Mulan II

Mulan II begins one month after Mulan has saved China, as worshipful throngs of young girls clamor for her to teach them how to “kick butt.” Mulan's kid appeal is summed up by Grandmother Fa: “She's brave, she's strong, and she's beautiful,” and that's reason enough for this direct-to-DVD sequel, which charts the further adventures of one of Disney's new generation of grrrl-empowering heroines. Although it lacks the epic scope of the majestic first film, Mulan II's scaled-down story amps up the comedy, as well as the romance between newly engaged couple Mulan and General Shang. Before they can be wed, however, the emperor commands them to escort his three daughters to a rival kingdom to marry in a strategic alliance to stave off a Mongolian invasion. The forward-thinking Mulan believes that women should only marry for love, and she is torn between her duty and her heart, especially when the three princesses in her charge fall in love with the rascally trio Yao, Chien-Po, and Ling, whom Shang and Mulan recruit to join them on their mission. Meanwhile, Mulan and Shang must overcome their “ying and yang” and learn to work in harmony. Most of the original voice cast is back, including: Ming Na as Mulan (sung by Lea Salonga); B.D. Wong as Shang (sung by Donny Osmond); Queen of Cartoons June Foray as Grandmother Fa; Harvey Fierstein as Yao; and Pat Morita as the emperor (a welcome addition to the cast is Lauren Tom as the most impetuous of the princesses). Sorely missed is Eddie Murphy as Mushu the diminutive dragon (he's replaced by sound-alike Mark Moseley). Among the new songs, "(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls" is a girls-just-want-to-have-fun treat. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include four deleted scenes (12 min.) with intros by producer Jennifer Bloom and directors Darrell Rooney and Lynne Southerland, a three-minute “Voices of Mulan” segment on the voice cast, “The World of Mulan” Chinese history voiceover/graphics segments (on yin and yang, food, and arranged marriages, featuring Mushu--the voice of Mark Moseley), the music video “(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls” with music by Atomic Kitten, the shadow puppet game “Mushu's Guess Who,” and trailers. Bottom line: a fun extras package for a better than most DTV Disney sequel.] (D. Liebenson)[Blu-ray Review—Mar. 12, 2013—Walt Disney, 3 discs, 167 min., G, $39.99—Making their first appearance on Blu-ray, 1998's Mulan and 2004's Mulan II are presented with wonderful transfers and DTS-HD 5.1 soundtracks, as well as bonus DVD copies of the films. Extras for Mulan include audio commentary by co-directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook and co-producer Pam Coats, a “Classic Backstage Disney” section with production, design, and story featurettes (58 min. total), deleted scenes (23 min.), an “International Journey” featurette on translating the film (6 min.), a soundtrack segment (5 min.), a multi-language reel (3 min.), the music videos “I'll Make a Man Out of You” by Jackie Chan, “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, “Reflejo” by Lucero, “True to Your Heart” by Raven, and “True to Your Heart” by Stevie Wonder and 98º, and trailers. Extras for Mulan II include deleted scenes (10 min.), a segment on the voice cast (3 min.), and the music video “(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls” by Atomic Kitten. Bottom line: a beloved contemporary Disney classic and its uneven sequel shine on Blu-ray.]