Super Mario Bros. Filmen achieved significant success upon its theatrical release last year, grossing over a billion dollars. The film resonates with audiences through its nostalgic elements and faithful adaptation of the source material, providing entertainment for viewers of all ages. The 4K visuals, enhanced by Dolby Vision, are notably impressive, and the original Dolby Atmos sound mix delivers an immersive auditory experience. However, the absence of supplemental content is a considerable drawback.
Despite competition from industry giants like Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo has successfully maintained the integrity and relevance of its classic game franchises. Historically, Nintendo has remained largely consistent with its core concepts and focused primarily on games for its own consoles. Following a previous cinematic attempt in the 90s, Nintendo partnered with the creators of Teen Titans Go to the Movies and Illumination to produce an animated Mario film that aligns with the franchise’s legacy.
Director duo Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, screenwriter Matthew Fogel, and the legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto as producer, have collaborated to create a film that pays homage to the Super Mario games through its incorporation of iconic sounds, characters, levels, and in-jokes. The narrative sets the stage for a promising film series. In contrast to the poorly received game film of the 90s, the new animated film embraces a vibrant and enchanting aesthetic that aligns more closely with the spirit of the games.
The film centers on brothers Mario and Luigi, voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day in the original version, as they navigate their struggling plumbing business in New York. They are transported to an alternate realm where Luigi is imprisoned by Bowser (Jack Black), and Mario encounters Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan Michael Key). Together, they embark on a quest to liberate Luigi and thwart Bowser’s plans to dominate the Mushroom Kingdom and, predictably, marry Peach.
Super Mario Bros. Filmen capitalizes on nostalgia and fan service. While Illumination maintains a consistent production quality, the narrative in this film is not among the studio’s most compelling. Although charming and entertaining, the film incorporates elements that border on promotional content for Nintendo’s various game franchises, including Mario Kart. While the film attempts to modernize the storyline, Mario’s characterization as somewhat clumsy and the climactic battle with Bowser lack the desired impact. However, the absence of significant plot twists is mitigated by dynamic action sequences and impressive animation. References to games from the 80s are abundant, showcasing the filmmakers’ dedication to honoring their source material. The voice acting is generally well-executed, with Jack Black’s portrayal of Bowser standing out. Chris Pratt’s casting was initially unexpected, and his performance, while adequate, occasionally feels somewhat out of place.
From a technical perspective, the film is well-executed. Animated content typically benefits from digital formats, and the UHD 4K version takes advantage of HDR through Dolby Vision. Colors and luminosity are vibrant on a high-quality display, making the included Blu-ray version appear comparatively muted. Black levels are excellent, while the character’s attire is presented with the vividness expected of a video game. Lighting effects, such as the flames in Bowser’s kingdom, are optimized for high-resolution video.
The audio quality is also commendable. The original soundtrack is presented in Dolby Atmos, allowing for creative sound design. The sequences featuring the characters racing on the rainbow track are particularly impressive, with impactful bass that avoids distortion. The strategic placement of sound, particularly in scenes involving flying objects, demonstrates the creative possibilities of animation. The Swedish dubbing is satisfactory in terms of voice acting, however, the decision to provide Dolby Digital 5.1 for Swedish and Norwegian audiences, while Finnish and Danish audiences receive Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, is questionable.
The American edition of this film includes a significant amount of bonus content. However, the Swedish edition lacks any extras, even on the Blu-ray disc, which has ample storage capacity. Universal’s rationale for this decision in the Nordic region is unclear. While physical UHD 4K editions generally offer superior audio and video quality, the absence of supplementary material may incentivize consumers to purchase the film digitally, which, ironically, can sometimes include bonus features on platforms like Apple Movies. This is a disappointing oversight.
In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. Filmen offers an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. While the narrative may not be exceptionally complex, the film provides sufficient engagement, coupled with impressive visuals and audio in UHD 4K (specifically the original English soundtrack). However, the omission of bonus content on the Nordic edition detracts from the overall value. If Swedish language support is not a primary concern, the American edition, which offers comparable picture and sound quality alongside a wealth of additional features, is a preferable alternative.
Footnote: The UHD 4K edition is also available in a limited steelbook edition for the Nordic market.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted objectively with a focus on the interests of our readership and consumers.
