Coraline Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Coraline" sets a high watermark for video quality, presenting both 2D and 3D versions of the film with an attention to detail that is nothing short of remarkable. The 1080p/VC-1 transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio offers an impeccable visual feast that rivals even the most celebrated animated titles. In the 2D version, the depth of color and meticulous detail breath life into every frame, from the subtleties of Coraline's blue hair in the muted real world to the resplendent vibrancy of the Other World. Blacks are profoundly deep, ensuring that shadows and night scenes possess an absorbing richness. Textures, from clothing to characters' hair, achieve a lifelike sharpness, all while maintaining a beautiful filmic grace courtesy of a fine layer of grain.

The disc's technical prowess is equally commendable, flawlessly avoiding common pitfalls such as artifacting, banding, or noise reduction that can detract from animated films. The color palette burst off the screen in both worlds Coraline traverses, with the real world's deliberately subdued tones contrasting effectively against the Other World's dazzling hues. Despite employing diffused lighting in certain scenes, which results in a minor softening of the image, textures remain refined and edges crisp. The animation's physicality is always on full display, celebrating the intricate work of the animators without distortion.

Regarding the 3D version, while it serves as an amusing bonus feature, it falls short of replicating the theatrical experience due to its anaglyphic limitations which somewhat diminishes the film’s vivid palette and introduces issues such as ghosting. However, moments of profound depth and dimensionality offer glimpses of what could be achieved with more advanced home 3D technology. Ultimately, it's recommended that audiences first indulge in the 2D presentation's spectacular visual integrity before exploring the 3D version, which stands as an intriguing but non-essential alternative meant to complement rather than substitute the main feature.

The audio presentation of "Coraline" on Blu-ray is brought to life with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that excels in delivering an immersive, detailed, and nuanced auditory experience. From the outset, it's clear that the mix prioritizes a balance between subtlety and depth, engaging the listener with an array of sounds that are as varied as they are vivid. Dialogue is consistently crisp and well-positioned within the mix, ensuring key vocal performances, such as those from John Hodgeson, are delivered with clarity and warmth. This clarity is maintained even amidst the bustling soundscape of screeching creatures, the deliberate movements of a lumbering monstrosity, or the atmospheric tensions of a nearing storm, showcasing an adept mixing that keeps the auditory focus sharp.

Musical scores and environmental sounds are presented with an impeccable level of detail, supporting the cinematic narrative with a rich texture that is both engrossing and authentic. The score swathes the film in a layer of auditory enchantment that complements its visual whimsy perfectly, with musical cues from characters and fantastical elements that are equally compelling. The surround channels are put to effective use, creating an active soundscape brimming with directional effects that further immerse the listener into Coraline's world. Sounds of doors creaking, insects snipping, and the ominous echoes of Other Mother traps are positioned with precision, enveloping the viewer in Coraline's eerie yet intriguing world.

Moreover, the soundtrack makes excellent use of LFE channels to add depth to its compelling score and effect sounds, offering a grounded feel to scenes that demand it without ever feeling overpowering or out of sync with the film’s overall audio balance. The acoustic presentation within various interior settings contributes to an eerily realistic ambience, enhancing the visual storytelling with an aural landscape that is rich and expansive. Whether it’s the subtle sound of wind whistling, rainstorming, or the engaging thrum of circus music, "Coraline"'s audio presentation captivates and delights, ensuring that its soundscape is as memorable and enthralling as its visual counterpart.

The "Coraline" Blu-ray extra features stand out for their depth and variety, appealing largely to an adult audience but offering precious insights into the movie’s creation that fans of all ages will find captivating. These extras provide an extensive behind-the-scenes look, from in-depth discussions on adapting Neil Gaiman's original novella to the intricacies of stop-motion animation. The inclusion of three unique U-Control picture-in-picture tracks enhances the viewing experience, allowing for a deep dive into the filmmaking process, including voice recording sessions and animatic comparisons. The commentary by director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais is rich with details about the production, from character development to musical scoring, despite some content overlap with that afforded by other features in the package. Noteworthy is the blend of completed deleted scenes and a comprehensive making-of documentary that breaks down the film’s production into manageable, thematic segments. This collection strikes a balance between entertaining and educational, enriched with technical insights, making it a fitting companion to the "Coraline" viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais share their insights on the making of "Coraline."

Exclusive U-Control Picture-in-Picture Tracks: Offers unique views into the creation process with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

The Making of 'Coraline': An in-depth look at the pre-production meetings, animation process, voiceover sessions, and finishing touches of the film.

Voicing the Characters: A closer look at the voice work behind "Coraline's" memorable characters.

Creepy Coraline: An exploration of the darker, more disturbing elements of the film’s animation.

Deleted Scenes: A compilation of removed scenes accompanied by introductions from Henry Selick.

BD-Live Functionality: Provides access to exclusive interviews and content.

Digital Copy & DVD Version: The package also includes a DVD version of the film and a digital copy for portable devices.

Coraline, a delightfully dark and mesmerizing stop-motion feat, under the direction of Henry Selick and inspired by Neil Gaiman's novella, presents a tense narrative that navigates the eerie threshold between childish wonder and grim cautionary tale. This film is a testament to the resilience and innovation of stop-motion animation, revealing how it can summon worlds of unspeakable charm and nightmare with equal finesse. Despite operating within a well-trodden premise of alternative realities and wished-for lives turned sour, Coraline distinguishes itself through a dedication to visual splendor coupled with a mature, unsettling tale that captivates and terrifies. It satiates the appetite for the whimsical dark fantasy reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm, deftly layered with rich textures and a haunting story that does more than just entertain; it lingers.

Featuring the voice talents of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, and others, the film crafts a vividly immersive experience. Coraline's discovery of a mirrored world, initially bewitching in its perfect reflection of her own disappointments, morphs into a horrifying realm beset with sinister beings - a dimension where the allure of enchanting gardens and sumptuous banquets thinly veils the grotesque realities lurking beneath. The movie's excellence is not just in its narrative but in its painstakingly detailed animation, character design, and atmospheric depth, which invite viewers to peer closer into its beautifully wrought horror. Each frame is purposeful, allowing Selick’s vision to flourish through meticulously crafted scenes that balance on the knife-edge of fantastical and nightmarish.

Crafted as both homage to and evolution of traditional stop-motion animation, Coraline's blend of gothic horror with childlike wanderlust serves as a stark reminder of the genre's potent storytelling capabilities. The technical brilliance of LAIKA’s craftsmanship is matched by narrative depth, where every exaggerated feature and whimsical landscape deepens the connection to Coraline's struggle. It jolts the family-friendly animation genre, daring to unnerve while enchanting its audience, thus offering a rare breed of film that captivates with its artistic virtue while cautioning about the dangers of discontent and the macabre cost of wish fulfillment. It stands as a critical landmark in animation, pushing beyond boundaries to explore darker themes, all while holding firmly to the enchanting promise of its artistic medium.

The Blu-ray release of "Coraline" presents an unmissable opportunity for both aficionados of the fantastical and those yet unacquainted with Neil Gaiman's hauntingly imaginative universe. This adaptation by Henry Selick transforms Gaiman's novella into a visually stunning, astoundingly animated film that transcends the boundaries of mere children’s storytelling. Pushing the envelope with its narrative depth, the film adeptly intertwines enchanting characters and a darkly entrancing plot. The Blu-ray edition elevates this experience, providing an exemplary video transfer that ensures every detail is crisply rendered, alongside a DTS-HD Master Audio track that impeccably complements the film's atmospheric tension. Viewers are treated to both 2D and 3D versions, allowing for a tailored viewing experience.

Moreover, the supplemental package included with the Blu-ray edition is nothing short of comprehensive. It boasts three exclusive Picture-in-Picture tracks, offering deep dives into the creation and conceptualization of this unique cinematic venture. This range of extras, available only to Blu-ray disc owners, significantly enriches the viewing experience, offering insights into the meticulous craftsmanship behind the movie’s making. Such features underscore the release as a paramount purchase for collectors and enthusiasts of exceptional animated films.

In conclusion, the "Coraline" Blu-ray release is an indispensable addition to any collection, meriting its acclaim as one of the standout releases of 2009. Rendering both the technical and narrative aspects of the film with utmost fidelity, it captivates with its reference-level picture quality and immersive audio presentation. The substantial supplemental content further enhances its value, making it a compelling buy not just for fans of Gaiman or Selick, but for anyone seeking to explore the capabilities of their home theater setup with a film that is as visually engaging as it is narratively profound.