Splintering off from the FILMS 2009 thread, I just wanted to give another heads-up reminder that Coraline is out for home release today.  Having picked up the DVD and Blu-ray editions, I can confirm that both are region-free; the studio "Universal" certainly lives up to its name on this one. 

For those paying attention, you're doubtlessly aware that I'm somewhat enamored with the movie.  Coraline joins the small handful of stop-motion animations that have come out in recent times, and even smaller handful of truly high caliber films in the genre.  To me, it's an impeccably beautiful piece of work, brilliantly imaginative, and masterfully crafted.  It was disheartening, then, that not very many people seemed to see it during its theatrical run; the numbers were decent, but that's all they were.  Here's hoping it gets more recognition on the home front.

My LiveJournal entry review.  I had a fun time putting this one together:

http://a-liu2009.livejournal.com/2649.html

So checking this out. I missed this in theatres, and ever since Speed Racer, I've been so much less dismissive about what movies you recommend. 3:10 to Yuma still needs to be watched.

That, and I love animation of all kinds.

Picked up my copy today.  I currently have nothing capable of playing blu-ray, but since it came with a DVD version and digital copy for only a few bucks more than the special edition DVD version I figured why not.  I haven't popped it in yet, but I saw the movie twice in theaters.  Great movie indeed.

Yeah, I'll probably end up giving one of my DVD copies to my younger cousins.  I picked up the single disc DVD strictly for the case's front and back cover art:

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2520 … ont20e.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1417/c … back40.jpg

I like 'em way more than the Blu-ray cover.  ^_^

Know what I love about DVD and Blu-ray?  Multi-language dub tracks.  And for films that have musical numbers in it, that often means we get international renditions of said numbers.

In Coraline's case, we get Spanish and French variations of the hilarious stage number "Sirens of the Sea."  Hearing Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French hamming it up in the original was priceless, but it's a treat hearing the two bickering "old ladies" belting it out in an entirely different language.   As a bonus, I've also included the Can Can finale, which sadly wasn't featured on the album release:

Sirens of the Sea International Versions:
http://www.mediafire.com/?0jlyogjme4n

While on topic, I was wondering if anyone else listened to Bruno Coulais' soundtrack?  I have my own impressions in my LJ write-up, but I'd be curious to hear what others think of this most eclectic, but strangely compelling score.

So is this movie totally awesome? I had a feeling it might be. BluRay is worth it?

I think I can put my faithful Dolce & Gabbana bag away for a while, for rabid fandom has led to the purchase of this:

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodi … er=NC49520

I flipped when I saw a girl walking on Times Square the other day with this version.  I've also got these on order, which I'm planning to adorn my couch with.

I'll have to agree with Angie on this one, got bored today and watched it.
A nice gem indeed, maybe it'll be a nice gift for my niece sometime.

I don't know why I keep putting off watching this movie. Given how sad I was that I ignored Angie's pleas to support Speed Racer, I feel that I should probably listen more to her recommendations without the usual doubt that plagues me.

Tell you what, luv. By next week, I'll have watched the film, with thoughts to follow shortly after. I promise.

Ditto.

I've had the Blu-Ray disc sitting next to my PS3 for months now, still haven't watched.

Glad you guys are coming around to the movie.  Definitely looking forward to hearing more impressions!

It isn't liable to happen, but I'd love for them to circulate the 3D version back into theaters someday.  The visual effect really was a wonder to behold.

It's a great movie. Wonderfully creepy and inventive.

Thread resurrection.

Along with it being New Years Eve, it's also my anniversary (y'know, with my wife). 4 years now. Cool times.

So we had an in-home dinner + movie date. (seriously, this only happens maybe 3 times a year, we got the boys out of the house and only had baby girl to take care of).

So I FINALLY popped in Coraline because I had a feeling it'd be awesome.

And I was right. Thanks Angela for subtly pushing me towards this movie for the past few months.

Should I bother watching "3D Version" and popping on the 3D glasses at some point?

Also, the story is awesome. Has anyone read / seen Neil Gaiman book / graphic novel of this for sale? Is it worth getting?

Ramza

Happy New Yeanniversary, Pat!  Glad you enjoyed the film.

I read the Gaiman novel shortly after seeing the film, which one can easily breeze through it in one sitting.  The movie captures the spirit of the book well, though Selick did take a good number of liberties, generally for the better.  The neighbors play a far bigger role, the visits between the real and other worlds are far more frequent, the addition of Wybie is new, along with his grandmother, the story thread about her missing sister, and the concept of the little-me doll.  The biggest deviation from book to movie, though, is the confrontation between Coraline and.... Other Father.  Instead of taking place in the Fantastic Garden, it takes place in the cellar of the house.  I won't spoil the rest this is surely the most tense, frightfully-described section in the book, and while there are elements carried over to the final confrontation in the movie, it would have been intriguing to see how they did this scene for film.