The Last Unicorn 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Last Unicorn," released by Shout! Studios, is a meticulously crafted visual upgrade from previous releases. This edition features a 4K scan of the original 35mm interpositive, maintaining the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and supporting HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The vibrant color palette truly stands out; the neon hues and deep blacks are especially enhanced by HDR's subtle yet impactful application, offering a visually engaging experience. The interpositive scan, despite some minor imperfections such as print debris and occasional speckles, results in a near-perfect transfer that enhances the rich animations with crisp line art and a striking background.

The notable preservation of the natural film grain is a highlight of this release. By avoiding digital noise reduction, the integrity of the original hand-drawn animation is maintained, providing a nostalgic, filmic look that respects its original creation method. The bitrate, primarily ranging between 60 and 90Mbps, ensures that the detailed textures in backgrounds and simple animation lines appear wonderfully preserved. The color grading, benefiting from high dynamic range imaging, showcases a wide array of hues—from rich reds to tranquil blues and greens—which are more vivid than ever before.

Overall, the new 2160p UHD 4K transfer successfully conveys the intended artistic vision of the film, ensuring that the handcrafted nature of its cel animation remains vibrant. Despite some minimal dirt specs on the print, these unobtrusive elements contribute to an authentic viewing experience that captures the essence of its initial photochemical finish. This 4K release provides an essential quality for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional presentation of this classic animated film.

The audio presentation of "The Last Unicorn" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray release is exemplary, offering robust lossless audio options in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0. The 5.1 track is particularly noteworthy for its expansive and immersive surround sound experience, bringing depth to ambient noise and special sound effects, such as the evocative ocean waves. Dialogue is consistently clear and crisp across both tracks, ensuring easy intelligibility, complemented by the presence of English SDH subtitles. For audiophiles, the balance and clarity offered in the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track provide a focused experience that aligns closely with the film's original Dolby Stereo release, with a perceptible emphasis on music and score.

The audio restoration work done for this edition stands out, especially when compared to earlier censored releases. Shout Factory has meticulously preserved the integrity of the original audio elements, ensuring a presentation free from previously altered content. The music, particularly the evocative score by Jimmy Webb and songs by the rock band America, is rendered beautifully, highlighted as one of the release’s standout features. The nuanced support for these musical components is crucial, adding significant emotional depth to the film's narrative.

Overall, whether opting for the surround dynamics of the 5.1 track or the faithful representation of the 2.0 track, this release offers a superior audio experience that fully complements the visual remastering efforts. This meticulous attention to audio detail satisfactorily elevates "The Last Unicorn" to new heights, aligning it with contemporary audio standards while retaining fidelity to its original charm.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "The Last Unicorn" provide a mixture of nostalgic and insightful content, although not all features from past releases were included. The standout addition is a new interview with writer Peter S. Beagle, offering fresh insights into his experience and reflections on the film. While the set includes some core extras, such as animated storyboards and a Q&A session with Beagle, key supplements from previous versions, like certain audio commentaries and featurettes, are noticeably absent. Despite its streamlined selection, the package serves as a valuable compilation for both long-time fans and newcomers interested in exploring the film's history further.

Extras included in this disc:

• Profile of Writer Peter S. Beagle: A new interview with the author.
• True Magic (Redux): The Story of The Last Unicorn: Condensed documentary on making the film.
• Q&A with Peter S. Beagle: Session footage with the writer.
• Animated Storyboards: Early artwork from the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A glimpse at the film’s original promotion.

"The Last Unicorn" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a nostalgic journey into the golden age of hand-drawn animation, masterfully produced by Rankin/Bass and animated by Topcraft. This 1982 classic, adapted from Peter S. Beagle's novel, merges American storytelling with Japanese animation artistry, presenting a visually enchanting experience. The film's distinct animation, characterized by its raw and evocative aesthetic, remains appealing and relevant, especially for fans of early Studio Ghibli influences. Editors and animators succeeded in crafting a seamless narrative flow while maintaining the authentic charm of 1980s animation.

The film captivates with its tale of a female unicorn, voiced by Mia Farrow, on a quest to discover if she is indeed the last of her kind. Accompanied by Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes), her journey through a world threatened by the fearsome Red Bull and malevolent King Haggard (Christopher Lee), transitions into an emotional exploration of identity and humanity. When transformed into Lady Amalthea, the unicorn's experiences with love and loss add depth, making this fairy tale resonate with both children and adults. Jeff Bridges' portrayal of Prince Lir offers a romantic dimension that complements the fantasy elements effectively.

Musically, "The Last Unicorn" is enriched by rock band America's contributions, adding an enchanting layer to the film's storytelling. The musical score, enhanced by the London Symphony Orchestra, provides a captivating backdrop to this timeless narrative. Despite some critiques of voice performances, particularly Christopher Lee's underutilization, the cast delivers a memorable auditory experience. With its detailed animation and heartfelt story, "The Last Unicorn" stands as a cherished classic for both animation enthusiasts and those seeking a timeless fantasy experience.

"The Last Unicorn" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a remarkable release that honors the legacy of this beloved animated classic. The film's mesmerizing hand-drawn animation, stunning even after four decades, continues to captivate diverse audiences. This new release from Shout Studios boasts a masterful restoration that preserves the film’s original charm, with an interpositive scan that accentuates the naturally filmic presentation and intact grain structure. The audio quality, enhanced with DTS-HD MA 5.1, complements the beautiful visuals with a rich soundscape, including evocative songs by rock group America.

Though the release features a commendable selection of extras, it falls short by not including previously available audio commentaries, which long-time collectors might miss. Nevertheless, the supplementary materials provided are engaging enough to enhance the viewing experience. The Steelbook edition offers a visually appealing package, which, despite its lack of comprehensive extras, still earns high praise for retaining the essential charm of the original production. The story’s enduring appeal, aided by narrative contributions from animators with a pedigree linked to Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli, helps maintain this film's status as a timeless classic.

In conclusion, "The Last Unicorn" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a must-own for both new viewers and dedicated fans. While some may be disappointed by the absence of certain bonus features, the exceptional video and audio restoration make this edition a standout representation of this treasured animation. Its enchanting story and celebrated music secure its place as an essential addition to any animation aficionado’s collection. Highly Recommended.