Did you love Disney-Pixar’s Coco as much as we did? I have been waiting for Coco’s release ever since the movie was announced and I have been counting down the days until we could own the movie that has all of our hearts. With a great cast of characters, beautiful animation, and music that we’ve been singing for months, we knew this was one movie we couldn’t wait to own – and now that wait is over because Coco is finally out on 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand today.  

Nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature and winner of 11 Annie Awards, Coco is critically acclaimed and beloved by the masses, even becoming the highest grossing film of all time in Mexico. If you haven’t seen Coco, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about and curious whether you will find anything for you in Coco. The answer is that there is something for everyone in the film. With a sweet message that has roots in the Dia de Muertos, Coco takes a difficult, and at times sad, story and makes it funny and relatable, with fun and sweet songs sprinkled throughout celebrating the importance of family, honoring your ancestors, and following your dreams.

We’ve been going to Seattle’s Day of the Dead {or Dia de Muertos} festival for years so this was a subject we’ve talked a lot about as a family, but I was worried the movie would make light of the meaning of the day since it’s for children. Well, I had no reason to worry. Disney yet again did not disappoint and Coco was one of the best films we’ve seen this year. Not only was it funny and sweet, it was also meaningful and deep all at the same time, all while telling of the tradition of the day and why it means so much to those who observe it. As far as the portrayal of the Day of the Dead, I feel like Disney did an amazing job and it was clear that the day was about celebrating and remembering those who passed.

It was also extremely important for the topic of loss and death to be handled with care because the past few years have brought some huge losses to our family, and we said goodbye to three beloved matriarchs, a great uncle, and a patriarch in a short span of time. Each loss has been hard, but as a whole it feels like a vital part of our family is missing from our lives.

Talking of the departed frequently and keeping their respective memories alive has been one of my goals, and I love that that’s one of the main themes in the movie. The idea that pictures of loved ones who have passed should be displayed on the ofrendas {altars built for this purpose} along with favorite foods, beverages, and possessions is such an important tradition, and one that I’m doing my best to do with our loved ones who have passed. Okay, maybe we won’t build an ofrenda and set out food and beverages, but you get the idea.

I think it’s so important for children to know their grandparents and great-grandparents, and even great-great grands if possible. Even if they never had a chance to meet in person, there are so many ways you can help keep those memories alive and teach kids about their heritage.

In the movie, Miguel {voice of Anthony Gonzalez} sets out on a journey to become an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz {voice of Benjamin Bratt}. The problem is that Miguel’s family has had a generations-old ban on music of all kinds after his great-great grandmother was abandoned by the father of her child in favor of a music career.

Desperate to prove his musical talent and change his family’s minds about music, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets Hector {voice of Gael García Bernal} and together they set off on a journey that ends up unfolding the real story behind Miguel’s family history. The story is touching and even tear-jerking in parts, and it becomes clear just how much was lost in the past few generations.

We found ourselves laughing along in parts, crying in others, and wholeheartedly enjoying ourselves throughout. It’s rare that a movie can tackle such deep topics in a way that will resonate with both kids and adults alike, but I really feel like Coco succeeded on a fronts. I didn’t feel like there were “scary” parts of the movie, even though much of it takes place in the Land of the Dead, and all of my kids did just fine with the themes and topics because of how positively they were portrayed.

The critically acclaimed animated film is now out on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital, and includes extensive extras for the whole family. Through fresh and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect with the film’s message.

Bonus materials

You’ll step behind the scenes to discover the inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family; Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary, the music of Coco and more.

Deleted Scenes with Introductions – Director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina talk about the deleted scenes and the part they played in the development of “Coco.”

Día de los Muertos – In this musical extravaganza, the colors and excitement of Día de los Muertos come to life as we meet superstar Ernesto de la Cruz.

The Way of the Riveras – A musical number in which Abuelita and Miguel prepare their Día de los Muertos celebration while she teaches him Rivera family history and traditions.

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