Corpse Bride

Warner Brothers' release of "Corpse Bride" on Blu-ray presents an exemplary 1080p, 1.78:1 high definition image that showcases why animation thrives in the Blu-ray format. Despite its relatively muted palette, primarily consisting of grays punctuated by bursts of color, the visual detail is stunning. Even in scenes dominated by shades of gray, the clarity and precision ensure that every nuance of the puppets and their settings are visible. This clarity extends to the vibrant underworld scenes, where a broader spectrum of colors comes to life, enhancing Tim Burton’s vision with bright and vivid hues. The exceptional color reproduction, combined with solid black levels, affords the film a depth that is almost tangible, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in both the earthly and underworld environments depicted.

Transitioning to Blu-ray as the first stop-motion animated feature in a next-gen high-def format, "Corpse Bride" does not disappoint. The shift to VC-1 compression from MPEG-2 has clearly paid dividends, offering a picture quality that retains its three-dimensional look without faltering in sharpness—a notable achievement for stop-motion animation. The film's darker themes are beautifully rendered through a palette rich in deep purples, blues, and an assortment of grays, while maintaining smooth hues free from noise or bleeding. The intricate details of the animation, from picture frame etchings to the detailed stitching of attire, are showcased with a clarity that far surpasses standard definition releases.

Moreover, concerns typically associated with early Blu-ray issues such as compression artifacts are unfounded here. "Corpse Bride" maintains a consistently high quality through its runtime without succumbing to pixelization or posterization, setting a benchmark for subsequent releases in the format. This dedication to quality ensures that viewers are treated to a visually arresting experience that honors the creativity and detail inherent in Burton’s work, making it a standout addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The audio presentation of "Corpse Bride" on Blu-ray, despite lacking a high-definition lossless sound option, delivers an impressively dynamic and engaging auditory experience. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is one of the more remarkable lossy tracks available, offering a compelling depth and clarity that elevates the film's atmospheric and musical moments. However, it's notable that dialogues sometimes feel subdued, requiring occasional volume adjustments to maintain an optimal balance between conversational scenes and the more exuberant musical or effects-driven sequences. This slight inconsistency does little to detract from an otherwise stellar auditory experience, characterized by nuanced sound staging and effective directional effects that immerse the viewer in the whimsical yet haunting world of the Corpse Bride.

The soundtrack shines brightest during its musical numbers, where the composition’s intricacies are showcased across all channels, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. Noteworthy is the subtle realism captured during quieter moments, such as Victor’s piano scene, which is beautifully rendered with clarity and emotional depth, underscoring Danny Elfman's masterful thematic composition. The sound design extends beyond music to include inventive uses of surround sound that envelop the listener, bringing a vibrant 360-degree auditory experience to life. From the meticulous placement of dialogue and isolated musical instruments in the surround channels to the sparing yet effective use of low bass for atmospheric emphasis, the film's sound design is both imaginative and technically proficient.

Despite some missed opportunities with bass response, where the subwoofer remains underutilized, the overall audio presentation does not disappoint. The track boasts an excellent dynamic range, ensuring that each scene flows seamlessly with transparent imaging between channels, further enhancing viewer envelopment. While the absence of a high-definition audio option might be seen as a shortfall, the existing Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX track, especially when complemented by a Dolby Digital Surround EX decoder, offers an aural experience that not only complements but also richly enhances the visual splendor of "Corpse Bride." This soundtrack exemplifies how strategic sound design and thoughtful audio execution can create an enveloping atmosphere that is as striking as the film's visuals.

The "Corpse Bride" Blu-ray extra features collection is an insightful and comprehensive compilation, skillfully making use of the BD-25 single-layer disc's capacity due to Warner's switch from MPEG-2 to VC-1 compression. This assortment not only retains all the extras from the standard-def release but also enhances viewer engagement through a remarkable selection of featurettes and a music-only Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, sans vocal. It intelligently covers various facets of the film's production, from conceptualization and character development, deeply examined by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, to the intricacies of stop-motion animation and puppeteering - highlighting the patience and creativity involved. The professionalism and unique talents of the voice cast are showcased, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at their processes. While lacking an audio commentary, this package compensates with its breadth and depth, particularly appealing to those seeking a technical and thematic exploration of the film's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Inside the Two Worlds: A comparative look at the lands of the living and dead.
• Danny Elfman Interprets the Two Worlds: The composer discusses his score's integration into the film.
• The Animators, The Breath of Life: An exploration of stop-motion animation used in the movie.
• Tim Burton: Dark vs. Light: Burton's influence and stylistic choices are discussed.
• Voices From the Underworld: Focus on how voice actors approached their roles.
• Making Puppets Tick: An insight into the puppetry behind the film.
• The Voices Behind the Voice: Side-by-side views of actors recording and the corresponding scenes.
• The 'Corpse Bride' Pre-Production Galleries: Storyboards, animatics, and screen tests from production.
• Music-Only Track in Dolby Digital 5.1: The film’s score without vocals.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 480p.

Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" emerges as a hallmark of his signature gothic aesthetic, boasting an exceptional blend of atmospheric depth and dark, quirky elements. This 2005 cinematic foray, adeptly voiced by Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, combines stop-motion animation with a captivating narrative set in a Victorian era, where the protagonists, Victor and Victoria, find themselves in an unexpected love triangle with a deceased bride, Emily. Burton's prowess in weaving dark narratives with whimsical undertones is on full display, presenting a story that oscillates between the macabre and the beautiful, underscored by Danny Elfman's compelling score. The animation is meticulously detailed, showcasing an evolution from the early days of stop-motion to a polished, almost lifelike quality that blurs the line between animation and reality.

Despite its innovative animation and storytelling, "Corpse Bride" faced mixed receptions upon its release, shadowed by the towering legacy of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." However, appreciation for the film's artistry - particularly its stark contrast between the vibrant land of the dead and the monochromatic living world - signifies Burton's critique on societal norms surrounding life, death, and marriage. The film's thematic depth, combined with its visual splendor and outstanding voice performances, encapsulates Burton's unique ability to entertain while invoking reflection on deeper themes.

Overall, "Corpse Bride" stands as a testament to Tim Burton's enduring influence in the stop-motion genre, enriching the cinematic landscape with its rich visual language and poignant narrative. Even if it didn't surpass the commercial success of its predecessors or fully meet the high expectations set by fans, it remains a valuable addition to Burton’s oeuvre, offering both an aesthetically pleasing experience and a mindfully layered story that resonates with audiences willing to look beyond the surface.

Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" might not resonate with everyone on an emotional level, as its unique portrayal of contrasting themes such as light versus dark and life versus death may not achieve the impact Burton intended for all viewers. However, it's undeniable that the film stands out as a visual masterpiece, particularly through its meticulous stop-motion animation that perfectly complements the narrative's essence. The effort poured into crafting this movie is noteworthy and shines through in its Blu-ray presentation. Warner has done an admirable job with the film's Blu-ray release, offering top-notch picture quality that ranks among the best of the studio's catalog. Though the soundtrack might not boast high-definition audio, it remains a compelling accompaniment to the visual spectacle, rich in its delivery. The inclusion of numerous, largely engaging supplements adds value, albeit they may leave enthusiasts craving a bit more insight into the movie's creative process.

On the flipside, despite some critics drawing comparisons that pit "Corpse Bride" unfavorably against Burton's other works like "The Nightmare Before Christmas," this film stands on its own merits. It captivates audiences with its blend of charm, emotional depth, and memorable storytelling. For Blu-ray collectors and movie aficionados alike, this release signifies a formidable package. The Blu-ray edition not only boasts an exceptional transfer that elevates the viewing experience but is also complemented by a richly immersive soundtrack and an extensive array of extras. This combination makes the Blu-ray a compelling acquisition, undeterred by previous ownership of the movie in standard-definition formats.

In conclusion, "Corpse Bride" on Blu-ray represents a significant addition to any collection, appealing both to longstanding fans and newcomers to Burton's gothic tale. Whether or not the film's thematic undertones resonate on a personal level, its visual and auditory presentation on Blu-ray is undeniably first-rate. Coupled with a substantial selection of supplementary content, this release underscores the enduring appeal and craftsmanship of "Corpse Bride," making it a recommended purchase for enthusiasts of Burton's work or admirers of animated storytelling at its most artistically innovative.