ParaNorman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "ParaNorman" delivers an impressive visual experience. Utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding at a resolution of 1080p with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, it closely resembles the 2012 release, providing a remarkable level of clarity and detail. The disc maintains deep inky blacks, offering fantastic shadow depth without loss of detail or crushing. Stop-motion animation benefits from the detailed textures and vibrant color palette, presenting strong blues, purples, reds, and greens. The movie's Halloween-themed hues are a highlight, with rich saturation and compelling image depth, although the upgrade over the original release is marginal.

The presentation showcases exceptional color saturation and stable contrast, with the bitrate slightly higher, averaging about 15mbps more than the previous edition. A notable aspect is the pronounced depth in the 2D presentation, achieving smooth motion in stop-motion sequences without video noise. The nuanced delineation maintains the intended visual style, including soft pastel colors for interior shots against more pronounced garish Halloween tones during key sequences. Though moments of banding occur briefly, particularly when Norman navigates the Penderghast house, these are minimal and do not detract from the overall quality.

In summary, while the visual updates over the original 2012 Blu-ray are subtle and likely only perceptible to discerning viewers, the transfer remains impressive with high detail and excellent texture representation. Future enhancements beyond this level seem reserved for a potential 4K Ultra HD release. Until then, this Blu-ray exemplifies how little improvements can still enhance an already stellar presentation of Laika's unique animated film.

The audio presentation of the "ParaNorman" Blu-ray utilizes the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, a carryover from the original 2012 release. Despite the absence of more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, this track remains a solid performer. It boasts an expansive sound field characterized by immersive surround activity and dynamic low-end frequencies that elevate the eerie atmosphere of the film. As the narrative transitions from subtle to intense with its supernatural occurrences, the bass and low-frequency elements significantly heighten the drama, particularly during climactic confrontations like the one with Agatha the Witch.

The mix is praised for its exemplary surround sound engagement, enveloping the audience with spooky effects and directional cues that enhance the viewing experience. The front speakers provide a pleasing push for musical scores, showcasing sharp instrumentation and maintaining clarity in dialogue delivery. The soundscape achieves a balance between music, vocals, and sound effects, ensuring each aspect gets its moment to shine without overshadowing others. Throughout the movie, ethereal sounds swirl around, and ghostly dialogue remains distinct and clear, capturing performance nuances effectively.

While an object-based audio format could have augmented the already compelling experience, especially in heightening ethereal sound effects, the current DTS-HD MA mix remains robust. Employing DTS Neural:X can further enrich the soundstage for those inclined towards experimenting with additional spacing. Overall, this audio track provides a fittingly creepy and engaging auditory backdrop for "ParaNorman," offering plenty of spooky thrills and spirited dynamics that make full use of all six channels in the system.

The Blu-ray release of "ParaNorman" by Laika and Shout! Factory presents a comprehensive suite of extras that delve deeply into the meticulous artistry behind the film. Highlighted by engaging feature-length storyboards, viewers gain an in-depth understanding of the animation process, from concept to execution. The disc includes insightful commentaries, notably the audio commentary from directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell, which provides a detailed narrative of the film's creation. The bonus features like "Inside Laika" and "Peering Through the Veil” showcase interviews with key members of the team, offering a rare look at both technical achievements and human stories that contribute to this stop-motion marvel. The inclusion of new featurettes and test footage reinforces the studio's commitment to providing value to viewers by preserving the legacy of the film while introducing fresh perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-Length Storyboards: Early version through drawings.
• Inside LAIKA: Production overview and technical achievements.
• Peering Through the Veil: Making-of featurettes.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Chris Butler and Sam Fell.
• You Don’t Become a Hero by Being Normal: Crew's personal connections.
• A Normal Childhood: Chris Butler’s childhood reflections.
• Playing as a Profession: Sam Fell’s wonder with animation.
• Making Norman: Timelapse of puppet creation.
• This Little Light: Lamp-making for a library scene.
• Have You Ever Seen a Ghost?: Laika employees on the paranormal.
• The Zombies of ParaNorman: Focus on undead characters.
• Still Galleries & Trailer: Artworks and promotional material.

"ParaNorman," Laika Studios' second venture following "Coraline," successfully merges the worlds of stop-motion animation and horror. While slightly more mainstream than its predecessors, this film is an intricate homage to classic horror cinema, interwoven with humor and a tale of acceptance. The narrative centers on Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee), a young boy who communicates with the dead, much to the disbelief of his family and peers. His routine is upended when his eccentric uncle (John Goodman) entrusts him with halting an age-old witch's curse that threatens to unleash a zombie apocalypse. The story unfolds in an engaging medley of horror tropes and playful macabre elements, positioning it as an untraditional horror-comedy suitable for young audiences.

Visually, "ParaNorman" excels with its rich, detailed stop-motion animation that creates an inviting autumnal atmosphere—a perfect setting for supernatural occurrences. Directors Sam Fell and Chris Butler effectively craft a dark yet whimsical setting, blending exaggerated character designs and meticulous sets that captivate viewers. Despite some pacing issues, where the climax appears prematurely, the film's visual grandeur maintains viewer engagement, offering continuous visual treats and action-packed sequences reminiscent of classic adventure tales.

The voice cast delivers compelling performances, with standout roles by Anna Kendrick and Casey Affleck, adding depth and humor to this eccentric crew. The film shines as an ode to horror enthusiasts while doubling as a heartfelt coming-of-age story about embracing one's uniqueness. "ParaNorman" not only celebrates horror genre classics through its knowing nods but also elevates them with inventive storytelling and animation. This expertly crafted narrative makes "ParaNorman" a compelling piece for both children and adults, celebrating a timeless Halloween spirit.

The Blu-ray release of "ParaNorman" by Shout! Factory offers a fresh revisit to this beloved animated film, though it largely mirrors the 2012 Universal release in terms of audio and visual quality. Featuring a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, the technical presentation remains robust, although not dramatically different from its predecessor. The new edition does bring enticing new artwork and a variety of engaging bonus features that make it appealing for collectors or those new to the film.

"ParaNorman" is lauded for its unique blend of humor and horror, adeptly balanced to cater to both younger audiences and animation aficionados. While some tonal inconsistencies are evident—shifting from lighthearted comedy to more somber themes involving witches and zombies—the screenplay's originality and captivating character design sustain viewer interest. Its playful nods to classic horror elements coupled with vivid widescreen visuals create an engaging cinematic experience that enriches the emotional depth and comedic beats of the story.

In conclusion, "ParaNorman" stands out not only in the realm of stop-motion animation but animation as a whole, praised for its creativity and accessibility. This Shout! Factory release, while not essential for those already owning the previous disc, is a worthwhile update for LAIKA enthusiasts and newcomers, thanks to the additional features. Its comedic horror formula makes it a delightful watch for families and horror buffs alike, recommending it as a valuable addition to any Blu-ray collection.