The idea of wishing upon a star is universal, and Disney’s “Wish” pays tribute to that concept while celebrating its centennial anniversary with an all-new animated fairy tale musical.
Beloved characters from Geppetto, Tiana, Moana, and many others have looked to the stars to make a wish, hoping their lives would be changed for the better when granted. While that is not any different for “Wish,” the animated musical blends the Disney magic we all know and love with modern-day activism. The result feels refreshingly new as it explores what it means to make a wish and the efforts it takes to make it come true.
“Wish” follows Asha (Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose), a 17-year-old sharp, witty idealist who treasures her family and community. Everything she does is for them. She loves being a tour guide, welcoming new citizens to the kingdom of Rosas – a magical place where anyone’s wishes come true. People come from far and wide to give their wishes to King Magnifico (Chris Pine), a charming and confident king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when. So, when Asha discovers the king’s actual plans for most of the wishes in his possession, it forces her to act on behalf of the people who deserve to pursue their wishes on their own. Such her act of defiance puts her at odds with the king.
Asha wishes for nothing more than to reveal the truth to everyone who has been lied to by Magnifico. The trouble is, she doesn’t know how to do that. So she looks to the stars for the answers to her challenging questions and makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha, Star, and a pajama-wearing goat named Valentino (Alan Tudyk) confront the evil sorcerer-king who’s been corrupted by power and will do anything to extinguish anyone and anything that threatens to take away his power as king.
Though “Wish” wasn’t the critical or commercial darling Disney hoped it would be, fans of the animated fairy tale musical will be delighted to know that the film is out on digital and is scheduled to hit store shelves on March 12, 2024.
Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn direct and use a script penned by Disney animation CCO Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore, and Buck, while Grammy-nominated Julia Michaels and her songwriting partner Benjamin Rice created seven original songs that help drive the story forward.
After 100 years and 62 films, Disney continues to find new and inventive ways to be a place of comfort while also being aware of the world we live in today. It’s what makes their fairy tale films so memorable. No matter how fantastical the story is and no matter when it takes place, their films have a classic feel but with a modern-day twist. So even if “Wish” takes place in a magical land, where there are wishing stars, talking goats, and an evil king who practices dark magic, fans might be able to see themselves in someone like Asha, who is very much like an activist speaking out against injustices committed by the exalted king who mistakes his wish granting as benevolence and sees the people’s wishes as mere ideas. Asha doesn’t see herself as a leader, but she has all of the qualities of one. All the young heroine is trying to do is what she feels is right for herself, her family, and her community.
Much of that is lyrically emoted through the powerful “This Wish,” the film’s “I want song.” In it, audiences hear Asha sing about how unsatisfied she is with the kingdom’s current life, frustrated that she is powerless to change anything, but still committed to bettering her community.
Though “Wish” is meant to celebrate 100 years of Disney, it goes so overboard with the easter eggs and nostalgic nods that it can overshadow the film itself. This is disappointing because “Wish” has a message that truly reflects the times we live in today. It demonstrates that it is okay not to have all of the answers, especially when confronting with a challenging conflict an exalted leader who grants wishes. It’s a film that teaches its audience to stand up for what is right and a reminder that understanding that with great wishes often comes greater struggle.
“Wish” may not have been as receptive as Disney would have hoped, but fans of the studio and the film will be delighted to know that a lot of the bonus features are a fun watch. While there are the generic sing-along version, as well as a gag reel, the film’s must see features are the “100 Years in the Making.” The one hour and four minute documentary takes a look at the studio’s legacy and what makes their films so unforgettable and iconic. Other chapters focuses on the writers and directors redefining the idea of “wishing upon a star” for a new generation. The next chapter follows how the artists blend traditional 2D animation with CG technology to give life to the fairy tale world of the Kingdom of Rosas. The remaining chapters take a look at the inspiration behind Asha, how to make a good villain, choosing a star to play Star, and getting to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it’s like being part of the Disney legacy today.
Other features include deleted scenes, deleted songs, and song selections where you can choose to jump immediately to your favorite song in the film.
Here’s the full list of bonus features you can expect to find in the “Wish” digital release:
- Sing Along With The Movie
- Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
- Featurette: Once Upon A Studio
- Beloved characters from Disney Animation’s 100 years come together for an unforgettable reunion.
- 100 Years In The Making – The Inside story on the making of Wish
- What Makes Disney, Disney
- Learn what makes a Disney film and its characters so distinct, memorable and beloved. Discover how Asha and WISH are quintessentially Disney — from the extraordinary challenges Asha must overcome, to the magical, Kingdom of Rosa
- The Wish Equation
- What is a wish? Join the filmmakers for a surprising conversation as they break down the “Wish Equation,” discuss the “rules of magic,” and describe the role music plays in Disney films. Then hear Julia Michaels’ own original demo of “This Wish.”
- Looking Backward To Go Forward
- Walk the aisles of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library as the filmmakers “draw” inspiration from 100 years of animation. Learn about the “Pinocchio test,” and how Wish’s design blends new technology with classic techniques.
- Where Dreams And Reality Collide
- Discover the times and places that were the inspiration for Rosas and helped build the world of this original fairy tale.
- Asha Means Wish
- Learn all about Asha, from her inspired design to her boundless determination and generosity. Uncover the subtle symbolism in her jewelry, and dive into her dancing skills. See how she’s imperfectly perfect and what makes her a memorable Disney hero.
- The Return Of The Disney Villain
- You’ll love to hate King Magnifico when you uncover his secrets. Find out what makes him the classic Disney villain — and why he doesn’t wear a crown.
- Star Is Born
- Uncover early concept drawings to see how Star evolved into Asha’s lovable wish facilitator. Learn about Star’s sparkles, and why Star can communicate with Asha and the other characters.
- Those Who Stand Beside Me
- Learn more about Asha’s closest allies, Dahlia and Valentino. Find out which of Snow White’s seven companions served as inspiration for Dahlia, and how Valentino breaks one of the rules of Disney animals.
- When Wishes Come True
- Get to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it’s like being part of the Disney legacy today.
- Featurette: WISH D-Classified
- WISH is filled with references and nods to other Disney films from the studio’s 100-year legacy. From hidden Mickeys to more subtle tributes, you may have caught many of them, but check out this “D-Classified” piece for ones you may have missed.
- Featurette: Outtakes
- Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of WISH for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.
- Featurette: Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making”
- Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduce this poignant song sung by Saba Sabino (voiced by Victor Garber) expressing what it’s like to be reunited with your one true wish.
- Deleted Scenes – Check out some scenes that didn’t make the Final Cut.
- Magnifico’s Secret
- The Wishing Tree
- To Rosas
- Finding Flazino
- Valentino Is A Star
- Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics.
- At All Costs
- This Wish
- I’m A Star
- This Is The Thanks I Get?!
- Knowing What I Know Now
- This Wish (Reprise)
“Wish” is available now on digital, and becomes available on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 12, 2024.
