kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-NZ7
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| Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: ParaNorman [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
ParaNorman (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | An animated chiller like no other, 'ParaNorman' is a delightfully entertaining stop-motion feature that tackles some surprisingly mature themes on the cruelty and dangers of bullying. With astonishingly detailed animation work by the talented folks at Laika studios, this is a remarkable family film that finds heroism in the uniqueness and individuality of the main character. The Blu-ray arrives with reference picture quality and an excellent audio presentation that will have you cheering. A nice collection of supplements offers more to enjoy in this high-def package that will satisfy any animated fan. Highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
'ParaNorman' haunts Blu-ray with a flabbergasting, reference-quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that really shows off the amazing creativity and talent that went into producing the animated film. Individual freckles and wrinkles on the faces of characters are plainly visible, and each hair atop their heads is sharply distinct. The hanging flesh on the zombies' bodies moves with incredible realism, and the smallest, minuscule detail in the distance is as crystal-clear as the information in the foreground. The old-fashioned, wooden architecture of the town is discrete while the spooky forest towards the end reveals every line and grain on the trees and the surrounding foliage.
Taken directly from a digital source, the 2.40:1 image displays a lush, full-bodied color palette that beautifully splatters the screen from beginning to end. Much of the emphasis is on the softer pastel hues full of warmth and ornate, but primaries are still accurately saturated and sumptuous. Contrast is spot-on and comfortable, allowing for remarkable clarity and visibility of every minute detail of the town and the characters. Black levels are inky rich with precise gradational details within the shadows of low-lit interiors and the darker portions of the video, generating a splendid three-dimensional feel throughout. In the end, the freshly-minted transfer is extraordinary and gorgeous on Blu-ray.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Although not quite at the level of reference, this DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is still just as impressive as the video with plenty of fun, demo-worthy moments in the last half of the movie. It's during this time that rear activity suddenly livens up the room with a spooky atmosphere, employing the discrete sounds of a small New England town erupting into complete mayhem. The angry cheers of a mob surround the listener while thunder cracks in the sky above and the wind howls all around. Several other, more subtle effects also bounce around the back speakers with amusing directionality and panning.
The musical score of Jon Brion offers some very light bleeds in the background as well, but for a majority of the runtime, attention is maintained in the fronts. With lots of warmth and exceptional fidelity, imaging feels broad and creates a terrifically eclectic sense of space as off-screen activity is consistently convincing and highly engaging. The mid-range is extensive and room-penetrating, differentiation between the high and mids with precise detailing. A couple moments right towards the end, however, that clarity is somewhat lost and seems slightly distorted though it's hard tell if it's intentional to the design given the action and drama of the particular scene. Nonetheless, the low-end is surprisingly deep and powerful, adding an appreciably heightened level of intensity. Amid all the chaos and commotion, dialogue remains distinct and crystal-clear, so we never miss a single emotional beat. |
Kal
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