Frankenweenie Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Frankenweenie" is nothing short of exemplary. Displayed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the high-definition resolution is exquisite, presenting stop-motion animation with lucidity and sharpness. The AVC-encoded 2D image brings forth exceptional levels of fine detail, notably in characters, objects, and backgrounds. Black and white gradations are meticulously rendered, ensuring a pristine dynamic range that adds significant depth and dimensionality to the visuals. Whites exhibit brilliant delineation, enriching the overall viewer experience. The contrast is robust and unwavering throughout, ensuring clean edges and flawlessly resolved fine textures without any noticeable ringings, such as significant macroblocking, banding, aliasing, or noise.

In addition to the stellar 2D presentation, the MVC-encoded 3D version excels in delivering a convincing naturally immersive experience. Blacks are deep and rich while maintaining detail, and the whites are crisp and clean. The film employs 3D more for inward immersiveness than for outward stunts, working towards generating a convincing spatial environment where characters move independently, with a noticeable pop-up book effect that enhances the fairy tale aesthetic. There is an impressive separation between background and foreground elements, even with dark glasses, ensuring exceptional depth and layering.

Moreover, intricate details like blades of grass, stitching on baseball caps, and even fine facial lines on characters are razor-sharp. Close-ups reveal minor blemishes on figures, adding texture and realism. This holistic rendering ensures that every nuance—from the tiniest background objects to the most elaborate character details—is perceptibly clear, making "Frankenweenie" a reference-quality transfer that exemplifies high-definition excellence in both 2D and 3D formats.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Frankenweenie" is powered by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel surround mix that excels in delivering an immersive auditory experience. The mix skillfully balances the film's elements, combining dialogue, sound effects, bass, and music into a cohesive and clear soundstage. Despite not being dynamically enhanced, the bass response remains precise and impactful, perfectly supporting the soundtrack. The audio clarity is noteworthy, free from any harshness, and enhances the overall listening enjoyment.

Dialogue is clear and well-centered, maintaining prominence even during chaotic scenes. The LFE channel is adeptly managed, providing both subtle support and intense low-end power as needed. Rear speaker activity contributes significantly to the immersive quality, with robust and aggressive engagement that includes natural ambiance and directional effects. Notable scenes, particularly the climactic third act, benefit from an array of sound details such as collapsing ceilings and desperate cries, augmented by smooth cross-channel pans that heighten the immersive experience.

The soundtrack also utilizes various classic horror audio cues effectively, with thunder and lightning effects that boom across all seven channels. Even during quieter scenes, subtle atmospheric sounds enrich the soundfield, making for an engaging experience throughout. Danny Elfman's score plays a crucial role, filling the auditory space with a blend of circus-like merriment and gothic tones, crystal-clear and vivid in its orchestration. The dynamic range is extensive, ensuring that moments of thunder resonate with astonishing clarity and distinctness. Technical finesse is evident in the low-frequency effects, which are responsive and substantial, complementing the overall audio presentation to create a compelling and entertaining family horror feature.

The Blu-ray extras for "Frankenweenie" present an exceptional and comprehensive look into the making of Tim Burton's stop-motion film, portraying both the creativity and technical prowess involved. Key highlights include a pivotal 23-minute documentary, "Miniatures in Motion: Bringing Frankenweenie to Life," which delves deeply into the production process, featuring insights from key crew members about the film’s development, design, and animation techniques. Additionally, fans are treated to the "Frankenweenie Exhibit Tour," offering a glimpse of the detailed artwork, models, and interactive exhibits. The inclusion of the 1984 original live-action short film by Burton provides historical context and showcases the director’s early vision. For further engagement, there's a charming short, "Captain Sparky vs. The Flying Saucers," and a music video by Plain White T’s. Overall, these well-curated extras enrich the viewing experience with depth and context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Miniatures in Motion: Bringing Frankenweenie to Life: An extensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Frankenweenie Exhibit Tour: A tour of the traveling exhibit showcasing film props and artwork.
• Original Live-Action Frankenweenie Short: Tim Burton’s 1984 original film.
• Captain Sparky vs. The Flying Saucers: A bonus animated short film.
• Music Video: The Plain White T's perform "Pet Sematary".
• Sneak Peeks: Previews of upcoming releases.

Tim Burton's full-length adaptation of his 1984 short film "Frankenweenie" shines in several areas but also struggles to maintain the charm and emotional depth of the original. The story follows young Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan) as he resurrects his beloved dog Sparky using his scientific prowess. The stop-motion animation is visually stunning, displaying Burton's signature Gothic aesthetic with intricate miniatures and stunning production design, particularly in the recreation of the town of New Holland. The hand-crafted artistry and atmospheric cinematography pay a heartfelt homage to classic horror films, enriched with clever nods and delightful references, including a striking sequence reminiscent of James Whale's "Frankenstein."

Despite these technical achievements, the narrative and character development fall short. The expanded runtime of 87 minutes introduces subplots that often feel superfluous, resulting in a somewhat disjointed storyline. While the heart of the tale—boy loves dog, boy loses dog, boy reanimates dog—remains intact, John August's screenplay introduces manufactured motivations and inconsequential stakes that detract from the simplicity and purity of the original short. Characters like Victor’s parents, rendered with motionless expressions, don’t evoke much empathy, leaving only Sparky with a lasting emotional impact.

The voice acting further complicates character engagement, as performances often seem strangely disconnected from their animated counterparts. However, notable exceptions include Martin Landau's tribute to Vincent Price as Mr. Rzykruski, which adds a layer of charm. As the film progresses, it occasionally loses momentum but is revitalized during its action-packed climax involving undead pets and a climactic windmill showdown. Though "Frankenweenie" successfully preserves the core emotional thread and showcases impressive animation techniques, it ultimately feels like an overly elaborate extension of an already effective short film.

"Frankenweenie" on Blu-ray exudes an enticing blend of whimsical charm and macabre delight, rooted in Tim Burton's unique storytelling and visual style. The film, a stop-motion animated adaptation of Burton's earlier live-action short, explores the poignant relationship between a boy and his resurrected dog. Despite critiques that the feature film lacks the concentrated heart and soul of its original short form, the Blu-ray release vastly compensates with its technical excellence.

The high-definition video presentation is exceptional, showcasing Burton’s painstakingly crafted animation with remarkable clarity and detail. Disney’s 3D Blu-ray release offers an immersive experience with its standout visuals, adding depth and nuance to the film’s dark yet delightful aesthetic. Moreover, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track delivers a robust auditory experience, ensuring that every creak, whisper, and musical note resonates with the viewer. The disc also includes a solid supplementary package featuring a top-tier production documentary amidst other engaging extras, enriching the overall value for Burton enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

In conclusion, while "Frankenweenie" may not capture the full emotional depth expected from Burton’s portrayal, the superior quality of this Blu-ray edition makes it a worthy addition to any collection. The enriched audio-visual experience, coupled with a well-rounded set of extras, ensures that despite any narrative shortcomings, the Blu-ray provides enjoyment and fascination for fans of the director’s work and animation aficionados. This release successfully transforms "Frankenweenie" into an unforgettable home theater experience that should not be missed.