Strange World Movie Review

Disney has an amazing track record when it comes to their animated features. Very rarely do they miss, with even their straight-to-DVD output over the year, far exceeding expectations, and remaining fan favourites. Over the past few years, output has slowed down, with the studio focussing on one major animated release per year. In recent years we have seen films such as Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto and now in 2022 we received Strange World. ‘Strange World’ is a spiritual sequel of sorts to Disney’s early 2000s work with films such as Treasure Planet and Atlantis serving as inspiration for this film. The film follows the dynamic Searcher and Jaeger Clade, as they put aside their differences to save the mysterious world of Avalonia. Strange World was one of 2022s biggest surprises and here’s why.

This film is positively gorgeous, with top-notch animation and direction from Don Hall (Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon and Moana) and newcomer Qui Nguyen. The world here feels real and unlike any other we have seen before in an animated film. The creatures all have a unique design and the world itself feels like something straight out of fantasy. It is very dreamlike in the best way possible. It’s brought to life with gorgeous 3D animated textures and rendering, which really do pop. The motion of these characters and the movement of the elements within the world all add to the cinematic experience, with this being one of the best-looking 3D animated films of all time.

The characters here are all very well realised as well with their stories all feeling relevant and relatable. Searcher Clade’s son Ethan is wanting to branch out from the family farm and become his own man and Clade is realising whilst he isn’t an explorer, he is still pressuring his son as he was pressured by his own father. This dynamic is something we have seen explored before, but it is well realised here, updated for a modern audience. I really enjoyed the exploration of these themes, feeling their relevance in my own life.

The production design was also very impressive here. Very rarely do we take on board the smaller things in a film, especially an animated film, but here these elements are on full display and very hard to miss and not appreciate. The film possesses memorable character designs, a whimsical score by composer Henry Jackman and amazing visuals. The Blu-Ray and 4K UHD has a fantastic behind-the-scenes featurette, that breaks down the making of the film, in ‘anatomy of a scene’. This insight is missed on digital platforms and streaming, as you don’t get to see these awesome behind-the-scenes moments that really do highlight the artistry of the film and thought and details that go into it.

Strange World ranks among top tier Disney in my opinion. It's crafty, emotionally poignant, and thematically relevant and relatable. The characters are fun, and the story never has a dull moment. If you’re a Disney fan, then this is a must watch and if you’re just after a fun, family film, then this is a perfect night at the movies as well. Add Strange World to your collection now, available on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD. 

Buy Strange World on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here