Kubo And The Two Strings (Blu-ray + Digital Download) [2016]

A new stop motion movie from Laika Studios. Who also brought us 'Coraline.' 'Paranorman.' And 'The Boxtrolls.'This is a wholly original story, with an oriental setting.The main character is Kubo. A boy who starts the film washed up on a shore with his mother. They come to live on the edge of a village. Where he grows up entertaining the locals with his storytelling, music, and amazing origami skills.But his mother can only tell him so much about his past. And he would love to know who his father was.When the village is attacked, it's the start of a remarkable journey that will change his life forever...The stop motion in here is simply stunningly well done, and gorgeous to look at. It even manages scenes set at water that look convincing. The score is also superb, fitting the setting of the tale perfectly.It's a film of sections. The opening has a lot to set up and is a bit of a slow burner. But once the action gets going it's initially unclear as to certain things that are going on. But then Kubo is on a quest with two special beings, Monkey [Charlize Theron] and Beetle [Matthew Mcconaughey]. The three form an excellent grouping giving some very funny bickering and character moments. Matthew Mcconaughey in particular is superb at playing his character for intended laughs.The final quarter of the film does change direction slightly to go a little darker, but it does deliver memorable action and good answers. And has a brilliant emotional depth to it. Leading to an ending you won't forget in a hurry.Through the narrative Kubo has an excellent character journey, and you can really feel for him and relate to him all the way. Its a great journey to take. The film might be a bit dark at points for some of the very young, hence the PG certificate. But ultimately it's a charming fable and a great watch and well worth five stars.The disc has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, Arabic, Hindi, Icelandic.Subtitles: English, Arabic, Hindi, Icelandic.It also has English audio description.The disc begins with some trailers and ads, that can be skipped via the next button on the dvd remote.It contains the usual flyer with code to use to download a copy of the film to a digital device.Extras:Kubo's Journey. A making of documentary, which is split into six parts. Which can be watched individually or all in a row. If doing the latter it runs for twenty seven minutes in total. This is a good and in depth look at the production and an excellent watch.There's also Corner of the Earth, a three minute look at some of the settings in the film. Which is a bit too short to have much impact.

This movie is a slow-burn love affair. It grows and grows and grows until it it sure to have its own cult following. Everything Laika has done has been magic but they hit the highest possible note first with the seminal "Coraline". They then disappointed with "Paranormal" before pulled it back a bit with the novelty of "The Boxtrolls". In "Kubo" they have finally ending up with an animation every bit as good as "Coraline". Maybe it is the soundtrack, maybe it is the fact they both have a thing about plucking out children's eyes? Who knows? It is dark, it is delicious. Kubo is the story Laika were born to animate. The animation is delightful and it is truly wonderful to see a studio still doing stop/go animation like this. It produces textures that you don't see in CGI. This is more a piece of art and less of a movie. It is stunning. The storyline is all about the Goddess & son who falls to Earth in disgrace for bearing the son of a mortal. The boy Kubo inherits his mother's magic which manifests itself through the effect their guitar playing has on animating pieces of paper Origami-style. The finished result is truly original, utterly beautiful and will never be forgotten. Bravo!

Every time I watch this I have to keep reminding myself that it's a stop-motion animation movie. It really gives most 3D CGI movies a run for their money which makes it even more special.Before I purchased this I was already a fan of their previous movies 'The Boxtrolls', 'Coraline' and 'ParaNorman' and this does not disappoint. The details in the backgrounds and the characters are magical, plus watching it on a 3D TV is really special so I guarantee the video, music, storyline and acting will make it a perfect watch. Kubo And The Two Strings (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Download) [2016 ]

What a fabulous and unusual film! I went to see it at the cinema and was completely enthralled all the way through it. If you want to know how it was made there are videos on youtube, which are fascinating. The film makers certainly deserved receiving a BAFTA award. Also, the version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison fits perfectly with this film.

I love animated films - especially Aardman, Ghibli and Laika (some Pixel, but I'm not a Disney fan to say the least). Saw this film a year or so ago on TV (missed the beginning of course) and was captivated. So imaginative, clever and inventive. And there's a cameo from George Takai, so what's not to love? The story doesn't follow the usual pattern of European fairy tales (things happen in threes, etc) and so is more likely to surprise you with the next plot twist. I was sent a gift card by my brother or I would have bought this from an actual shop (because we weren't locked down when I ordered it); saying that, I gave a copy of it to a neighbour last Christmas and it took quite a while to find anywhere which stocked a copy. Arrived quicker than I'd expected. and hasn't disappointed.

An unusual style, very different from any other children's animation I've seen.From the beginning, there are some very poignant scenes (from a grown-up perspective) set out with utmost minimalism, as Kubo struggles to get any reaction from his mother. This is lightened by Kubo's spectacular origami storytelling in the village - a theme throughout the film.The "making of" bonus feature is great, showing the staggering effort and detail required for the stop-motion models and scenery.

Just watched this film with my Mum, I'm in my fifties and she is in her nineties, and we both loved it. I cannot improve on all the other 5 star comments already made, I just wanted to add my own 5 stars and say just what a really wonderful film this is. I love the idea that music can make magic happen and I also loved the fusion of different instruments, really enjoyed the version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps. A truly beautiful film in all aspects.