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Mulan (1998) 4K UHD Review

“Mulan” ranks as one of the best Disney animated films.

After the Shan Yu led Huns invade China, 1 man from every family is ordered to serve in the Imperial Army by the Emperor. Not wanting her ailing war vet father to go, Fa Mulan disguises herself as a man to enlist in his place. As Mulan tries to keep her identity under wraps, she begins to train under Captain Li Shang along with other recruits all while being protected by Mushu (a great stone dragon). Can Mulan pass as a man or will her secret be outed? Can the Huns be stopped from invading China and kidnapping the Emperor? Will Mulan become a hero and make her family proud? All is revealed in the end

1998’s “Mulan” was woke before woke was a thing. Directors Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft and writers Rita Hsiao, Chris Sanders, Raymond Singer, Philip LaZebnik and Eugenia Bostwick-Singer crafted a powerful ahead of its time story about honor, feminism, bravery, heroism, and sacrifice. This is always said whenever a Disney animated film comes out, but it’s actually true with “Mulan”- she’s not the average Disney Princess. She’s not a damsel in distress nor is she waiting for her Prince to rescue her or sweep her off her feet. Mulan is a spirited, strong warrior woman navigating a man’s world who manages to become a hero, prove her worth, make her family proud, and defeat the bad guys. It’s a heartfelt, inspiring story that doesn’t get the credit it deserves in the pantheon of Disney animated features. It also holds up tremendously well 22 years later (and is infinitely better than the live-action remake I might add). 

There’s so much else to admire here too with the the 2D/3D animation hybrid (which works tremendously well), the underrated soundtrack (“I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” and “Reflection” are catchy as can be), and strong voice acting performances by Ming-Na Wen (the titular role), BD Wong as Captain Li Shang, and Eddie Murphy who certainly found a new calling as Mushu before he went on to make a lot of money as Donkey in the “Shrek” series.

The only real downside here is that there 100% should have been more diversity with the cast and crew.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.66:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K disc does not disappoint as this is the best “Mulan” has looked picture quality wise.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the soundtrack to the action sequences, this Atmos track delivers.

Extras (on the Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* 7 deleted scenes
* Music videos for Jackie Chan’s “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You,” Lucero’s “Reflejo,” Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection,” Raven’s “True To Your Heart,” and Steve Wonder and 98 Degrees’ “True To Your Heart.”
* Featurettes on the songs of “Mulan,” international releases of Disney films (including “Mulan”), computer animation,
* A multi-language presentation of “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You.”
* Commentary by directors Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft and producer Pam Coats.
* Fun facts
* A look at the progression of 2 sequences through various stages of production.
* A 3 part extra about the art design, character design and color.
* “Story Artists’ Journey”- A storyboard to film comparison of a sequence and a featurette on creating and designing the character of Mulan.
* “The Journey Begins” includes 2 presentation reels, the 5 minute “The Ballad Of Hua Mulan,” and a look at the creative team touring China.

December 2, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Disney, Disney animation, Eddie Murphy, Ming-Na Wen, Mulan (1998) 4K Review, Mulan 1998, Mulan Animated Film, Mulan Animated Movie Review