As we left the theater after seeing Disney-Pixar’s “Coco” in November, my daughter was already asking when we could buy the DVD. Happily for her and so many others, that time is upon us. And the animated film’s fans will not only enjoy seeing the movie again, but also a slew of bonus features that come packaged with the purchase.
“Coco” is a colorful interpretation of the Mexican tradition of celebrating El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). The story is told through 12-year-old Miguel who longs to be a professional singer despite his family forbidding it. His pursuit of his dream to perform lands Miguel in the Land of the Dead, where he is stranded until he receives a blessing from a dead family member. Or, if forgotten by the living, those in the Land of the Dead fade away during the Final Death.
“Coco” already is available digitally, and the Blu-ray and DVD versions hit the shelves on Tuesday (Feb. 27). Here are the bonus features that are included:
Blu-ray & Digital:
** Deleted Scenes with Introductions — Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of “Coco.”
** DÃa de los Muertos — In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of DÃa de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz.
** The Way of the Riveras — A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare their DÃa de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family history and traditions.
** Celebrity Tour — Héctor, a Land of the Dead tour bus guide, agrees to help Miguel, revealed to be a living boy, on his quest to find de la Cruz.
** The Bus Escape — The Rivera family catches up to Miguel and Héctor and attempts to halt their mission to find de la Cruz.
** Alebrije Attack — Miguel and Héctor are interrupted on their journey to find de la Cruz by a fierce alebrije.
** The Family Fix — After de la Cruz reveals his true colors, the Rivera family puts their dismay aside and comes together to repair the smashed guitar needed to send Miguel home.
** To the Bridge — As the Land of the Dead counts down to the end of DÃa de los Muertos, Miguel and de la Cruz come head-to-head on the marigold bridge.
** Filmmaker Commentary — Presented by Lee Unkrich (director), Adrian Molina (co-director) and Darla K. Anderson (producer).
** The Music of “Coco” — Collaborating with musicians of Mexico and some unique instrumentation, this documentary explores the beautiful fusion of music essential to the story of “Coco.”
** Paths to Pixar: “Coco” — Explore how the film crew’s personal stories resonate with the themes of the movie itself.
** Welcome to the Fiesta — A musical exploration of the skeletons that make the Land of the Dead in “Coco” so wondrous and intriguing.
** How to Draw a Skeleton — Pixar artist Daniel Arriaga gives a lesson on the quick and easy way to draw skeletons using simple shapes.
** A Thousand Pictures a Day — Join the “Coco” crew on an immersive travelogue through Mexico, visiting families, artisans, cemeteries, and small villages during the DÃa de los Muertos holiday.
** Mi Familia — Developing the Riveras was a labor of love that took the cast and crew on a deep dive into the meaning of family.
** Land of Our Ancestors — Watch Pixar artists lovingly construct layer upon layer of architecture from many eras of Mexican history, bringing the Land of the Dead to life.
** Fashion Through the Ages — The cast of characters in “Coco” are from many different eras, making for some magnificent costuming opportunities.
** The Real Guitar — The majestic guitar that spurs Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead is a unique creation. Watch as it is initially designed by a Pixar artist and ultimately realized as a real instrument by a master luthier in this poetic ode to craftsmanship.
** Dante — How the crew fell in love with the uniquely Mexican breed of Xoloitzcuintli (or “Xolo”) dogs that inspired Dante.
** How to Make Papel Picado — Join Pixar artist Ana RamÃrez González as we learn how papel picado is made traditionally, and then try your own approach to this beautiful art form.
** Un Poco “Coco” — A montage of original animated pieces used to promote “Coco.”
“Coco Trailers” — Trailers include “Feeling,” “Dante’s Lunch,” “Destiny,” “Journey” and “Belong.”
DVD:
** Filmmaker Commentary
** Dante
** About “Coco”
