Digital Review: “Moana 2” Home Video Release Goes Beyond Expectations with Great Bonus Features
After breaking box office records over the holidays, Disney’s Moana 2 comes home to own digitally from all major providers. Following the ambitious young wayfinder on a new voyage that reunites her with the demigod Maui, the sequel offers more oceanic fun and an assortment of new characters. Nearly a decade after the original film, Disney’s most-streamed film at last has a follow-up for fans to love.
After three years of searching, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) finds proof that there are isolated islands of people waiting to be reconnected. Between an artifact and a premonition, she assembles a crew and sets out on a quest to find the lost island Motufetū, the key to reuniting her island of Motunui with others. The only problem is that the vengeful storm god Nalo (voice of Tofiga Fepulea'i) has hidden Motufetū, and to get past him, Moana will need the help of a demigod - the one and only Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson).
Like Moana 2’s signature ballad, the home entertainment release takes fans “Beyond" the film to learn how it got made. The release boasts over an hour of behind-the-scenes featurettes and deleted scenes that give animation fans a deeper appreciation for the art of crafting an animated film. And for kids who can’t get enough of the songs, there’s an alternative sing-along viewing mode for the entire film, and the ability to jump to sing-along versions of each song.
Bonus Features
- Full-Length Sing-Along (1:39:53) – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
- Call of the Wayfinder (12:17) – Celebrate Pacific wayfinding with the Moana 2 filmmakers as they meet real-life navigators from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Hear from Nainoa Thompson, CEO of PVS, and other crew members as they discuss the cultural renaissance of wayfinding.
- A New Voyage (15:36) – Join the filmmakers and artistic leads for a deep dive as they reveal the development of this sequel and discuss the impact that the first film had across the globe. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson talk about what it means to them to return.
- Songs of the Sea (13:28) – Sit down with songwriters Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear, Pacific Islands music legend Opetaia Foa‘i, and composer Mark Mancina as they discuss making the music. Get to know this talented team as they share insight into writing each brand-new song.
- Join the Crew (11:39) – Look behind the scenes at the casting of the new voyaging crew joining Moana for this next adventure. Filmmakers David G. Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, Yvett Merino and Christina Chen introduce the voice actors and their characters.
- Kakamora Chronicles (4:33) – Ever wanted to know more about the Kakamora? Gather ’round while Moni, everyone’s favorite Motunui historian, tells the tales from real Solomon Island folklore surrounding the mysterious and unforgettable beings known as the Kakamora.
- Fun in the Booth (3:08) – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of Moana 2 for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.
- Deleted Scenes (14:34) – Overall introduction to Deleted Scenes by directors David G. Derrick Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller.
- Call to Motufetū (3:29)
- Late to the Party (1:05)
- Crew’s In for a Bruisin’ (1:19)
- Help Wanted (1:50)
- Odd Birds (1:57)
- Reunited (2:42)
- Simea’s Chant (1:41)
- Song Selection (27:17) - Jump to your favorite song from the film with on-screen sing-along lyrics.
- “Tulou Tagaloa (Se’i E Va’ai Mai)" (1:10)
- “We’re Back" (3:29)
- “Beyond" (4:30)
- “My Wish For You (Innocent Warrior)" (1:15)
- “Finding the Way" (1:38)
- “What Could Be Better Than This?" (3:28)
- “Get Lost" (3:33)
- “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?" (3:19)
- “Mana Vavau" (1:45)
- “Beyond" Reprise (0:47)
- “Finding the Way" Reprise (1:04)
- “We Know The Way (Te Fenua Te Mālie)" (1:24)
Video
Moana 2 is presented in a 16:9 (2.00:1) aspect ratio for its digital release, and the 4K stream through Apple TV delivers a stunning visual experience. Colors are exceptionally vibrant, particularly the various shades of blue that bring the ocean to life with breathtaking depth and realism. The animation showcases incredible detail, from the delicate threads of fabric and tightly wound ropes to the individual strands of hair on each character. Darker scenes, such as those set inside the belly of the beast, maintain excellent contrast and clarity, ensuring that shadow detail remains intact without any noticeable artifacting or loss of definition. The overall image quality is crisp and immersive, making for a dazzling viewing experience.
Audio
The digital release of Moana 2 features an English Dolby Atmos mix (available in UHD on select platforms). The Atmos mix, tested via Apple TV, makes great use of the film’s rich soundscape. One standout moment is how Matangi’s voice dynamically moves through the rear channels when she’s off-screen, adding an extra layer of immersion. Action sequences utilize the subwoofer effectively, providing a satisfying rumble without overwhelming the mix. While the sound design embraces depth and spatial movement, it remains sensory-friendly—ensuring that younger audiences can enjoy the film without being startled by sudden loud effects. Dialogue remains crisp and well-balanced, with the film’s sweeping musical numbers filling the room beautifully. Additional audio options include 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby Digital options in English, Spanish, and French, plus a 2.0 descriptive audio track.
Final Thoughts
Moana 2 is the first sequel to Disney’s 2016 musical hit, but it won’t be the last. With threads left intentionally hanging, Disney will inevitably give fans a reason to revisit Moana 2. Hitting most of the beats fans would want from a sequel, the film offers a satisfying next adventure for Moana and Maui, and the digital home video release is a winner, delivering great picture and sound quality, plus a worthwhile assortment of bonus features.
(Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will support LaughingPlace by providing us a small commission, but will not affect your pricing or user experience. Thank you.)