Today, Disney is releasing Maleficent on Blu-ray, one of the biggest hits of the year.  A different version of their 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty, this live action fairy tale focuses on the vengeful Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), who is betrayed by King Stefan (Sharlto Copley) and puts a curse upon his daughter Aurora (Elle Fanning).  But as she watches the princess grow, their relationship changes and Maleficent becomes protective of the child.

With those prominent cheekbones, white makeup and iconic horns, Angelina Jolie is magnificent, and her performance becomes even more impressive when empathy starts to emerge from within this sympathetic villain.  The screenplay admirably succeeds at telling its own version of the story, with a touching twist during the exciting last act that brings added resonance to Maleficent, both the title character and the film itself.  You can read my full review right here.

The Blu-ray includes deleted scenes and several “behind the scenes” featurettes.

Maleficent is 97 minutes and rated PG.

-John Corrado