OVERVIEW: The Disney’s most iconic villain “MALEFICENT” comes to life for all to own, November 4, 2014. Starring Academy Award®-winning actress Angelina Jolie (Best Supporting Actress, “Girl, Interrupted,” 2000) as Maleficent, this wickedly fun twist on the classic “Sleeping Beauty” will be made available on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand platforms.

After enchanting audiences around the world and grossing more than $700 million in worldwide box office, this live-action, fantasy adventure casts a wondrous new spell on Blu-ray and Digital HD, featuring stunning high definition picture and sound, plus spellbinding, all-new bonus features, including several deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes that take viewers deeper behind the scenes of the filmmaking magic.

Join the cast and crew as they explore how Disney’s animated classic “Sleeping Beauty” was re-imagined as an innovative, live-action epic in “From Fairy Tale to Feature Film.” Discover how King Henry and Maleficent's opening battle scene was created using gigantic wire rigs and elaborate choreography in “Building an Epic Battle.” Learn how playing Aurora was a fairytale come true for actress Elle Fanning in “Aurora: Becoming A Beauty.” And find out more about the meticulous detail that went into creating Maleficent's elaborate head wraps, rings and other accessories in “Classic Couture.” Viewers can also relive the film’s journey to the screen through concept art, layered visual effects and behind the scenes footage in “Maleficent Revealed.”

SYNOPSIS: Explore the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain in this wickedly fun twist on the classic “Sleeping Beauty.” In an unforgiving mood after a neighboring kingdom threatens her forest, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) places an irrevocable curse on the king’s newborn daughter, the Princess Aurora. But as the child grows, Maleficent finds herself becoming fond of the girl. And as the conflict between the two realms intensifies, Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land. Journey beyond the fairy tale in this soaring adventure that is “visually arresting, brilliantly designed” (Andrew Barker, Variety).

FILM REVIEW: 

Princess Aurora: I know you're there. Don't be afraid. 
Maleficent: I'm not afraid. 
Princess Aurora: Then come out. 
Maleficent: Then you'll be afraid. 

The very first thing to say about this film is that Angelina Jolie was born to play this character. She nails it to the point that I don’t think anyone else could have done better. Her eyes, her cynical laugh, her voice, her demeanor, her everything reeks of Maleficent. She is like a human animation. So of course her performance was top notch. She makes the movie and makes it great. She’s not the only one though. Elle Fanning was also very perfectly cast as Aurora. Not only does she also give a brilliant performance, she looks stunning. Her face glows with every smile and she personifies Aurora almost as much as Angelina does Maleficent. You can’t help but fall in love with her. But I think that’s the point. Another stunner is Ella Purnell in the role of a younger Maleficent. She does a good job with her role and actually looks like a young Angelina Jolie. The cast overall did a good job, I can’t say anything bad about anyone in it. That especially includes Angelina’s daughter who does an excellent job as a very young Aurora. The chemistry between them in a particular scene was palpable. It was a special moment for the movie and for them. Then there are the three fairies who are just darling. The special effects used for them were pretty good. On that subject, the special effects overall contribute very nicely to the quality and success of the film. One such effect that I loved was the various looks in Maleficent’s eyes. Awesome! I mean her look overall was just perfect, including her face, make up, costumes and horns. Speaking of looks, the castle in the Disney logo opening looks a little different. This could be a first ever I think. It ends up being the castle of the king of the human realm. Now speaking of realms, the “fantasy” realm reminded me a lot of Oz from the latest Oz film. This is a good thing, because it adds to the magic.

There is one thing about this film say in comparison to Snow White and the Huntsman. While Snow White was very dark and dramatic, this one is also quite dramatic but it seems to keep an element of light heartedness throughout. No matter how “dark” it got, it never got too dark. This way it keeps a fairy tale sensation about it which is special. The story presented here is very cool and heartwarming . . . huh? Cool and warming at the same time? You know what I mean. It is thrilling and touching, exciting and moving, and different. Yep, there’s a twist here and there that brings the story up a notch. Director Robert Stromberg is better known for being a visual effects master. Chances are you’ve seen a bunch of the movies he has worked on. Now he debuts as Director with this film and wow, not a bad start at all. This movie is thoroughly enjoyable for all ages. It won’t disappoint.

BLU-RAY: The film is presented in widescreen in a 1.78:1 aspect ration preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just flawless. Not only the picture looks great in this release, also the sound it is good, a 7.1 Dolby Digital in English that provides a good complement to the picture. It also includes  English  and Spanish subtitles.

VIDEO:
Widescreen (1.78:1) 16x9

AUDIO:
English 7.1 DTS-HDMA and DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks 

Subtitles - English Spanish French

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Blu-ray™ disc unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring perfect hi-def picture and hi-def sound. 

DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.

Disney Movie Anywhere is the revolutionary way for consumers to collect their movies and TV shows in the cloud.

From Fairy Tale to Feature Film - Reimagining Maleficent for a new generation

Building An Epic Battle –Creating the clash between Maleficent and King Henry’s Forces

Classic Couture - Examine Maleficent’s spellbinding head wraps and jewelry.

Maleficent Revealed - Explore the layers of extraordinary special effects.

Aurora: Becoming A Beauty - Elle Fanning reveals her lifelong love of Disney’s original animated classic.

Deleted Scenes:

“Stefan In King's Chamber”
“Pixie Idiots”
“Diaval asks about the Curse”
“Pixies Seek Asylum”
“Suitor”

And More!