BALLERINA [2016 / 2017] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray + DVD] [Spanish Release] Gaumont’s 3D animated feature film ‘BALLERINA’ Brings the Stars of the Opera de Paris to Audiences Around the World!
The animated 3D film follows Félicie Milliner [Elle Fanning] who is a young orphan from Brittany who has only one passion: dance. With her best friend Victor [Dane DeHaan], who wants to become a great inventor, they come up with a madcap scheme to escape their orphanage for Paris, the City of Lights, with its Eiffel Tower still under construction!
Through cunning plans and hard work, and in 1879, poor orphan Félicie Milliner has to fight like she has never fought before and lands a spot at the top dance school, and has to outdo herself and learn from her mistakes to make her craziest dream come true: becoming a prima ballerina at the Paris Opera...
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2018 Annie Awards: Nomination: Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production for Florent Masurel, Jean-Jacques Cournoyer, Julien Meillard and Pierre-antoine Moelo
FILM FACT No.2: The 2016 3D computer-animated musical film was produced at L'Atelier Animation in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The filmmakers used key frame animation of Aurélie Dupont and Jérémie Bélingard, two star dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, to translate realistic dance choreography to the animated film. Aurélie Dupont became the de facto choreographer of the film's dance sequences.
Voice Cast: Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen, Maddie Ziegler, Terrence Scammell, Tamir Kapelian, Julie Khaner, Joe Sheridan, Elana Dunkelman, Shoshana Sperling, Jamie Watson, Bronwen Mantel, Mel Brooks, Ricardo El Mandril Sanchez, Kate McKinnon, Nat Wolff, Alona Leoine (uncredited) and Stephanie Sanditz (uncredited)
Directors: Eric Summer, Éric Warin, Mimi Maynard (voice director) and Paulette Victor-Lifton (voice director)
Producers: André Rouleau, François-Xavier Aubague, Fred Remuzat, Guillaume Ivernel, Jean Aubert, Laurent Zeitoun, Nicolas Duval Adassovsky, Valérie d'Auteuil and Yann Zenou
Screenplay: Carol Noble, Éric Summer and Laurent Zeitoun,
Composer: Klaus Badelt
Cinematography: Jericca Cleland (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish [Castellano]: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish [Català]: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Eurekera [Basque]: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish: 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
French: 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Subtitles: Spanish [Castellano], Spanish [Català] and Euskera [Basque]
Running Time: 89 minutes
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 2
Studio: The Gaumont Film Company
Andrew’s 3D Blu-ray Review: ‘BALLERINA’ [2016] is a wonderful animated film for all ages and definitely family entertainment that has now had a Blu-ray release in 2017 in stunning 3D images. But of course there have been lots of animated films dedicated to the inner lives of cars, minions, squirrels, and emoji’s, so perhaps it is now time for that human story of perseverance. ‘BALLERINA’ endeavours to provide a slightly less manic distraction for younger audiences, examining the inner light of an orphan dreaming big, finding herself with a chance to become a star ballerina in Paris in the late 1800s. Directors Eric Summer and Eric Warin make this feature’s entertainment a valued priority and there are plenty of likable elements in this 3D animated film, and it serves its purposes as an empowerment tool in people’s struggle and perseverance.
Stuck in an orphanage for most of her life, Félicie Milliner [voiced by Elle Fanning] is ready for a change of scenery, growing weary of her cold caretakers. Joined by pal Victor [voiced by Nat Wolff], Félicie Milliner dreams of Paris and the City of Lights, where she can become a world-famous ballerina and Victor can become the greatest inventor of all time. Electing to make a break for it, the pair runs off to Paris the City of Lights, with Victor pursuing his destiny, while Félicie Milliner ends up in the company of Odette [voiced by Carly Rae Jepsen], a physically disabled woman who works for the Paris Opera Ballet while employed as a servant for Regine [voiced by Kate McKinnon], whose daughter, Camille [voiced by Maddie Ziegler], is the top prospect for the company, overseen by choreographer Mérante [voiced by Terrence Scammell]. Intercepting an invitation to join auditions, Félicie Milliner schemes her way into the programme, working hard to develop non-existent ballet skills, soon depending on Odette to help shape her into an elegant dancer.
Away from the storytelling, ‘BALLERINA’ is most effective as a showcase for art director Florent Masurel and Montreal-based animation studio L’Atelier, whose artists pull off a few virtuoso technical coups: in particular, soaring aerial flights across rural France and fin de siècle Paris, both rendered with loving attention to textured architectural detail and shifting shades of golden daylight. If the character design isn’t quite as rich and fluid as the world behind them, it nonetheless stands up to a wealth of more expensively assembled U.S.A. studio animation.
For an animated film that is aimed mainly at young children, there is definitely a lot going on in ‘BALLERINA’ and there is for instance an entire community of characters to follow during the animated film, with Félicie Milliner also interacting with Rudi, the top male talent in the company, which triggers some jealousy within Victor, who’s nursing a serious crush on his orphanage buddy, with hopes to make his move in Paris. The story doesn’t remain in place for very long, with the thorough major effort of Félicie Milliner’s ballet ambition, watching her as she again schemes her way into position with more experienced ballet dancers, trying to blend in without the skills necessary to complete, only carried along by her natural gracefulness. There is a special music box as well, which infiltrates Félicie Milliner’s dreams, representing something important to the young woman that she cannot quite figure out, but maybe it is telling her need to achieve her dreams. Characteristic quirks are ever-present, but overall the writing is simplistic and not over complicated.
‘BALLERINA’ trusts in underlining conflicts as well as bonding to create a balance, but to some it does not seem to have much in a way of heart, and missing out on a sense of warmth and it also views the development of a young girl who wants the world but must work very hard to achieve her goal. But all in all the animated film shows the very highs and the even more lows of these personality traits in the ballet world. ‘BALLERINA’ 3D animated film is about Félicie Milliner and her determination to work herself to become the top ballerina in her class, earning a place in the company after initially deceiving her way in.
The ballet school scenes are a sumptuous facsimile of the Paris Opéra. And Paris itself is painted with a quaint but textured richness, as if torn from a book of old colour prints. Every character has a comic signature, from Félicie Milliner frenzied balletomania to her girl rival’s snooty beauty; from the scheming evils of the rival’s mother and a Madame Worthington to the last inch, to the lofty, dandyish perfectionism of the ballet master. The 3D animated film is a comical and visual treat. And there is a touching ending, that I know young children will love this animated film forever. What is also very exciting with this animated film, is the dynamic exciting composed music and also the brilliant songs you hear throughout the animated film which I know you will find very entrancing and you will make you experience this animated film in a most enjoyable experience and make you want to watch this animated film with many viewings, which as you will see I have listed the songs elsewhere in this 3D Blu-ray Review. By the way the film reminded me of the 2014 ‘The Boxtrolls’ 3D Fantasy/Adventure film by the LAIKA Entertainment Company, which I have reviewed.
BALLERINA MUSIC TRACK LIST
YOU KNOW IT’S ABOUT YOU (Written by Chris Braide and Stephen Wrabel) [Performed by Chris Braide and featuring Stephen Wrabel]
SWAN LAKE (Scene) (Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)
RAINBOW (Written by Chantal Kreviazuk, Jacob Lance Kotara and Adam McInnis) [Performed by Elizabeth Huett]
MUSETTE (Composed by Didier Roussin and Dominique Cravic)
BE SOMEBODY (Written by Chantal Kreviazuk, Paul Neumann, Thomas 'Tawgs' Salter, Marek Pompetzki and Cecil Remmler) [Performed by Chantal Kreviazuk]
NUTCRAKER SUITE (Russian Dance) (Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)
UNSTOPPABLE (Written by Matías Mora and Mia Minichiello) [Performed by Camila Mora-Scheihing]
BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS (Written by Christopher Braide, Elizabeth Paige Getz and David Quiñones) [Performed by Chris Braide and featuring Dezi Paige]
SHANNON REEL (Written by Daniel Darras and Youenn le Buerre)
NUTCRACKER SUITE (Flower Waltz) (Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky) [Performed by Bertrand Allagnat]
SUITECASE (Written by Sia Furler and Christopher Braide) [Performed by Sia]
CONFIDENT (Lyrics and music by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin and Demi Lovato) [Performed by Demi Lovato]
CUT THE FEELING (Written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Simon Wilcox and Nolan Lambroza) [Performed by Carly Rae Jepsen]
RUNAWAYS (Written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Dana Parish and Andrew Hollander) [Performed by Carly Rae Jepsen]
Blu-ray 3D Image Quality – The Gaumont Film Company brings you this magical 3D animation film that is very well-choreographed fairy-telling in stunning 1080p image presentation, which is equally enhanced with its 2.35:1 aspect ratio. ‘BALLERINA’ may not have a big name like Disney behind it, but the animation is impressive and delivers a High Definition Blu-ray presentation that is fantastic that certainly does it justice and the precise detail is excellent and with a very fine nuanced presentation, which certainly lapses up the intricate hair strands that are ruffled and perfect in styles, the facial expressions, the shimmering eyes, and the period Parisian setting which offers up its own set of nuances. Clothing is textured, and there's plenty of attention to detail here, with strong clarity. The colour scheme is broad and vibrant, yet bathed in an honest look reflective of the setting and era, with lots of warm but not LA-hot sunlight, gorgeous blue skies, healthy skin tones and rich hair colours. The film has got more of a spring rather than a summer feel, and that works for the Euro setting and period flavour. Black levels are strong, and all in all offer good spectacular images that are certainly a very good demo offering for anyone you want to impress. The only negative aspect of this 3D animated film is that you cannot get rid of the Spanish subtitles at the bottom of the screen when viewing the English original film. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The Gaumont Film Company brings you a fantastic 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience that has a definitely a strong delivery of sounds, which also delivers the music, old and new, as well as the dialogue and a myriad surround effects that are very effective presentation throughout the 3D animated film, and definitely retains priority for the dialogue across the three front speakers, and again there is still more than enough effects to be heard around your surround speakers, and especially with the crazy ground and aerial exploits of the opening sequence setting the scene, whilst Paris brings the echo of the ballet halls, and skittering across cobbled streets and, yes, yet more crazy aerial exploits, particularly in the finale of the 3D animated film. The song and dance numbers really hit home, especially when sweeping across the stage and delivering energetic set pieces that dominate the array and engulf you in the whole audio ambience and definitely has got the power or precision to match the best of the tracks, and it definitely does a very good job, that really enhances this magical 3D animation film.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Spanish 2D Teaser Trailer [2016] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:23] You view this in Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Spanish 2D Theatrical Trailer [2016] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:23] You view this in Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Spanish 2D TV Spots [2016] [1080p] [2.35:1] Here you get to view eight different TV trailers, which are as titled: Bailarina [Ballerina] [0:21]; Sueños [Dreams] [0:21]; Amigos [Friends] [0:21]; Entrenamiento [Training] [0:21]; Ver Todo 1 [See everything] [0:21]; Ver Todo 2 [See everything] [0:43]; Ver Todo 3 [See everything] [1:05] and Ver Todo 4 [See everything] [0:21]. You view this in Spanish 2.0 DTS-HD Master Stereo Audio.
Special Feature: BALLERINA: La réalisation d’un réve [BALLERINA: The production of a dream] [2016] [1080p] [1.78:1 / 2.35:1] Quad, Main Journey and Camel Films presents a French and English film documentary by Julien Lecat on the making of the 3D animated film ‘BALLERINA,’ and we begin its journey in Paris in January 2010. We get to see all aspects of the process of making this brilliant 3D animated film. We get to view the female and male ballet dancers being filmed, and capturing their intricate dancing techniques, so that they can then transfer the images into the animated ballet characters. We get lots of insight into the computer storyboard drawing, that then are converted into the actual animated film and you get to view them together, side by side to see what the finished animated film actually looks like. The documentary is split up into different headings, like “Imaginer l’univers visuel;” “Sublimer la danse classique;” “Créer et animer le storyboard” and “Créer l’animation 3D.” Unfortunately and very annoying, is that the Spanish subtitles appear over the faces of the people being interviewed, but despite this and that the majority who are interviewed are French, but there are a few of the people who actually speak in English, so all in all it is still a fascinating documentary. Contributors include: Laurent Zeitoun [Producer and Scriptwriter], Nicolas Duval Adassovsky [Producer], Yann Zenou [Producer], François-Xavier Aubague [Executive Producer], Theodore Ty [Animation Director], Laurence Vacher [Director of Production], Eric Summer [Co- director and Screenwriter], Eric Warin [Co- director and Author of the Graphics], Florent Masurel [Artistic Director], Carol Noble [Scriptwriter], Aurélie Dupont [Choreographer and French Ballet Dancer], Jérémie Bélingard [Choreographer and French Ballet Dancer], Guillaume Ivernel [Artistic Producer], Simon Ivernel [Storyboarder], Camille Cottin [French Comedy Actress and Voice of Félicie Milliner], Malik Bentalha [French Comedian and Voice of Victor] and Benoit Blouin [3D General Supervisor].
Spanish Blu-ray Trailers: Here you get to preview the following: EL NIÑO LA BESTIA [The Boy and the Beast] [2015] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:21]; THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET [2013] [1080p] [2.35:1] [0:48] and KHUMBA [2013] [1080p] [2.35:1] [2:10]. You get to view these trailers in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Finally, ‘BALLERINA’ is a totally fun and even more magical 3D animation film, but many feel it might not quite capture that Disney/PIXAR magic, but it sure captures some impressively choreographed ballet-work that is stunning and captivating for young audiences especially. This is a very joyous joint endeavour from the French-Canadian collaboration in bringing you this stunning 3D Digimation, who is a provider of 3D digital content and shows its heroine, a redheaded dreamer Félicie Milliner [voiced by Elle Fanning], who flees her orphanage to try and get a spot at the fin de siècle Paris Opéra. There is some novelty in watching an animated character pursuing a creative career, while our Félicie Milliner pirouettes, her strutting male companion lands himself a gig in Gustave Eiffel’s workshop. It’s attentively, attractively designed with a real eye for the light hitting the buildings of a city under construction. With Gaumont’s ‘BALLERINA,’ it is clear that 3D animation technology has come a long way over the past few decades. According to the animator, the key frame technology was used to translate the actors techniques into the characters smooth movements. The very realistic and very ‘human’ performance gives you a dazzling performance – and perhaps even vault the animated film ‘BALLERINA’ into a new holiday event every year. It is a 3D animated film that young children especially will love and personally I had a very joyous experience watching this brilliant 3D animated film. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
