Coraline Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Coraline" in 3D and 2D offers a stellar visual experience, presented in a theatrically correct widescreen 1.85:1 1080p format. The 3D presentation is particularly noteworthy for its depth and solidity; characters and objects possess a tangible presence, making them appear almost real. Scenes like Coraline's bed in her room and the introduction of the boarding house show an impressive sense of distance and layers. The tunnel behind the little door stands out as an exceptional 3D effect, extending deeply into the screen and inviting viewer interaction. The minor instances of crosstalk are rare and brief, generally not detracting from an overall immersive experience.

The 2D counterpart is equally spectacular, featuring stunning details and clarity. Textures, such as individual threads in clothing and strands of hair, are distinctly sharp and lifelike. The contrast is pitch-perfect, with wonderful visibility from close-ups to distant objects. Colors exhibit extraordinary pop, maintaining vibrancy even through the dimming lenses of 3D glasses. Whether depicting the drab real world or the vibrant, fantastical Other Mother's universe, the color accuracy and saturation are impressive. Blacks are deep and inky, adding to the visual depth and enhancing shadow details significantly.

Despite minor issues like limited ghosting and motion blur, the overall video presentation of "Coraline" on Blu-ray is exemplary. It offers a reference-quality showcase for both 3D and 2D formats, with detailed textures, vibrant colors, and impressive contrast levels. While some 3D scenes may not distinguish themselves overly from their 2D counterparts and a few moments lack standout effects compared to other 3D titles like "A Christmas Carol," the immersive depth and meticulous detail make it a must-have for fans and 3D enthusiasts alike.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the "Coraline" Blu-ray is nothing short of exemplary, showcasing a masterful balance that perfectly complements the film's stunning visuals. The front soundstage is extensive, providing crystalline dialogue reproduction with every nuance and inflection coming through clearly. It’s a highly dynamic mix, constantly engaging all six speakers with rapid steerage and precision. The stereo effects, seamlessly transitioning between the left, right, front, and back channels, create a three-dimensional auditory experience that mirrors the film's action impeccably. The atmospheric elements are implemented with near-clinical accuracy, enhancing scenes with chilling breezes and subtle house creaks that elevate the viewer's immersion into Coraline's dual worlds.

The soundtrack’s music is warm and inviting, encapsulating the listener in the fantastical world the film creates. The score by Bruno Coulais and They Might Be Giants utilizes the entire soundstage, with elements including guitar twangs and choir harmonies rendered with remarkable clarity. This rich soundscape is complemented by a pitch-perfect low end that is responsive without being overbearing. Bass tones are restrained yet authoritative, underlying scenes with an appropriate level of depth and energy when required. Exceptional imaging means that even the most aggressive effects traverse fluidly across the soundstage, effortlessly maintaining detail through the higher pitches without any degradation.

Moreover, the ambient effects and non-directional cues enhance both interior and exterior scenes with sharpness and fluidity, creating an eerily authentic environment. Surrounds add depth with subtle ambient noises and full-bodied acoustics that expand the listening area beyond conventional boundaries. The meticulously layered mix ensures that nothing is lost; from booming thunder to subtle pops, each sound is delivered with resounding clarity and precision. The lush sound design of "Coraline" stands as a reference-quality benchmark, truly bringing the fantastical elements of the film to life through an immersive and enchanting auditory experience.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Coraline" offer a comprehensive and engaging deep dive into the film's production and artistic endeavors. The Audio Commentary, predominantly by Director Henry Selick, with a brief contribution from Composer Bruno Coulais, is rich with insights into the adaptation process, character choice, and technical aspects of animation and 3D effects. Selick's enthusiasm and detail-oriented narratives make it a valuable listen despite its fast pace. The Making of Coraline is a thorough 10-part featurette detailing various elements, from story evolution to character design, voice acting, puppet creation, and set construction. Additional features include Deleted Scenes, each introduced by Selick, providing context for their exclusion, and Voicing the Characters, a closer look at the voice actors’ work. The Creepy Coraline segment focuses on animation techniques for the film’s more fantastical elements. Supplementary options like BD-Live and D-Box round out the offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais on the film’s production.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of six excised scenes introduced by Henry Selick.
• Making of Coraline: A 10-part featurette exploring all aspects of production.
• Voicing the Characters: Behind-the-scenes look at voice recording sessions.
• Creepy Coraline: Examination of animation techniques and props.
• BD-Live: Online bonus content.
• D-Box: Motion control support for compatible systems.

Henry Selick’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel, "Coraline," masterfully combines elements of a children's fairy tale with atmospheric horror. The film is a poignant story about Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning), a young and curious girl who discovers a parallel universe that at first appears to be an ideal version of her own reality. As the seemingly utopian world reveals its dark underpinnings—with the unsettling presence of other-world parents having buttons for eyes—Coraline must summon all her courage and ingenuity to save herself and her family. The film effortlessly captures the eerie line between fantasy and reality, maintaining a thematic coherence that is both entertaining and thought-provoking for viewers of all ages.

The stop-motion animation is spectacular, richly detailed, and seamlessly executed, ensuring a visually engaging experience. The film's 3D presentation raises the technical bar even higher; the depth and sharpness in 1080p resolution add significant immersive quality to this already enchanting tale. Universal's Blu-ray edition excels in terms of clarity and sound quality, offering a mesmerizing lossless soundtrack that accentuates the eerie atmosphere. The inclusion of both 2D and 3D versions on a single disc, supplemented by DVD and digital copies, makes this edition future-proof and accessible across various media platforms.

Beyond its technical prowess, "Coraline" stands out as a modern-day fairy tale, blending the surreal and grotesque to compelling effect. While it's marketed as a children's film, its darker themes and visually intense sequences make it more suitable for older children and adults seeking a more nuanced animated experience. The narrative is conveyed without relying on heavy exposition; characters are organically developed through their actions and environments, ensuring a fast-paced yet deeply engaging storyline. This Blu-ray release includes valuable extras such as an insightful commentary by Selick, which offers a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the film's unique 3D effects and artistic choices.

"Coraline" delivers a beautifully dark and alluringly peculiar narrative, masterfully merging wonderful animation, well-developed characters, and profound themes on the importance of coping with reality. Henry Selick's direction, paired with Neil Gaiman's imaginative story, offers a film that is both visually stunning and narratively captivating. The excellent voice cast breathes life into characters that exist in a vividly detailed and hauntingly beautiful world, making the film a must-see for mature viewers who can appreciate its deeper messages within the context of its bleak yet mesmerizing visual presentation.

The Blu-ray 3D release of "Coraline" is technically impressive, featuring superb picture quality that maintains its allure despite a few minor drawbacks. The high-resolution audio enhances the immersive experience, ensuring that every detail, from the smallest whisper to the grandest musical score, is delivered with clarity and depth. The supplemental package, while missing U-Control and My Scenes, remains comprehensive and adds significant value to the release. This version stands out as an essential addition for 3D enthusiasts and fans of the film alike.

In conclusion, "Coraline" in 3D on Blu-ray is an outstanding package that combines a compelling story, stunning visuals, and an excellent technical presentation. While it may not cater to younger audiences due to its genuinely terrifying narrative, it provides a rich and rewarding experience for mature viewers. This release is highly recommended for those willing to explore the mesmerizing world of "Coraline" in three dimensions, offering an enriching cinematic experience that is both visually and emotionally profound.