The Last Unicorn 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout! Studios' 4K UHD release of "The Last Unicorn" is a standout example of high-quality video restoration. The film is presented in HEVC / H.265 in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, with a new 4K scan of the original 35mm interpositive. This meticulous scan results in a significant upgrade over previous Blu-ray releases, showcasing crisp line art and enhanced background details. The inclusion of both HDR10 and Dolby Vision further enriches the visual presentation, offering a subtle but highly effective enhancement to the already vibrant color palette. Deep blacks and warm neon hues invigorate the screen, adding layers of depth and richness to the hand-drawn animation.

Technical excellence is evident in this release, particularly in the preservation of natural film grain, which lends an authentic, filmic texture to the animation without overzealous digital noise reduction (DNR). There are minor imperfections, such as occasional specks of dirt and light print debris, but these are minimal and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The average bitrate fluctuates between 60 and 90Mbps, maintaining a mostly stable image with only minor frame shifts that are inherent to the original animation.

Despite not being sourced from the original camera negative, this transfer does justice to the second-generation element, presenting a clean and vibrant display. The high-dynamic-range (HDR) implementation stands out by enhancing contrasts and deepening shadows without compromising on details. These technical details collectively make this 4K UHD edition a near-perfect visual delight and an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the film's traditional cel animation in its most authentic form.

The audio presentation of "The Last Unicorn" on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release is exceptionally well-crafted, maintaining a balance between clarity and immersion. The release offers lossless audio options in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0. The dialogue reproduction is precise and clear, while the soundtrack, featuring songs from the rock band America, stands out as a remarkable component, benefiting greatly from the top-rate lossless audio track. Compared to earlier home media releases, the audio quality has seen a substantial boost, potentially due to the new 4K interpositive restoration that enhances the soundstage.

The English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track offers a faithful representation of the film's original Dolby Stereo release, showcasing a finer balance between various elements such as dialogue, music, and sound effects. This 2.0 track is more concise and focused, delivering a tighter multi-channel experience, whereas the 5.1 track provides an expansive surround sound that effectively enhances the audio design, creating an enveloping soundstage. Additionally, the previously censored audio elements from early releases have been wisely corrected by Shout Factory and preserved in their original form in this edition, ensuring that fans experience the film as originally intended.

Overall, both audio tracks on this release deliver superior audio fidelity and immersive qualities that greatly complement the visual upgrades of the 4K restoration. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles further supports accessibility and ensures that all viewers can enjoy the lush audio landscape of "The Last Unicorn."

The 4K UHD release of "The Last Unicorn" provides a commendable range of extras, albeit not without some noticeable omissions compared to previous editions. This package is strengthened by new content, such as an insightful profile of writer Peter S. Beagle, which serves as an engaging supplement to the film's legacy. However, some significant features found in earlier releases, like the full True Magic documentary and valuable audio commentaries, are missing. Additionally, interactive content and extensive galleries from past DVD and Blu-ray sets didn't make the cut. Nonetheless, the extras present add meaningful value, especially for fans and collectors, despite a few gaps in comprehensiveness.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Profile of Writer Peter S. Beagle: An interview with the esteemed author.
• True Magic (Redux): The Story of The Last Unicorn: A documentary exploring the film's creation.
• Q&A with Peter S. Beagle: A session where the writer addresses various questions.
• Animated Storyboards: Illustrative story sequences from the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

"The Last Unicorn" is an animated film that stands as a paragon of 1980s hand-drawn animation, co-produced by Rankin/Bass Productions in collaboration with Japanese studio Topcraft and ITC Films. Adapted from Peter S. Beagle's novel, the film captivates with a charming narrative and stunning visual artistry, supported by a stellar voice cast including Mia Farrow, Christopher Lee, and Jeff Bridges. The story follows a female unicorn (voiced by Farrow), who ventures out to discover if she truly is the last of her kind. Her journey unfolds as she encounters malevolent entities like the Red Bull and King Haggard, along with allies such as the bumbling magician Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes). The unfolding narrative is enriched by the enchanting score composed by Jimmy Webb and iconic songs by the band America.

The animation stands out as a masterclass in hand-drawn artistry, with Topcraft delivering breathtaking visuals under the guidance of former Toei Animation animator Toru Hara—who later contributed to Studio Ghibli. This Japanese influence imbues the film with a unique aesthetic that combines timeless fairy tale elements with a contemporary 1980s charm. Edited by Tomoko Kida, the film displays a well-paced structure that enhances its vivid storytelling. The production design by Arthur Rankin Jr. and cinematography by Hiroyasu Omoto further elevate the visual experience, ensuring no scene overstays its welcome while maintaining an energy-filled flow.

The voice performances are noteworthy, with each actor bringing depth and character to their roles. Mia Farrow excellently captures the ethereal essence of the unicorn-turned-Lady Amalthea, while Christopher Lee's portrayal of King Haggard adds a menacing tone, albeit slightly less dynamic compared to his live-action roles. The soundtrack is evocative and hypnotic, blending stringed instruments, melodic pop songs by America, and contributions from the London Symphony Orchestra, thus adding layers to the surrealistic and haunting atmosphere of the film. Overall, "The Last Unicorn" remains an animated gem that combines compelling storytelling with unforgettable visual and auditory artistry.

"The Last Unicorn" remains a timeless animated classic, captivating audiences with its enchanting storyline and remarkable hand-drawn animation. The new 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Shout Studios features a stunning restoration that preserves the film's natural grain, delivering an authentic, filmic presentation. The 1.85:1 HEVC aspect ratio offers clear, crisp visuals, further emphasized by the DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio tracks that enhance the viewing experience with superior sound quality. Featuring voice work from a stellar cast including Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, and Christopher Lee, this edition strikes a fine balance between preserving nostalgic value and offering modern enhancements.

This 4K release stands out due to its pristine interpositive scan, which significantly elevates the visual experience from previous editions. Though slightly lacking in bonus materials compared to older releases, the included supplements still provide valuable insights and enrich the overall package. Notably, contributions from animators who later worked with Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki add a layer of cultural significance to this already esteemed film. The soundtrack by rock group America continues to delight and complements the enduring charm of the story.

In conclusion, "The Last Unicorn" in its new 4K UHD format is a must-own for longtime fans and newcomers alike. While some may lament the absence of certain bonus materials, the enhanced picture quality and faithful audio restoration make this release a top-tier choice. I wholeheartedly rate it 4.5/5 and strongly recommend it as a great watch for anyone who appreciates rich storytelling and classic animation.

Technical Specifications:
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Alan Arkin, Christopher Lee
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