Coraline 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Coraline's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation marks a significant step up in visual quality, utilizing the cutting-edge technology of HDR, led by Shout! Factory with participation from LAIKA. This new release offers a stunning 3840 x 2160p resolution image, faithfully keeping the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. It leverages HEVC (H.265) encoding to deliver a rich, dense color palette that breathes new life into the animation. The use of Dolby Vision HDR enhances the contrast and brightness, bringing out unparalleled clarity and detail in everything from the nuanced textures of the puppets to the vibrant, dynamic environments. Were it not for slight issues such as subtle edginess and minor source material noise, the presentation would be flawless. However, these are but minor distractions in what is otherwise a visually spectacular experience.

The depth and 3D pop achieved in this restoration are especially noteworthy, with the film's original 2K DI upscale benefiting greatly from the meticulous 4K restoration process supervised by LAIKA. The HDR grading amplifies the already impressive color range, making scenes more immersive - from Coraline's iconic blue hair and yellow raincoat to the mesmerizing garden of her alternate reality, hues pop with an intensity that surpasses previous releases. Black levels are profoundly deep, albeit with occasional crushing that inadvertently obscures some finer details. Nonetheless, such instances are infrequent and do not detract significantly from the overall viewing pleasure.

Despite being an upscale from a 2K digital intermediate, this 4K UHD rendition of "Coraline" sets a new benchmark for visual fidelity on home media. The film's unique blend of dark whimsy and intricate craftsmanship has never been more captivating, with each frame demonstrating an outstanding level of clarity and depth. While there is room for nitpicking over minor visual imperfections and artifacting, they fail to overshadow the sheer brilliance of the enhanced color gamut and dynamic range this format provides. This release not only respects the original artistic vision but elevates it, offering an arresting visual feast that vividly portrays the eerie charm and creative genius at the heart of "Coraline".

The upgraded Dolby Atmos track on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Coraline" is an aural masterpiece, offering a heightened sense of immersion into its whimsically eerie world. Bruno Coulais’ score, with its choral nuances and delicate instrumentation, is exceptionally presented, enveloping the listener in a vibrant sonic tapestry that mirrors the film's vivid on-screen magic. Dialogue is expertly handled, maintaining clarity and naturalness across the board, ensuring every emotive nuance and character inflection is distinctly perceptible. Directionality and spatial dynamics are finely tuned, with ambient sounds and effects meticulously placed to enhance the 3D auditory space, engaging listeners with sounds that perfectly track the on-screen action.

The Atmos soundstage impressively expands the auditory experience, utilizing the additional height channels to introduce a new layer of engagement. Sounds of fluttering creatures and mystical elements move with precision overhead, contributing to an enveloping atmosphere that complements the visual storytelling. The low-end spectrum is robust but controlled, with bass frequencies providing a solid foundation without overpowering, adding depth to the score and punctuating action sequences and dramatic moments with measured intensity. The mix masterfully balances dynamic swings, from the subtle twang of strings to the room-shaking rumble of the collapsing other world, achieving an impactful yet nuanced auditory experience.

Overall, this new English Dolby Atmos track represents a significant improvement over previous releases, offering both increased clarity and an expansive sound field that fully immerses viewers. Surround channels are actively employed, extending the film's enchanting score and ambient soundscapes into the living room, while the meticulous attention to audio detail ensures a 360-degree soundscape that’s as engaging as it is precise. Dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, complemented by a well-realized low frequency extension that brings magical bursts and environmental nuances to life with impressive fidelity. This Atmos track not only elevates "Coraline's" audio presentation but sets a high standard for home entertainment experiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Coraline" offers a comprehensive and immersive extras package that dives deep into the making of this stop-motion masterpiece, housed on the included Blu-ray disc. Noteworthy is the audio commentary with director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais, providing fascinating insights though Coulais features only briefly. The "Inside LAIKA" featurettes stand out, offering a behind-the-scenes look at character development and animation nuances with contributions from key creatives including Neil Gaiman. The "Making of Coraline" series is particularly engaging, covering everything from design inspiration to puppet creation in detail. Additional highlights include deleted scenes introduced by Selick, revealing the meticulous editing process, and interviews focusing on voice acting, revealing the joy and dedication behind the characters. The still galleries and trailer add visual depth to the understanding of this animated film's world, making the package a must for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Extras included in this disc:

UHD Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary primarily delivered by Director Henry Selick with a brief appearance by composer Bruno Coulais.

Inside LAIKA - Discovering the Characters of Coraline: A deep dive into character development.

Inside LAIKA - Character Animation: Offers a detailed look at the animation process across seven featurettes.

Feature-Length Storyboards: A complete storyboard version of the film.

The Making of Coraline: An extensive, ten-part documentary exploring various aspects of production.

Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes removed from the final cut, with introductions explaining the reasons for their omission.

Voicing the Characters: Close-up on the voice recording process, featuring interviews with the cast.

Creepy Coraline: Focuses on the animation techniques and puppetry used to bring eerie elements to life.

Character Art Still Gallery: A showcase of character art images.

Concept Art Still Gallery: Displays concept artwork that shaped the film's visual style.

Behind the Scenes Still Gallery: A collection of photos offering a glimpse into the production.

Trailer: The official film trailer.

Henry Selick's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline" emerges as a masterful representation of dark fantasy, proving to be a significant work both in terms of storytelling and technical execution. The film's narrative, rich with themes of dread, danger, and the captivating yet eerie allure of an alternate reality, skilfully mirrors Gaiman’s sinister undercurrents that contrast sharply with the apparent wonder of the other world Coraline discovers. This parallel universe, beguiling in its promise of fulfillment and care, conceptually explores the narrative of desire versus reality through Coraline's journey. Her adventure into an unnervingly deceptive realm, brimming with sinister intentions hidden behind ostensible warmth and love, adeptly portrays a nuanced message on the dangers of escapism and superficial attractions.

Vocally, Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Coraline offers a remarkable balance of courage and vulnerability, perfectly encapsulating the essence of an adventurous yet lonesome young girl navigating newfound perils. The dual roles voiced by Teri Hatcher and others add depth to the film's exploration of identity and deceit, further accentuated by a hauntingly beautiful score from Bruno Coulais which complements the film’s intense emotional and narrative progression. Moreover, the exceptional stop-motion animation and intricate art direction bring to life a strikingly vivid and fantastical world that's both captivating and chilling, showcasing LAIKA's pioneering spirit and commitment to elevating the form of animated storytelling.

The technical accomplishments of "Coraline," notably its pioneering use of stop-motion animation and 3D technology, set a new standard in animated cinema. The meticulous attention to detail in the character designs and settings, combined with Pete Kozachik’s inventive cinematography, make for a visual feast that enchants and horrifies in equal measure. Through its blend of whimsical and dark elements, "Coraline" stands as a testament to the intricate craftsmanship involved in bringing Gaiman’s multifaceted tale to the big screen, cementing itself as both a critical and commercial triumph in the realm of animated film.

Henry Selick's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline" remains a remarkable achievement in animation, marrying dark thematic elements with astounding stop-motion visuals. This latest 4K UHD release from Shout! Factory enhances the viewing experience to unprecedented levels. The stunning detail, vibrant colors, and deep blacks of the 4K presentation, coupled with the immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack, provide an almost tactile sense of engagement with the film's intricately crafted world. While the package includes a wealth of supplemental materials that dive deep into the film's creation and legacy, it's the audiovisual upgrade that truly sets this edition apart, making it an essential acquisition for fans and newcomers alike.

Despite the release’s many strengths, it is not without its shortcomings. Notably missing is the 3D version of the movie, a notable exclusion given that "Coraline" was specifically designed to be seen in this format. Additionally, several features from previous releases are absent, such as a collection of webisodes and interactive features, underscoring a gap that might disappoint some collectors. However, these omissions do little to detract from the overall quality of the release. "Coraline" has never looked better, with its enchanting aesthetic qualities and auditory richness fully enhanced by the 4K treatment.

In conclusion, Shout! Factory's 4K release of "Coraline" represents a definitive viewing experience for one of animation's most distinctive works. While it regrettably lacks the 3D version and certain special features found in prior editions, the sheer quality of the visual and audio upgrade makes it a compelling purchase. Viewers will find themselves immersed in Coraline's eerie yet vibrant world as never before, making this edition highly recommended for aficionados and new viewers desiring to experience the film's unique magic in its finest form.