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

Shout Factory's 4K UHD release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" stands as an exemplary showcase of animation, with a remarkable video presentation that capitalizes on the film's digital stop motion artistry. The transfer features native 4K resolution with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, resulting in enhanced color balance and enriched saturation. The intricacies of fine details are distinctly rendered—whether it’s the texture of Kubo’s hair or the intricately animated water effects during the witch sisters' attack. The deep black levels allow for a profound realization of underwater scenes and stylized lighting effects, eliminating common issues such as Blu-ray banding and over-brightness. The HDR application, particularly through Dolby Vision, further extends the color gamut, providing lush hues that are pivotal for the film's diverse environments.

The technical fidelity is superb, as verified by the HEVC/H.265 encoding at 2160p resolution in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. While originating from a 2K Digital Intermediate, the 4K restoration supervised by LAIKA offers substantial depth, delivering a three-dimensional quality to the visuals. Blacks are notably inky and uncrushed, enhancing contrast and supporting a more dynamic range. Colors across the spectrum—reds, greens, blues—pop with an intensity that feels organic and vibrant. Movements remain true to their stop-motion roots, exhibiting confidence and fluidity free from digital artifacts or noise.

Overall, this UHD presentation encapsulates "Kubo and the Two Strings" in an impeccable visual format. From micro-level texture detail to expansive scenic shots, the disc excels in maintaining clarity and engaging its audience with an animated experience like no other, establishing it as a definitive version for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" features an impressive Dolby Atmos audio track, an upgrade from the already stellar 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. This enhancement introduces greater spatial dynamics and a refined clarity that heightens the auditory experience. The Atmos track not only maintains the powerful presence of deep bass and dynamic surrounds but also enhances channel separation, allowing precise localization of sound. The overhead speakers are utilized effectively, adding dimension with immersive effects, notably during the sea battle and climactic sequences. This upgrade offers a slightly more agile and finely tuned audio experience, elevating an already commendable mix to a new level of perfection.

Beyond its technical sophistication, the Dolby Atmos track enriches the movie with additional spatiality, engaging listeners in its vibrant audio tapestry. The inclusion of overhead interactions, crisp sound effects, and a mesmerizing score seamlessly envelops viewers, delivering clear dialogue and robust low-end activity. While English serves as the primary language option in Dolby Atmos (compatible with 7.1 Dolby TrueHD), additional tracks are available in Spanish, French, and Japanese 5.1 DTS. Subtitles are offered in English SDH, Spanish, and French, enhancing accessibility.

The audio presentation boasts dynamic layering and depth, bringing a natural and immersive feel to the film's sound design. The diverse mix carries palpable energy with well-placed soundscapes that convincingly animate the imaginative world of "Kubo." Low-frequency extensions from music scores and action scenes deliver substantial impact, while surround sound elements create engaging ambient effects. Dialogue reproduction is outstanding, offering clear and crisp vocal exchanges that emphasize diction and subtle nuances. This Dolby Atmos track serves as a testament to the film's compelling auditory journey.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kubo and the Two Strings" offers a meticulously curated selection of bonus content that enriches the viewing experience with in-depth insights into the film's production. The extras center around the "Inside LAIKA" features, which provide a compelling exploration into the making of the film, highlighting challenges faced in costume and prop design, and revisiting the intricate puppet work. The comprehensive audio commentary by Director/Producer Travis Knight delivers a thorough examination of the creative processes behind the scenes. "Kubo's Journey" delves into various storytelling aspects divided into six thematic chapters. Meanwhile, the inclusion of feature-length storyboards allows viewers to appreciate the film's visual storytelling from inception to execution. Additional still galleries and promotional materials augment this offering, making it a robust and engaging exploration of Laika's creative mastery.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with Director/Producer Travis Knight.
• Inside LAIKA—Confronting the Epic Challenges of Kubo and the Two Strings: Behind-the-scenes documentary focusing on production challenges.
• Inside LAIKA—Revisiting the Puppets with LAIKA's Animation Team: Reflections on puppet designs from the studio's team.
• Feature-Length Storyboards: Extensive look at storyboard sequences.
• Kubo's Journey: Six-part exploration of the movie's narrative elements.
• Original Featurettes: Various short documentaries covering multiple aspects of production.
• Still Galleries: Collections of character art, concept art, and behind-the-scenes images.
• Trailer: Original promotional material for the film.

"Kubo and the Two Strings" is a marvel of modern stop-motion animation, weaving an intricate tale that balances the boundary between a fantastical adventure and mature thematic elements. Directed by Travis Knight, this film sets a high standard in storytelling and visual splendor. The narrative unfolds through Kubo, a young boy who wields a magical two-stringed instrument, journeying with companions Monkey and Beetle, voiced by Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey respectively. Together, they embark on a quest against the Moon King, played by Ralph Fiennes, in search of magical armor to protect Kubo and discover his legacy.

The animation is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing LAIKA's apex in their craft with detailed environments and fluid character movements. Achieving such intricate clothing animations in stop-motion is commendable, evidencing the meticulous attention to detail that LAIKA is renowned for. Furthermore, the film delivers an aesthetic that pays homage to samurai lore while injecting its distinctive flavor. Despite its warm reception, it underperformed at the box office—a regrettable reality, considering its contribution to animated storytelling in 2016.

Characteristic of LAIKA's brand, "Kubo and the Two Strings" deftly combines charming humor with darker elements, creating a journey that resonates with both children and adults. Themes of love, memory, and loss are interwoven into an immersive narrative that demands multiple viewings to appreciate fully. Although there are minor critiques regarding the film's climactic battle being slightly childlike compared to its preceding intensity, such points are overshadowed by the film's overall impact. Ultimately, "Kubo" stands as a testament to LAIKA's dedication to cinematic artistry and storytelling prowess, marking it as a contender among the studio's finest works.

"Kubo and the Two Strings" stands as a monumental achievement for Laika Entertainment, showcasing their pinnacle in animation artistry even years after its initial release. The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition elevates the already exquisite visuals to extraordinary levels with enhanced image clarity due to its added resolution. Viewers are treated to a captivating combination of vibrant colors and precise detail, complementing Travis Knight's remarkable directorial debut. This release also maintains its integrity with an impressive Dolby Atmos audio track, offering an immersive experience that captures the film’s emotional depth and thrilling martial arts sequences.

The disc comes packed with a comprehensive collection of additional content, beginning with the insightful 2016 audio commentary by director and producer Travis Knight. Newly added Inside LAIKA featurettes provide exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, such as the creation processes for animation and confronting the challenges faced throughout production. Highlighting the passion and collaboration among the talented cast and crew, this collection includes interviews with numerous creatives and performers including Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey. Additionally, Kubo’s Journey serves as a multi-chapter exploration suitable for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the film's artistic journey.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD edition of "Kubo and the Two Strings" merges technological excellence with artistic depth, portraying its legendary narrative through pristine audio-visuals and valuable extras. Whether purchasing for the alluring steelbook or standard edition, this release is indispensable for collectors and fans of Laika’s animated artistry. With its compelling story and stunning presentation, "Kubo" secures its place as an essential addition to any movie aficionado's collection. A must-own for all, irrespective of age, as it continues to enchant and engage audiences worldwide.