Maleficent Blu-ray review: Angelina Jolie delivers flawless performance

By Marriska Fernandes on November 5, 2014 | Leave a Comment

Every villain has a story that deserves to be told and as Disney’s infamous evil fairy Maleficent, Angelina Jolie gives a compelling and impressive performance. In this new movie, based on the classic animated Disney movie Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent is the protagonist. When we first meet her, she’s a beautiful young fairy who deeply loves her world and the fact that there are no greedy humans spoiling it. When a human boy named Stefan who works in King Henry’s stables is found stealing something in the magical world, she’s quick to point out the error of his ways and tells him to leave.

In spite of herself though, the two become friends and over time, develop a strong bond. However, when Stefan reaches adulthood, his ambition draws him farther from his old friend as he focuses on raising his standing in the world. This leads to his betrayal of Maleficent when King Henry offers his crown to the man who can kill the fairy.

Realizing that someone she loved and trusted was capable of betraying her, causes the fairy to become bitter and revengeful. Stefan is made King and soon he and his wife welcome a daughter, Princess Aurora. Wanting vengeance, Maleficent places a curse on baby Aurora that will cause her, on her 16th birthday, to fall into a deep sleep that can only be awakened by true love’s kiss. In an effort to protect his daughter, King Stephan gives Aurora into the care of three pixies who live in the woods. As Aurora (Elle Fanning) grows up, Maleficent watches from a distance and although she refers to the little girl as “Beasty,” we gradually see glimpses of her softer side.

Angelina Jolie delivers a flawless performance as she portrays the transformation of Maleficent from a sweet young fairy into a gleefully evil one who seeks revenge. The ability to draw sympathy from the audience while playing a vindictive villain is no small feat. Her prosthetic cheekbones and headgear add to her frightening appearance and Justin Smith and the design team deserve high praise for Angelina’s visually arresting look. To find out more about the design process, click here to read more. For her part, Elle Fanning portrays Princess Aurora with such effervescence and gleeful innocence that it’s hard to believe any other actress could have been a more perfect choice for the role.

Maleficent is a live-action film that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This interpretation of the original classic is brought to life with A-list stars and stunning performances. It was Angelina’s portrayal of Maleficent that took me most by surprise. She was the highlight of the film – from her memorable evil-pitched laugh to her dagger-like stares, to her growth into a warm, caring individual. This film gets my vote as one of the most entertaining films of the year.

The Maleficent Blu-ray combo pack includes Deleted Scenes; Aurora: Becoming a Beauty in which Elle Fanning reveals her love of Disney’s original classic and how much she enjoyed playing a princess; From Fairytale to Feature Film, which shows the re-imagining of Maleficent from the classic to the live-action; Building an Epic Battle depicts the special effects behind the clash between Maleficent and King Henry’s forces; Classic Couture details Maleficent’s spellbinding head wraps and costume and Maleficent Revealed shows the extraordinary visual effects.

Maleficent is now available on Blu-ray/DVD. Other new titles include: Hercules, Planes: Fire & Rescue, Step Up All In, A Most Wanted Man and White Collar: The Complete Fifth Season. For a full list of DVDs, click here. ~Marriska Fernandes

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