Anomalisa Blu-ray Review

"Anomalisa" boasts a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, presenting a visual experience that is both impressive and delicately detailed. The film's intricate stop-motion world shines with a clarity that reveals much of the fine craftsmanship involved in its creation. Close-ups particularly highlight the textural details of the puppets’ skin and miniature clothing, while also showcasing minor imperfections in materials and workmanship that add to the film's authenticity. The hotel environments, from the ornate lobby to the barren bottom-floor locations, maintain high-definition integrity, offering a comprehensive visual treat.

The color palette carries a soft, warm, and relatively muted tone, balancing well with the overall naturalistic and diffuse lighting. While not razor sharp, the focus remains realistic, contributing to the depth and expressiveness of the puppet characters. Blacks are rendered deep with commendable shadow detail, and contrast levels are well managed throughout the film. Light banding is minimal and does not detract from the viewing experience. Although it might lack the punchy sharpness seen in some animated features, the video quality of "Anomalisa" is remarkably well-polished, ensuring that no major technical flaws intrude on its artistic presentation.

"Anomalisa" on Blu-ray delivers a subtle, yet immersive auditory experience with a technically proficient DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This mix is delicately layered with nuanced background effects and occasional surreal touches that quietly envelop the listener, drawing them effectively into the film's environments. Ambient sounds such as the murmur of a plane or the subdued chatter in a hotel bar are depicted with a richness that enhances the setting. Key moments are punctuated by well-timed subwoofer responses that lend a complementary low-end power, adding depth to certain scenes. Carter Burwell’s somber score is rendered with excellent clarity and stage saturation, providing an intimate musical backdrop that supports the film's mood.

The dialogue remains the focal point throughout the presentation, with voices anchored cleanly in the center channel. Tom Noonan's unique vocal delivery is particularly clear and full-bodied, maintaining a natural prioritization that ensures intelligibility and engagement. In sequences demanding heightened auditory impact—such as a dramatic nightmare or an unsettling scene where Michael's face disintegrates—the mix employs more assertive choices, incorporating deep Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) cues that heighten the tension. Overall, the soundtrack’s subtlety is its strength, crafting an intimate and occasionally unnerving atmosphere through intentionally placed sounds of rustling, clatter, and ambient noise. Such sound design nuances not only complement but elevate the film’s melancholic tone and storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "Anomalisa" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's unique production process. The standout feature is "None of Them Are You: Crafting Anomalisa," a 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary that delves into the film’s origin, vocal performances, and the intricate stop-motion animation process. This featurette is complemented by "Intimacy in Miniature," a detailed exploration of the complex stop-motion sex scene, and "The Sound of Unease," which highlights the critical role of sound design in the film. These featurettes are a must-watch for those interested in animation and filmmaking, offering an intimate glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that brought "Anomalisa" to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• None of Them Are You: Crafting Anomalisa: Detailed behind-the-scenes documentary covering the film's history, production, animation process, and more.
• Intimacy in Miniature: In-depth look at the creation of the film’s unique sex scene.
• The Sound of Unease: Examination of the film’s sound design to enhance its unique atmosphere.

Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson's "Anomalisa" explores the depths of human connection, identity, and perception through a poignant story centered on Michael Stone, a customer service expert played by David Thewlis. Michael, who suffers from Fregoli Delusion – a psychological disorder where he perceives everyone to have the same face and voice (all voiced by Tom Noonan) – embarks on a Cincinnati business trip that promises a break from his monotony. His bleak reality shifts when he encounters Lisa (voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh), a woman with distinguishing features who reignites a long-dormant spark within him. This leads to a sensitive yet complex romance, where Michael's connection with Lisa forces both characters to confront their insecurities and identities.

The film’s technical craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary. "Anomalisa" employs highly detailed 1:6 scale stop-motion puppets and intricately designed miniature sets, creating a convincing yet subtly artificial world that enhances the narrative’s surreal undertones. Remarkable voice performances from Thewlis, Leigh, and Noonan bring authentic emotional depth to the characters, achieving a seamless blend between the technical and the narrative. The animators' meticulous work – capturing nuances like rain on windows or the lifelike flow of urine – culminates in crafting a highly immersive atmosphere that transcends traditional stop-motion limits.

Through its storytelling and technical prowess, "Anomalisa" delves into themes of love, loneliness, and personal identity. Kaufman's script cleverly juxtaposes Michael’s internal struggles with his external interactions, drawing viewers into an introspective journey about human connections. The film's ending remains open to interpretation, inviting audiences to understand Michael’s and Lisa’s evolving dynamic on their terms. Ultimately, "Anomalisa" offers a singular cinematic experience that manages to find the extraordinary within the ordinary, making it a compelling study of the human condition.

"Anomalisa" on Blu-Ray showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, delivering a uniquely intimate stop-motion film that delves into themes of loneliness, self-absorption, and love. The visual and thematic depth of the movie is apparent in every meticulously crafted scene. The voice acting is exemplary, enhancing both the broader narrative and the intricate personal dynamics presented. Paramount's Blu-ray edition provides an impeccable video transfer and a robust audio mix, faithfully preserving the film’s distinctive style.

The supplementary material, while modest in quantity, offers valuable insights into the meticulous animation process, making them essential viewing for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The unique visual storytelling coupled with the intense emotional resonance makes "Anomalisa" a compelling watch. However, its surreal elements and darkly comic undertones might not appeal to all viewers.

In conclusion, "Anomalisa" is a powerful, fascinating, and thought-provoking film that's visually unique and thematically rich. It’s layered and detailed both visually and dramatically, showcasing the intensive labor of love behind its creation. The voice acting is terrific and only accentuates the movie's broader story and intimate themes alike. Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Anomalisa" features solid video and audio and includes a few but very informative supplements that complement the movie perfectly. Highly recommended.