Inside Out 2 continues the story that was started in Inside Out. Now, Riley is a teenager and about to enter high school. As she does this, she is faced with new situations that lead to new emotions. When the new emotions arrive, the old emotions now need to figure out how to help Riley while also working with the emotional complexities of being a teenager. Inside Out 2 is now available for home viewing via digital downloads. Daps Magic was given a code to review this newest Pixar film which is now also the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Quality
It isn’t surprising that Inside Out 2 is a beautiful film to watch and also to listen to. Pixar does a wonderful job with its visuals and accompanying audio landscapes. The soundtrack for this film was also quite enjoyable. Altogether, this film offers an overall enjoyable viewing experience that continues to show how Pixar continues to keep moving forward with its storytelling.
Extras
There were several extras included with Inside Out 2. They looked at the new emotions that came to Riley’shead in this film, a humorous scene with some interesting storytelling, and also some deleted scenes. These do add to the viewing experience of the film. I enjoyed watching them but found myself wishing there had been more, especially like the Unlocking the Vault featurette. Below is a look at the bonus features included with Inside Out 2:
Bonus Features*
- New Emotions – With Riley’s imminent puberty, the story of Inside Out 2 always suggested that there would be a party of new emotions complicating Riley’s world—and throwing a wrench into Joy’s hard-won stability. But exactly what those new emotions could be was a big question mark. Casting the new emotions in Riley’s mind was a fun exploration into the shifting mindset of a teenager, and was also informed by some of the discarded scenes and characters from the original film. In this documentary we’ll discuss the process of creating Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy—from narrowing them down from a long list of possible emotions, to the design, animation, and voicing of these new, hilarious, and strangely recognizable characters.
- Unlocking the Vault – In a kind of visual commentary, a group of central creatives watch and discuss the scene “The Vault.” As they stop and start—and refer to various IP versions of the scene—we’ll hear about the inspiration for Riley’s repressed memories like Bloofy and Lance Slashblade, the development of the scene in Story, and the technical challenges of creating 2D characters that exist in the CG world of Riley’s mind.
- Deleted Scenes
- Cold Open – In this alternate opening, a now 13-year-old Riley awkwardly fumbles her way through an original song she wrote for a school audition.
- Broken Joy – After momentarily being unable to drive the console, Joy worries that she might be starting to malfunction.
- Pool Party – After Riley tries too hard to be fun at an older teen’s party – resulting in utter embarrassment – her “Anxiety” becomes “Self-Loathing” who then ousts our hero emotions from headquarters.
- Puberty Park – After seeing their faces printed on “wanted posters,” Joy and the other rogue emotions race through a puberty-themed amusement park while being chased by mind worker cops.
- Shame Spiral – At a lock-in with some cool, older girls, Riley and friends play a game of “Never Have I Ever” that goes a bit too far – wreaking havoc in Riley’s mind.
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer
Final Thoughts
Inside Out 2 is a wonderful new film from Pixar Animation Studios. It has a good story that makes sense. It also has a heart to it that is relatable and is moving at times. All of this adds up to a movie-viewing experience that is good for the whole family. The bonus features that are included simply add to this experience. Inside Out 2 is a welcome addition to the story of Riley. With the path it is on now, it wouldn’t be overly surprising if a third one was made someday. I give this release a solid hat tip. It’s definitely one to have in the home movie library.
Mr. DAPs Hat Rating Scale
- No Hat – Didn’t meet expectations
- Hat Nod – It was ok
- Hat Tip – It was good
- Hat’s Off – Loved it!
