The Nightmare Before Christmas Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" presents a dual format offering that showcases the film's enduring charm and artistry. The 3D version, encoded in 1080p/MVC with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, highlights a meticulously executed post-conversion process, even though the original 1993 film was shot in standard 2D. Depth variation and the inherent limitations of stop-motion animation are perceptible, creating a mixed bag in terms of dimensionality. Foregrounds and backgrounds often appear intentionally bleak, leading certain scenes to appear rather flat. While some elements like the Skellington skulls and rotund figures exhibit commendable dimensionality, others fall short. Crosstalk and minor banding are present but minimal.

In contrast, the 2D version of the film maintains its aspect ratio at 1.66:1 and offers a striking transfer that benefits significantly from the Blu-ray format. The visual representation remains incredibly detailed, capturing the fine textures, intricate stitches, and unique material qualities central to the stop-motion animation. Colors are vibrant where intended, with Christmas Town scenes standing out against Halloween Town's dark, German Expressionism-inspired aesthetic. Black levels in both versions are satisfactorily deep and inky, accentuating the film's thematic contrast.

The 1080p high-definition presentation ensures both versions of the film exhibit high-quality visuals with no significant issues such as artifacting or aliasing. Though some sequences are slightly grainier in the 3D transfer, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The overall quality is consistent with Disney's high standards, making this Blu-ray release a must-have for fans of Tim Burton's iconic film, despite some modest shortcomings in the 3D conversion.

The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track on the Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" stands out as one of Disney's most robust offerings. Despite its initial debut several years ago, this mix remains a premium audio experience, skillfully blending dialogue, sound effects, and Danny Elfman's iconic score. The audio landscape is broad and directional, ensuring that every channel works in harmony to provide an engrossing experience. Dialogue is impeccably clear and well-prioritized, with every character's voice definite and unchallenged by other audio elements. The dynamic use of rear speakers enhances the immersion by distributing effects such as clattering skulls and rickety toys seamlessly across the soundstage.

Danny Elfman's musical contributions are the true stars of this soundtrack. From the rousing opening of "This is Halloween" to the intricate orchestral touches throughout, the music envelops the listener with vibrant fidelity and substantial low-end support. The score doesn't just play; it resonates with energy, making full use of the 7.1 channel separation to create an absorbing aural environment. Each note maintains clarity, albeit with a pleasing warmth, sustaining an engaging presence without overwhelming bass frequencies. The orchestral swells and mischievous undertones of Elfman's compositions are particularly enhanced by this mix, delivering an immersive and almost tactile auditory experience.

In design, the soundtrack is expansive and directional, filling the soundstage with meticulously placed effects and music from every conceivable angle. The transition between channels is fluid, making use of all available speakers to create a lively and engrossing auditory scene. Overall, while it may not achieve the absolute pinnacle of high-fidelity minute-instrument separation some might expect, it remains impressively capable. Disney's decision to default both Blu-ray discs to the TrueHD track further cements this edition's audio as an unmissable facet for viewers seeking a top-tier, comprehensive sonic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" provides a comprehensive suite of bonus features that delve deeply into the film's creation, with rich content that engages both new viewers and longtime fans. Notable highlights include an audio commentary by Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman, dissecting the artistic and musical choices made throughout production. The collection also showcases original short films such as "Vincent" and "Frankenweenie," providing context for Burton's evolving style. Fans can further immerse themselves in the film's universe with detailed features like "Jack’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour" and various deleted scenes and storyboards.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Tim Burton: A brief introduction praising the Blu-ray edition.
• Audio Commentary: Insights from Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman.
• Jack’s Haunted Mansion Halloween Tour: Inside look at the theme park attraction.
• Tim Burton’s Original Poem: Narration by Christopher Lee with animated concept art.
• Frankenweenie: 1984 short film by Tim Burton.
• Vincent: Stop-motion short film narrated by Vincent Price.
• Deleted Storyboards: Abandoned scenes presented via storyboards.
• Deleted Animated Sequences: Fully animated cut scenes.
• The Making of The Nightmare Before Christmas: A detailed featurette on production.
• The Worlds of The Nightmare Before Christmas: Explore Halloween Town, Christmas Town, and The Real World.
• Original Theatrical and Teaser Trailers and Posters: Promotional materials from the film's release.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" continues to captivate audiences, woven through Tim Burton’s unique blend of gothic whimsy and holiday charm. The story of Jack Skellington, the disillusioned Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon the vibrant Christmas Town, serves as an all-ages allegory about finding one's place and purpose. Burton's original poem is brought to life with mesmerizing stop-motion animation, crafted by director Henry Selick, and elevated by Danny Elfman's unforgettable musical score. While technically directed by Selick, the film’s soul is unmistakably Burton’s, infusing it with characteristic dark humor, intricate character design, and a narrative that balances macabre elements with endearing warmth.

Released under Touchstone Pictures due to its darker tone, the film deftly juggles pop culture influences—ranging from German Expressionism to classic Hollywood musicals. The visual spectacle of Rankin/Bass-inspired holiday worlds blends seamlessly with a Universal horror aesthetic, creating a timeless piece. The sophisticated animation transports viewers through fantastical landscapes filled with vivid, quirky characters who perpetually amuse and charm. However, the movie's brisk 76-minute runtime can occasionally feel rushed, with some emotional arcs and plot connections feeling underdeveloped. The romance between Jack and Sally, for instance, is a traditional Disney touch that comes off as slightly forced.

Technical merits aside, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" serves as a rich showcase of innovative stop-motion, a genre-reviving accomplishment especially notable in the age when CG animation was gaining traction. Yet it simultaneously honors the traditions Burton relished from his youth. The 3D Blu-ray conversion retains its charm from its initial 2006 reissue, offering a visual feast that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with modern animated classics. Ultimately, despite minor narrative hiccups, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with diverse audiences—paving the way for its status as a multifaceted holiday classic beloved during both Halloween and Christmas.

The latest Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" incorporates a carefully crafted 3D conversion, providing a novel viewing experience for long-time fans of Tim Burton's iconic dark holiday film. While the 3D effects are not the most dynamic on the market, they are tastefully executed and add dimension to the wonderfully stylized animation. Nonetheless, this version does not offer any new special features or notable upgrades in video or audio quality beyond the 3D experience. Those who are avid collectors or enthusiasts of 3D content may find the 3D re-release a valuable addition to their collection.

For those who already own a prior edition of the Blu-ray, it's necessary to consider whether the newly added 3D presentation justifies the price premium Disney charges. The last edition released three years ago was comprehensive and well-regarded, making it more than adequate for most fans. Hence, except for those specifically seeking a 3D upgrade, this re-release may not offer enough to warrant an additional purchase.

Overall, while "The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D" Blu-ray version brings a fresh perspective to experiencing the film, the lack of supplementary enhancements might leave some feeling ambivalent. If you are passionate about both 3D technology and Tim Burton’s imaginative classic, it remains a satisfying purchase. Otherwise, the previous Blu-ray edition continues to be an excellent and sufficient option.