Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Released in 2017, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a delightful holiday-themed short film that brings back beloved characters from Disney’s Frozen franchise. Directed by Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton, the 21-minute short follows Olaf the snowman (voiced by Josh Gad) as he embarks on a heartwarming quest to find the best holiday traditions for his friends Anna and Elsa. Set in the magical kingdom of Arendelle, the story celebrates friendship, family, and the joy of shared traditions during the holiday season.
While Olaf’s Frozen Adventure may be shorter than a full-length feature, it’s packed with fun, festive songs, humor, and the signature charm that made Frozen a worldwide sensation. In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, the film’s appeal to both children and adults, and where you can stream or rent Olaf’s Frozen Adventure online.
Plot Overview
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure takes place after the events of Frozen and just before Frozen II. As the holiday season arrives in Arendelle, Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Princess Anna (Kristen Bell) realize that they don’t have any family holiday traditions of their own. This realization leaves them feeling a little sad, as it reminds them of their difficult childhood, which was marked by Elsa’s isolation due to her ice powers.
Determined to help his friends, Olaf (Josh Gad), the lovable and optimistic snowman, decides to go on a mission. He sets out across Arendelle with Sven the reindeer to learn about various holiday traditions from the townsfolk, hoping to bring back the best ones for Elsa and Anna to adopt.
During his journey, Olaf encounters all kinds of unique and quirky traditions, from fruitcakes to saunas, and learns about the different ways families in Arendelle celebrate the season. However, as things inevitably go awry and Olaf faces a series of comedic mishaps, he begins to wonder whether he can really find the perfect tradition for his friends.
In true Frozen fashion, the short concludes with an uplifting message about the importance of family, friendship, and creating new memories together. Anna and Elsa realize that Olaf himself is their holiday tradition, symbolizing the bond that keeps them close even in difficult times.
Performances
Josh Gad once again shines as the voice of Olaf, bringing the same charm, humor, and enthusiasm that made the character a fan favorite in Frozen. Olaf’s lovable innocence and boundless energy make him the perfect character to lead this short film. Gad’s comedic timing is spot-on, and his vocal performance in the musical numbers adds an extra layer of fun to the holiday spirit.
Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell return as Elsa and Anna, respectively, and while their roles are more limited compared to the feature films, they still bring warmth and emotion to their characters. Menzel’s powerful voice is featured in the song “When We’re Together,” reminding audiences why she remains such an integral part of the Frozen universe.
Jonathan Groff also makes a brief return as Kristoff, and Frank Welker voices Sven, though the spotlight firmly remains on Olaf for the majority of the short.
Songs and Music
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure features four original songs, written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, that capture the festive spirit of the holidays while staying true to the musical style of Frozen. These songs not only enhance the fun and emotional beats of the story but also add to the overall celebratory tone of the film.
- “Ring in the Season” – Performed by Anna and Elsa, this song sets the stage for the film, celebrating the arrival of the holiday season in Arendelle.
- “The Ballad of Flemmingrad” – This quirky, humorous song is sung by Kristoff and is all about his unique, offbeat holiday traditions.
- “That Time of Year” – Performed by Olaf, this upbeat number follows him on his quest to learn about the many different holiday traditions in Arendelle.
- “When We’re Together” – The emotional centerpiece of the short, this song is performed by Elsa and Anna and emphasizes the importance of being with loved ones during the holiday season.
The music in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure enhances the holiday atmosphere and serves as a reminder of the signature Frozen charm, while also delivering a festive, family-friendly message.
Visuals and Animation
As with all things Frozen, the animation in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is top-notch. The winter wonderland of Arendelle is brought to life with stunning detail, from the snow-covered rooftops to the icy landscapes. The film’s festive atmosphere is bolstered by the holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and cozy interiors that fill the kingdom during Olaf’s journey.
The characters’ animations are just as lively and expressive as in the full-length features, with Olaf’s enthusiastic movements and comedic mishaps bringing plenty of physical humor to the short. The creative team behind the animation ensures that Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is as visually captivating as it is emotionally engaging.
A Heartwarming Holiday Story
At its core, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a feel-good holiday story that emphasizes the importance of family, traditions, and togetherness. While the story is relatively simple, it’s filled with moments of humor and heart that make it perfect for families to watch during the holiday season. The film’s message—about creating new memories and traditions with loved ones—is especially poignant, making it a heartwarming addition to the Frozen universe.
The short also serves as a nice bridge between Frozen and Frozen II, offering a fun, lighthearted adventure with familiar characters that fans have grown to love.
Where to Watch Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017) Online
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is widely available on several streaming platforms and rental services in the U.S. Here’s where you can watch it:
Streaming Services
- Disney+ – As part of the Frozen franchise, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is available for streaming on Disney+. Subscribers can watch the short film as part of the platform’s extensive holiday collection, along with the original Frozen films.
- Hulu (with Disney+ bundle) – If you have the Disney+ bundle through Hulu, you can access Olaf’s Frozen Adventure through your Hulu account.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you don’t have a Disney+ subscription, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure can also be rented or purchased on other platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video – The short is available to rent for $2.99 or purchase for $9.99 on Amazon Prime Video.
- Apple iTunes – You can rent Olaf’s Frozen Adventure for $2.99 or purchase it for $9.99 on iTunes.
- Google Play Movies – The film is available for rent at $2.99 or purchase at $9.99 on Google Play.
- Vudu – Vudu also offers the short for rent at $2.99 and purchase for $9.99.
Why Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a Must-Watch
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure offers the perfect blend of holiday spirit, catchy songs, and lovable characters, making it an ideal family movie for the festive season. It’s a fun, heartwarming tale that touches on themes of family, friendship, and creating new traditions, while still delivering the signature humor and charm that made Frozen such a hit.
For fans of Frozen or anyone looking for a short, uplifting holiday story, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a must-watch. Its festive songs, delightful animation, and heartwarming message make it a perfect addition to any holiday movie marathon.
Conclusion
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017) is a delightful holiday short that brings back the beloved characters from Frozen for a heartwarming and festive adventure. With beautiful animation, catchy songs, and a touching message about the importance of family and traditions, this short film is a perfect holiday treat for audiences of all ages.
For U.S. audiences, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is available for streaming on Disney+, with rental and purchase options available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Whether you’re a fan of Frozen or just looking for a cheerful, family-friendly holiday story, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is sure to bring some joy and warmth to your holiday season.
