What’s It About
Wish will follow a young girl named Asha who wishes on a star and gets a more direct answer than she bargained for when a trouble-making star comes down from the sky to join her.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Disney is still trying to recapture the magic after several failed attempts at reaching a young audience using their vocabulary and trying to stay current on political and social issues that affect the way the world thinks. This time, they made an extreme change in their animation style. It’s a weird 2D look reminiscent of Disney’s early hand-drawn work. Older moviegoers shouldn’t have a problem with it, but the younger audience is used to the 3D look of everything animated, including games. So, if you can get past the look, the story is weak and predictable but pretty decent. King Magnifico was disappointed as a kid because his wish didn’t come true. So, when he was old enough, he moved away and created the kingdom of Rosas. He used his newly learned sorcery skills to “protect” his people from experiencing the same heartbreak by holding onto and protecting their wishes, and once a month, he would grant a wish that he felt worthy. Next is Asha, a loyal subject getting ready for an interview for the job of Magnifico’s apprentice. She’s the overly excited 17-year-old who falls hard emotionally when the chances of becoming the King’s apprentice are impossible. Sadly, these characters, like all characters in Wish, are one-dimensional versions of better Disney villains or heroes in much better movies. I would have expected better from a company with so many talented writers. Then there’s the singing. The quality of the songs is no different from anything else Disney has produced, but the presentation makes every tune seem forced and out of place. After most of the songs, there’s an uncanny resemblance to a Broadway play performance as the characters pose at the end like they’re waiting for applause. Even the style of the songs doesn’t match the scenery. They sing as if they were in the 19th century but use words and phrases from the 20th century. Almost every song has a Lin-Manuel Miranda feel and style with an operatic delivery. Overall, Wish is very colorful and can keep most kids thoroughly entertained. The songs will not be as popular as Kiss the Girl or Let It Go, but a few were catchy enough to get stuck in your head for a short time.
OUR RATING – A MEDITERRANEAN 5.5
MEDIA
- Genre – Musical
- Street date
- Digital – January 23rd, 2024
- DVD/Blu-Ray/4K – March 12th, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 1.85:1
- Sound – English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
- Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras
- Sing Along With The Movie
Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics. - Featurette: Once Upon A Studio
Beloved characters from Disney Animation’s 100 years come together for an unforgettable reunion. - 100 Years In The Making – The Inside story on the making of Wish
- What Makes Disney, Disney
Learn what makes a Disney film and its characters so distinct, memorable and beloved. Discover how Asha and WISH are quintessentially Disney — from the extraordinary challenges Asha must overcome, to the magical, Kingdom of Rosa - The Wish Equation
What is a wish? Join the filmmakers for a surprising conversation as they break down the “Wish Equation,” discuss the “rules of magic,” and describe the role music plays in Disney films. Then hear Julia Michaels’ own original demo of “This Wish.” - Looking Backward To Go Forward
Walk the aisles of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library as the filmmakers “draw” inspiration from 100 years of animation. Learn about the “Pinocchio test,” and how Wish’s design blends new technology with classic techniques. - Where Dreams And Reality Collide
Discover the times and places that were the inspiration for Rosas and helped build the world of this original fairy tale. - Asha Means Wish
Learn all about Asha, from her inspired design to her boundless determination and generosity. Uncover the subtle symbolism in her jewelry, and dive into her dancing skills. See how she’s imperfectly perfect and what makes her a memorable Disney hero. - The Return Of The Disney Villain
You’ll love to hate King Magnifico when you uncover his secrets. Find out what makes him the classic Disney villain — and why he doesn’t wear a crown. - Star Is Born
Uncover early concept drawings to see how Star evolved into Asha’s lovable wish facilitator. Learn about Star’s sparkles, and why Star can communicate with Asha and the other characters. - Those Who Stand Beside Me
Learn more about Asha’s closest allies, Dahlia and Valentino. Find out which of Snow White’s seven companions served as inspiration for Dahlia, and how Valentino breaks one of the rules of Disney animals. - When Wishes Come True
Get to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it’s like being part of the Disney legacy today.
- What Makes Disney, Disney
- Featurette: WISH D-Classified
WISH is filled with references and nods to other Disney films from the studio’s 100-year legacy. From hidden Mickeys to more subtle tributes, you may have caught many of them, but check out this “D-Classified” piece for ones you may have missed. - Featurette: Outtakes
Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of WISH for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life. - Featurette: Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making”
Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduce this poignant song sung by Saba Sabino (voiced by Victor Garber) expressing what it’s like to be reunited with your one true wish. - Deleted Scenes – Check out some scenes that didn’t make the Final Cut.
- Magnifico’s Secret
- The Wishing Tree
- To Rosas
- Finding Flazino
- Valentino Is A Star
- Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
- At All Costs
- This Wish
- I’m A Star
- This Is The Thanks I Get?!
- Knowing What I Know Now
- This Wish (Reprise)