Kubo and the Two Strings 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Kubo and the Two Strings" by Shout Factory offers an exceptionally vivid visual experience in HEVC/H.265 2160p, maintaining the original aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The release boasts HDR10 and Dolby Vision, enhancing the viewing experience with expanded color fields and deep contrasts. The high dynamic range significantly amplifies the brightness and depth of colors, offering superb color reproduction that enhances every frame. Each scene shines with an impressive clarity not previously attainable, underscoring the film's epic and adventurous nature with a more vivid allure.

Despite being sourced from a 2K Digital Intermediate with CGI elements likely rendered at 2K, this release presents a new 4K restoration under the guidance of LAIKA. This upscaled version excels in detail, enhancing intricate aspects of animation and environment with improved contrast and inky blacks. The Dolby Vision option extends the color gamut considerably, saturating various hues with exceptional depth. The presentation remains free from digital artifacts, ensuring the film's visuals are not only lush but pristine.

The dynamic range achieved through Dolby Vision invigorates "Kubo and the Two Strings", allowing vibrant primaries to flourish authentically. Intensity in black levels is maintained without crush, and brightness highlights add a striking luminance to elements like sunlight and fire. The film’s textures, from paper mache to skin tones, are rendered with impeccable sharpness that captures fine details in every frame. Wide shots and complex CG backdrops retain their vibrancy, while a minor flicker during action scenes is too negligible to detract from the overall breathtaking presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" offers an exemplary Dolby Atmos audio experience, derived from a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD core. This high-resolution, 24-bit track delivers an immersive soundstage, effectively utilizing the surrounds for an engaging auditory presentation. The audio's dynamic range is highlighted in action sequences, where the mix showcases impressive depth and immersion, supported by a robust LFE that adds significant punch to the audio experience. The score, composed by Marianelli, is beautifully reproduced, seamlessly integrating with the film's sound design to enhance the overall impact of the narrative.

In addition to the English Dolby Atmos track, additional options include Spanish, French, and Japanese 5.1 DTS tracks, as well as an English Descriptive Video Service. Subtitle options encompass English SDH, Spanish, and French. The Atmos track shines in opening up spatial opportunities within the overhead speakers, immersing listeners with precise sound effects and a captivating musical backdrop. The audio track ensures dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout. Drums resonate powerfully in the low-end spectrum, effectively utilizing the subwoofer to underscore intense moments of the score and action sequences.

The transition from the standard Blu-ray to this UHD Atmos mix amplifies the soundstage with additional channels, maintaining the fidelity of the original mix while benefiting from newer technology. Although the overhead channels are used conservatively, their presence is noticeably impactful when activated, offering an expanded auditory experience that aligns perfectly with the film's visual excellence. Overall, this release's audio presentation stands out as a definitive enhancement of an already superb sound mix.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" delivers an impressive array of extras that allow both enthusiasts and professionals to delve deeply into the artistic craftsmanship behind this animated creation. Maintaining continuity with Universal’s previous offerings, the supplements include a comprehensive 2016 audio commentary by director and producer Travis Knight, offering rich insights into the production. The exclusives are highlighted by a series of Inside LAIKA featurettes, which reveal the intricate process behind character animation and the challenges faced during production. Despite some content repetition, particularly in "Kubo’s Journey," the six-part exploration remains engaging. This robust package also boasts feature-length storyboards, promotional pieces, and contributions from a diverse crew, including animators, designers, and voice actors, culminating in an enriching experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original 2016 Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by Travis Knight.
• Inside LAIKA Featurettes: Behind-the-scenes on animation and production challenges.
• Kubo’s Journey: Six chapters detailing the film's creation.
• Feature-Length Storyboards: Extensive storyboard presentation.
• Still Galleries: 72 images showcasing character art, concept art, and more.

"Kubo and the Two Strings" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a visually stunning experience, unmatched in its inventive use of stop-motion animation. Produced by Laika, a studio famed for its outstanding craftsmanship, the film combines fantasy and adventure with striking visuals that captivate the viewer from start to finish. With the adept direction of Travis Knight, the narrative unfolds through the voice of Kubo, coupled with impressive performances from a stellar cast, including Charlize Theron and George Takei. The film's central journey is enriched by the dynamic interplay between its characters, such as the compelling bond formed by Kubo with Monkey and Beetle, enhancing both depth and emotional resonance.

The impeccable art direction by Alice Bird creates an imaginative realm, heightened by Nelson Lowry's immersive production design. Every shot underscores meticulous attention to detail, presenting a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. Deborah Cook's costume design further contributes to this brilliance, bringing an ancient aesthetic that elevates the visual storytelling. Laika's dedication to their craft is evident in every frame; the unique animation sets a high bar for modern storytelling.

Frank Passingham's cinematography enriches the film with breathtaking visual scale, while Dario Marianelli's score adds a compelling layer of emotional gravitas and adventure. The poignant script, penned by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler, emphasizes themes such as familial bonds and perseverance. The film incorporates Shinto beliefs on rebirth and continuity, indulging viewers in an exploration of afterlife concepts distinct from Western interpretations. This balance between cultural storytelling and artistic expression positions "Kubo and the Two Strings" as a masterpiece in animation, seamlessly blending familial themes with breathtaking originality in animation.

"Kubo and the Two Strings" stands as a pinnacle of animated filmmaking, harmonizing profound narrative elements with breathtaking visual artistry. This 4K UHD Blu-ray edition provides an exceptional viewing experience, characterized by its vivid 2160p resolution and dynamic HDR enhancement. While some may favor the 3D rendition for its immersive depth, the 4K presentation impresses with its color vibrancy and meticulous detail, making it a must-have for enthusiasts who appreciate refined audio-visual quality. The Dolby Atmos soundstage further complements the vivid visuals, delivering an engaging and enveloping auditory experience.

The supplemental content of this release elevates its value beyond visual and auditory appreciation. It features the insightful 2016 audio commentary from director Travis Knight and producer Arianna Sutner, alongside an array of featurettes from LAIKA Studios. These behind-the-scenes segments, particularly "Confronting the Epic Challenges" and "Character Animation," provide a comprehensive view of the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the filmmaking process. An extensive storyboard collection, promotional materials, and still galleries featuring character and concept art are also included, offering a holistic exploration of the creative journey behind this animated masterpiece.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" is an exemplar of superior production and presentation quality. Its engaging narrative, coupled with outstanding visual and audio fidelity, makes it an indispensable addition to any animation aficionado's collection. The comprehensive supplementary materials enrich the viewing experience, providing deep insights into the intricate artistry and passionate creativity that define this timeless classic. Highly recommended for both new viewers and returning fans alike.