ParaNorman 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

ParaNorman" makes a dazzling leap to 4K UHD courtesy of Shout Factory, set in an impressive 2160p HEVC / H.265 4K resolution with the original wide theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1. This decision elevates the presentation far beyond standard animated offerings, ensuring a wider and more immersive viewing experience. Utilizing a Canon EOS-5D Mark II, the film was initially captured at 5K - a clarity that remains evident even through its 2K digital intermediate upscale. The HDR grading, available in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, is supervised directly by LAIKA, promising an enhancement not just in color depth but in the overall detail, allowing the film's unique stop-motion animation to burst with newfound vitality. The color palette is adeptly expanded, giving life to the film’s carefully crafted visuals, while blacks attain a profound depth without compromising detail.

The meticulous restoration underlines a stark improvement in overall visual quality, with contrast levels receiving particular attention to avoid the cloudiness seen in earlier releases. The HDR execution ensures the film's diverse range of colors, from vibrant greens and oranges to more subdued tones, are rendered with exceptional richness and depth. Details in the miniature sets and character textures are resolved with unparalleled clarity, bringing out the artistry in each frame. This 4K presentation excels at showcasing "ParaNorman's" aesthetic nuances, ensuring even the most subtle visual elements are not lost.

Visually, "ParaNorman" on 4K UHD is a revelation. The bright and bold colors of this stylized piece take on a new dimension, especially evident in scenes where the neon green spectral elements interact with the darker backdrops, producing a stunning visual contrast. Dolby Vision enhances these moments, ensuring they pop with intensity but without overwhelming. From the deeply inked black levels to the vivid sharpness capturing every sculpted detail, this transfer sets a new benchmark for animated films on the format. Clean from any digital noise or compression artifacts, it's clear Shout Factory and Laika have outdone themselves, delivering a video presentation that truly honors the meticulous craftsmanship of "ParaNorman".

The latest 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "ParaNorman" features an exceptional audio presentation, most notably through its Dolby Atmos track, which delivers an immersive and atmospheric audio experience. The mix exhibits a remarkable spaciousness that extends the soundstage, engaging the listener with dynamic sound effects and an enveloping score. The use of the overhead speakers in the Atmos design introduces an additional layer of depth, while ensuring dialogue remains crystal clear amidst the action. The audio track further excels in its handling of low-frequency effects, providing a solid baseline that adds gravity to the supernatural events unfolding on screen. The thunderous moments and ghostly winds are highlighted by impressive channel separation and directionality, making every scene a showcase of auditory craftsmanship.

Audio formats are comprehensive, including an English Descriptive Video Service, Spanish and French 5.1 DTS tracks alongside the primary English Dolby Atmos track, catering to a diverse audience with various language preferences. The subtitle options—English SDH, Spanish, and French—complement the inclusivity of the audio offerings. The mix itself is not just about loudness; it’s crafted with a keen sense of dynamics, where the mix knows when to prioritize the score, effects, or dialogue for maximum impact. This results in a balanced and nuanced audio presentation that enhances every moment of the film.

Special attention is given to the details in the sound environment of "ParaNorman," from the subtle nuances in quieter, more intimate moments to the full-on sensory barrage during action sequences. The Atmos track ensures that sounds from the sky or magical bursts add excitement without overwhelming, while ambient sounds craft a 360-degree soundscape that is both fun and precisely calibrated. This audio presentation doesn’t just complement the visuals but elevates the entire viewing experience, making it clear that this is the best auditory version of "ParaNorman" available.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "ParaNorman" not only impresses with its stunning visual and auditory enhancement but equally dazzles with its comprehensive suite of supplemental materials, effectively ported over from the lauded Shout! Factory Special Edition. Anchored by a fascinating audio commentary from writer/co-director Chris Butler and co-director Sam Fell, the extras offer a deep dive into the creative process behind this beloved animated feature. The "Inside LAIKA" featurettes stand out, providing an in-depth look at character development and animation techniques, while "Peering Through the Veil" delivers a detailed behind-the-scenes exploration. Complementing these are various character-focused mini featurettes, extensive storyboards, and a trove of promotional materials. Enriched by insights from a broad spectrum of cast and crew, these extras not only enlighten but also underscore the intricate craftsmanship at the heart of "ParaNorman". The inclusion of a new booklet in both the standard Blu-ray and the Limited Edition Steelbook sets adds a tangible piece of art that fans will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Featuring Writer/Director Chris Butler and Director Sam Fell

Inside LAIKA: Discovering the Characters & Effects of ParaNorman: Insightful footage including recording sessions and test footage.

Inside LAIKA: Revisiting the Puppets: A closer look at the beloved characters.

• Courtney
• Mitch
• Norman
• Neil
• Mr. Prenderghast
• Zombie Judge

Feature-length Storyboards

Peering Through the Veil: Behind-the-Scenes of ParaNorman: An extensive behind-the-scenes examination.

• You Don’t Become a Hero By Being Normal
• A Norman Childhood
• Playing As A Profession
• Making Norman
• This Little Light
• Have You Ever Seen A Ghost
• The Zombies of ParaNorman

Still Galleries: Character Art, Concept Art, Behind the Scenes

Trailer

ParaNorman," delivered in stunning 4K UHD by LAIKA Studios, stands out as a beacon of stop-motion animation that excels both technically and narratively. Directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell, this film dives into the adventures of Norman Babcock, an 11-year-old who can communicate with the dead. This unique ability sets the stage for an epic tale that weaves themes of acceptance, bravery, and the power of friendship through its horror-comedy genre. The voice cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee as Norman and supported by talents like Anna Kendrick and Casey Affleck, offers heartfelt performances that bring depth to this animated feature. The film’s technical ambition is reflected in its pioneering use of a 3D color printer for character model heads, pushing the boundaries of stop-motion animation and contributing to its rich visual storytelling.

The animation quality in "ParaNorman" is nothing short of revolutionary, with LAIKA's dedication to detail evident in every frame. The production design by Nelson Lowry and the cinematography by Tristan Oliver work harmoniously to create a visually captivating experience that complements the film’s narrative complexities. These elements, combined with Jon Brion's uplifting score, immerse viewers in Norman's spooky and adventurous world, highlighting the film's success in blending eerie elements with heartwarming moments. Despite critiques about its narrative originality, "ParaNorman" shines as a crowd-pleaser with its insightful take on themes like grief and morality. The film not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on understanding and acceptance, showcasing LAIKA's commitment to producing content that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

"ParaNorman" distinguishes itself within the animation genre by merging traditional horror motifs with a John Hughes-esque narrative backdrop. Its excellence in stop-motion animation technique, coupled with engaging storytelling, renders it an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s acknowledgment of grief, revenge, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst external judgment conveys timeless messages wrapped in humor and high-quality animation. In challenging viewers to reconsider their assumptions about the afterlife—and each other—"ParaNorman" remains a testament to LAIKA’s innovative spirit and technical prowess, reinforcing why it stands out as a remarkable piece of animated cinema in the ever-evolving landscape of film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "ParaNorman" elevates an already outstanding animated film to new heights, with its impeccable 2160p encode and stunning HDR implementation enhancing the movie's vibrant and meticulously crafted stop-motion animation. The addition of a lossless 24-bit Dolby Atmos soundtrack immerses viewers in the film’s uniquely fun blend of classic horror elements and modern humor, making it an even more enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages. Despite the high praise for the visual and audio upgrade, it's worth noting the package does not include the 3D version of the film or some of the special features found in Universal's previous Blu-ray release, such as the Preliminary Animatic Sequences and U-Control interactive features.

"ParaNorman" stands out not just for its technical excellence but also for its heartfelt storytelling, touching on themes of death, loss, and acceptance in a manner that's accessible and engaging for both kids and adults. The film’s blend of kid-friendly horror with valuable life lessons, coupled with its leap to 4K, makes it an essential addition to any family's movie collection. The steelbook packaging and accompanying booklet are thoughtful touches that complement the overall package, though some fans might miss the novelty of new extras.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD version of “ParaNorman” is the definitive way to experience one of the most celebrated animated horror films of the past decade. Its unparalleled visual and audio enhancements, coupled with the retained supplemental material from Shout! Factory's special edition, make it a highly recommended purchase, even if it means overlooking the absence of certain features from previous releases. This release underscores "ParaNorman" not only as a critical piece of animated cinema but also as a showcase example of how technological advancements in home entertainment can breathe new life into beloved classics.