Coraline 3D

Eleven-year-old Coraline Jones (voiced by Fanning) has just moved with her parents (Hatcher & Hodgman) to a new home in Oregon. With no friends, and her parents distracted by work, the feisty and adventurous Coraline sets out to find some excitement in her isolated new environment. She is befriended—or, as she sees it, pestered—by a local boy close to her age, Wybie Lovat (Bailey Jr.) and visits her older neighbors, eccentric British actresses Miss Sink and Miss Forcible (Saunders & French), as well as the arguably even more eccentric Russian, Mr. Bobinsky (McShane). Just as she's beginning to think her new home is utterly uninteresting, she uncovers a secret door, which leads to a parallel existence much like her own life—but much better. The adults, including the solicitous Other Mother (Hatcher) welcome her warmly. And Coraline gets far more attention there—even from the mysterious Cat (David). She begins to think that this Other World might be where she truly belongs. But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous, Coraline must summon all her resourcefulness, determination, and courage to get back home—and save her real family. Based on the book by Neil Gaiman. (Gary Reber)

Disc One contains the Blu-ray 3D plus the Blu-ray 2D. Special features include commentary with Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais; three featurettes: The Making Of Coraline (HD 35:53), Voicing The Characters (HD 10:46), and Creepy Coraline (HD 05:03); six deleted scenes (HD 08:37); BD-Live interactivity; D-BOX Motion Control™; and U-Control. Disc Two contains the DVD and Digital Copy.

The previously reviewed 1.85:1 1080p VC-1 Blu-ray Disc™ picture in 3D was viewed through the provided red/green anaglyph glasses in Issue 142 and 145 and was impressively presented with captivating characters. The depth of field was enhanced, but the color palette was faded and seriously deficient, as is the case with color-coded anaglyph 3-D presentations. As noted, this is the lowest-quality 3D and does not reflect the potential for the format, which was then in standards discussion. The 2-D version of this animated film was nicely rendered with excellent contrast, deep blacks, and superb animated shadow delineation. Colors appeared perfectly natural, with warm and vibrant hues, for an impressive natural look without exaggeration. Resolution also was excellent and revealed fine textures. This new 1.85:1 1080p MVC 3-D Blu-ray Disc is able to surpass the digital theatrical formats, with imagery that is incredibly amazing! The presentation exhibits natural depth, with effective segments that poke out from the screen, to enhance the dramatics. Nothing is forced or seemingly out of place, but completely naturally scaled with impressive perspective. The sequences in which Coraline crawls through a tunnel and transverses the two worlds, draws one in from the front of the screen through and out the back, with an incredible display of depth perspective. Other scenes exhibit impressive perceptible depth as well, which enhances the sense of exploration. The imagery never displays double image ghosting, which enhances the seamless 3-D effect. As with the 2-D version, colors are warm and vibrant with deep, solid blacks, though, with a slightly "darker" presence. Still, the color palette is vivid and naturally hued, with excellent saturation and character. The contrast between the two worlds is effectively conveyed in the color palette, with the other world displaying greater intensity, to express that "everything is better." Blacks are incredibly well defined and shaded. Resolution is extraordinary in the level of refined detail in textures. This is such a wonderful visual experience that impresses, with an imaginative and dazzling parade of eye candy that is absolutely amazing! Without hesitation, the 3-D Blu-ray is the preferred experience and will not disappoint! (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is beautifully recorded, with superb fidelity. Foley sound effects are perfectly rendered, with impressive low-level clarity and definition. The music score is fantastic, with a wide and deep soundstage and revealing instrumental timbre that is impressive. The ADR is excellent and delivers convincing dialogue spatial integration. Atmospheric sound effects enhance the mood and provide dimension and dynamic character, even impressive phantom center back surround imaging and height sensation. Surround envelopment is holosonic®, with aggressive localized soundfield delineation. Bass extension sounds perfectly natural and at times extends to below 25 Hz in the .1 LFE channel. The sound of thunder is impressively natural and dynamic. Pans and surround localizations are heard throughout and enhance the dimensionality of the experience that transverses the entire soundfield and immerses the listener in Coraline's dual worlds. The sonics seemingly are even better in the 3-D presentation, with seamless integration of music, sound effects, Foley, and dialogue. The D-BOX Motion Code encoding is mostly non-active, but when engaged, the movement experience perfectly complements and enhances the viewing of this film, especially during the ending scenes. (Gary Reber)