Film
Branch (Justin Timberlake), the village naysayer. He is a prepper, getting ready for the day that the Bergens will once again invade Troll Village. Soon the worst comes to pass, and the villages happiest Troll, Poppy (Anna Kendrick – The Accountant, Into The Woods), convinces Branch to help her rescue their friends. The pair set off on a daunting adventure, interspersed with musical numbers from the singing Trolls.
The film has several messages, about acceptance, and how to treat others, not to mention how to love one’s self. The musical numbers are fun, performed by an extremely talented voice cast.
With many cute, and many more funny scenes, this is a feel good film. A plot that is not overly complicated, the broad appeal is a big plus.
Trolls is a fun, exciting film, with an abundance of happiness. The amount of work and detail that have gone into each character is absolutely amazing. This is certainly a film for the family to enjoy. Sadly, with just one caveat, and that is the occasional blaspheming. While many would not be bothered by this, it is out of place in a film that would be viewed by so many younger viewers.
Overall, Trolls is a fun film, with a good dose of toe tapping to boot.
Disc
Overall, Trolls is a disc with great value. A fun main feature, lots of bonus content, and a technically sound disc.
Trolls is available now, to purchase on disc, in South
Africa.
Video
Video is encoded at a high average bitrate. There are no visible artefacts on-screen. Colours are vibrant, with not bleed. Darker scenes do preserve detail.
Viewers with the necessary hardware or software can scale up to a larger or higher resolution screen, should they wish.
Audio
Audio is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, is encoded at a high average bitrate. Dialogue is clear via the centre speaker. The front left and right carry the weight of music heaving soundtrack, with great use of the surrounds to expand on the on-screen world, and further draw the viewer into the story.
Navigation
Navigation begins immediately, with some foot-tapping background music, and a pre-menu video. The main menu has a static background image, still accompanied by the music.
The setup sub-menu allows one to choose from various audio languages, and subtitles, from a lengthy text menu.
The scenes sub-menu has four large, colour still thumbnails. While these are numbered, they do not contain chapter titles. Navigating to a specific spot in the film might require some guesswork. At least until the younger viewers have memorised the film.
The extras menu presents a list of text links to the various bonus features on the disc, spanning two menu pages.
Bonus Features
Play Movie With Sing Along – On-screen lyrics, that highlight as each song in the film progresses. Other than this addition, the main feature plays as normal, keeping its surround soundtrack. The words do not get in the way of the film either. A fun addition for the younger viewers (or a silly party, with adults).
Travel Through Troll Village – With tour guide, Cloud Guy. He gives some insight into the village, its inhabitants. The video is short, but does show a bit more of the characters. This is sure to appeal more to younger viewers, but seems to lack much re-watch value.
The Potion For Stop-motion – A short feature on how the stop motion sequence was created. An interesting insight, and sure to thrill filmmakers interested in stop motion.
Creating Troll Magic – Some words from Kendal Cronkite-Shaindlin (production designer), talking about the look of the film, with colour and texture. Some input from the directors and other crew. Another interesting insight for any budding filmmaker.
“Get Back Up Again” Music Video – Performed by the talented Anna Kendrick, and produced by Justin Timberlake. Watch the foot-tapping song, from the film.
“Hair Up” Music Video – Performed by Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani and Ron Funches. The thumping song from the film.
Deleted Scenes – A collection of deleted scenes, incorporated into one feature, and introduced by director Mike Mitchell and co-directors Walt Dohrn, sharing a few things that did not make the final cut of the film, and explaining why those scenes needed to be cut. Each scene is also introduced with a title card, allowing some context to where it fits in the film.
Theatrical Trailer – The theatrical trailer to the film, with 5.1 soundtrack.
The World Of Dreamworks Animation – A selection of seven music videos, from various Dreamworks films, including I’m A Believer (Shrek), I Like To Move It (Madagascar), Fly High (How To Train Your Dragon), Kung Fu Fighting (Kung Fu Panda), Shine Your Way (The Croods), The Snail Is Fast (Turbo), and Feel The Light (Home)
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