May, 2021 - Horsing Around In LA

Raya and the Last Dragon

By Erin

Photos courtesy of Disney. Horsing Around in LA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. A fantastic visual masterpiece that shows us the Southeast Asian culture through a beautiful heartfelt story full of action that is filled with messages of hope, trust and unity.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” features an outstanding voice cast, including Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, Thalia Tran, Alan Tudyk, Lucille Soong, Patti Harrison and Ross Butler. Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada are directing, with Paul Briggs and John Ripa co-directing. Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho are the producers, and Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim wrote the screenplay.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” is on all major digital platforms and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD. Enjoy never-before-seen bonus footage and deleted scenes in stunning Ultra HD quality and Dolby Audio.

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON – (L-R): Raya and Sisu. © 2021 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Film Synopsis

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well. From directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, the film features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” Bonus Features*

An Introduction to “Us Again”– Director Zach Parrish takes you behind the scenes of the Walt Disney Animation Studios short.
“Us Again”– An elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their passion for life on one magical night.
Taste of Raya – Dine along with Kelly Marie Tran and the film’s creative team–virtually–over a Southeast Asian menu inspired by the countries that influenced the film as they discuss their experiences creating the world of Kumandra.
Raya: Bringing it Home – When the global pandemic of 2020 hit, production of “Raya and the Last Dragon” moved to the houses of over 450 people. We open a window into their lives and learn how they overcame massive obstacles to make an animated feature from home.
Martial Artists – Get a kick out of learning about the martial art forms and weapons used in the film as co-screenwriter Qui Nguyen and visual anthropologist Dr. S. Steve Arounsack share the inspiration behind the film’s action-packed elements.
We are Kumandra – Meet members of the Southeast Asia Story Trust and discover the cultural influences that inspired the film…and how important this representation in a Disney animated film is to the people of the region.
Outtakes – Step into the homes and behind the mics of the cast of “Raya and the Last Dragon” as they experience voice-over sessions in closets and shaky internet connections, which made recording this film unlike any other.
Fun Facts & Easter Eggs – Take a look at some of the hidden surprises and behind-the-scenes secrets of “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
The Story Behind the Storyboard with John Ripa – Co-Director John Ripa invites you to get an inside look at his thought process as he pitches a storyboard sequence from the film and talks about his amazing career with Disney Animation.
Deleted Scenes:
- Introduction – Head of Story Fawn Veerasunthorn introduces deleted scenes from “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
- The Bridge – Raya confronts an early version of the Druun in this deleted storyboard sequence.
- Escaping Namaari – See an early version sequence of an introduction to Namaari as an adult.
- Dragon Blade – Discover an early version of Raya’s sword, when it used to have magical powers.
- Meet Boun – Meet an early version of Boun before he was a chef and shrimp boat captain.
- The Heart of the Dragon – Co-Director John Ripa introduces a deleted scene which brought the theme of hope into the film.

Young Raya looks up to her beloved father Benja, Chief of the Heart Lands. © 2021 Disney.

*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Voice Cast:	Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of Raya Awkwafina as the voice of Sisu Izaac Wang as the voice of Boun Gemma Chan as the voice of Namaari Daniel Dae Kim as the voice of Benja Benedict Wong as the voice of Tong Jona Xiao as the voice of Young Namaari Sandra Oh as the voice of Virana Thalia Tran as the voice of Little Noi Lucille Soong as the voice of Dang Hu Alan Tudyk as the voice of Tuk Tuk
Directors:	Don HallCarlos López Estrada
Co-Directors:	Paul BriggsJohn Ripa
Producers:	Osnat Shurer, p.g.a.Peter Del Vecho, p.g.a.
Executive Producers:	Jennifer LeeJared Bush
Screenplay by:	Qui NguyenAdele Lim
Story by:	Paul BriggsDon HallAdele LimCarlos López EstradaKiel MurrayQui NguyenJohn RipaDean Wellins
Original Score by:	James Newton Howard

GIVEAWAY

Now, who would like a chance to win a digital copy of Raya and the Last Dragon? TWO winners! Enter through the rafflecopter below for your chance to win your own copy of the film! Must be a US resident +18 years or older. Ends 6/8/21 at 12AM PST. Go to the sweepstakes tab on the blog for all giveaway rules. Good-luck!

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