Due to Covid-19, theatrical experiences have become less frequent for many. My last cinema visit was last fall to see the classic film, Goonies. Consequently, production companies have explored alternative distribution methods for new releases. Disney opted to premiere Raya and the Last Dragon on its streaming service, Disney+, via Premier Access a few months ago. This required a purchase of 249 SEK in addition to the subscription. The film will be available to all subscribers at no extra cost on June 4th. For those without a subscription, or those who prefer to own films in physical media, Raya and the Last Dragon is now available in a Blu-ray edition.
Set in a mythical past, the narrative unfolds when humans and dragons coexisted. These dragons sacrificed themselves to protect humanity from an ancient evil. Now, 500 years later, that evil has resurfaced, threatening humanity once more. Raya embarks on a quest to find the last dragon, hoping that together they can save the world.
Raya and the Last Dragon presents a polished adventure characterized by stunning animation, talented voice acting, and a generally sound core message: many conflicts arise from misunderstandings and prejudices. However, the film repeatedly emphasizes this theme, almost to the point of becoming a mantra. A more nuanced approach might have been beneficial, especially considering the film had four directors who could have collaborated on this aspect.
The structuring of the film’s initial act also presented a minor issue. Without revealing specific plot details, the beginning feels somewhat rushed and contrived, and the initial inciting incident lacks sufficient credibility.
Furthermore, compared to Pixar’s Själen (Soul) and Coco, Raya and the Last Dragon lacks a similar emotional depth. Pixar typically excels in conveying emotional resonance more effectively than Disney’s in-house animation studio, which produced Raya and the Last Dragon.
Despite these criticisms, this review is not intended as a pan. I found the film genuinely entertaining overall. Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars Episode VIII – Last Jedi) delivers a strong performance as Raya, and Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) is perfectly cast as the dragon, Sisu. The film features stylish action sequences and impressive martial arts choreography. As is typical of Disney, there’s an abundance of endearing characters, with Tuk Tuk, Raya’s pet and mode of transport, being particularly charming!
The Blu-ray edition offers excellent picture quality, limited only by the format’s capabilities. The bitrate is strong, and I observed no noticeable artifacts. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, engaging the home theater system effectively, though it lacks the impact of top-tier Dolby Atmos tracks. The disc includes a substantial amount of bonus content, including worthwhile documentaries that go beyond mere promotional material. It’s interesting to see how Covid-19 impacted the film’s production, with all 450 animators and even the voice actors working remotely from home. A Swedish UHD edition is regrettably absent. Importing the UHD is an option, but entails a significant cost. Sampling the Swedish dub revealed a surprisingly high quality translation. The film maintains its integrity even in Swedish, though the audio is then presented in a standard 5.1 mix.
In conclusion, Raya and the Last Dragon is an engaging adventure suitable for family viewing. While minor issues detracted slightly from the experience, the film is ultimately worthy of a warm recommendation.
