Blu-ray Review: Luca

There are very few animation studios which can compete with Pixar. Indeed, since the release of Toy Story in 1995 it has received 23 Academy Awards and is now a subsidiary of the mighty mouse himself. They’ve created some of the most iconic and recognisable children’s films and characters with the likes of Woody, Buzz and co., Wall-E, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Up, Incredibles, Brave etc etc. The list goes on and on. Luca is another great addition to an incredible run of successes.

Set during the end of the 1950s, Luca Paguro (Jacob Tremblay) is a young sea monster who dreams of seeing the world, but isn’t quite brave enough to try. Living with his family, his days are spent tending fish off the Italian Riviera. One day he bumps into Alberto Scorfano (Jack Dylan Grazer) who has swapped the sea for a life on land. The pair hit it off and dream of riding a Vespa, which leads them to the human seaside town of Portorosso.

Luca is a warm and sunny animation which captures the excitement and joy of childhood discovery. In many ways it’s a love letter to Italy, especially the music and culture, with the Mediterranean captured in the most appealing light. It feels like it’s aimed at a slightly younger age group than usual, which means it doesn’t quite have the emotional heft of some of the other Pixar films but this doesn’t stop Luca being utterly charming and lovely. A film young kids will absolutely adore.

Bonus features:

Our Italian Inspiration – Experience the joy of discovery as Pixar artists travel to Cinque Terre, Italy, to absorb the beauty and culture of the coastal region which inspired the characters and the quintessential Italian backdrop of Luca.
Secretly A Sea Monster – Explore the artistry and technical innovation of Luca’s transformation from sea monster to human, and how the theme of transformation is central to the emotional journey of the main characters.
Best Friends – Best friends can challenge us, inspire us, annoy us, and encourage us. The cast and crew of Luca share their own stories about how besties influenced their lives, and how those experiences informed the creation of screen pals Luca, Alberto, and Giulia.
Deleted Scenes