ParaNorman (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Shout Factory / Laika
Release Date: December 13, 2022
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5

Plot
In many ways, Norman Babcock is a typical kid trying to find his way in the world. He enjoys watching TV with his Grandma, gets bullied at school, and what he wants more than anything is acceptance. Unfortunately, Norman has a certain ability that seems to turn people off—he can see and speak with the dead. In fact, his Grandma has been dead for a while and whenever he mentions to his family that he enjoys spending time with her, Mom and Dad kind of freak out. Poor Norman is considered the town freak of Blithe Hollow because of his ability, but little do they know that the young man is about to save them from a witch who was executed over three-hundred years earlier and is seeking her pound of flesh.

What unfolds is a race against time as Norman tries to heed the dying words of his outcast Uncle who has protected the town from the evil witch every Halloween. Along the way our hero must enlist the help of his new best friend Neil who thinks his ability to speak with the dead is "Awesome," his reluctant sister, and a varying cast of skeptics who finally believe that the young boy's ability is genuine.

My Thoughts
There's a lot to like about this film, especially the main characters and the stop-motion animation. While Pixar has changed the way animated films are made, the days of stop-motion are far from over as the studio that brought you Coraline delivers a solid and visually stimulating film. The set design and character expressions are mesmerizing, to say the least, and even though the story is a tad uneven it's entertaining enough for the entire family to enjoy—as long as your kids don't get scared too easily by the undead.

Using Canon EOS 5D Mark II SLR cameras, the filmmakers delivered a nearly flawless 1080p video presentation when the film was released on Blu-ray back in 2012. The 4K presentation steps it up to a higher level with a stimulating color palette, amazing depth, and a perfect print. Black levels are inky with rich contrast and shadow detail, and the lighting effects mimic the real world to a tee. Every intricate feature in clothing, character faces, and sets comes through with crystal clarity. The freshly minted Dolby Atmos audio track improves on the already impressive DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that was on the Blu-ray. Stereo spread across the front is wide and expansive, dialog is clear and distinct, and the surround experience features some demo-worthy moments with some intense LFE—especially in the third act.
   
Video 9.5/10 (AVC)

Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• Booklet with an essay by Bill Desowitz
• Commentary from co-directors Sam Fell and Chris Butler
• Inside Laika: Discovering the Characters of ParaNorman
• Inside Laika: Revisiting the Puppets with Laika’s Animation Team
• Feature-Length Storyboards
• Peering Through the Veil: Behind the Scenes of ParaNorman
• You Don’t Become a Hero by Being Normal
• A Normal Childhood
• Playing a Profession
• Making Norman
• This Little Light
• Have You Ever Seen a Ghost
• The Zombies of ParaNorman
• Still Gallerie4s
• Theatrical Trailer
• UHD + Blu-ray

Conclusion
This is the second time I’ve watched the film since first reviewing it back in 2012. While I'm not a huge fan of scary movies, this one is very tame and actually has a lot of funnier moments making it much more enjoyable. The interaction between the characters is a lot of fun and I really liked the main character. The 4K presentation is outstanding but the Dolby Atmos track is what really makes this film stand apart from its Blu-ray counterpart.

Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Paul Heroy]

I bought the 3D Blu-ray back in the day, and for some reason it never made it to the player. But it's still on my "wanna watch" list, and now I'm wondering which version I should try to watch. First world problems lol.

[David Vaughn]

I bought the 3D Blu-ray back in the day, and for some reason it never made it to the player. But it's still on my "wanna watch" list, and now I'm wondering which version I should try to watch. First world problems lol.

I'd try the 3D first since you already bought it. I only had the 2D of this one, but the 3D of Coraline. 

[bmoney]

So weird when someone changes their profile
Pic lol. I was like who dis?

[David Vaughn]

So weird when someone changes their profile
Pic lol. I was like who dis?

I'm a HUGE 49er fan. I may change it back after football season is over

[Paul Heroy]

49ers are a great story this year. I really don't like the Cowboys so will be rooting for the Niners tonight. To make this somewhat HT related, it's on the DirecTV 4K channel so I set that to record. 

But... as an LSU / Saints fan, I'm ALL in on Bengals and Burrow/Chase, though with most of their starting OL out it's going to be a near miracle to get a W today.

[David Vaughn]

49ers are a great story this year. I really don't like the Cowboys so will be rooting for the Niners tonight. To make this somewhat HT related, it's on the DirecTV 4K channel so I set that to record.

But... as an LSU / Saints fan, I'm ALL in on Bengals and Burrow/Chase, though with most of their starting OL out it's going to be a near miracle to get a W today.

As a 49ers fan, I get how injuries can be frustrated. We are on our third QB this year and he was the last pick in the draft. Thankfully, he's playing like he's the second coming of Joe Montana. I'm hoping to win 3 more in a row to make it 14 straight and then secure the movie rights to Brock Purdy's life story

[bmoney]

I loved the 9’ers in the 80’s. My dad and I would revel over Montana.