Coraline [Blu-ray]

I have watched Coraline it seems like a million times because of how much I love this movie. The visual style is absolutely stunning. The intricate details in the stop-motion animation are impressive, with every scene exuding a sense of eerie wonder. The contrast between Coraline's dreary, real world and the colorful, yet sinister alternate world is striking and adds a layer of depth to the story. The atmosphere is both magical and unsettling, drawing viewers into the world of Coraline in a way that feels immersive and deeply engaging. The characters are great and perfectly align in the storyline. For the youth audience, some scenes may seem a bit scary so I would be mindful about that when allowing young children to watch this for the first time. Overall it is a wonderful story!

"Coraline" is a delightfully imaginative and captivating film that weaves a spellbinding tale sure to enchant audiences of all ages. As a fan of fantasy and animated films, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the unique world of Coraline, filled with wonder and a touch of eerie charm.Key Points:Unparalleled Animation: The stop-motion animation in "Coraline" is nothing short of exceptional. Every frame is meticulously crafted, showcasing the incredible attention to detail that breathes life into the characters and the enchanting Other World.Enchanting Storyline: The film's narrative takes viewers on a thrilling and sometimes unsettling journey. Coraline's adventures in the Other World are filled with surprises, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and offering an engaging and imaginative experience.Multidimensional Characters: Coraline herself is a relatable and courageous protagonist, whose resilience and determination make her a fantastic role model for young viewers. The supporting characters, particularly the enigmatic Cat and the eccentric Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, add depth and charm to the story.Atmospheric Soundtrack: The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack complements the film's atmosphere perfectly, heightening the emotional impact of pivotal scenes and further immersing audiences in Coraline's world.Cons:Intensity for Younger Viewers: While "Coraline" is a magical and whimsical film, it may be too intense for very young or sensitive viewers. Some scenes in the Other World and interactions with the antagonist may leave them feeling frightened.Pace in Some Parts: At times, the film's pacing can feel slightly uneven, with certain segments dragging a little longer than necessary. However, this minor flaw is easily overshadowed by the film's overall enchanting experience.Conclusion:"Coraline" is a wonderfully crafted film that seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and a touch of darkness into a memorable viewing experience. The animation is visually stunning, and the enchanting storyline draws viewers into a world brimming with imagination and creativity. Coraline's journey of self-discovery, bravery, and resilience resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a film that both children and adults can appreciate.Although the film may be a bit intense for younger viewers, its magical atmosphere and multidimensional characters make it an enchanting treat for those who appreciate a fantastical escape. "Coraline" is a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and anyone seeking an enchanting and hauntingly beautiful cinematic journey that will linger in their hearts long after the credits roll.

Directed by Henry Selick, Coraline is a full length, "stop motion" style animated feature. Why should you care who Henry Selick is? Because he is the director of such other stop motion films as "James and the Giant Peach" and a little movie called "The Nightmare Before Christmas!" "Wait what?!" you may be saying. "Didn't Tim Burton direct The Nightmare Before Christmas?" No! No I say! While it was very much his brain child, Tim Burton was actually the producer! Now that that's out of the way, on to the story!The screenplay is based off of a story by celebrated fantasy author Neil Gaiman. In case his name isn't immediately recognizable to you, perhaps you might recognize some of his other literary work: American Gods, Marvel Comics' "1602" & his "Eternals" re-imagining as well as DC Comics' "Sandman" series. Perhaps most memorable to the average moviegoer would be "Stardust," which was made into a live-action film in 2007.The one and only possible downside to Coraline's wonderful story is perhaps that it is VERY reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. If you can get past that by seeing the plot as more of a "shout out" than a rip-off, you are in store for a thoroughly entertaining movie full of excitement and charm. Coraline moves at a steady pace so as not to lose the viewer. No waiting for something interesting to happen here! Without spoiling too much for you, Coraline is a young girl who winds up in a new home that carries some old secrets. Her inattentive parents encourage her to explore and she soon winds up in an alternate reality where things seem quite wonderful...for now. There are many colorful and memorable characters she encounters and every one of them has a purpose. Some may find the plot a little cliché but there are still some twists and turns before the credits roll. Be warned though. Those with children 8 years old or under may want to wait on this film due to potentially scary content. Also, there is a very strange but, in my personal opinion, harmless scene in which an overweight senior citizen is wearing very little.Visually, this is one of those movies that you could watch without any sound and still be entertained. Fantastic color-schemes and great set & character designs keep you waiting to see what treats the next scene will hold. Note: The version I saw was in 3D and while it was cool and all, it wasn't really necessary. If it's the only version that you can get ahold of than don't hesitate but if you have a choice you may want to choose the more affordable standard version. Especially if you have small children likely to take off the glasses, already wear glasses or are prone to headache or disorientation.The voice acting was good for me because it didn't fall into the common trap of making you think of the well known actor doing the voicework. This is partially because many of the actors were unknown to me and partially because Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher & Ian McShane did a fine job. They didn't sound too much like themselves or any of their previous characters, especially Dakota.The musical score was the typical fair for this type of movie but not bad by any means. At times it sounds like it was done by Danny Elfman but it was actually scored by French composer Bruno Coulais. This movie is NOT A MUSICAL by the way so if that was likely to put you off it is no longer an excuse.Coraline wraps up at a tidy 1 hour and 40 minutes which is not too long for kids with short attention spans (and tiny bladders) and not so short as to feel rushed. Overall I LOVED this movie and can't recommend that you see it enough. It has everything to keep anyone entertained, kids and adults alike.