DVD Corner

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Blu-ray Review

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” will divide audiences.

In 2023’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” Mario and Luigi embark on a new adventure together when they start a new plumbing business, but things aren’t exactly going well for the fledgling company. In an effort to potentially drum up new business, the brothers attempt to fix a water main leak, but find themselves getting more than they bargained for after Mario winds up in the Mushroom Kingdom while Luigi ends up in the King Bowser controlled Dark Lands. While in these strange new worlds, it is discovered that Bowser wants to marry Mushroom Kingdom’s Princess Peach and threatens to wreak havoc if he doesn’t get his way. Wanting to save Luigi and stop Bowser, Mario and Peach seek help from the likes of Toads and Kongs to stop Bowser in his tracks. 

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is the type of film that will split audiences right down the middle. For some Nintendo lovers and especially young children that are enchanted by the world of Mario, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” will be a dream come true. Obviously, it has connected with a large audience as it’s the biggest global hit of the year (and it’s unlikely anything will top it). For some older viewers like myself who grew up on Mario games on NES and SNES, this Matthew Fogel scripted animated film may feel as if it’s in desperate need of a power up. 

If you go into this Illumination CGI animated movie merely wanting to see the world of Mario on the big screen, you might find yourself enjoying the ride. If you’re seeking a heartfelt and layered story, you’re going to be disappointed. The Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic directed feature feels like a collection of strung together Nintendo and Mario references more than a coherent movie. The movie is constantly throwing out easter eggs to everything from Mario Kart and Smash Bros. to Donkey Kong 64 and even Punch-Out. Sure, it may be fun to see all of these goodies on screen (especially if you’re an avid Nintendo gamer), but it shouldn’t come at the expense of a story and characters (which it does). Of course, there’s certainly a lot of room for improvement down the line in the inevitable sequels, but as is, you’re left wanting to play the Mario games instead of watching this movie. 

Even though ‘Mario’ falls short, there’s still some admirable elements to be sure. First and foremost, Jack Black is the saving grace here as Bowser. His hilarious “Peach” song alone is the highlight of the entire movie. Secondly, Illumination’s CGI animation is pitch perfect. It’s colorful, gorgeous, and completely captures both the characters and the landscapes that we are all too familiar with. Composer Brian Tyler also deserves credit for his crowd pleasing score which has plenty of little nods to those iconic game soundtracks that us gamers know by heart.

In terms of the rest of the cast, most everyone does a commendable job here. There was A LOT of controversy about Chris Pratt voicing yet another animated character, but he pulls it off well. Charlie Day is perfectly cast as Luigi while Anya Taylor-Joy embodies Princess Peach. Does Seth Rogen really fit as Donkey Kong? Not particularly, but the actor still brings humor to the role. Keegan-Michael Key may not be how Toad is envisioned by many, but the actor still turns in quality voice work. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The splendid animation shines in hi-def. Note: This title is also available on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? A perfect track for a lively audio experience such as this. Keep your ears peeled for plenty of familiar sound effects!

Extras:
* Digital copy
* DVD copy
* “Peaches” lyric video.
* “Getting To Know The Cast”- Separate interviews with Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen and Juliet Jelenic about the characters they play. Other crew members are also interviewed.
* “Leveling Up: Making The Super Mario Bros. Movie”- A 6 part making of that covers the video games, design, music, locations, power ups, and easter eggs.
* “The Super Mario Bros. Movie Field Guide”- A quick guide to the Mario movie universe.
* “Leadership Lessons From Anya-Taylor Joy”- The voice of Princess Peach talks about loyalty and leadership lessons that the character learned.
* Universal trailers

June 21, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | animation, Bowser, Chris Pratt, Donkey Kong, Jack Black, Luigi, Mario, Nintendo, Princess Peach, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie Blu-ray Review, Video Game Movie, Video Games