Coraline is the latest animated stop-motion movie directed by Henry Selick, but somehow people always seem to think that Tim Burton is somehow attached to these types of projects. Well for one thing, his name was plastered all around Nightmare Before Christmas.
The story starts off with Coraline and her parents moving into a new home. Coraline is not happy and her parents are too busy working that they hardly notice her, leaving her to explore outside and inside the house/apartment. She meets Wybourne, a neighbor, and he gives her a doll that resembles Coraline. It’s this doll that would lead her into a hidden door in the house that would take her to an alternate reality where everything looks the same, except the house looks nicer and her parents are cooler.
The story is similar to stories like Alice in Wonderland, Chronicles of Narnia, and Hansel and Gretel. Even though it lacks originality, it’s still an enjoyable movie with breathtaking visuals, and cute and strange characters. I must warn you that little kids may be freaked out by sequences later in the movie. I should know; I was freaked out too.
Dakota Fanning as Coraline is adorable and Teri Hatcher as Coraline’s Mom and “other” Mom shows a stark contrast in their different personalities. Coraline encounters many unusual characters like her neighbors including a Russian circus performer and two big ladies who like to read the future and keep dead pets.
Video Quality
The Blu-ray video quality for Coraline is as good as it gets. I thought CG movies couldn’t be matched when it comes to digital transfers, but this is up there easily. You can see the tiny details like the individual threads within a fabric or the clay-like texture on the character’s skin.
The Blu-ray contains both 2D and 3D versions of the film and comes with 4 pairs of 3D glasses (the magenta and green variety). It’s a nice novelty and the 3D effect is kind of cool, but it gets old pretty quick since the magenta and green tint are distracting. When is home video 3D going to catch up with theatre 3D presentations?
Extras
The extras include “Commentary,” “Deleted Scenes,” “The Making of Coraline,” “Voicing the Characters,” and “Creepy Coraline.” The “Making of” actually made me appreciate the tedious nature of stop-motion animation. For half a minute, it would take the animators at least a week to finish. Now that’s patience. The Blu-ray also comes with the DVD version of the movie.
Conclusion
Coraline is a feast for your eyes with a beautiful soundtrack and is a worthy addition to anyone who wants to show off their high-def setup.
Movie Grade: B+
Video Quality: A
Sound Quality: A
Extras: B
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Paladin
Jul 23, 2009 -
Sounds interesting, I’ve read a bit about the story and the movie itself. Honestly I want to see it. I just hope they don’t break into song every five minutes like in a certain other movie which you mentioned.
Of course, I don’t have Blu-Ray, so I hope it comes out as a regular DVD.
Cricket
Jul 23, 2009 -
I think it also came out on DVD.
Mike
Jul 23, 2009 -
the dogs where hilarious
John Spartan
Jul 23, 2009 -
Even though I love musicals, this movie isn’t one. There is one singing scene but it’s really short and fun.
The movie is already out on both Blu-ray and DVD, so you can check it out now.
Frain
Jul 23, 2009 -
Sorry, but I didn’t care for Coraline. The story about her “other parents” was just plain creepy as was Mr. Bobinsky, the strange upstairs neighbor. Besides all that, it was pretty dull throughout. Save yourselves the time and catch Up when it comes out on DVD….that was greatness!
Circus80
Jul 23, 2009 -
Sour grapes over there for Frainers. I liked the movie, and it’s good to know I’m not alone and John Spartan liked it, too. I say buy the DVD or rent it on NetFlix. And yes, Up is greatness, so I agree with Frain on that one. 🙂