Isle of Dogs Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of Isle of Dogs is an exemplary showcase of high-definition animation. The film, captured using the Canon EOS digital camera system at a 5.6K resolution, and later finished with a 2K digital master, is remarkably detailed despite the absence of a 4K UHD release. The intricate details of Trash Island and the intimate textural details of characters' clothing and faces are rendered with astonishing precision. The image boasts remarkable sharpness, ensuring every fine nuance, from fur textures to the unique visual elements of each puppet, is superbly defined. Colors are vibrant and warm, aligning with Wes Anderson’s distinctive palette which ranges from moody autumn hues to striking primary splashes. Black levels are deep and inky, providing superb shadow detail without any signs of crush or digital artifacts.

The Blu-ray's AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1 aspect ratio delivers an outstanding viewing experience, faultlessly capturing Anderson's meticulous attention to detail. The color fidelity is impeccable, with a rich reproduction that matches the original source material. Each character’s unique physical characteristics are readily discernible, enhancing their lifelike quality and emotional expressiveness. The contrast is well-balanced, with bright, punchy whites and dynamic blacks contributing to the overall depth and dimensionality of the image. Even in scenes filled with potentially straining elements like extreme color saturation and densely packed objects, the presentation remains clear and precise, free of compression anomalies or artifacts. This resplendent and polished Blu-ray release undeniably reflects the visual grandeur that Isle of Dogs is celebrated for.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-Ray of "Isle of Dogs" is an outstanding blend of subtle acoustics and detailed surround sound. While not the most dynamically powerful mix, it excels in its meticulous placement of ambient noises throughout the soundstage, especially emphasizing the various discrete sounds on Trash Island. The front channels are effectively used, with panning noises offering a nuanced low-frequency extension, and directionality that enhances the overall listening experience. Dialogue remains crystal clear and naturally centered, ensuring clean reproduction with mild dynamic range that captivates more prominently in quieter moments.

Fox’s lossless audio presentation features high-level detail across dialogue, sound effects, bass, and music. The surround mix employs well-balanced audio that fills the room aptly when called for, with discrete effects creating a vividly immersive atmosphere. One highlight is the film’s score by Alexandre Desplat, which is uniformly excellent and complements the narrative superbly. In quieter sequences, environmental sounds such as rustling winds and creaking garbage enrich the background, demonstrating the track's intricate detailing and spatial imaging capabilities. The absence of an Atmos or DTS:X mix leaves little room for improvement—this DTS-HD MA track is a technical marvel perfectly suited to Wes Anderson’s distinctive cinematic style.

The Blu-ray extras for "Isle of Dogs" offer a compact but enjoyable array of behind-the-scenes glimpses and interviews, encapsulating the film’s intricate craftsmanship. While the content falls on the shorter side, each featurette provides a fascinating, albeit brief, look into the production's various aspects. Highlights include cast interviews and animator insights, which showcase the meticulous work involved in bringing the charming stop-motion universe to life. However, the package lacks depth, leaving enthusiasts yearning for more comprehensive coverage that is likely reserved for a future Criterion Collection release. The inclusion of a still gallery and theatrical trailer rounds out the offering, providing a small yet entertaining peek into the film’s creative journey.

Extras included in this disc:

Animators: Insights from the animators discussing their work on the film.

Isle of Dogs Cast Interviews: Engaging interviews with the cast about their characters.

Puppets: Examination of the detailed work required to animate the puppets.

An Ode to Dogs: Discussion on how the film celebrates dogs.

Megasaki City and Trash Island: A look at the creation of the film's unique settings.

Weather and Elements: Explanation of how environments were crafted for the film.

Image Gallery: Promotional photos featuring cast and characters.

Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for theatrical release.

Wes Anderson’s "Isle of Dogs" is a meticulously crafted stop-motion animated film that invites viewers into a quirky yet heartfelt futuristic Japan. Marking Anderson's second foray into stop-motion, the film is set in a dystopian society plagued by a canine flu, leading to the exile of all dogs to the desolate Trash Island. The plot centers around young Atari Kobayashi (Koyu Rankin) who bravely ventures to the island to rescue his loyal dog Spots (Liev Schreiber). He is aided by a group of endearing dogs voiced by an ensemble cast including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum. Utilizing a laidback, road-trip style narrative, the film focuses more on character interactions and self-discovery than merely advancing through plot points.

The film’s unique animation style, described as nostalgic yet modern, beautifully complements Anderson's signature meticulousness and whimsy. It leverages retro stop-motion techniques enhanced with computer animation to create a vibrant yet gritty world teeming with intricate details. The narrative is supported by a stellar voice cast that breathes life into the diverse canine characters. Bryan Cranston and Edward Norton stand out with exceptional performances, while Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, and Frances McDormand contribute to memorable supporting roles. The Japanese setting and stylistic influences from filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa enrich the film’s cultural tapestry, further enhanced by a score that blends traditional Japanese music with Western sensibilities.

"Isle of Dogs" manages to weave dark themes with humor and wit, presenting poignant commentary on contemporary issues such as isolationism and propaganda. Anderson’s penchant for detailed storytelling shines through vignettes that highlight individual characters without disturbing the film’s pacing. The humor remains sharp and dry, appealing to both adults and older children, although some intense scenes may not be suitable for younger viewers. Ultimately, "Isle of Dogs" is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film that balances its whimsicality with deeper sociopolitical undertones, making it another standout addition to Anderson’s illustrious filmography.

Wes Anderson's "Isle of Dogs" is a masterstroke of stop-motion animation that encapsulates his unique storytelling style, blending charm, humor, and poignancy. The film, a heartwarming homage to our canine companions while also exploring themes like immigration and anti-science ideologies, stands as a distinctive offering in modern cinema. Its visual execution is stunning, serving as an incredible visual feast for viewers. The amalgamation of various animation techniques contributes to an immersive viewing experience that captures Anderson's whimsical yet deeply touching narrative.

20th Century Fox has outdone itself with this Blu-ray release, delivering near-flawless technical excellence. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio ensures a crisp and richly detailed image, enhancing the intricacies of the stop-motion art. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix further elevates the experience, offering a sonic landscape that complements the film’s visual splendor. However, the disc falls short in the supplementary material department, with a somewhat sparse selection of extras that leaves room for improvement.

The lingering feeling watching "Isle of Dogs" is the endearing sweetness of the film. It’s this sensation of kindness and heartfelt love that weaves its way throughout the film, and the sensation lasts after the film has ended as well. There’s a lot to dig through and peel back upon further viewings, but the initial watch will most likely leave the viewer with a warm and fuzzy feeling, which then expands to a deeper appreciation of some of the interpersonal relationships upon further reflection. Once again, Fox’s Blu-ray is near impeccable, with the only caveat being the notable lack of extras on the disc. Other than that, this is a must-watch film for people of all ages and one of my favorite movies of the year.

Technical Specifications:

• Starring: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum
• Directed by: Wes Anderson
• Written by: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Kunichi Nomura
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
• Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1, Spanish, French DD 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• Rated: PG-13
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• Blu-Ray Release Date: June 17th, 2018

Recommendation: Must Watch