DVD Corner

Smurfs Blu-ray Review

Another day, another Smurfs reboot.  

Based on “The Smurfs” comics by Peyo, 2025’s “Smurfs” offers up a new take on the franchise. The Pam Brady scripted story- the Intergalactic Evil Wizard Alliance is bent on using 4 magic books to dominate the galaxy. One of the books (Jaunty) manages to escape and hide in Smurf Village. Years later, a Smurf looking for a name and identity (No Name) receives magical powers and alerts the evil wizard Razamel (Gargamel’s brother who seeks Jaunty) to the location of the Smurf Village. Razamel kidnaps Papa Smurf, but before he departs he tells the Smurfs to find Ken (Papa Smurf’s brother). This leads the Smurfs (including Smurfette and No Name) to embark on an intergalactic journey to rescue Papa Smurf where they meet Smurfs in Paris, Snooterpoots, and, yes, Gargamel.

“Smurfs” is a prime example of what not to do with an IP. The Chris Miller directed film tries so hard to be hip with its musical numbers and stunt casting (as if Rihanna is a top draw in the movie world) but fails miserably. On top of that, the animated film desperately tries to mimic Spider-Verse with its multiverse plot complete with different Smurf dimensions/animation styles such as claymation, anime, and 8 bit video games. Perhaps the film’s greatest sin is the injection of new characters like No Name, Razamel and Joel. Why create lousy new characters and pull away focus from beloved characters to alienate fans? Is it some poorly devised ploy to woo younger audiences? Whatever the case may be, it all comes across as boring Smurfs fan fiction.

About the only notable aspect of this movie is the impressive voice cast featuring the likes of John Goodman, Daniel Levy, Nick Offerman, James Corden, Natasha Lyonne, Kurt Russell, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, Alex Winter, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, and more. If only they had better material to work with.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. Grade: A. Note: Multiple language options are included.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* 2 music videos for Rihanna’s “Friend Of Mine” and Desi Trill, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi’s “Higher Love.”
* “Blue In The Booth: Voicing The Smurfs” showcases the cast in the recording booth.
* “There’s A Smurf Like Me: Blue, Old, And New”- The cast talks about the Smurfs franchise and characters.
* “A World They’ve Never Seen: Animating Smurfs” is all about the animation, live-action, and Peyo’s original comics.
* “Composing The Blue” revolves around Henry Jackman’s score.
* “In The Club With DJ Snake” covers the live-action club scene.with DJ Snake. 

October 27, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | John Goodman, James Corden, Animated Film, Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Jimmy Kimmel, Smurfs Blu-ray Review, The Smurfs, Rihanna, Gargamel