Disneynature has been the leader in nature documentaries since their first release in 2009. Nearly every Earth Day since, theatergoers have been treated to breathtaking cinematography that entertains, educates and gives back to nature. With each release, portions of opening weekend proceeds have benefited a nature organization in theme with that film’s subject matter.
For Disneynature Bears, the National Park Foundation was the recipient of a percentage of opening weekend proceeds. As a bonus, Disney will also donate a portion of sales from the Bears Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack . If you saw it in theaters and bought it on home video, than you should feel pretty good about yourself right now (three cheers for you).
Bears shares a year in the life of a new mother named Sky and her two cubs, Amber and Scout. Amber likes to let her mom lead, preferring to ride on her back while Scout is mischievous and likes to learn everything for himself. The first year is the most dangers for a bear cub with many challenges ahead of them. Sky desperately needs to find food and rebuild her fat supply so she can continue to feed her cubs through the next winter. Along their journey, they have to outrun two big bears intent on eating Sky’s cubs as well as a predatory wolf who seeks to pick them apart.
With incredible visuals and a sensitive yet humorous narration by Wreck-It Ralph’s John C. Riley, Bears is a worthwhile film that will leave you amazed by these mighty animals. The film never gets too intense and provides plenty of doses of cuteness. Of the theatrically released Disneynature films, Bears is my favorite.
NOTE: Bears is exclusively sold on disc in a Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack. A separate DVD-only version is not available.
Video
The 1080p presentation is so crystal clear that your HD TV becomes a window into Sky’s Alaskan wilderness. It’s an incredible presentation that can easily be used to show a disbeliever the benefits of high definition.
The DVD presents the film in standard definition where it looks as good as it can on that format. Colors aren’t as vivid compared to the Blu-Ray, but the presentation is still pleasing.
Audio
The Blu-Ray is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. This track allows the narration to come from the front of the room, but nature sounds and score to fill the rear speakers. Other audio options are English 2.0 descriptive video service, French 5.1 and Spanish 5.1.
The DVD offers the same audio options, with the exception of the English 5.1 track, which is in standard definition Dolby Digital.
Bonus Features
Perhaps more interesting than the Disneynature films themselves, the stories of how they are made are really incredible. Disney has assembled 26 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes that will make you say “I could never do that.”
- Welcome to Alaska – This 6-minute featurette features director/producer Keith Scholey talking about the difficulties of finding a location to film the bears and the challenges of finding Sky and her cubs each day.
- The Future for Bears – Another 6-minute featurette, this one about the struggles wild bears face, featuring a visit from UN Ambassador for Peace, Jane Goodall.
- A Guide to Living with Bears – Co-director Adam Chapman leads this 7-minute featurette about the dangers of working close to bears.
- How Did They Film That? – The filmmakers share their challenges in filming footage for Bears in this 7-minute featurette.
- “Carry On” music video by Olivia Holt – The star of Disney Channel’s Liv & Maddie sings the end credit song in a winter wonderland.
The only bonus feature on the DVD is the music video.
Menu & Packaging
Disneynature Bears is housed in a standard Blu-Ray case with disc holders on either side (Blu-Ray on the right, DVD on the left). The case is housed in a foil embossed slipcover, a design that matches all of the previous Disneynature Blu-Rays. Inserts inside the case are for your Disney Movie Rewards/digital copy, an ad for Disney Movie Club and another for Disney Educational Productions. Redeeming your digital copy on iTunes also gets you a streaming copy through Disney Movies Anywhere. Other download options are Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, and Target Ticket.
The menu features moving clips from the film set to the score. Both discs open with ads for Disney Movies Anywhere, Disneynature Monkey Kingdom, Maleficent and Legend of the Never Beast. Selecting Sneak Peeks offers ads for Disney Movie Rewards, Disney Parks, Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition and Frozen Sing-Along Edition.
Final Thoughts
Disneynature has a winner with Bears, a heartwarming film that offers fun for all ages. The film looks immaculate on Blu-Ray and the bonus features shed light on the difficult task of filming these wild beasts.
