Anomalisa Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and boasting a 1080p transfer, "Anomalisa" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Curzon Artificial Eye. The digital master appears to be the same one utilized by Paramount Pictures for the U.S. release, ensuring a high level of consistency and quality. The detail and clarity are exceptional, delivering a visually engaging experience that remains true to the filmmakers' vision. Color fidelity is impressive, with warm primaries and subtle nuances meticulously reproduced. Some scenes feature deliberate color shifts that momentarily affect clarity, yet these are intentional aspects of the film's design.

The fluidity of the video is commendable, with no noticeable encoding anomalies or stability issues. This seamless presentation ensures the viewer experiences "Anomalisa" as intended, free from technical distractions. The Blu-ray excels in reproducing the film’s warm, enveloping color scheme, which enhances its emotional impact. Note, this Blu-ray is Region-B locked, necessitating a native Region-B or Region-Free player for playback.

The Blu-ray release of "Anomalisa" comes with two standard audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Despite the absence of optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, the audio presentation remains impressive, particularly with the digital soundtrack. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out with its exceptional depth and clarity, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Carter Burwell's score, which carries a distinct 'chamber identity,' offers limited dynamic movement, but the separation and balance, especially during instrumental solos, are commendable. Dialogues are rendered with crispness and clarity, maintaining an easy-to-follow narrative flow.

Additionally, the film’s sound design benefits from the intricacies of the 5.1 track, adeptly handling ambient noises and subtle sonic details that enhance the viewing experience. While the LPCM 2.0 track might lack some of the immersive qualities of its counterpart, it still delivers a clear and balanced audio presentation suitable for less complex audio setups. Overall, the audio tracks on this Blu-ray release ensure a satisfying auditory experience that complements the film's unique storytelling style.

The Blu-ray edition of "Anomalisa" features an extensive and engaging array of extras that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The centerpiece is a Q&A session, where Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson, and Rosa Tran delve into the movie’s production history, funding, and unique 3D printing process, offering invaluable insights into the film's creative journey. Thirteen featurettes provide a nuanced look at various aspects of the production, from character introductions to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the details that make the film so distinctive. The stills gallery offers a visually appealing presentation of production photos, further complemented by the original movie trailer. These extras collectively elevate the viewing experience by providing a comprehensive backstage pass to the world of "Anomalisa."

Extras included in this disc:

• Q&A Session: Discusses production history, funding, story nature, and critical reception.
• Crafting Anomalisa: Insight into film crafting.
• It Could Only Be Charlie: Focus on Charlie Kaufman's influence.
• Meet Lisa Hesselman: Introduction to character Lisa.
• Meet Michael Stone: Introduction to character Michael.
• Outside the Studio System: Examination of independent production.
• Peopling: Details on animating crowd scenes.
• Tiny Things: Series of featurettes on small props (Air Freshener, Cigarettes, Clouds, Eyeballs, Feet, Martini Glasses).
• TV Spot: Promotional content.
• Behind the Scenes Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes stills.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Anomalisa, directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, is a 2015 stop-motion animated film acclaimed for its profound storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship. The narrative follows Michael Stone, a self-help author, who perceives everyone around him as having the same voice, until he meets a unique woman, Lisa, on a business trip. This encounter propels a deep introspection of his monotonous life. The film’s screenplay deftly explores themes of isolation, identity, and the search for human connection, making it both visually and emotionally compelling.

The animation work in Anomalisa distinguishes it significantly from other films, with painstaking detail evident in every frame. The film employs a mix of traditional stop-motion techniques with advanced post-production processes to create an eerily lifelike representation of human emotions and interactions. The use of silicone puppets, coupled with carefully crafted sets and lighting, creates a realistic yet surreal atmosphere that enhances the film's thematic depth.

Anomalisa's audio design is equally impressive, featuring a haunting and evocative score that underscores the existential melancholy felt by the protagonist. Voice acting is notably strong, particularly David Thewlis and Jennifer Jason Leigh, whose performances lend authenticity to their characters. The unique vocal approach where multiple characters share the same voice, masterfully executed by Tom Noonan, reinforces Stone’s psychological disconnection from the world around him. Blu-ray presentation of the film captures these elements brilliantly, ensuring that the visual fidelity and auditory clarity meet high standards expected by enthusiasts.

Anomalisa

Anomalisa`` is a strange and quite beautiful film that has plenty of meaningful things to say about the ways we treat each other and live our lives. I think that its success at various festivals around the world is well deserved. Curzon Artificial Eye's upcoming Blu-ray release offers a fantastic technical presentation of the film that is guaranteed to please its fans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Anomalisa Blu-ray is a marvel in both content and presentation. The film's painstaking stop-motion animation shines brilliantly in this high-definition format, capturing every nuance of the carefully crafted puppetry movement and set design. Visually, the transfer is immaculate, offering a crisp and clear picture that enhances the intricate details and textures of the animation. The Blu-ray's color palette is beautifully rendered, providing a visually enriching experience throughout the entire film.

The audio quality on this Blu-ray is superb, matching the visual excellence with an equally impressive auditory experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers clear and immersive sound, ensuring that the film's subtle soundscapes and poignant musical score are fully appreciated. Dialogue is consistently sharp and intelligible, which is essential given the film's focus on nuanced, character-driven interactions.

In terms of supplements, the Blu-ray includes a wealth of bonus features that offer deep insights into the film's production process and thematic depth. These extras are not just filler; they meaningfully extend the viewing experience by providing context about the labor-intensive animation techniques and the philosophical undertones driving the narrative.

Conclusion: Anomalisa is a strange and quite beautiful film that has plenty of meaningful things to say about the ways we treat each other and live our lives. I think that its success at various festivals around the world is well deserved. Curzon Artificial Eye's upcoming Blu-ray release offers a fantastic technical presentation of the film that is guaranteed to please its fans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.