A Monster Calls Blu-ray Review

"A Monster Calls" receives an exceptional 1080p HD transfer presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, delivering a visually compelling experience. The film employs a highly stylized visual design with a restrained color palette primarily consisting of dark blues, grays, blacks, and occasional bursts of crimson, red, and sepia tones, along with warm golden accents. Black levels are deep and richly defined, crucial given the film’s extensive use of shadowy scenes. The contrast is superb, providing excellent delineation without any loss of detail, even in the darkest areas. The CGI sequences, although sometimes marginally soft, integrate seamlessly with the live-action, ensuring a consistent visual narrative that is both polished and detailed.

The film’s digital origins yield a mildly soft but visually stable presentation, reminiscent of traditional film texture. Close-ups reveal intricate details such as individual hairs and fine stitching on wardrobes, while wider shots maintain their clarity without any noticeable loss except during some heavier CGI moments. Skin tones are natural, aligning accurately within the intended stylings of the film. Colors, though largely muted and reserved, display commendable vibrancy when required, particularly in the animated sequences which stand out for their bold hues and unique brushstroke technique. Compression artifacts and other digital anomalies are virtually non-existent, maintaining a clean and stable image throughout.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer from Universal showcases "A Monster Calls" in a manner that respects its artistic intentions while ensuring high-definition standards are met. The layers of textural details and rich cinematic qualities offer viewers a deeply immersive visual experience. The technical proficiency in black levels and contrast significantly enhances the film’s atmospheric depth, endorsing this presentation as a top-tier example of Blu-ray video quality.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray "A Monster Calls" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that offers an exemplary auditory experience. The dynamic range is excellent, and the clarity and detail are both rich and precise. Utilizing the surround platform effectively, the track captures subtle background sounds, off-camera cues, and spatial dimensions within the room's acoustic environment. Although discrete rear channel activity isn't extensively employed, when it does come into play, it adds notable immersion and depth. The dialogue is prominently centered and distinctly rendered, while bass, such as that accompanying the booming voice of the monster, is powerfully resonant.

Auditory highlights include intense sequences of sonic chaos during key dream moments and scenes involving the tree monster. These sequences exhibit awe-inspiring bass power and surround activation, capturing sounds of cracking, splintering, and atmospheric elements like blowing winds with lifelike precision. This surround mix balances finely detailed elements, like ambient noises and the emotional score by Fernando Velazquez, to enhance overall immersion. The surround channels are particularly effective in creating a rich and immersive soundscape that complements the film's themes and visual storytelling.

Furthermore, the effects are robust and directional, contributing to an all-encompassing auditory experience. The low end delivers a potent punch without distortion, especially prominent during scenes involving the monster's movements and voice. Music is well-defined and adds to the film’s tone and emotion. Throughout, dialogue remains crisp and free of any artifacts such as pops or hiss. Additionally, intricate details like rustling leaves, and ambient sounds further elevate the immersive quality of this expertly crafted DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix.

The Blu-ray edition of "A Monster Calls" offers an extensive range of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and narrative insights. The disc features two engaging audio commentary tracks, with one spoken in Spanish by director J.A. Bayona and the other in English by writer Patrick Ness, providing detailed behind-the-scenes information on the making of the film, including technical aspects, plot mechanics, and character development. Additionally, the package includes five deleted scenes, which give viewers supplementary narrative context and character interactions that were not part of the final edit. Furthermore, a variety of featurettes explore different facets of the movie’s creation, from storyboarding to casting to the animation processes used to bring the monster to life. A bonus DVD and a digital HD copy are also included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes offering context and background.
• The Making of A Monster Calls: Five-part featurette exploring various aspects of the film's production.
• Making the Tales: Insight into the animation and visual effects behind the film’s tales.
• Audio Commentary: Writer Patrick Ness discusses his writing process for the book and screenplay.
• Audio Commentary: Director J.A. Bayona provides technical details on filming, in Spanish.

"A Monster Calls" masterfully balances profound narrative extremes, merging deep metaphor with stark directness. Directed by J.A. Bayona and adapted from Patrick Ness' novel, the film explores complex themes of grief, loss, and maturation. Young Conor O'Malley, portrayed by Lewis MacDougall, navigates his mother's (Felicity Jones) terminal illness and a tense relationship with his grandmother (Sigourney Weaver). Conor’s artistic escape manifests a towering, sentient tree (voiced by Liam Neeson), which becomes his unexpected guide through this tumultuous period. The film does not shy away from raw emotional intensity, offering an unfiltered depiction of human suffering and resilience.

The narrative cleverly integrates fantastical elements to underline real human conditions. The tree's three stories, rendered in striking animated sequences, echo Conor's own struggles, illustrating themes of loss, love, and resilience. These tales are rich in allegory and visually captivating. Cinematographer Óscar Faura’s slightly softened, darkly hued visuals complement the film's somber tone, while the soundtrack adds an additional layer of emotional depth. Special effects blend seamlessly with intimate storytelling, creating a cohesive cinematic experience. Performances are universally strong, with MacDougall and Neeson particularly standing out for their dynamic interaction and emotional depth.

"A Monster Calls" transcends traditional fantasy, using its mythical elements not as mere spectacle but as meaningful symbols reflecting Conor's internal battles. The film’s examination of life's harsher realities is both poignant and visceral, demanding an emotional engagement from its audience. Director Bayona’s meticulous craftsmanship ensures a balance between the grandiosity of visual effects and the delicate presentation of human emotion, making "A Monster Calls" an absorbing and contemplative cinematic journey. This is a work that intricately ties together grand narratives with intimate, personal moments, ensuring a unique viewing experience that defies conventional entertainment tropes.

"A Monster Calls" encapsulates a harrowing and emotionally charged narrative that delves into the complexities of grief, loss, and acceptance. The film offers an unflinching depiction of life's harsh realities, weaving a dark but hopeful tale that resonates on a deeply personal level. The strong performances bolster the film's emotional weight, successfully drawing viewers into its profoundly moving storyline. Visually, it treats audiences to a stunning blend of expressive fantasy and stark reality, seamlessly brought to life through high-end special effects.

The Blu-ray release from Universal elevates the film’s impact with reference-quality video and 5.1 lossless audio, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The meticulous attention to detail in the visual presentation enhances the movie’s rich, layered cinematography, capturing the essence of its poignant narrative. Auditory elements are equally compelling, with a precise audio mix that adeptly balances dialogue, score, and ambient sounds to create a fully engaging sensory experience. Additionally, while the supplementary content may not be universally captivating, it offers informative insights into the making of the film, making this edition a comprehensive package.

In conclusion, "A Monster Calls" is a masterfully crafted film that explores profound themes with sincerity and depth. Its Universal Blu-ray presentation is exceptional, offering stunning visual and auditory fidelity that does justice to J.A. Bayona's vision. This release is highly recommended for enthusiasts of intensely emotional dramas and admirers of the director’s work.