How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker August 17, 2025

Director/Writer Dean DeBlois returns to the world he first visited in a DreamWorks animated feature in 2010 as his live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon (2025)' arrives on Blu-ray disc courtesy of Universal. Following an identical storyline to its predecessor, this new film sees Gerard Butler ('300', 'Olympus has Fallen') reprise his role of Viking leader Stoick, and he's joined by Nick Frost ('Shaun of the Dead') as village blacksmith and Hiccup's de facto father Gobber, with Mason Thames ('The Black Phone') and Nico Parker ('Bridget Jones; Mad About the Boy') in the roles of Hiccup and Astrid. The film features fantastic dragon effects and an immersive set showcased by an excellent transfer and brought to life by a dynamic Dolby Atmos track. Numerous on-disc supplemental segments are included, as is a director's commentary. A Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere, and a slipcover are also included.

An awkward young Viking, Hiccup (Mason Thames), lives in the village of Berk, where he struggles to fit in and measure up to the expectations of his father, Stoick (Gerard Butler), the leader of their clan. As he enters into training with the confident and heroic Astrid (Nico Parker) and other potential young warriors to learn to fight dragons, the number one threat to their way of life, he begins to learn that everything he's been taught about their mortal foes is wrong. After striking up an unlikely friendship and bond with an injured dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup will need to gather factual information about the creatures and work to change the hearts and minds of those in his village to create a future for humans and dragons alike.

When Cressida Cowell wrote the young reader's book How to Train Your Dragon in 2003, it would have been impossible to predict that the 240-page text would serve as the foundation for not only a lengthy book series, but also an animated franchise that would grow to include multiple feature films, several animated series, and numerous shorts. Some, myself included, consider that first film something of a modern classic of animated fare, presenting relatable characters brought to life by a talented voice cast, which included Gerard Butler and America Ferrera (among others), coupled with dazzling visuals and a heartfelt story. The film stands up to repeat viewings and remains a favorite of mine to this day. In line with a recent trend of making live-action films from beloved animated films, How to Train Your Dragon joins the likes of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Snow White, and given the final result of those two films, I still remained cautiously optimistic about the reworking of the tale of Hiccup and Toothless.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025), thanks to the involvement of Director/Writer Dean DeBlois, who worked with Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch) on the first film and also helmed the two sequels, is virtually a shot-for-shot remake of that 2010 film. As those familiar with that first film view this latest iteration, many will doubtlessly recognize key shots, scenes, and dialogue that are reproduced here as faithfully as possible. While there are some differences (albeit minor), and a few scenes are cut that worked better in the animated film than in this production, the film is incredibly faithful to the source material rather than a reimagining or reinterpretation. And that actually proves to be one of the film's greatest strengths. Since the 2010 feature worked as well as it did, though the film add a bit here and trims a bit there, there was nothing that needed substantial retooling.

While I found the original to have a very satisfying emotional core, one of the greatest ehancements, by definition, in the 2025 film is a heightened sense of emotion due to working with on-screen human actors. Though the animated characters conveyed as much emotion as they could, those CGI faces and their voice actors cannot quite compare with the expressiveness found in Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, and Nick Frost's performances on-set. Thames, as Hiccup. wonderfully conveys his heartbreaking reaction to continuing to disappoint his father, who is the ultimate Viking's Viking, his fear in meeting Toothless, and his bravery during the final battle. Butler, for his part, can, to a much greater degree, emote his frustration, anger, determination, wonder, and finally, a sense of pride, in a way his voice performance in the first film couldn't quite reach. The same holds true for Parker and Frost, both of whom have unique connections with Hiccup and, in their own way, aid Hiccup in his development and on his hero's journey.

Whether one is a fan, a cynic, or a mix of the two, the biggest question to address relative to the live-action How to Train Your Dragon is if the film is actually necessary. Like many, I'm not overly fond of remakes and would greatly prefer something made from new cloth rather than an updating or a reinterpretation of something that has come before. Most cannot measure up and simply leave the viewer longing for the original. That's not quite always the case, however, as films like 1978's Invasion of the Body Snatchers easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the 1956 original, enhancing the concept without trying to erase or supplant its predecessor. Closer to the bone, 2008's Quarantine is much more a shot-for-shot remake of 2007's [REC], both of which are also relatively equally enjoyable films. How to Train Your Dragon (2025), like these aforementioned films and a few more besides, are exceptions to that rule. Does it offer a different story? Absolutely not. Does it have something to add? I believe it does. Thanks to the switch to live action, the continuity that comes with Dean DeBlois writing and directing, and John Powell's emotionally powerful score making its way here from the first film, this iteration finds an additional amount of power and heart that surpasses the original. Unlike the previously mentioned Disney remakes, here live actors are used for every character that lives within the boundaries of the village of Berk. As one would naturally expect, only the dragons are wholly crafted with CGI. Some may maintain a slightly comedic appearance, and Toothless still looks relatively non-threatening as is intended, but many of the other dragons, especially the enormous dragon dubbed the "Red Death" are much more monstrous, looking like they may have escaped from Game of Thrones, Pacific Rim, or any of the more modern Godzilla films. That only serves to create a greater sense of danger for Hiccup, Astrid, and the other trainees as they enter the final conflict. It is the confluence of these elements that makes the film worthwhile.

The film's themes also remain unchanged. Hiccup is miserable as he endeavors to fit the mold of the stereotypical Viking as defined by the village elders in the film. Much more brains than brawn, it is not until he embraces who he really is and leverages his strengths that he can make himself, and ultimately his father, happy (and proud). Compassion is also a focus. Had Hiccup not been able to empathize with the wounded and vulnerable Toothless, he never would have forged the bond of friendship with the dragon that was pivotal to the survival of the village. The ability to think critically for oneself is also documented to be of significant importance. As much as he was able, once Hiccup learned that one long-held belief about dragons was incorrect, he began to scientifically observe other dragons, test theories, and arrive at a better understanding of the creatures, one that was based on actual facts rather than fear.

(For those unfamiliar with the original animated film from 2010, please follow this link.)

How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

How to Train Your Dragon looks extremely good on Blu-ray. Importantly, Toothless's scaly hide represents very well, with great delineation of each scale, realistic and subtle color gradations, and a pleasing tactile presence. Other dragons are rendered equally well, with horns, spikes, and claws displaying a rough and realistic texture, as well as nicks and marring from previous fights. The wide variety of dragons on display throughout the course of the film offer great visual variety in terms of both their physical structure and their unique coloration, with some being quite vibrant while others are more drab. As most of the residents of Brek cover themselves with earthier tones, the best opportunities to observe any real popping colors are limited to odd bits of set dressing where paintings and mosaics are sometimes crafted with brighter, more brilliant reds and blues. But, for the most part, the village and the structures and other material objects found therein present with a decidedly worn, well-used, and "lived-in" look. The care and craftsmanship of the huge and immersive set are evident in every shot within the confines of the village. The world outside of the village offers more lush and vibrant greens in trees, ferns, and grasses. Toothless's eyes are also particularly impressive. The village is populated with a highly diverse assortment of Vikings, and skin tones are universally healthy and natural. Fine detail is consistently high, allowing for tactile realism on furs, leather, and cloth, and easily identifiable wear on tear on weapons and armor. The largest obstacle the 1080p presentation has to overcome is darkness. As the many exterior scenes occur at night, and more than a few interiors are realistically but dimly lit, some of the shadowy depths are not quite as plumbable as one would want, and where characters are located relative to available light sources can sometimes leave costuming particulars difficult to discern. But this issue is minor compared to the overall strength of the presentation.

How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Among the various familiar faces and names involved with this production, John Powell returns to rework his tremendous score from the original film for this live-action translation. The Dolby Atmos track works very hard to showcase the emotional music in every context, whether subtly adding an emotional underscore to scenes such as when Hiccup and his father discuss his participation in training, or more dramatic moments such as the opening dragon attack, when the score is pushed to the forefront. Instrumentation is precise, strings are delicate, and bass is substantial and adds rich depth. Dialogue is kept front and center. Regardless of the occasional bursts of dragon-related mayhem and destruction, each word is understandable under all circumstances. Sounds move freely and frequently throughout the sound field, as dragons soar overhead and race from side to side. Projectiles and debris fly from the rears to the fronts (and vice versa) with excellent realism and fluidity. Even something as simple as Gobber's (Nick Frost) prosthetic leg, faintly click-clacking from the front of the sound field to the rear as he exits the arena after the first training session, is delightful and is but one example of many such instances of the myriad sound elements that make the track so wonderfully immersive. Sound effects are impressive throughout, whether they be mundane sounds such as dropping heavy books on a table and clanking mugs, or more impressive sounds such as dragon roars and growls, and the bass-heavy, destructive rampage of the film's kaiju-scale final foe.

How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

How to Train Your Dragon is outfitted with a respectable amount of on-disc supplemental material for the film and the franchise's fans to sift through.

• Deleted Scenes (5.11) - Two deleted scenes are included, both of which have introductions by Director/Writer Dean DeBLois. They are Village Sneaking and Beach Break, and both were cut in the name of improved pacing.

• Gag Reel (2.47) - Gaffes, mistakes, and assorted silly behavior are spotlighted here.

• Love and Legacy: Making 'How to Train Your Dragon' (45.44) - Numerous members of the cast and crew take the viewer behind the scenes into a number of aspects of the creation of the film. Topics covered include casting, set construction and dressing, riding the dragons, and the film's themes. It's an interesting and informative segment.

• Building Berk (8.06) - The film's immersive set takes the spotlight here, with the principal cast, the director, and many others discussing their impression of and reaction to manmade and locations central to the tale. Time is also spent discussing the weapons that were made and the various elements of set dressing.

• Fit for a Viking (5.04) - Director/Writer Dean DeBlois, Costume Designer Lindsay Pugh, and others discuss the various costuming elements as shots of their construction and design are shown.

• Forbidden Friendship (6.38) - After an introduction from Director/Writer Dean DeBlois, we are treated to an in-progress version of the scene where Hiccup befriends Toothless, as we see Mason Thames interacting with Toothless's puppeteer on-set.

• Test Drive (3.32) - Following an introduction from Director/Writer Dean DeBlois, we see an "in-progress" version of the scene where Hiccup rides Toothless for the first time, with Mason Thames astride a massive, rideable animatronic puppet. Finished footage is intermixed.

• Feature Commentary - Director/Writer Dean DeBlois provides a wealth of insights and details about the crafting of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. He begins by discussing shooting locations and finding the perfect home for Berk on the Faroe Islands. From there, he launches into casting decisions and set construction. DeBlois talks about picking the moments to deviate from the source material and being very deliberate in that regard. A fair amount of time is given to the construction and design of the arena, and he shares the very practical reason why Gobber's prosthetic leg switches sides for this film. He discusses playing music for the film on-set during filming to help the actors find the emotional core of the scenes, and some of the differences between creating a live-action film versus creating an animated film.

How to Train Your Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As Gerard Butler points out in one of the supplemental features, How to Train Your Dragon has been with him for most of his acting career, and I, for one, am glad he donned his 90-pound costume to bring Stoick to life in this live-action adaptation. Fans should no doubt be delighted to know that Director/Writer Dean DeBlois revealed in the commentary that he is already hard at work on the second installment. Young actors Nico Parker and star Mason Thames have obvious on-screen chemistry and admirably bring Astrid and Hiccup to life, consistently managing to hold their own against the endless array of beautifully rendered dragons, gorgeous landscapes, and impressive sets. Not trying to veer off in new directions, this adaptation understands that its strength is its source, wisely crafting a veritable shot-for-shot remake that manages to take the film's core a step or two beyond the original adaptation. For devout fans of the franchise or those coming to the film for the first time, the visually and audibly dazzling How to Train Your Dragon (2025) comes highly recommended.