HOPPERS (4K) is Prime Pixar

HOPPERS (4K UHD SteelBook)

2026 / 105 min

Disney/Pixar

Review by Princess Pepper😸

While reviewing Hoppers, it suddenly dawned on me that this is the first Pixar film I’ve ever watched in 4K. If this is indicative of how they all look in the format, I might have to invest in a little upgrading…of the great ones, anyway. And I’m happy to say that Hoppers ranks among the great ones, something I haven’t said about a Pixar film in a long time. While the studio’s never produced a pooch (Cars 2 came dangerously close), this is easily their best, most original effort since Inside Out…and the flat-out funniest since the Monsters Inc & Finding Nemo days. 

The story has young, idealistic college student Mabel trying to save a local forest glade and its wildlife from Beaverton’s self-absorbed mayor, Jerry Generazzo, who plans to clear it out to make way for a new freeway. He argues that the animals have since left, so he can do as he pleases. When Mabel later stumbles upon her professor’s experiment, which enables humans to transfer their minds into robotic animal bodies, she seizes the opportunity (without permission) and “becomes” a beaver, then ventures into the forest hoping to bring animals back to the glade.

Being inside the robot also allows Mabel to communicate with the wildlife, and vice versa. This is where Hoppers is at its most, whimsical, charming and funny. Mabel meets another beaver, King George, who (sort of?) rules over the local displaced wildlife. Not only does she learn about “pond rules,” she implores everyone to stand up to Jerry. However, when the Animal Council of other kings is informed, they decide Jerry should be “squished” (i.e. die). Newly crowned insect king Titus leads the charge, while Mabel and some of her new friends end up trying to save Jerry.

"I never thought I'd say this, but perhaps you're a little too eager."

That’s the nutshell plot, which is interesting, timely and sometimes subversively satirical. But where Hopper really shines is with its animal and human characters. Not only are they creatively rendered (I really liked the touch of the wildlife appearing expressively different when seen through robot eyes), they’re well conceived and engaging. The film is also loaded with humor, both clever and broad, as well as the usual heartfelt moments we always expect from Pixar, but are especially effective here. In fact, the only times Hoppers threatens to stumble is during a couple of “musical” asides that would be more at home in an Illumination Studios flick. Fortunately, those moments are brief.

Of course, the movie is visually stunning. All Pixar movies are, but this is the first one I’ve seen in a long time that also feels immersive, making me regret not seeing it on the big screen. Both the human and animal worlds are vividly depicted, stopping just short of photorealism. Even if one isn’t invested in the characters and story (what’s wrong with you?), Hoppers is wonderful just to look at. Perhaps part of that gushing praise is due to the 4K transfer. With an outstanding overall picture and three audio options (Dolby Atmos, 7.1 Dolby Digital and 5.1 Dolby Digital), 4K was made for movies like this. 

Also included are several bonus features. Like most Disney/Pixar releases, most of them are pretty short, but entertaining. For this review, we were sent the SteelBook edition, which features nice artwork both inside and out. I personally think it’s cool that the cover has no actual text, just a few of the characters “bursting” from the box. A nice touch. 

With the creative packaging, superlative transfer and a film that’s certainly worth repeated viewings, Hoppers is so-far one of the best physical media releases of the year

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL COPIES - The bonus material is on the Blu-ray disc and digital copy.

FEATURETTES - The Critter Diaries covers the research director Daniel Chong and crew undertook to create the characters; Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers features numerous interviews with the cast and crew; “Meet King George” Scene Breakdown takes a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Superlodge; Beaverton Revealed contains Easter Eggs and various filmmaking facts.

DAM GOOD BLOOPERS - Featuring the voice actors

7 DELETED SCENES

THE POOP SCOOP: Upcoming Kibbles!

UPCOMING KIBBLES THAT MAKE US PURR!

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ERASER Coming to 4K & Digital June 16 from Warner Bros. U.S. marshal John Kruger (Arnold Schwarzenegger) “erases” the lives and identities of people entering the Witness Protection Program. When his latest charge (Vanessa Williams) uncovers a deal to put a new superweapon in the wrong hands, it’s a do-or-die assignment. Kruger embarks on a high-octane action spree to protect her. As exciting as it is entertaining, Eraser is unstoppable. This release also includes a selection of all new bonus features.

HOPPERS on Digital NOW and Blu-ray, 4K & DVD June 2 from Disney/Pixar. In this animated comedy adventure, animal lover Mabel seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. As she makes amazing discoveries, Mabel befriends a charismatic beaver and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face a major, imminent human threat. This release also includes numerous bonus featurettes, deleted scenes and a blooper reel.

 

CRIME 101 on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD June 30 from Alliance Entertainment. Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, Crime 101 weaves the tale of an elusive jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) whose heists have mystified police.  When he eyes the score of a lifetime, his path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry) who is facing her own crossroads. Convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices—and the realization that there can be no turning back. 

NIRVANA, THE BAND, THE SHOW, THE MOVIE on Blu-ray May 26 from NEON/Decal. In this indie sci-fi comedy, Lifelong friends Matt and Jay once again try to book a gig at a legendary venue when they accidentally travel back in time to 2008. 

THEY WILL KILL YOU on Digital April 28 and Blu-ray, 4K & DVD June 30 from Warner Bros. Director Kirill Sokolov unleashes a blood-soaked, high-octane horror-action-comedy in which a young woman must survive the night at the Virgil, a demonic cult’s mysterious and twisted death-trap of a lair.

 

GINGER SNAPS on 4K + Blu-ray + Digital May 19 from Lionsgate. Ginger Snaps is the story of death-fixated teenage sisters Ginger and Brigitte, who are attacked one night by a creature drawn to Ginger’s first menstrual period. 

George A. Romero’s DAY OF THE DEAD on 4K + Blu-ray June 16 from Shout Factory. In This highly anticipated four-disc release features new 4K restoration, as well as hours of new and vintage bonus material.

The Original 28 DAYS LATER Coming to 4K UHD September 1 from Sony. Is there still a glimmer of hope for humanity — or has the deadly "rage" virus found its way to foreign shores and infected the entire planet?

THE BRIDE! On Digital April 7 and Blu-ray, 4K & DVD May 19 from Warner Bros. This is a bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world’s most compelling stories. 

SPEED RACER on 4K UHD May 19 from Warner Bros. Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live action Speed Racer is newly remastered and includes new bonus content. 

FALLOUT SEASON 2 on Blu-ray, 4K & DVD May 19 from Amazon MGM Studios. While Fallout Season 1 took us through the dangerous remains of Los Angeles, Season 2 picks up after the epic finale and takes us on a journey through the “Mojave Wasteland.”.

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER 4K Collector SteelBook Coming June 2 from Warner Bros. The collectible steelbook will include a Blu-ray bonus disc with special features created by Paul Thomas Anderson along with a 24-page booklet with behind-the-scenes photos. 

STRANGER THINGS: THE COMPLETE SERIES Coming to 4K and Blu-ray July 26 from Arrow Video. PRE-ORDER HERE!

The Fantasy Thriller, DUST BUNNY Coming to 4K and Digital from Lionsgate. Some monsters are real in this fantastical and wickedly inventive feature directorial debut from visionary creator Bryan Fuller.

THE BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA on 4K and Blu-ray May 12 from Celluloid Dreams. This giallo classic is now available for preorder on the Celluloid Dreams website.

THE POOP SCOOP: Criterion at 40 and Freddy in 4K

😺CC40, a Forty-Film Boxed Set of Criterion Collection Blu-ray Titles, is Coming November 19. 

This monumental forty-film box set celebrates forty years of the Criterion Collection by gathering an electrifying mix of classic and contemporary films, and presenting them with all their special features and essays in a deluxe clothbound, slipcased edition. CC40’s eclectic selection includes the releases most frequently chosen by the hundreds of filmmakers, actors, writers, and other movie-loving luminaries who have visited Criterion over the years, as documented in our popular Closet Picks video series. Neither a historical survey nor a top-forty compilation, this exciting, personal, unpredictable anthology reflects the cinematic joys and inspirations of the creative community that makes the Criterion Collection possible. The films: 8½ (1963), Tokyo Story (1953), All That Jazz (1979), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Repo Man (1984), Naked (1993), Jules and Jim (1962), Being There (1979), Weekend (1967), Yi Yi (2000), The Night of the Hunter (1955), Pickpocket (1959), Sweet Smell of Success (1957), On the Waterfront (1954), Do the Right Thing (1989), Ratcatcher (1999), Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971), Mirror (1975), Barry Lyndon (1975), Safe (1995), Seconds (1966), His Girl Friday (1940), Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985), Y tu mamá también (2001), My Own Private Idaho (1991), Love & Basketball (2000), Night of the Living Dead (1968), Ace in the Hole (1951), 3 Women (1977), The Red Shoes (1948), Down by Law (1986), La Ciénaga (2001), Wanda (1970), House (1977), Sullivan’s Travels (1941), The Battle of Algiers (1966), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), Persona (1966), In the Mood for Love (2000). 

🙀The Original A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET arrives on Digital October 1 and 4K Ultra HD on October 11 from Warner Bros.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the supernatural slasher film A Nightmare on Elm Street from New Line Cinema and renowned horror director Wes Craven, the 1984 film will be available for purchase Digitally in 4K Ultra HD on October 1 and on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc on October 15. A Nightmare on Elm Street, which spawned a franchise and introduced audiences to iconic horror villain Freddy Krueger, will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and more. The 4K UHD remaster of A Nightmare on Elm Street includes both the 1984 theatrical version of the film and an uncut version of the film that includes 8 seconds of additional unrated footage. Directed by Wes Craven (Scream) from his own screenplay, the film stars John Saxon, Ronee Blakely, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Nick Corri, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund.  The film is produced by Robert Shaye.

😺Disney/Pixar’s INSIDE OUT 2 on Digital NOW and 4K. Blu-ray & DVD September 10. 

Make room for new emotions when Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on August 20 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 10. The highly anticipated heartwarming sequel has already proven to be a blockbuster smash hit, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the fastest animated film to reach $1 billion globally, and is currently the 10th highest grossing film in global box office history. Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

😺ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES Debuts on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray October 29th from Paramount.

Get ready for a kookier, spookier and altogether ookier experience when ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc™ for the first time ever on October 29, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. An enduringly hilarious cult classic, director Barry Sonnenfeld’s ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES has been newly remastered from the original camera negative and is creepy fun for the whole family.  Featuring the return of everyone’s favorite frightening family, the uproarious film boasts an all-star cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci, and Carol Kane. This new release features the film in sparkling 4K Ultra HD, along with access to a Digital copy of the film and new bonus content, including an audio commentary track by director Barry Sonnenfeld. Additionally, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES will return to select theatres on November 10 & November 13.