Alice Through The Looking Glass Dvd Extra Quality |top| -
Review: Alice Through the Looking Glass – DVD (Extra Quality Edition)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 – Worth it for the extras, even if the film stumbles)
The Film Itself Let’s address the looking glass right away: Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) is a visual marvel but a narrative muddle. James Bobin’s sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland doubles down on dazzling CGI, saturated color, and inventive world-building—but loses much of the first film’s whimsical danger. The plot, which sends Alice (Mia Wasikowska) back through the mirror to save the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) by time-traveling with the “Chronosphere,” feels overstuffed and surprisingly slow. Sacha Baron Cohen as Time is a delightfully hammy highlight, but the emotional beats (a forced backstory for the Red Queen) land awkwardly. Still, for fans of the first film, it’s a decently entertaining 113 minutes.
The DVD – “Extra Quality” Edition Breakdown
This “Extra Quality” release is where the disc earns its keep. While not a 4K restoration, the DVD’s anamorphic widescreen (2.39:1) transfer is exceptionally clean for standard definition. Colors pop—the vibrant meadow of the Clockwise, the brassy rust of Time’s castle—with minimal compression artifacts. The 5.1 Dolby Digital surround track is robust: Danny Elfman’s score swirls, and the time-jump sequences have genuine low-end rumble.
Bonus Features (The Real Treasure)
This edition packs surprising depth for a DVD:
- “Through the Looking Glass: A Visual Trip” (22 min) – A meticulous behind-the-scenes look at the costume design (those ruffles!) and the seamless blending of practical sets with green screen. No talking-head fluff; real craftspeople at work.
- “Time’s Oddities” (10 min) – Sacha Baron Cohen improvising as Time, plus a breakdown of his stop-motion-inspired prosthetics. Easily the funniest extra.
- Deleted Scenes (8 min) – Two extended sequences, including a quieter moment with Alice and her mother that should have stayed in the film. No commentary, but welcome.
- “Making the Chronosphere” (6 min) – A surprising deep dive into the practical prop’s engineering. Nerdy and delightful.
- Commentary with Director James Bobin – Lively and self-aware. Bobin admits pacing issues and shares genuine affection for Wasikowska. A cut above typical director tracks.
Missing Features – No gag reel. No commentary from the cast. The Blu-ray’s exclusive feature on the film’s color grading is absent.
Verdict
If you want Alice Through the Looking Glass only for the movie, rent it. But if you’re a fan of lavish fantasy production design, solid DVD transfers, or commentary tracks that don’t put you to sleep, the Extra Quality DVD is a rare example of bonus features elevating a mediocre film. Just lower your expectations for the story and you’ll have a charming, eye-popping time.
Recommended for: Completionists, costume design junkies, and anyone who misses practical prop-making special features.
Skip if: You hated the first film’s tone or can’t stomach Johnny Depp’s Hatter accent for two hours.
Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) DVD is generally considered a "bare-bones" release. While it provides a functional viewing experience, the substantial "extra quality" content is primarily found on the Blu-ray version Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Combo Pack DVD vs. Blu-ray Quality Comparison Visual Fidelity
: The DVD presents the film in a standard-definition format that lacks the fine detail and vibrant color palette of the high-definition Blu-ray. Critics note that the DVD loses significant clarity, appearing more "pastel" compared to the sharp, vivid 1080p presentation of the Blu-ray. Bonus Features : The standard DVD includes only
special feature: "A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland". All other supplements, including director commentary and deleted scenes, are exclusive to the Blu-ray and Digital HD formats. Special Features (Exclusive to Blu-ray/Digital)
If you are looking for higher "extra quality," the following features are available on the Blu-ray release Behind the Looking Glass
: An 8-minute exploration of the filmmaking process and the film's history. A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland alice through the looking glass dvd extra quality
: A look at the intricate character outfits designed by three-time Oscar winner Colleen Atwood. (Also on DVD)
Beyond the Mirror: Exploring the Extra Quality of the Alice Through the Looking Glass DVD
For fans of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical world and Tim Burton’s vibrant aesthetic, the Alice Through the Looking Glass DVD is more than just a home video release; it is a gateway back into Underland. While streaming services offer convenience, the physical media release remains the gold standard for fans seeking extra quality—both in terms of technical presentation and exclusive bonus content.
Whether you are a collector or a casual viewer, here is why the DVD release offers a premium experience that goes beyond the standard film. 1. Pristine Visual Presentation
Despite being a standard-definition format, the "extra quality" of this DVD lies in its masterful compression. Disney’s home entertainment wing is renowned for maximizing bitrates, ensuring that the neon chronospheres and the intricate costumes designed by Colleen Atwood remain sharp and vibrant. The DVD captures the rich, saturated color palette of the film, making Time’s Castle and the Mad Hatter’s tea party pop on any screen. 2. Immersive Audio Design
A major part of the Alice Through the Looking Glass experience is Danny Elfman’s sweeping, clockwork-inspired score. The DVD features high-quality Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. This audio track is engineered to provide a theater-like experience, where every tick of the Seconds and every whisper of the Cheshire Cat is balanced perfectly against the booming voice of the Red Queen. 3. Exclusive Bonus Features (The "Extra" Value)
The true hallmark of "extra quality" on this DVD is the curated selection of bonus materials. These features provide a deep dive into the filmmaking process that you simply won't find on a basic digital rental:
Behind the Looking Glass: A comprehensive look at how director James Bobin transitioned the franchise from Tim Burton’s original vision while maintaining its unique DNA.
A Stitch in Time: Costuming Underland: An in-depth featurette on the Oscar-winning costume design. Seeing the textures of Alice's sea captain outfit or the Red Queen's armor in close-up reveals the incredible craftsmanship involved.
Characters of Underland: Insights into the development of new characters like Time (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) and the evolution of returning favorites like the Mad Hatter.
Deleted Scenes: Exclusive footage that was left on the cutting room floor, providing more context to the lore of the Jabberwocky and the history of the sister queens. 4. Stability and Collectibility
In an era where films can disappear from streaming platforms overnight due to licensing shifts, the DVD offers a permanent "extra quality" of ownership. The physical disc ensures that the movie is always available in its best possible standard format, complete with a tactile menu system and physical cover art that looks great on any fan's shelf. Final Verdict
If you are looking to experience the sequel to Alice in Wonderland with a focus on extra quality, the DVD release is a must-own. Between the robust audio-visual transfer and the treasure trove of behind-the-scenes content, it transforms a simple movie night into an immersive journey through the looking glass.
The 2016 Disney film Alice Through the Looking Glass was released on DVD with a focus on visual and audio fidelity, though most extensive "extra quality" bonus features are reserved for the Blu-ray and Digital editions. DVD Technical Quality
Video Quality: The DVD is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 480p resolution. While it maintains a bright and vibrant color palette, it loses significant detail and clarity compared to the 1080p high-definition Blu-ray transfer. Review: Alice Through the Looking Glass – DVD
Audio Quality: The standard DVD includes a 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound mix. It supports multiple languages, typically including English, French, and Spanish. Bonus Features (DVD vs. Blu-ray)
The standalone DVD release is generally light on extras compared to higher-tier formats: Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Alice - Through The Looking Glass (dvd)
Feature 4: Costume Design Gallery (Interactive)
Colleen Atwood won Oscars for her work on Alice in Wonderland. For Through the Looking Glass, she went further. The DVD extra quality includes an interactive gallery where you can rotate 360-degree views of:
- The Red Queen’s "Heart" Armour.
- Time’s Chronometer Suit (which literally has working clock hands).
- Alice’s Chinese-inspired Dragon Robe. Each costume comes with video notes from Atwood explaining the stitching, the fabric sourcing from Japan and France, and the weight of the garments (some exceeding 40 pounds).
1. “Behind the Looking Glass” – A Truly Immersive Featurette
Unlike the 2-minute promo clips found online, the DVD includes a 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary that feels like a masterclass in production design. You get:
- James Bobin’s director commentary explaining how they blended Tim Burton’s gothic whimsy with a new, time-bending aesthetic.
- On-set footage of the motion-capture process for Time’s castle (Sacha Baron Cohen’s performance is even more unhinged without the CGI).
- Costume deep-dive with Colleen Atwood, showing how the “time decay” fabric was hand-burned and stitched for the Seconds, Minutes, and Hours.
2. A Masterclass in Character Design: The Creation of "Time"
Sacha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of the personification of Time is the highlight of the film, and the DVD extras treat his character with the reverence it deserves.
The feature "A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland" and the character-specific mini-documentaries reveal the arduous process behind Time’s look. It wasn't just CGI; it was intricate practical costume design merged with motion capture. Viewing the high-definition galleries on the Blu-ray allows you to pause and inspect the clockwork detailing on his suit—elements that flash by too quickly on screen. The extras detail how they balanced Cohen's comedic physicality with the rigidity of a character who is literally a clock. It is a fascinating case study in acting against a green screen while wearing a heavy, mechanical suit.
4. Easter Eggs on the Menu Screen
True to Alice’s puzzle-box nature, the DVD menu hides interactive secrets. On the main menu, pressing “left” when “Play Movie” is highlighted unlocks a blooper reel (rare for a fantasy film) featuring Mia Wasikowska laughing as Sacha Baron Cohen improvises in full Time costume.
Why “Extra Quality” Matters in 2024
Streaming versions of Through the Looking Glass strip away nearly all of these features. The DVD’s standard definition actually benefits the CGI-heavy scenes—the slightly softer image hides the early-2010s-era digital artifacts, and the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix retains the punch of Danny Elfman’s clock-ticking score.
Verdict: If you find the 2-disc “Special Edition” DVD (or the Blu-ray combo pack), grab it. The extras don’t just supplement the film—they transform it into a tactile, behind-the-mirror experience that streaming can never replicate.
Would you like a shorter version for social media or a video script based on this content?
While the standalone DVD for the 2016 film Alice Through the Looking Glass
is generally considered a high-quality physical release for standard definition, it contains significantly fewer extras than the Blu-ray version. If you are looking for the most "quality" in terms of bonus content and technical performance, the Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack is the definitive choice. DVD Quality & Technical Specifications
The DVD release offers a reliable standard-definition experience, though it naturally lacks the sharpness of its HD counterparts. Video Quality
: The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is described as bright and colorful, though it loses significant detail and clarity compared to the Blu-ray, which features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode Audio Quality : Features a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track in English, French, and Spanish. DVD Store Spain DVD vs. Blu-ray Bonus Features
The primary difference in "quality" between versions is the volume of special features provided by “Through the Looking Glass: A Visual Trip” (22
Alice Through the Looking Glass [Blu-Ray] (2016) - DVD Movie Guide
The 2016 DVD release of Alice Through the Looking Glass offers a standard collection of bonus content, though it is notably more limited than the Blu-ray version. While the Blu-ray is praised for its "spectacular" 1080p visual transfer and immersive 7.1 audio, the DVD presentation is described as having less detail and a more "pastel" color palette compared to its high-definition counterpart. DVD Bonus Features
The standard standalone DVD typically includes a very limited selection of extras compared to higher-tier releases:
A Stitch in Time: Costuming Wonderland: A look at the intricate wardrobe designs created by Colleen Atwood.
Trailers and Promos: Sneak peeks for other Disney projects like the live-action Beauty and the Beast and Finding Dory. Comparison: DVD vs. Blu-ray Quality
If you are looking for "extra quality" in terms of content and presentation, reviewers often recommend the Blu-ray/Digital combo packs because they include significantly more material:
Behind the Looking Glass: An 8-minute featurette covering the story's history and production.
Deleted Scenes: Five scenes with optional director's commentary by James Bobin.
Scene Peelers: Side-by-side comparisons of raw blue-screen footage versus final CGI-heavy sequences.
Music Video Content: The full "Just Like Fire" music video by P!nk and a behind-the-scenes look at its making.
Characters of Underland: A featurette focusing on the supporting cast, including a tribute to Alan Rickman’s final performance as Absolem.
Note on Older Versions: If you have a different version of the DVD, such as the 1998 production, the extras differ significantly and may include memories from producer Bob Wynn. Alice Through the Looking Glass - Blu-Ray - High Def Digest
Based on the phrasing "Alice Through the Looking Glass DVD Extra Quality," it sounds like you are looking for a description of a specific bonus feature found on the DVD/Blu-ray release, or perhaps a high-quality description of the extras included.
Here is a feature provided from the DVD extras, focusing on the visual spectacle of the film:
