Breathtaking, heartwarming, inspiring: these are just a few words that I would use to describe Disneynature’s most recent nature documentary, Monkey Kingdom. Disney’s Earth Day gift for 2015 focuses on a group of macaque monkeys in Sri Lanka. Moviegoers who saw the film opening weekend helped Conservation International by way of Disney donating a portion of ticket sales to the organization. Now you have another opportunity to benefit this non-profit by purchasing Monkey Kingdom on Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack.
Maya is an eight-year-old monkey at the bottom of her tribe’s hierarchical chain. At the top is a king named Raja and three ugly royal sisters. Maya has to wait her turn for everything in her kingdom, including food. One day a handsome loner named Kumar steals her heart, but when Raja banishes him she must raise their son Kip on her own. This rags-to-riches tale finds Maya working hard and risking her life to give Kip everything she never had.
With a wonderful narration by Tina Fey, who finds the perfect balance between being serious and humorous, Monkey Kingdom instantly climbs to the top of the list of Disneynature films. This movie also has a lot of fun with itself, featuring ““Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees” as the introductory tune when we first meet the macaques.
Like most of Disneynature’s fims, there are just two buying options. The first option, and the one that gives you the most bang for your buck, is the Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack. If you’re only looking for the DVD, this is your only buying option as Disney does not release Disneynature films on DVD separately. The only other buying option is to purchase it digitally. But with the price for the digital-only version coming so close to the combo pack, there’s little reason to not chose this option.
Video
Monkey Kingdom’s 1.85:1 1080p presentation is stunning and flawless. The rich jungle ruins are lush and detailed. During the few night scenes, black levels are dark and wondrous. In other words, this could easily be a “demo disc” to show off your TV’s capabilities to friends.
The standard definition DVD presentation is a little less impressive. However, it displays this beautiful film in the best way the medium can offer. Those who buy this set solely for the DVD won’t be disappointed.
Audio
The main audio track on the Blu-Ray is a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. The narration is mostly from the front speakers, while ambient sound effects and music make full use of the rear speakers. Other audio options include a stereo descriptive English track, as well as French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital. The DVD offers these same audio options, except the English 5.1 track is not HD and sounds a little less robust as a result.
Bonus Features
- Tales from the Kingdom (12:11) – A behind-the-scenes documentary that highlights the challenges of filming close to wild animals and the dangers the international camera crew were put in to capture this story.
- On the Set of Monkey Kingdom with Jane Goodall and Wolfgang Dittus (5:49) – Primatologist Wolfgang Dittus helped the film crew approach the macaques and Disneynature ambassador Jane Goodall visited the film sites as well, her first trip to Sri Lanka. It also features the macaques messing with the film crew behind the cameras.
- Disneynature Monkey Kingdom: The Conservation Story (7:54) – Dr. M. Sanjayan, a Disneynature Ambassador, educates on how people can help save animal habitats and live harmoniously with these amazing creatures.
- “It’s Our World” Music Video Performed by Jacquie Lee (3:15) – The inspiring end credit song plays to a montage of clips from the film as well as behind-the-scenes images. At no point does the singer, a former contestant on The Voice, make an appearance.
- A Special Thank You from Disneynature (2:14) – Disneynature highlights the way you’ve helped them change the world through ticket sales to previous films, including Monkey Kingdom.
The only bonus feature on the DVD is A Special Thank You from Disneynature.
Packaging & Promotions
Monkey Kingdom is housed in a standard Blu-Ray case with disc holders on each side for both discs. Neither disc has disc art, standard for most Disney releases. Inserts include a code to redeem your digital copy through Disney Movies Anywhere (unlocks the film in linked iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google and Microsoft accounts). This same code will also give you 150 points though Disney Movie Rewards. Another insert promotes Disney Movie Club while a third advertises Disney Educational Products, where parents and educators can find a collection of educational DVDs including some in the Disneynature series.
Both discs open with ads for Disney Movies Anywhere, Disneynature Born in China and Aladdin Diamond Edition. Selecting “Sneak Peeks” from the main menu only adds a promo for Disney Movie Rewards and removes DMA from the playlist.
Final Thoughts
Disneynature Monkey Kingdom is a wonderful film where nature recreates the Cinderella story all by itself. Maya and Kip will instantly warm your hearts and the Blu-Ray bonus features provide greater appreciation for the teams that make films like this possible. It’s edutainment at its finest and helps to increase your awareness of the need for animal conservation. In my opinion, it’s a win-win for everyone who gives it a chance.