By Liz Lopez
Source: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Ten years after the events of the first film, the Kaiju return in “Pacific Rim Uprising” with a new deadly threat that reignites the conflict between these otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and Jaegers, the human-piloted super-machines that were built to vanquish them. “Pacific Rim Uprising” arrives on Digital and the all-new digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on June 5th. It will also be released on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on June 19th from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Building on the striking visual world created in the first film, “Pacific Rim Uprising” features a next-generation battleground complete with upgraded Jaegers and new Kaiju that offers a captivating a state-of-the-art spectacle perfect for your next night in.
Shyrley Rodriguez stars as Cadet Renata in “Pacific Rim Uprising” and I recently conducted an interview with her for the release of the film this month.
EL- Can you talk about the difference for you from your previous films to those with Pacific Rim Uprising?
SR- Yes, I have worked on two films previously, but they are mostly independent; then montages in another, “Set It Up” (coming up) and then an episode of “The Bold Type”- Season 2 on Freeform Network. The difference now is the first job I got was “The Get Down” (TV series) and it was upbeat, there were costumes; make up, dancing and singing. “The Get Down” was in the 70s. “Pacific Rim Uprising” was the polar opposite – I had to be physically strong; fighting and working out. I can’t believe my first feature film of this scope! With all the training and time shooting, it was all cool for me!
EL – Can you expand on the experiences you mentioned for “Pacific Rim Uprising”?
SR – We were training six days a week; with clean eating and a strict diet. We took boxing and some martial (arts) classes, along with a couple of Boot Camp classes.
EL – What are some challenges of this work for you?
SR – Fights – learning the techniques of this training. In shooting one scene, I was lifted 20-30 feet in the air in a harness and I was looking up. I am afraid of heights! I had to focus and overcome it – not look down. Then the director said “look down” and OMG – for the love of the art, I did it!
EL- What is a good take away for you from this experience?
SR – It is a big film and that I’m capable of carrying this for next opportunity. Having endurance in all that you feel might challenge you; having strength and it all was a great experience. Lots of endurance is needed to get into the suits for the Jaeger. They are heavy and I felt claustrophobic, but needed to focus and work through it. I had to put myself [in a frame of mind] as if I was in a real situation. I had to focus on the job.
EL- You mentioned “growth” in our conversation. How do you see that this made you grow?
SR – After the filming was finished and I was back home; I realized being away from family was big. It did not affect my work – but realized I was alone and I didn’t talk to them. So much of my life has to do with family. I was gone three months. Traveling made me more independent. Living in Australia and China- I grew from that. I realize how much I love my family; being around them and I appreciate life. I came back (home) with stories!
EL – A bio I read is brief and does not indicate where you are from or born. Are you from the Northeast?
SR – I am born and raised in New Jersey, but I’m first generation. I’m very close to my culture. We’re Cuban and my mom came (to the US when she) was 18 years old. I never had any connection to this industry. I could only imagine how to get into this world. After I graduated from school (university), I knew I could make it happen when it needs to. Though born in the US, I feel I am part of the immigrant stream –– felt this is an opportunity (like my Mom did). I did not know how to get into this world – the industry – it is hard! I wondered; what are the ways to get into the rooms to connect where this is all happening?
======
In “Pacific Rim Uprising” directed by Steven S. DeKnight, John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous Kaiju. Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy. Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood), 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), returning veterans Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), Rinko Kikuchi (Pacific Rim), Burn Gorman (The Dark Knight Rises) and a talented crew of fiercely young cadets. The international cast also includes Tian Jing (Kong: Skull Island) and Adria Arjona (“Emerald City”). Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:
- Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Steven S. DeKnight
- Hall of Heroes – John Boyega takes us through the awesome weaponry and cutting-edge enhancements of the latest generation of Jaegers featured in the film.
- Bridge to Uprising – The cast and crew discuss how the world of Pacific Rim has changed in the ten years since the events of the original film.
- The Underworld of Uprising – Humanity won the Kaiju War, but every war has casualties. John Boyega and Steven S. DeKnight give a tour of the coastal “Relief Zones.”
- Becoming Cadets – Step into the Shatterdome, and learn the grueling physical and mental preparation required of the young actors who portrayed the PPDC cadets.
- Unexpected Villain – Learn the secret reason that turned one of the most beloved heroes of the original film into a villain obsessed with humanity’s destruction.
- Next Level Jaegers – The cast and crew discuss the amazing technological advances of the Jaeger program in the years since the events of the original film.
- I Am Scrapper – Actress Cailee Spaeny shares the backstory of Scrapper, Amara’s incredible self-built Jaeger and its many unique abilities.
- Going Mega – Filmmakers take us through the technical and creative challenges of creating the most deadly threat the Pan Pacific Defense Corp has ever faced: the Mega Kaiju!
- Secrets of Shao – Meet the woman behind Shao Industries. Actress Tian Jing shares her insights on the enigmatic tech tycoon Liwen Shao.
- Mako Returns – Actress Rinko Kikuchi and director Steven S. DeKnight explain the significance of Mako Mori’s return and her importance to the events of Pacific Rim Uprising.
- Feature Commentary with Director Steven S. DeKnight
Experience one-of-a-kind special effects and more than forty minutes of bonus content when you own the next installment on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM and DVD. The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM and Digital. The 4K Ultra HD disc will include the same bonus features as the Blu-rayTM version, all in stunning 4K resolution.
- Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
- MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.