“Cinderella” was a loving live-action version that apes equally from the original tale and Disney’s modern interpretation. While wanting to play with a slightly darker origin, you hit many of the moments of the classic Disney version. Working past that, it’s just an acting showcase. I’m not one to tout girl power as an empty moniker, but this film offered up a powerhouse of female actors just bringing it. Whether it’s Hayley Atwell in an extended cameo, Helen Bonham Carter playing against type or Cate Blanchett just chewing scenery. These ladies came to have fun.
Kenneth Branagh assembles a cast that would have made J.K. Rowling jealous, but it goes beyond that. Lily James and Cate Blanchett play so well off each other that everyone else gels because of it. World Building doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but Weitz and Branagh were on point to make you want to be in the story. Full emotional entertainment experiences are rare anymore, but I appreciate the effort to reach out to kids. After all, adults are too jaded to enjoy the fun of it all.
The Blu-Ray comes with featurettes, an alternate opening and the Frozen Fever short as the special features. The 1080p transfer is flawless. The DTS-HD 7.1 master audio track is equally expansive, as it causes all channels to really pop. The ballroom sequence is true reference quality material. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
Release Date: 9/15/15