DVD Corner

Trolls Band Together 4K UHD Review

“Trolls Band Together” is an assault on the senses.

“Trolls Band Together” is the third installment of the Dreamworks animated film franchise. In this entry, Branch is visited by his brother John who reveals that another brother (Floyd) is being held captive in a diamond prison by pop stars Velvet and Veneer. The music duo are draining and stealing Floyd’s talent. The only way to free Floyd is a perfect family harmony. You see, in Branch’s youth, he and his brothers were in a boy band called Brozone. They split up and went their separate ways. Now, they have to band together once again to save Floyd. Joining them on their quest is Tiny Diamond and Poppy (who learns a family secret along the way). Elsewhere in the story is a subplot involving Bridget and King Gristle getting married and going on a honeymoon. 

If you’re already into the Troll universe, this is for you. If you love boy bands you may get something out of this. If none of the above applies to you, you might be in for a world of hurt. Everything about the Troll movie universe is puzzling to me. Why did the creative team alter the iconic design of the Good Luck Troll dolls to make them look more like a cross between felt gnomes and smurfs? How many species are in this oddball universe? Why is there a Mario Kart esque race near the end of this movie? When did it become fashionable for characters to talk at a lightning speed?  Why does this movie feel like one big lead up to a Trollified version of an NSYNC reunion? Would it not have made more thematic sense to have an entire movie filled with boy band songs for this jukebox musical? There are many questions here that will undoubtedly give some viewers a headache. 

Perhaps the sequel’s biggest sin is the slapped together plot about a harmony freeing a Troll from a diamond prison. Yes, this is the actual plot. It doesn’t get much lazier than that. Really, the plot is just an excuse to blast songs, splash bright colors on the screen, and throw in some dopey jokes.

Note: Viewers have the option of playing the theatrical version or the sing-along version. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p with Dolby Vision. How does it look? Say what you will about the movie itself, but the 4K disc is stunning. The colors and details (like the hair and felt) are really pop.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Loud and lively.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* A new animated short titled “It Takes Three.”
* Deleted scenes with intro by Head of Story Colin Jack.
* “Fun In The Recording Booth”- A behind-the-scenes look at the voice cast.
* How to Draw and make Hug Time Bracelets segments
* Commentary by co-director Tim Heitz, producer Gina Shay, Head of Story Colin Jack, production designer Ruben Perez Reynoso and visual effects supervisor Marc J. Scott.
* “Animating The Trolls”- A look at the various visual styles.
* “Hi, Hi, Hi”- A behind-the-scenes look at the NSYNC reunion.
* “Building The Band”- A 6 part character extra that covers #Broppy, Brozone, Viva, Velvet And Veneer, Bridget and King Gristle and Tiny Diamond.
* “Together Again”- Another extra about NSYNC.

January 23, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Animated Movie, Dreamworks, musical, NSYNC, Trolls, Trolls Band Together, Trolls Band Together 4K UHD Review