The Boxtrolls Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of The Boxtrolls delivers an impeccable 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that is a visual treat for fans of stop-motion animation. The film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is characterized by a razor-sharp detailing in every scene. Every element—from the powdered pastels to the grimy tunnels—displays remarkable clarity and precision, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Blacks are deep and satisfying, consistently well-balanced and free from noise or crush. This ensures that even the darkest scenes retain excellent visibility. Fine textures like the tattered boxes, rusty machines, and threading of clothes are cleanly presented, showcasing the meticulous work of the animators without any significant artifacting, banding, or aliasing.

Furthermore, the subdued contrast level throughout most of the film appears to be an intentional artistic choice, giving the movie a downcast but appealing aesthetic. This contrast level changes towards the end, complementing a pivotal shift in the storyline with brighter, more energetic visuals. Primary colors are vibrant and lush, enriching the viewing experience with warmth and vigor, particularly in comical scenes. Secondary hues are also impeccably rendered, enhancing the film's overall palette. The result is an excellent, three-dimensional image that beautifully illustrates every wrinkle, blemish, and stitch with lifelike textures. Universal has once again excelled in delivering a high-quality video presentation that elevates this magical animated world.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "The Boxtrolls" might not astound as much as its visual presentation or Laika's stop-motion animation, but it excels at immersing viewers in both the subterranean world of the Boxtrolls and the bustling streets above. From the angry mobs instigated by Snatcher to the climactic battles waged by Eggs and the Boxtrolls, the audio track brings a robust and weighty Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) output that underscores the villainous undertones – be it their blazing furnaces or Snatcher's ominous ironclad mech. Additionally, the rear speaker activity is dynamic and engaging, transforming settings into lively, enveloping soundscapes. Dialogue is clear and well-prioritized, although Wright’s voice occasionally feels thin compared to the rest.

Despite generally front-heavy design, which could be seen as a slight disappointment compared to previous efforts, the DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack nonetheless delivers a satisfying auditory experience. Rear speakers come into play effectively during action sequences, where effects demonstrate precise directionality and impressive panning. The dynamic range is robust, with even the tiniest object clanging with pristine clarity across a balanced soundstage. The low-end is potent, adding depth to pivotal scenes. All in all, this lossless track complements the film excellently by providing clean, intelligible vocal performances and a comprehensive sound environment that elevates the viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Boxtrolls" offer an in-depth look at the intricate world of stop-motion animation. The audio commentary by directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi is a comprehensive guide through the film's adaptation, design, and production, though it occasionally lapses into silence. The featurettes, while succinct at 13 minutes, provide a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind the scenes. The "Dare to Be Square" segment is a more extensive collection of production featurettes that delve deeper into voice casting, set design, and complex sequences. Moreover, the Preliminary Animatic Sequences provide early storyboard animatics with optional commentary, allowing a unique view into the film's developmental stages.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Detailed insights from directors on various aspects of the production.

Featurettes: A look at different facets of the film’s creation process.

Dare to Be Square: Behind the Scenes of The Boxtrolls: In-depth production featurettes divided into five parts.

Preliminary Animatic Sequences: Early storyboard animatics with optional director's commentary.

Laika Entertainment, known for its outstanding stop-motion animation, delivers yet another visual marvel with "The Boxtrolls" (2014). This film, following the successes of "Coraline" and "ParaNorman," continues Laika’s tradition of technical brilliance. The stop-motion animation is nothing short of extraordinary, presenting a grand, grotesque visual spectacle that is both jaw-dropping and enchanting. The story revolves around a community of quirky, mischievous creatures known as Boxtrolls who lovingly raise an orphaned human boy named Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright). The captivating animation and the voice actors' performances lend the Boxtrolls emotion, charm, and individuality, making them endearing and memorable.

However, beneath its mesmerizing visuals and imaginative premise, "The Boxtrolls" suffers from narrative unevenness and character underdevelopment. While the Boxtrolls are designed to be lovable and expressive, the primary human characters fall flat. Eggs stands out as the most engaging, but other key characters, such as Winnie (Elle Fanning) and the villainous Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley), remain two-dimensional and overbearing. Snatcher's excessive screen time and redundant antics further dilute the plot's impact, causing the story to lose focus and momentum. The film grapples with themes of identity and societal acceptance, but these are overshadowed by a bloated third act and clichéd storytelling.

Despite its shortcomings in character development and narrative cohesiveness, "The Boxtrolls" manages to amuse and charm with its darkly comic story. It touches on adult themes such as political collusion and propaganda while still maintaining a light-hearted appeal for younger audiences. The film's message about self-identity and change is conveyed through the boxtrolls' touching journey. While the narrative may falter, Laika's breathtaking animation and offbeat visual grandeur ensure that "The Boxtrolls" remains a visually captivating experience for both children and adults.

"The Boxtrolls" is a visually stunning achievement from Laika, showcasing the studio's unparalleled aptness in stop-motion animation. The meticulous craftsmanship shines through every frame, bringing to life the endearing world of the Boxtrolls. The film presents a fascinating dichotomy, where the narrative occasionally falters and the script feels uneven, yet the visual spectacle and character animation compensate, keeping the audience engaged. The Boxtrolls themselves, though not always in the spotlight, deliver the most memorable and charming moments, effectively balancing the darker, more somber tones of the story.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation is nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a reference-quality video transfer that captures the intricate details and vibrant palette of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track delivers an immersive listening experience, seamlessly integrating the film's whimsical score with precise sound effects. Though the bonus features might feel somewhat limited in scope, what is included provides valuable insight into the film's production process, further endearing the viewer to Laika's labor-intensive art form.

In conclusion, "The Boxtrolls" may have its narrative shortcomings, but it remains a dazzling display of stop-motion wizardry. The Blu-ray release elevates the experience with exemplary audio-visual quality and worthwhile extras. While renting might be a cautious approach for some, the technical brilliance and charming animation make this Blu-ray a compelling addition to any collection.