Kronk's New Groove

Kronk's New Groove is to The Emperor's New Groove what The Lion King 1½ is to The Lion King: a strictly-for-laughs, produced-for-video sequel that gives top billing to a scene-stealing supporting character. Kronk (voiced again by Patrick Warburton) is now “living the dream” as a “humble fry cook and delivery boy” at Mudka's Meat Hut. He has many more friends now that he's stopped being an evil henchman, but he desperately yearns for a “thumbs up” from his disapproving father (John Mahoney) who throws Kronk into a tailspin when he sends word he is coming for a visit. Kronk's New Groove looks and plays like the pilot for a television series, with episode-length flashbacks involving Kronk's desperate attempts to attain “the big house on the hill,” a wife, and a family. In the first, Kronk becomes the unwitting stooge of Yzma (Eartha Kitt at her most wickedly funny), who tries yet again to scam her way onto the emperor's throne by offering the local seniors a “fountain of youth” potion. In the second, Kronk is a too-competitive camp counselor who meets, but alienates, the woman of his dreams (a new character voiced by Tracey Ullman). Reprising their roles from the first film are David Spade as Emperor Kuzco, who pops up to comment on the action, and John Goodman and Wendie Malick as Pacha and Chicca. Though it lacks some of the sass of the first film, Kronk's New Groove is fast and funny and delivers a message about the true value of friendship—à la It's a Wonderful Life—lending it some redeeming social value and helping avoid the parental “nostril flare of total rejection.” A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include the eight-minute “making-of” featurette “How to Cook a Movie,” “Kronk's Brain Game” challenge, “Pyramid Scheme” trivia questions, and trailers. Bottom line: a skimpy—by Disney standards—extras package for a fun if unexceptional sequel.] (D. Liebenson[Blu-ray Review—July 2, 2013—Walt Disney, 3 discs, 153 min., G, $29.99—Making their first appearance on Blu-ray, 2000's The Emperor's New Groove and 2005's Kronk's New Groove both feature solid transfers and DTS-HD 5.1 soundtracks. The Blu-ray contains both feature films with no special features, while the bonus DVD copies included carry over extras from previous releases. The DVD for The Emperor's New Groove features audio commentary (by producer Randy Fullmer, director Mark Dindal, art director Colin Stimpson, character designer Joseph Moshier, head of story Stephen Anderson, Kuzco animator Nik Ranieri, and Pacha animator Bruce Smith), three deleted scenes (13 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (9 min.), the music videos “My Furry Friend and Me” by Sting (3 min.) and “Walk the Llama Llama” by Rascal Flatts (2 min.), “The Emperor's Got Game” DVD game, and trailers. The DVD for Kronk's New Groove includes the “How to Cook a Movie” making-of featurette (8 min.), “Kronk's Brain Game” challenge, “Pyramid Scheme” trivia questions, and trailers. Bottom line: a Disney charmer and its sequel bow on Blu-ray in a handsomely-priced two-fer package.]