Blu-ray review: Incredibles 2

Arriving a whopping 14 years after the first film, Incredibles 2 can’t help but suffer a bit from the glut of superhero films that have been released in that massive decade-plus span following the groundbreaking first film. Even with so many Marvel and DC superhero entries over the years, the Incredibles films stick out for their focus on the Parr family — this franchise knows these characters in and out, and their inter-personal dynamics drive the story and jokes, rather than fill in screen time between action set pieces.

In this sequel, the superhuman Parr family are dealing with the consequences of the shunting of the Superhero Relocation Program, leaving Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) at home watching their young son Jack-Jack, who’s powers are quickly spinning out of control in often hilarious ways. With their income gone,  Helen Parr / Elastigirl (Helen Hunt) agrees to a publicity stunt to help the world re-gain trust in superheroes, which leads to a fairly convoluted (but eerily prescient) sub-plot involving mind control and even “fake news.”

Like many sequels, Incredibles 2 is a bit too over-stuffed with characters and plot, but it’s still a blast to re-visit these beloved characters after so long, especially the inspired lunacy of Jack-Jack, who basically steals the film (I’m sure a Jack-Jack film is already brewing).

The Blu-ray version of the film (also available as a 4K edition and a standard DVD) features a bevy of extras, including an Auntie Edna “mini movie” that showcases what happens when the Parr’s are out of the picture, the touching and somewhat disturbing short Bao that played before the film’s theatrical run, a number of strong deleted scenes, along with a handful of other short extras that deepen the world of the Parr family and the various villains they have to contend with.

Like all Pixar releases, Incredibles 2 features an excellent audio and video presentation, along with a decent amount of behind-the-scenes features. It may lack some of the magic of the first film, but it feels great to check in with the Incredibles family after so long. Check out the full list of special features below.

Incredibles 2 has the following special features on the Blu-ray:

• “Auntie Edna” Mini Movie
• “Bao” Short Film
• Strong Coffee: A Lesson in Animation with Brad Bird
• Bonus Features
  • Super Stuff
  • Paths to Pixar: Everyday Heroes
  • Super Baby
  • Ralph Eggleston: Production Designer
  • Making Bao
• Heroes & Villains
  • Mr. Incredible
  • Elastigirl
  • The Parr Kids
  • Frozone
  • Edna Mode
  • Winston Deavor
  • Evelyn Deavor
  • Wannabes
• Vintage Features
  • Vintage Toy Commercials
    • Mr. Incredible
    • Elastigirl
    • Frozone
  • Character Theme Songs
    • Mr. Incredible
    • Elastigirl
    • Frozone
• Deleted Scenes
  • Introduction
  • Suburban Escape
  • Kari Revisited
  • Return of the Supers
  • Chewed Out
  • Late Audition
  • Slow Day
  • Frozone and Honey
  • Restaurant Robbery
  • Fashion Show
  • Security Breakdown
• Trailers & Promo
  • Vintage Toy Commercials
    • Powers – Global Teaser Trailer
    • Family – Global Trailer
    • Theatrical Payoff – Japan Trailer
  • Promo
    • Super Moments