The Last Unicorn 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Last Unicorn" by Shout Factory delivers an impressive upgrade from previous editions, showcasing the animation in its full glory. Utilizing a 4K scan of the original 35mm interpositive and presented in HEVC / H.265 within the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, this transfer breathes new life into the hand-drawn animated panels. Colors are deep and rich, with HDR10 and Dolby Vision pushing the warm neon shades to pop vibrantly off the screen. Black levels are deep and inky, enhancing the overall visual depth without any overzealous digital noise reduction (DNR) or manipulation. Film grain is beautifully preserved, providing a textured, authentic cinematic experience reminiscent of an original 35mm print.

Despite its near-perfect status, the presentation exhibits minor flaws, such as occasional specks of dirt and slight wear on the print. These imperfections, however, do not detract significantly from the overall quality. The subtle yet effective high-dynamic-range (HDR) implementation plays a critical role in enriching the visual experience, making the animation more engaging. The crisp line art and background animation benefit immensely from the 4K clarity, pushing this release to be a strong contender for the best home media presentation of "The Last Unicorn." The naturally filmic grain and enhanced detail solidify this as the definitive version for animation enthusiasts seeking superior visual fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Last Unicorn" presents a refined and meticulously crafted audio experience with the inclusion of both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless audio tracks. The clarity and precision of the lossless audio quality are immediately evident, with crisp dialogue reproduction and exceptional handling of the soundtrack. The score, featuring music by the rock band America, is particularly well represented, providing an immersive and engaging soundscape that significantly enhances the overall presentation.

The surround sound mix adds depth to the audio design, enveloping the listener in a more robust soundstage than previous releases. This improvement is likely attributable to the new 4K interpositive restoration, which seems to have breathed new life into the audio elements. The preservation of remastered audio with its original integrity intact, as opposed to earlier censored versions, is another noteworthy aspect. Shout Factory's commitment to maintaining the original audio elements from their previous Blu-ray edition ensures that fans are treated to an authentic and unadulterated soundtrack, enhancing the nostalgic and timeless appeal of this classic film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Last Unicorn" comes loaded with intriguing and comprehensive extras that enrich the nostalgic experience. Highlighting the meticulous restoration effort, the supplemental materials provide a wide range of content, from in-depth interviews to animated storyboards. Significantly, Shout! Studios corrected long-standing audio issues found in previous DVD and Blu-ray releases, ensuring an unaltered and comprehensive audio experience. Despite the absence of commentaries from previous editions, the included extras sufficiently encapsulate the charm and legacy of this iconic film. Picture quality is exemplary, boasting a vibrant 4K scan with accurate color representation and well-maintained film grain, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Profile of Writer Peter S. Beagle: An interview featuring insights from the writer.
• True Magic (Redux): The Story of The Last Unicorn: A thorough exploration of the film's creation.
• Q&A with Peter S. Beagle: A question and answer session with the author.
• Animated Storyboards: Initial drafts and visual concepts for the animation.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

"The Last Unicorn" stands as an exemplary piece of hand-drawn animation, masterfully produced by Rankin/Bass Productions in collaboration with Japanese studios Topcraft and ITC Films. This 1982 adaptation of Peter S. Beagle’s enchanting novel unveils a timeless fantasy that has captivated audiences for over four decades. The film’s rich, evocative animation is achieved under the guidance of Toru Hara, a noted figure whose team later became instrumental in Studio Ghibli's early works. The fluid and surreal quality of the animation provides an immersive experience, enhanced by meticulous production design from Arthur Rankin Jr. and cinematic expertise from Hiroyasu Omoto.

Mia Farrow brings elegance and nuance to her role as the titular unicorn, further complemented when she transitions into Lady Amalthea. Her journey to ascertain whether she truly is the last unicorn in existence forms the crux of the narrative, enriched with a memorable voice cast including Alan Arkin as Schmendrick the magician and Christopher Lee as the malevolent King Haggard. The plot engages with elements of Grimm-like fairy tales entwined with a distinctive 1980s charm. The peril brought upon by the Red Bull, allied with King Haggard’s dark ambitions, creates an unsettling yet gripping tension.

Musically, the film is adorned with melodious compositions by Jimmy Webb and captivating songs by rock band America. These auditory elements elevate the emotional landscape of "The Last Unicorn," making it still resonate powerfully. Edited with precision by Tomoko Kida, the film’s pacing keeps viewers engrossed without a moment wasted. The screenplay, adapted by Beagle himself, seamlessly marries allegory with straightforward storytelling, appealing to both children and adults alike. Directors Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. have crafted a nostalgic yet timeless tale that remains an enduring classic in the realm of animated cinema.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Last Unicorn" by Shout Studios is a must-see for both long-time enthusiasts and new viewers alike. This animated classic, featuring stunning hand-drawn animation and a compelling story, has continued to captivate audiences for over four decades. The film's evocative soundtrack by the rock group America adds further charm, making it an even more memorable experience. Crafted with contributions from animators who would later work with Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, the animation style remains timeless and unique.

This release boasts a meticulous new restoration from the interpositive, delivering a naturally filmic presentation while preserving the original film grain. The 4K scan is superb, providing enhanced clarity and depth compared to previous releases. Audio options include DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0, ensuring an immersive auditory experience whether you prefer surround sound or stereo. This Shout Studios edition also comes with a selection of special features, though it's worth noting the absence of previously available audio commentaries.

In conclusion, I know I’m going to get in trouble from my wife here, but I think that "The Last Unicorn" is a great flick and have to rate it a 4.5/5 film (she would turn her nose up at my rating and tell me in no uncertain terms that this is a 6/5 rated film, and show me her list of signed and autographed copies of the book, Blu-ray, DVD and picture she took with Peter Beagle himself as proof of that). It’s got a wonderful mix of raw and non-traditional animation styles for the day, and somehow manages to still captivate people over 42 years later. Shout Studios' release is fantastic, with a new master for the 4K UHD disc and a slight bump up in quality of the Blu-ray over the old Lionsgate release. Great Watch.

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Alan Arkin, Christopher Lee, Keenan Wynn
Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Written by: Jeff Nichols
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 HEVC
Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH
Studio: Shout Studios
Rated: G
Runtime: 93 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: August 20th 2024

Recommendation: Great Watch