How To Train Your Dragon (2025) 4K UHD Review
Live-action done right.
Based on the series of novels by Cressida Cowell, 2025’s “How To Train Your Dragon” is a live-action adaptation of both the novel and the 2010 animated feature film of the same name. You know the story. The Viking village of Berk is constantly being attacked by dragons. The Vikings want to wipe out the dragons and Hiccup (the bumbling son of the Viking Chief Stoick) tries to help but winds up causing disasters. He’s not a Viking warrior, but he wants to use his inventions to help combat them. One day, his weapon hits the legendary Night Fury dragon that no one has ever seen. Hiccup hunts down the wounded Night Fury by himself, but instead of killing the dragon, he ends up befriending and helping the creature. Through his bond with the dragon (whom he names Toothless), he learns more about dragon behavior and is even able to ride the creature. He does this all in secret, but his newfound knowledge helps him when his father enrolls him in the dragon fighting class alongside young wannabe warriors Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, and twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. As Hiccup continues to hang out with Toothless in secret, he discovers the dragon’s nest where a gigantic dragon (Red Death) lords over the rest (who live in fear of the beast). Hiccup tries to tell his father and the Vikings the truth, but they refuse to listen. Maybe, just maybe, Hiccup’s knowledge and dragon riding skills could save the day though.
Do we really need a live-action version of “How To Train Your Dragon”? Absolutely not. With that said, this is a prime example of how to do a live-action version of an animated film correctly. Disney, you should be taking notes.
First of all, it really helps that this new take features the writer and director of the trilogy of animated films, Dean DeBlois. Even though he’s told this story before, the filmmaker relishes the opportunity to tell the story in a new light. DeBlois and the crew create a very visual experience complete with impressive sets, props, costumes, production design and location shooting. The world building of Berk is definitely on point here. Secondly, there’s the dragons which are arguably some of the best we have ever seen put to screen. The CGI is first rate here and there’s a real sense of scale and fluidity to the dragons.
As visual as the film is, it’s the cast that really sells it. Mason Thames made quite a splash in the creepy “The Black Phone” and now the young actor carries ‘Dragon’ on his back. He not only brings the character of Hiccup to life (and his emotional arc), but he makes you believe in his bond with Toothless. Even the most veteran actors can struggle in interacting against a CGI creature stand in, but Thames never has that issue. The supporting cast here is also excellent. Gerard Butler reprises his role from the animated films as Stoic The Vast, Nick Frost scene steals as Gobber The Belch, and Nico Parker shines as the tough Astrid.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1/1.90:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? The film is a visual marvel on 4K. It feels like a really immersive experience on the format. It’s hard not to get swept up into the movie!
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? In a word, perfect. The dragon roars and flames really put the speakers to work.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Blu-ray copy
* 2 deleted scenes with intros by writer/director Dean DeBlois
* A nearly 3 minute gag reel
* “Love And Legacy: Making How To Train Your Dragon”- A 45 minute featurette with cast and crew interviews, set footage, and discussions about this new live-action version, scouting, casting and more.
* “Building Berk” is all about the sets and production design.
* “Dreaming Up The Dragons” covers the dragon designs.
* “Fit For A Viking”- A featurette on the Viking wardrobes and props.
* “Forbidden Friendship”- An intro by writer/director Dean DeBlois proceeds this look at how the meeting between Hiccup and Toothless looked before CGI.
* “Test Drive”- A comparison between the complete and set version of Toothless in flight. Another intro by Dean DeBlois is also included.
* Commentary by writer/director Dean DeBlois.
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