Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie Review

"I appear to be driving the boat!"

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown May 1, 2025

Not all threequels are created equal. Just to get the burning question out of the way at the top: no, Paddington in Peru isn't as good as Paddington 2, a surprisingly refreshing franchise sequel that holds a special place in many a cinephile's heart. But this third entry also doesn't feel unnecessary, offering everything from a rollicking good time to plenty of light laughs, an international getaway packed with wholesome fun, zany performances from a troupe of wonderfully cast A-listers, and a delightful storybook adventure primed for the whole family to enjoy. And all that becomes obvious in the first half-hour alone. What follows is a tale of family and belonging as rich and rewarding as any that come to mind, starring one of the most lovable talking-animal leads in recent animated memory. If you don't want to bring Paddington home to your house, I don't know what's wrong with you. And if you've yet to become acquainted with the titular British/Peruvian bear's excellent film series, you need to stop wasting your energy on lesser fare. There's no time like the present to discover the joys of Paddington.

When Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) receives a letter from Peru penned by a concerned Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman, hamming it up) -- sent from the "Home for Retired Bears" -- he learns his dear Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) has begun acting very strangely. The kooky, musically inclined nun believes a visit from young Paddington would brighten Lucy's spirits and inquires if the British immigrant is willing to fly to Peru to see her. The Brown family, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. Mrs. Brown (Emily Mortimer) is having a hard time as Judy (Madeleine Harris) applies to colleges, Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) holes up in his room at all hours of the day playing videogames, Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) is as aloof as ever, and Mr. Brown's (Hugh Bonneville) risk assessment firm has come under new management, specifically by an American free spirit (Hayley Atwell) who believes deeply in throwing caution to the wind. What's a bear and his human family to do? Hop aboard the first plane to Peru, of course, in the hopes of deepening family bonds for everyone involved.

Arriving in Peru after receiving some much-needed guidance from Samuel Gruber (Jim Broadbent), Paddington learns his Aunt Lucy has disappeared, with few clues left behind to point to where she may have gone. Did she leave of her own free will? Was she kidnapped? Did she stumble across something too upsetting to continue her stay at the retirement home? Paddington is on the case. Venturing into the jungle, the Browns and their brave Peruvian bear hire riverboat captain Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous) to lead the search. Unbeknownst to Paddington and his adoptive family, though, Cabot is haunted by the ghosts of his ancestors (each one played by Banderas, stealing entire scenes opposite multiple versions of himself), famed and not-so-famed adventurers who were obsessed with finding El Dorado and claiming its gold. And wouldn't you know it? Paddington might just hold the key to finding the ancient lost city.

It's difficult to describe the patented Paddington style, but imagine a quaint and leisurely paced, deadly witted children's film co-helmed by Wes Anderson or Michel Gondry and you'll be well on your way to picturing the sweet absurdities and pithy humor of the third entry in the series. No one takes themselves seriously, least of all Colman, and yet there's a belief in every line of dialogue and motivated act, for good or ill, that lends legitimacy to the cartoon and cartoonish characters of the Paddingtonverse. The Brown family actors have been well-praised before, and rightfully so, as has Whishaw, who voices Paddington. But Banderas is new to the franchise and a comedic force to be reconned with. Hilarity heaped on hilarity comes breezily and effortlessly as Banderas fills the shoes of multiple Cabots, cleverly popping up over his shoulders like a horde of devils competing for his attention and greed. Tous serves a more expository and semi-MacGuffin role as Cabot's daughter, but it only allows the seasoned actor to crack his knuckles and lend his would-be villain a bit of heart-gold to play with. Colman, meanwhile, is downright looney as the Mother Superior, and seems to be having a blast. Her brief scenes with Banderas are terrific and the two breathe welcome life into Paddington's antagonists.

If there are any negative marks it's that Paddington in Peru follows a tried-and-true formula polished a hundred times over by other family films. The results feel less original than previous entries in the series -- especially when harrowing adventure scenes are front and center -- though there's still enough subdued, harmless British humor to keep things squarely in Paddington territory. It's ironically a bit less fun than watching Paddington make the rounds in England, and there are less chummy, chim-chiminey fish-out-of-water gags to liven the proceedings. Even so, the cast infuse each scene with such bright, gentle ease that it hardly matters. Paddington in Peru remains a stirring sequel with plenty of moral musings for parents looking to find lessons in their kids' cinema, and all without growing preachy or too obvious. Family first, unity above all, and love conquers, just to name a few. By film's end Paddington is well on his way to settling back down in the UK, setting the stage for further fun and future adventures on its own side of the pond. Here's hoping Sony continues to make Paddington sequels, even more so if each one feels as unique, special and acutely tuned as the first three.

Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

No need to beat around the Polychrus Peruvianus. Paddington in Peru boasts a lovely, I'd argue perfect 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that looks every bit as good as it should. Colors bloom on screen, delivering rich maples and mahoganies, vivid reds, bountiful blues, gorgeous earthtones and lush greens scene in and scene out. Calling primaries vibrant would be the understatement of the review. Contrast is striking and black levels are nice and inky throughout as well. Detail is excellent, with naturally crisp edge definition (free of any hint of ringing or aliasing, even in the finest patches of fur) and textures are beautifully reproduced from the original digital source. There also isn't any sign of blocking or significant banding, although moonlit night skies are occasionally home to an ever so faint band or two. Never mind those three seconds, though. Paddington in Peru comes alive in all its high-definition glory.

Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Sony's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track has plenty of fun with Paddington's latest adventure, tossing its all into every scene of slyly slapstick adventuring. Dialogue is clean and clear at all times, and animal voices are believably anchored to each character, never growing floaty or misplaced. Prioritization and fidelity are terrific too, while rear speaker activity features countless directional effects that enliven the action. Pans are as smooth as fresh marmalade, the soundfield is wonderfully immersive, and dynamics are notably bright and bold, with enough LFE oomph to lend weight to the slightest or most earth-quaking thud, rumble or crack.

Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Let's Prepare for Paddington" Sing Along (HD, 3 minutes) - When nuns attack... with song.

• Beary Fun Activities (HD, 12 minutes) - Two craft projects for the kiddies: an "Adventure Awaits!" treasure map how-to and an instructional video on how to make your own friendship bracelets.

• Set Tour: The Home for Retired Bears (HD, 2 minutes) - A look at the retirement home set.

• Set Tour: The Brown's House (HD, 3 minutes) - Explore the Brown residence in this brief extra.

• The Making of Paddington in Peru (HD, 14 minutes) - A talking heads/film clips behind-the-scenes featurette, offering takes from the main cast members as well as the filmmakers themselves.

• Sony Previews (HD)

Paddington in Peru Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If you've already watched the first two Paddingtons, this threequel is a no-brainer. If you haven't... what are you waiting for? Listen to the hype and enjoy the adventures. Sony's Blu-ray release of the third film is excellent, with strong video and audio. Sure, a few more extras would've been welcome, but who's complaining? Join Paddington in Peru asap!