Coraline Blu-ray Review

The 2023 Blu-ray remaster of "Coraline" delivers a distinctly vivid viewing experience, enhancing the already notable 2009 version. Utilizing an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Shout! Factory has ensured that the transfer is sharp and detailed, capturing the intricate textures of fibrous hair, smooth skin surfaces, and ornate set designs. This remaster maintains the film's dreamlike visuals, particularly through its vibrant color contrasts. Neon hues, blues, and greens emerge with pronounced intensity, while the inky black levels provide substantial depth to shadowy scenes. Although there are minor instances of noise and some variations in animation fluidity—likely due to Laika's original stop motion to CGI transitions—these do not significantly impact the video quality.

The film’s rich color palette transitions seamlessly from the cold, darker nuances of Coraline's real world to the warmer, fantastical elements of the "other" world. Depth and clarity are marginally improved compared to earlier releases. Subtly tweaked refinements in detail and a higher average bitrate contribute to this enhancement, although the differences may require a keen eye to perceive. Movements are smooth with no jitter or blur, highlighting the meticulous camera work and depth of field present in each scene. Despite the absence of a 3D re-release option, the 2D version remains engaging, with substantial dimensionality akin to its original 3D conception.

Colors are meticulously rendered, adding a dynamic contrast that accentuates the film's gothic aesthetic. Coraline’s distinctive hair and the film’s elaborate light schemes appear pronounced and vibrant. The new transfer showcases technical sophistication without compromising on fidelity, making this edition a highly recommended addition to any collection. It presents an immaculate preservation worthy of its visually arresting storytelling, with hopes that future technology such as 4K HDR may further elevate its presentation.

The audio presentation of the "Coraline" Blu-ray is crafted with precision and vitality, featuring the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix available since 2009. This track remains an exemplar of immersive sound design. The mix renders an extraordinary surround sound experience where the creepy score and atmospheric elements envelop the audience. Creeks, grooves, and eerie sounds from the house transition seamlessly through the surround speakers, generating an eerie and dynamic sonic environment. The front soundstage is robust, with crystal-clear dialogue and impressive clarity in voice reproduction capturing strange accents and nuanced emotional tones.

The breakpoints between action and subtlety are balanced expertly, exemplified by powerful bass that punctuates key sequences with forceful finesse. Low-frequency effects, such as the film's thundering crashes and impactful music stings, resonate profoundly, enhancing the narrative's intensity with a vigorous bottom end. The creative placement of sound across channels works in tandem to deliver captivating panning effects and dimensional soundscapes that invite listener engagement.

The overall surround presentation is masterfully engineered to maintain an active and thrilling auditory experience throughout the film. The balance between loud and subtle audio elements cleverly manipulates volume levels to keep viewers engrossed. In essence, "Coraline's" audio mix stands as a formidable showcase of dynamism and inventive sound design, promising an engaging and lively auditory journey.

"Coraline" Blu-ray extras provide an in-depth exploration of the meticulous craft of stop-motion animation, offering viewers an enriching behind-the-scenes experience. This comprehensive suite of features includes insightful commentary from director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais, extensive storyboard presentations, and detailed featurettes on character creation and animation processes. Particularly engaging is the "Inside LAIKA" series, which delves into the technical and artistic challenges of stop-motion, featuring interviews with key animators and showcasing the revival of original puppets. Additional highlights include deleted scenes with intros by Henry Selick, exploration of the voice acting process involving the film's cast, and an array of still galleries illustrating concept and character art. This collection is a treasure trove for fans and aficionados of animation, detailing the remarkable effort behind crafting this visually distinctive film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais.
• Inside LAIKA: Discovering the Characters: Exploration of production processes.
• Inside LAIKA: Revisiting the Puppets: Insight into character design.
• Feature-Length Storyboards: Complete early vision of the film.
• The Making Of Coraline: Comprehensive breakdown of production chapters.
• Creepy Coraline: Focus on creating eerie elements.
• Voicing The Characters: Examination of cast performances.
• Deleted Scenes: Contextualized by writer/director Henry Selick.
• Still Galleries: Includes Concept Art and Behind the Scenes.
• Trailer: Theatrical preview.

"Coraline" marks a pivotal moment in the animated film landscape, presented by Laika Studios and realized through the meticulous direction of Henry Selick, a master of stop-motion animation. Released in 2009, this film melds the enchanting qualities of traditional stop-motion with the precision of modern CGI technology, offering a visually mesmerizing experience. The film’s narrative, drawn from Neil Gaiman's iconic novella, addresses classic themes of adventure and self-discovery combined with a haunting twist, making it both a nostalgic and innovative entry in the realm of animated horror. The story follows Coraline Jones, voiced by Dakota Fanning, who stumbles into an alternate universe mirroring her own life but brimming with dark enchantment. Here, the stop-motion is not just technique but artistry—each frame lush with detail, inviting audiences into its meticulously crafted world.

Despite its arresting visuals, "Coraline" grapples with maintaining riveting storytelling throughout its feature-length runtime. While some critics note that the narrative sags under its expanded cinematic framework, others appreciate the eerie aesthetic and depth of thematic exploration. The cast delivers commendably, with Teri Hatcher as the chilling Other Mother and Ian McShane as the eccentric Mr. Bobinski. The voice acting complements the animation’s spooky elegance and contributes to the film's distinctively dark charm. The film enriches Gaiman's narrative by introducing new characters, like Robert Bailey Jr.'s Wybie, enhancing Coraline's interactions and adding layers to its cinematic appeal.

"Coraline" excels as a masterclass in visual storytelling. Its rich textures and hauntingly beautiful imagery captivate both young and mature viewers alike. While it may not meet all expectations in pacing or narrative structure, it remains an indelible contribution to animated cinema, thanks to its haunting atmosphere and meticulous craftsmanship. Whether new to audiences or a revisitation for longtime admirers, "Coraline" promises an engrossing viewing experience laden with eerie intrigue and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Coraline remains a pivotal film in Laika Studio’s repertoire, recognized for its intricate visuals and engrossing narrative, hallmarks of the craft-intensive stop motion animation technique that Laika champions. Although adjudged the weakest in comparison to Laika's other seminal films, it has established itself as a classic in the realm of modern animation, blending unnerving fantasy with innovation. Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher lead a talented cast under Henry Selick's direction, crafting an engaging tale that resonates with both the creepiest and most enchanting qualities.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release of Coraline is technically refined. It boasts a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, incorporating English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles, adhering to the prestigious standards of excellent audiovisual quality. The new remaster doesn’t significantly surpass the original Blu-ray’s already impressive quality. Yet, it provides a fresh layer worth exploring for those not yet familiar with the original, with intriguing new bonus features that beautifully complement the film’s breathtaking aesthetics.

In conclusion, Coraline’s new Blu-ray release is a commendable offering for completists and newcomers alike. For those who haven’t indulged in this animated masterpiece yet, this release presents an optimal introduction. While long-time fans might find upgrading unnecessary due to the high standard of the original Blu-ray, newcomers will be enticed by the quality and additional content. Recommended for anyone seeking to experience one of this millennium's most inventive animated films.