A cult favorite returns in a beautifully upgraded 4K release celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Twenty-five years ago, Disney's animation studio was on a high. In the previous decade, they had created such hits as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, so at the beginning of a new century, the pressure was on to continue making great animated films. Unfortunately, over the next five years, only three of their eight releases would double their budgets. One of these ill-fated movies was The Emperor's New Groove, starring David Spade (Tommy Boy), John Goodman (10 Cloverfield Lane), Eartha Kitt (Holes), and Patrick Warburton (Get Smart). Critically acclaimed, the film underperformed at the box office but has since gone on to garner a cult like following. This month, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Emperor's New Groove, Disney is releasing it in 4K for the first time.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, The Emperor's New Groove begins with Kuzco, the Emperor (Spade), telling Pancha (Goodman) that Pancha and his family will have to move so Kuzco can build his summer palace on their hill. Immediately after, Kuzco's assistant, Yzma (Kitt), tries to kill Kuzco but turns him into a Llama instead. Running for his life, Kuzco enlists the help of the very peasant he wanted to make homeless, Pancha. Together, they outwit the bad guys and become friends in the process.
The Emperor's New Groove wouldn't be anywhere near as good as it is without the talents of Spade, Goodman, Kitt, and the rest of the cast. Their comedic timing is excellent, and the story benefits from it. Spade's sarcastic delivery is perfect for the selfish Emperor, and Goodman's sweet-sounding vocals give the character of Pancha warmth and tenderness despite just finding out that his home, which has been in his family for centuries, is to be demolished.
This movie has never looked better than it does now, being presented in Dolby Vision for the first time. The color palette is incredible, and each line and detail is so well done. From the fur on Llama Kuzco's back and neck to the "fringe" edges on Pancha's poncho (see what I did there?!?), every last line is clean.
The Dolby Atmos Audio is an aural treat for one's ears. The songs and dialogue come through the speakers so crisply and clearly that everything can be heard. The soundtrack, with its layered instruments, does a wonderful job of complementing the story.
The biggest disappointment of this combo pack is the lack of extras included. Not even one of the legacy extras was ported over from a previous release. The only items included in this combo pack are the 4K disc, the Blu-ray Disc, and the digital download, which really is a shame since previous editions of this film had a healthy amount of extras to delight fans of the movie.
I happen to be one such fan, as I love the sarcasm with which Spade delivers his lines, and Warburton's Kronk is incredibly hilarious. I also like the messages this movie brings to younger audiences, including always being nice to others, as you never know when you might need their help, and the tried and true...evil never wins.
If you are a collector of Disney films, you must add this one to your collection for a few reasons. While it obviously has upgraded video and audio tracks, the story itself is, in my book, fun and enjoyable, and is a movie I could watch over and over again. It also makes for a great gift that someone would love to find under their tree this Christmas.
Out in stores today, December 9, 2025, you will want to pick this movie before they are all gone!
Grade: A-
