CORALINE 3D [2009 / 2011] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray] [UK Release]
Be Careful What You Wish For! Utterly Bewitching!
From the visionary director of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ and based on Neil Gaiman's best-selling book, comes this spectacular stop-motion animation adventure! Coraline Jones [Dakota Fanning] is bored until she finds a secret door and discovers an alternative, better, version of her life on the other side. When this seemingly perfect world turns dangerous, and her other parents, including her Other Mother [Teri Hatcher] try to trap her forever. Coraline Jones must use her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to escape this perilous world and her family.
FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 2009 BAFTA Film Awards: Win: BAFTA Children's Award for Best Feature Film for Bill Mechanic, Claire Jennings, Henry Selick and Mary Sandell. 2009 Alliance of Women Film Journalists: Win: EDA Female Focus Award for Best Animated Female for Dakota Fanning for "Coraline Jones." Nominated: EDA Award for Best Animated Feature Film for Henry Selick. 2009 Awards Circuit Community Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature. 2009 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature. 2009 Golden Schmoes Awards: Nominated: Trippiest Movie of the Year. Nominated: Best Animated Movie of the Year. 2009 Houston Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Film. 2009 New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Film. 2009 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards: Nominated: Rondo Statuette for Best Film for Henry Selick. 2009 St. Louis Film Critics Association, USA: Nominated: SLFCA Award for Best Animated Film for Henry Selick. 2009 Sydney Film Festival: Nominated: Sydney Film Prize for Best Film for Henry Selick. 2009 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature. 2009 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Film. 2010 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for Henry Selick. 2010 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Animated Feature Film. 2010 BAFTA Film Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Film for Henry Selick. 2010 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Animated Film. 2010 AFI Awards, USA: Win: Movie of the Year. 2010 American Cinema Editors: Nominated: Eddie Award for Best Edited Animated Feature Film for Christopher Murrie-Green and Ronald Sanders. 2010 Annie Awards: Win: Character Design in a Feature Production for Shane Prigmore. Win: Music in a Feature Production for Bruno Coulais. Win: Production Design in a Feature Production for Tadahiro Uesugi. Nominated: Best Animated Feature. Nominated: Character Animation in a Feature Production for Travis Knight. Nominated: Character Design in a Feature Production for Shannon Tindle. Nominated: Directing in a Feature Production for Henry Selick. Nominated: Production Design in a Feature Production for Chris Appelhans. Nominated: Storyboarding in a Feature Production for Chris Butler. Nominated: Voice Acting in a Feature Production for Dawn French for "Miss Forcible." 2010 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards: Win: Top Box Office Films for Bruno Coulais. 2010 Black Reel Awards: Nominated: Best Voice Performance for Keith David. 2010 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Nominated: Critics Choice Award for Best Animated Feature. 2010 Denver Film Critics Society: Nominated: DFCS Award for Best Original Song for John Flansburgh (music and lyrics) and John Linnell (music and lyrics) for song: "Other Father Song." 2010 Gold Derby Awards: Nominated: Animated Feature. 2010 International Cinephile Society Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Film. 2010 International Film Music Critics Award: Nominated: Best Original Score for an Animated Film for Bruno Coulais. 2010 International Online Cinema Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature for Henry Selick. 2010 Italian Online Movie Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature Film (Miglior film d'animazione). 2010 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Nominated: Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing - Sound Effects, Foley, Music, Dialogue and ADR Animation in a Feature Film for Ronald Eng (supervising sound editor, sound designer, music editor), David A. Cohen (supervising sound editor, supervising dialogue/adr editor), Randy Thom (sound designer), Willard Overstreet (supervising foley editor), Steve Boeddeker (sound editor), Steve Tushar (sound editor) and Dan O'Connell (foley artist). 2010 National Society of Film Critics Awards, USA: Nominated: Best Production Design for Henry Selick. 2010 Online Film & Television Association: Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Animated Picture for Claire Jennings and Henry Selick. Nominated: OFTA Film Award for Best Titles Sequence. 2010 Online Film Critics Society Awards: Nominated: Best Animated Feature: 2010 PGA Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for Bill Mechanic, Claire Jennings, Henry Selick and Mary Sandell. 2010 Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated: Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Claire Jennings (animation producer) and Henry Selick (animation director). Nominated: Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Trey Thomas (lead animator) and Travis Knight (lead animator) for Coraline. Nominated: Outstanding Effects Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture for Craig Dowsett (cg modeler), John Allan Armstrong (vfx animator) and Kent Burton (stop motion effects animator). Nominated: Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Feature Motion Picture for Deborah Cook (lead costume design fabricator), Martin Meunier (facial animation design) and Paul Mack (model maker). 2010 Young Artist Awards: Nominated: Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role - Young Actor/Actress for Dakota Fanning.
Voice Cast: Dakota Fanning (Coraline Jones), Teri Hatcher (Mel Jones / Other Mother / Beldam), Jennifer Saunders (Miss April Spink / Other Spink), Dawn French (Miss Miriam Forcible / Other Forcible), Keith David (The Cat), John Hodgman (Charlie Jones / Other Father), Robert Bailey, Jr. (Wyborne 'Wybie' Lovat), Ian McShane (Mr. Sergei Alexander Bobinsky / Other Bobinsky), Aankha Neal (Sweet Ghost Girl), George Selick (Ghost Boy), Hannah Kaiser (Tall Ghost Girl), Harry Selick (Photo Friend), Marina Budovsky (Photo Friend), Emerson Tenney (Magic Dragonfly), Jerome Ranft (Mover), Christopher Murrie-Green (Toy), Jeremy Ryder (Toy), Carolyn Crawford (Wybie's Grandmother), Yona Prost (Shakespeare Rascal) and John Linnell (Other Father’s singing voice) (uncredited)
Director: Henry Selick
Producers: Alex Heineman, Bill Mechanic, Claire Jennings, Harry Linden, Henry Selick, Mary Sandell and Michael Zoumas
Screenplay: Henry Selick (screenplay) and Neil Gaiman (book)
Composer: Bruno Coulais
Cinematography: Pete Kozachik (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Spanish: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, Latin American Spanish and Canadian French
Running Time: 101 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Universal Pictures / LAIKA
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: In the tradition of the Brothers Grimm and the stop-motion animation style of my childhood, 'CORALINE 3D' is a much more serious film than the trailers would have us believe. There's no way around this other than to write that the film is a children's tale not really meant for children. Teetering between fantasy and horror, the nightmare-inducing puppetry is only half of the scare factor. The other half, and arguably its best feature, is a story that is actually creepy and frightening - something that's sadly missing from modern horror in general. Henry Selick, the director of 'The Nightmare before Christmas' brings life to Neil Gaiman's award-winning novella, with a stunning visual mastery that somehow makes all the grotesque imagery rather attractive and captivating.
Feeling bored and neglected, Coraline Jones [Dakota Fanning] decides to explore her new apartment while her parents Mel Jones [Teri Hatcher] and Charlie Jones [John Hodgman] continue in their time-consuming work. Walking the grounds, she meets the odd Wyborne 'Wybie' Lovat [Robert Bailey, Jr.], the two eccentric downstairs neighbours Miss April Spink [Jennifer Saunders] and Miss Miriam Forcible [Dawn French], and the Russian gymnast who lives upstairs Mr. Sergei Alexander Bobinsky [Ian McShane]. Back inside the house, she discovers a mysterious secret door that leads to a parallel universe much like her own. Only there, everyone at the Pink Palace Apartments lives to endlessly provide and entertain her. But soon, the black buttons, which serve as their eyes in this world, give way to more sinister intentions. With the help of a talking black cat [Keith David], Coraline Jones must defeat the grasps of this "other world" and get back home.
There are no surprises or twists in the plot and it's all very familiar ground, in fact, but 'CORALINE 3D' is nonetheless a loving tribute to the art of filmmaking itself. We're not watching the story as much as musing and gawking at the beautiful artistry that went into blending the charming and delightful with the creepy and frightful. There is such a great amount of attention placed on the details that it becomes almost trance-like, and it all works to enhance the narrative. We don't need anyone to explain that Coraline Jones's parents are busy. They just are. We learn more about the downstairs women by looking at pictures and their collection of taxidermy Scottish Terriers. And watching the world of her Other Mother change appearance is scarier than requiring an explanation for her existence.
Again, this may be more than what younger viewers can handle, despite giving the impression of being a children's movie. All the same, the film does arrive with the unsurprising and inevitable moral conclusion typical of the genre. And this is not so much a hindrance as it is expected five minutes into the movie. No matter, 'CORALINE 3D' knows how to play its cards right and lives up to that cautionary proverb we grew up hearing from parents and now repeat to our own children: "Be careful what you wish for." With an animation style that's both adventurous and strange, Henry Selick's newest work of art is very much a modern-day fairy tale and one which will only grow in appreciation with time. It's fanciful, imaginative, and contemplative. But it's also weird, eccentric and even freakish. This is a really terrific mix of fun 3D animation film.
Not since 'A Nightmare Before Christmas' has an animated film been so visually captivating. But rather than repeating the success of its predecessor, Henry Selick's 'CORALINE 3D’ [2009] gives audiences a darker undertone, where wish-fulfilment suddenly turn into true a nightmare. It's a beautifully immersive experience about a young girl learning to be clever, resourceful, and mature about her outlook on life. Only, parents, be sure that the little tykes can handle some of the film's more disturbing aspects.
CORALINE 3D MUSIC TRACK LIST
SIRENS OF THE SEA (Written by Henry Selick) [Performed by Michele Mariana]
OTHER FATHER SONG (Written by They Might Be Giants) [Performed by They Might Be Giants]
NELLIE JEAN (Written by Kent Melton) [Performed by Kent Melton]
DREAMING (Written by Bruno Coulais) [Performed by Bruno Coulais, The Children's Choir of Nice and Teri Hatcher]
DREAMING (Written by Danny Elfman) [Performed by Danny Elfman, Metro Voices and Teri Hatcher]
Blu-ray Image Quality – Almost two years since 'CORALINE 2D' first appeared in high definition, Pictures UK now brings the highly-imaginative stop-motion film to the 3D realm. The results are terrific though not quite the knockout experience I expected and not without some minor issues along the way. On the other hand, the majority of the 1080p image is strong and a great treat for the eyes. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the picture arrives with pitch-perfect contrast levels, providing wonderful clarity and visibility of things in the distance as well as in close-ups. The finest details are stunningly consistent and distinctly sharp. Textures in various objects are remarkable and incredibly lifelike, which seem to jump out of the screen in many scenes. From individual threads in articles of clothing to separate strands of hair atop each character, everything is crystal clear and superbly detailed. Colours possess an extraordinary pop and energy in spite of the darkened lenses of the shutter glasses. Whether we're in the drab and drained real world or the vibrantly exciting universe of Other Mother's house, the diverse palette on display is vividly saturated and accurate. Blacks are inky and profound with excellent delineation in the darkest shadows. The reason for going over to the 3D version is that the image has now added with a few awesome gimmick shots thrown in for good measure. Some of the best moments are when Coraline enters the little door and crawls through the colourful tube into Other Mother's world. Also, the last half-hour of the movie as that world is slowly dissolving away is when the Blu-ray really shines in terms of three-dimensional depth. So all in all the 'CORALINE 3D' is still a fantastic presentation sure to make many fans and 3D enthusiasts happy with the picture quality.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack arrives for the animated film 'CORALINE 3D' with resounding clarity, precision, and depth, the sound mix is impressive as it reaches the higher pitches without a loss in detail and an active surround presence that is at a near constant. The front soundstage is expansive and evenly balanced with crystalline dialogue reproduction and wonderful transparency. Atmospheric effects and non-directional cues are sharp and fluid, enveloping the listener convincingly. Interior scenes exhibit terrific spaciousness and acoustics, generating an amazing environment that's eerily authentic. The original score by Bruno Coulais and They Might Be Giants is warm and inviting, using the entire system to draw the audience into this fantastical world. Low bass is richly polish and responsive, adding a palpable realism to each scene and musical number. Accompanying the great 3D picture quality of 'CORALINE 3D' is that the track is simply amazing, offering audiences a terrific and immersive aural experience that matches perfectly the fantastical elements of the film.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary with Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais: Director Henry Selick and composer Bruno Coulais discuss various aspects of the film's production, from adapting Neil Gaiman's novella, cast choices, LAIKA's extraordinary animation work, and of course, the musical score. The audio commentary is fairly standard, offering some kind of information you can find elsewhere in the package, but the affability of the two men keeps it from being utterly boring and maintains interest.
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [9:00] With a brief introductions from Henry Selick, this collection arrives with finished animation and voiceovers, which was a nice surprise. Only two scenes were actually removed from the final product, while the rest are mostly extended sequences that really don't affect the narrative either way. Still, they're interesting to watch for anyone curious.
Special Feature: The Making of ‘CORALINE’ [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [36:00] There are no surprises in this informative documentary that examines different areas of the film's pre-production and its end result. Henry Selick hosts the majority of the runtime with behind-the-scenes footage showing the cast in recording sessions and the creative team working on the animation. Viewers have a choice of either watching the feature in its entirety or selecting specific areas as individual short segments. Contributors include: Neil Gaiman, Maddy Gaiman, Tom Proost, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Saunders, Teri Hatcher, Dawn French, John Hodgman, Georgina Hayns, Jeremy Spake, Suzanne Moulton, Deborah Cook, Lee Bo Henry and Matt Sanders.
Special Feature: Voicing the Characters [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [11:00] This is a self-explanatory documentary that has Henry Selick and the cast members talking about their experiences working on the film, the various characters, and developing unique voices for each. Contributors include: Keith David, Dakota Fanning, Dawn French, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Ian McShane and Jennifer Saunders.
Special Feature: Creepy Coraline [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [6:00] Author Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick host this rather very short look at the film ‘CORALINE 3D’ and its unique and grim visual elements. Honestly, this is an okay documentary, but it's very brief and easy to sit through. Contributors include: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher and Henry Selick.
Special Feature: D-Box Motion Code: This feature is for folks who can afford D-Box Integrated Motion Systems.
Finally, taking audiences into a world where wishes become nightmares, 'CORALINE 3D' is the newest animated film from visionary director Henry Selick. Adapted from the novella by imaginative author Neil Gaiman, the film is a splendid and astounding visual delight with a narrative that's genuinely - and appreciably - terrifying, one that may not work well with younger viewers. The 3D Blu-ray edition arrives with great awesome picture quality, despite a few minor drawbacks in the presentation. The high-resolution audio remains the same awesome experience as before for an animated feature, and the supplemental package mirrors its predecessor. Only those willing to make the jump into the 3D realm will want to add this to their collection, while owners of the previous 2D version will be sort of satisfied with their original purchase, but I feel you are losing a hell of a lot in not going for the 3D awesome experience, which are absolutely stunning and this 3D Blu-ray is such an honour to add to my Blu-ray Collection, as every time I view this 3D Blu-ray, I see other stuff I missed before. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
