‘Wonder’ review (4K UHD)

Director Stephen Chbosky adaptation of R.J. Palacio acclaimed children’s novel tugged at the heart strings of moviegoers last year and will now cause comparable reactions for home entertainment viewers in the ultra-high definition debut of Wonder (Lionsgate Home Entertainment, rated PG, 113 minutes, 2.40:1 aspect ratio, $42.99).

In the story, life in the Pullman household has often focused on Isabel and Nate’s young son, a smart, science-loving 10-year old named August “Auggie” Pullman who is dealing with the rare facial deformity mandibulofacial dysostosis.

With his parents looking for a more normal life for him, Auggie gets moved from a home school to a mainstream middle-school environment. His education opportunity leads to new set of challenges for Auggie as he gets exposed to potentially new friends as well as intolerant bullies.

The narrative offers perspective and voice-over from characters including Auggie, his sister Olivia, his new best friend Jack and Olivia’s friend Miranda that really helps define motivations.

The result plays out as a constant reminder about tolerance, respect, acceptance, and moreover, levels of kindness in a family centric drama that balances some humor, tragedy and life lessons.

Strong acting performances are led by Jacob Tremblay as Auggie (in a full makeup prosthetic throughout the film), Julia Roberts as his a very concerned and often exhausted mother, Owen Wilson as the compassionate and slightly corny dad, Izabela Vidovic as their understanding but frustrated daughter and Mandy Patinkin as the school principal, Mr. Tushman.

The movie has an abundance of heartwarming moments (get ready to break out the tissues) and at its simplest, and most effective, focuses on a child’s perseverance to embrace life. Hollywood could use more Wonders.

4K in action: “Wonder,” and its main indoor settings, is not really the type of film looking to astound with an ultra-high definition upgrade or high dynamic range visual pop.

Still, the film has its visual moments, delivering a very lifelike image throughout, especially honing into the colorful classroom settings; the vibrancy from a crisp, costume-filled Halloween night; saturated hues in both a Pennsylvania nature preserve; some eye-catching fireworks; and even examining Auggie wearing his imaginary NASA space suit.

Best extras: First and foremost, all extras are contained on the 4K UHD disc, thank you Lionsgate.

Let’s start with the key creators delivering an optional commentary track. Connecting via Skype as each watches the movie, Miss Palacio in New York and Miss Chbosky in Los Angeles combine to offer the most authoritative discussion available.

Motivations, details in production design, adapting the book to film, and plenty of crew appreciations and memories pack the near nonstop commentary.

Next, an almost hourlong, five-part, sugarcoated, love fest between the gushing cast and crew occasionally wedges in during an overview of the production.

Segments focus on the author and director’s visions for the film, the casting, the different points of view dissecting the narrative, musical score and an ever-reminding call that humans should be kind to one another. The best part of the featurettes focuses on the Academy Award-nominated make-up effects that use a skullcap and prosthetic mechanical device to pull down the skin around Mr. Tremblay’s eyes giving them the appearance of being droopy.

Although fans will appreciate all of the behind-the-scenes featurettes, it would not have hurt to include a look at mandibulofacial dysostosis, also called Treacher Collins syndrome. I would have been very interested in a deeper dive about its causes, treatments and impact on those who live with its effects.