Review: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

To be honest, the first animated Super Mario movie released in 2023 didn’t quite resonate with me. Despite being a long-time fan of both the animation studio Illumination and Nintendo—a company that has been a staple of my gaming life since childhood—I found it somewhat mediocre. The attempt to adapt Mario’s straightforward gameplay into a “modern” cinematic narrative felt a bit forced. Consequently, I approached the sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (inspired by the Mario Galaxy titles that first became hits on the Wii), with tempered expectations. Fortunately, this shift in direction and its array of cameos proved to be exactly what the franchise needed.

While the film builds on its predecessor’s story, it remains accessible enough for newcomers to follow without difficulty. The narrative opens with Rosalina—a key figure from the Galaxy games—tending to the Lumas. When Bowser Jr. makes a villainous entrance and kidnaps her, Princess Peach and Toad immediately embark on a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi are tasked with guarding the Mushroom Kingdom and the miniaturized version of Bowser (shrunk via a blue mushroom in the previous film). Predictably, complications arise, but the brothers soon receive reinforcements from another iconic Mario character…

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie embraces a playful spirit that feels much closer to a “game” than the first installment did. It features a continuous stream of Nintendo and Mario-themed Easter eggs, introducing Bowser Jr., Yoshi, Fox McCloud, and another famous female character in a post-credits scene (so be sure to stay seated). The pacing is brisk and engaging without becoming overwhelming, resulting in a cohesive experience throughout its 90-plus minute runtime. I screened the film with my children, aged 8 and 10, and it was a clear hit for both—though perhaps slightly more so for the eight-year-old. The film successfully blends Illumination’s signature animation style and humor with Nintendo’s rich history, appealing to veteran gamers and younger fans alike (including those fond of Super Mario Odyssey, which receives a notable tribute here).

In this regard, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie joins that rare category of sequels that actually surpass the original—standing alongside titles such as Terminator 2, The Dark Knight, The Bourne Ultimatum, and arguably The Godfather Part II, The Empire Strikes Back, and Aliens.

A major release like this, which is still finishing its theatrical run at the time of writing, naturally deserves a UHD 4K release. The format is a perfect match for this style of film; the image quality is exceptional, boasting impressive detail, contrast, and lighting effects. The scene featuring the Lumas soaring toward the castle at dusk is a highlight, showcasing the visual benefits of 4K and Dolby Vision. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack, available in English and French, is dynamic and powerful, with crystal-clear dialogue in the center channel. However, the experience varies with the other languages included on this UHD, such as Swedish. While the technical quality of the dubbing is high, the Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 mix is a noticeable downgrade. The soundstage feels unbalanced and “rear-heavy,” with surround effects often overpowering the front-channel dialogue. Achieving a clear balance requires manual volume adjustments, meaning this track falls short of reference quality for the local dub.

Fortunately, bonus material is included, consisting mainly of short behind-the-scenes clips featuring the filmmakers, animators, and members of the American voice cast. These segments are genuinely insightful rather than purely promotional. It is disappointing, however, that Swedish subtitles are missing—an oversight that seems like a missed opportunity for this market.

Summary

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was much better received by our review panel this time; the film is well-paced, engaging, and feels like the perfect length. With scores of 8, 7, and 7, it earns a strong average of seven. This is an excellent home media release that well deserves a permanent place on the shelf. For the best experience, we recommend the original audio paired with a high-quality home theater system.

SF Studios sent review copies for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.