Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 28, 2019

When encountering a movie about the relationship between lions and human, thoughts of 1981’s “Roar” immediately come to mind. “Mia and the White Lion” isn’t created out of chaos, with director Gilles de Maistre trying to make something similar to an old-fashioned Disney film with the effort, shooting the feature over three years to generate a natural relationship between the lead character (played by Daniah De Villiers) and Thor, a white lion who matures with his co-star. It’s like “Boyhood,” only with lions, and while the production’s patience is fascinating, “Mia and the White Lion” isn’t always dramatically sound, as de Maistre can’t quite make storytelling as exciting as natural behaviors.

The picture details a family crisis on a South African lion farm, with the eldest daughter growing attached to a rare white lion, working to defend him from the natural economic order of the land. There’s a defined conservation angle to the production that’s admirable, but “Mia and the White Lion” is at its best when simply displaying Thor’s curiosity and playfulness with De Villiers. Melodrama is used to lubricate the screenplay, which bogs down the viewing experience, but straightforward observation returns frequently, welcoming the exciting (and possibly dangerous) unpredictability of a lion on the move.

Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers a bright, warm viewing experience that plays heavily in the South African sun. Summery hues are powerful, delivering golden sunsets and lush greenery. Lion fur is healthy, along with natural skintones on the human actors. Costuming brings out more varied hues, along with interior decoration. Detail is strong, surveying lion textures, providing a vivid view of animal features. Locations keep their depths, capturing the expanse of the farm. Skin particulars are noted. Delineation is acceptable, handling evening encounters adequately.

Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix leads with strong dialogue exchanges, which secure accents and emotionality without slipping into distortion. Scoring is distinct, with weighty percussion and crisp instrumentation. Surrounds are active, delivering a fine sense of the farm and its animal activity, while a few panning effects liven up the listening event. Low-end isn't taxed in full, but some punch is noted.

Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (7:25, HD) with director Gilles de Maistre recounts his inspiration for "Mia and the White Lion," working on a documentary about animal/human relationships. Story points are offered, and casting requirements are shared, with the helmer discussing how he found Daniah De Villiers, looking for an actress willing to commit to a three-year-long shoot. The farm set is examined, and de Maistre discusses his work with "lion whisperer" Kevin Richardson, who maintained control of security and even became a camera operator during filming.

• Interview (3:32, HD) with Daniah De Villiers returns to story points and Richardson, with the actress working intimately with the trainer, tasked with building a connection with Thor, the white lion. De Villiers discusses her co-stars and time spent with Thor, growing to handle the lion on her own. She also details the message of "Mia and the White Lion" and shares future plans for her career.

• Making Of (2:56, HD) is a short summary of production achievements, with trainer Kevin Richardson recounting efforts to build a relationship between the cast and the lions over multiple years. Some BTS footage is provided, but it's not enough, as daily life on this set is much more interesting than the film itself.

• "The Extraordinary Friendship" (2:15, HD) is another summary of the lion/human dynamic.

• Deleted Scenes (5:25, HD) are offered.

• Casting Footage (5:56, HD) highlights initial acting ambition from Daniah De Villiers (who performs opposite a stuffed animal) and Ryan Mac Lennan.

• Still Gallery (1:55) collects BTS snaps, publicity photos, and film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:38, HD) is included.

Mia and the White Lion Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gorgeous locations and a sincere stand against private hunting keep "Mia and the White Lion" involving, along with urban adventures for the girl and her furry best friend. Unfortunately, the helmer doesn't always have trust in natural curiosity, losing momentum when strained family ties and outside evil arrives to support formula. "Mia and the White Lion" is better off with no structure, permitting audiences a chance to watch this natural bond develop without labored writing.