is a sequel that isn’t as hot as the original, even if it does bring its own charms. Elsa’s ice powers seem to have cooled any magic that was there before.

The story of Frozen 2 follows Elsa (Idina Menzel), Anna (Kristen Bell), and their friends as they go on an adventure to save their kingdom. They uncover and hidden world and secrets from their own past that will change everything.

This is a flat out movie for kids; there is not much there to keep anyone too invested over the age of 13. If you’re a big Disney fan and like these magical type of stories, then this might be for you. Everyone else, keep reading for why you might get cold feet on this one.

Frozen 1 1/2

The biggest strength of the original movie came from the songs being catchy and great. Frozen 2 tracks are the equivalent of that student who copies your homework and somehow still get the answers wrong that you got right

The tracks feel uninspired and are trying to chase “Let It Go” but never come close. Frozen’s story and characters have always been generic; however, what makes them standout happens to be the musical numbers. The sequences here are beautiful and use a wide array of cool colors that makes the world feel magical.

The songs are as repetitive as “Baby Shark” only they don’t get stuck in your head. This is great for anyone trying to walk down the street without the entire population religiously asking if they want to build a snowman. Yet, it sucks for anyone looking for memorable numbers in Frozen 2.

“Into the Unknown” is a decent ballad that expresses Elsa’s conflict in the film, but I don’t dig anything beyond that track. I would say this sequel feels uninspired from new hands, but its the same team before which supports the lightning in a bottle notion.

A lot of the story feels like a straight to DVD film. This is reminiscent of Lion King 2, a film you forgot existed until I mentioned it, while some dispute that it even exists. Pixar’s upcoming Onward doesn’t have an antagonist either like Frozen 2 yet avoids this feeling of stalling.

The epilogue to Frozen 2 is almost more extended than the flick itself. The adventure concluded, but the film kept going, feeling like when you say “bye” to someone on the phone, but neither of you hangs up. So, you sit there in awkward silence until somebody presses the red button.

What’s Good

Olaf is kind of creepy yet funny, catching me off guard with some lines I had some hard chuckles at. Elsa and Anna have also both matured into exceptional leaders of their kingdom. They don’t argue over silly miscommunications like before, and it’s nice to characters who didn’t go into a coma in between films

The action sequences are a step up here with Elsa fighting the ocean in a thrilling struggle. They were fun and show off Elsa’s growth as a person and a warrior from the first.

The animation is pretty spot on with some stunning colors being used for the different sets. One scene that stands out is when the forest was being set ablaze with this purple and blue fire that even Smokey the Bear would admire.

The extras on Frozen 2 are decent and give fans enough content to cop the home video release. Frozen 2 outtakes are pretty funny if albeit short, but since this is Disney, the raunchier outtakes are never seeing the light of day. At least we got something as usually Disney releases just exclude them altogether

The did you know the feature has some cool facts for animations nerds on top of the feature where the directors show off cut story pieces.

Maybe It’s Time To Let This Go

Verdict: While Frozen 2 doesn’t live up to original, this isn’t a bad film either. Unfortunately, its bland songs, lack of urgency in the story combined with underdeveloped characters, makes this hard to recommend.

The gorgeous animation and sequences may be a visual treat to watch, but I still left the experience feeling empty.  Once the credits hit, I went “welp, that was a movie.” Not good or bad, just movie in the end.

If you adored the film, then the extras are worth the buy to add to your collection. They are varied and go in-depth to Frozen’s world with all the behind the scenes info and fun facts. Overall, this is an excellent Blu-Ray release featuring a so-so film.

What’s the best Disney film from the last decade? How do you feel about Frozen 2? What do you look for in your Blu-Ray releases?

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