Kubo and the Two Strings [Includes Digital Copy] [UltraViolet] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2 Discs] [2016]

Kubo is a stop-motion animated feature that pays homage to Japanese folklore and culture. It is directed by Travis Knight, the son of Nike co-founder Phil Knight. His father also owns the Laika production company which also produced Coraline and Paranorman (among other titles). I mention this because I can't help but think about the father/son dynamic when watching a film like this. Visually speaking, this film is amazing. The fact that most of these sets and puppets were physically created with such detail is incredible to me. The amount of work that was put into this film is astounding. At it's heart, it's a movie about a boy who experiences loss on a consistent basis but still finds different ways to carry on. It's about family, veneration and identity. Art Parkinson (Rickon from Game of Thrones) vocally provides Kubo's innocence. Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey are Kubo's companions/parents and they are both reassuring and summon the warmth that Kubo needs for his journey. I definitely recommend this film to any animation fan.

Kubo is the most underrated film of the year, and not just as an animated feature. It contains all of the elements that make for a great film: a compelling story, unique characters and great dialogue. The banter between Beetle and Monkey is priceless. Kubo himself is a complex character, burdened by the tragedy that befell his family. At its core, the movie is a quest, a journey on many levels. The story is moved along by the best stop motion and CGI animation that has graced the screen in recent memory. Too bad Laika may not recuperate its investment due to paltry box office performance. It is very disappointing that the movie going masses snubbed this stellar movie. So please do your share to make this a cult classic by buying any version of it. The 3D is amazing. And it's got a killler theme song by Regina Spektor crooning a Beatles classic. It has broad appeal to all ages. Please take a chance if you're reading this review!

It's no surprise that this movie was nominated for an Oscar. With a compelling story and breathtaking artwork, this original story about a brave Japanese boy and his companions serves as a larger metaphor for family, commitment, and endurance. The plot revolves around Kubo, a young boy who supports his mother by telling swashbuckling tales about a Japanese knight named Hanso. Unbeknownst to Kubo, who utilizes a magical guitar and origami to spin his stories, the story is actually the history of his own father, who disappeared after trying to protect Kubo and his mother from his evil grandfather. The rest of the story involves Kubo's journey into his own legend, with a monkey companion and a mysterious beetle warrior. I laughed and cried with my family and still feel deeply unsatisfied that this movie lost at the Academy Awards.

Kubo is yet another adventure by studio Laika, this time telling the story of a young boy with the power to manipulate paper racing against time to collect a mysterious set of armor in order to confront his Immortal grandfather, the Moon King. The overall story is engaging, but lacks some of the punch left by previous Laika outings such as Coraline and ParaNorman. However, the story's final message more than makes up for its somewhat disjointed narrative, and the small cast help make said message speak great volumes. Visually, the film is a spectacle to be seen. Once again Laika outdoes themselves with a masterful use of stop-motion and blend it with CG that is almost impossible to distinguish from the handcrafted characters and environments. The overall package makes for a great family viewing that'll surely please the young and the old.

In the latest film by Laika (Coraline, The Boxtrolls), the story of a young boy on a journey to save himself and his village is told in a very unique animation style. Origami plays a big role and the visuals capture the locations and characters beautifully. The story has some great moments, but a few dull ones as well. There is death and violence, but it is handled deftly. My kids (3, 4, & 9) were not scared or upset and understood what was happening most of the time. The ending was sweet, but not as powerful as I might have liked. Honestly, the story would work better as a series or miniseries as it can feel rushed at points; however, it is a great story at its core. Overall, I'd still recommend it. It's good for parents who don't need a repeat of the "Let It Go" sensation as there is a great soundtrack, but few vocals. Kids will enjoy it and the parents can too.

Saw this movie in the theaters with the family and we all loved it. The stop motion animation was great and the visual presentation displayed in muted tones in some scenes and then vibrant, multicolored hues in another show well on the Blu-ray. Detail is crisp and the sound helps to bring so much of the story to life. Often the sound is subtle, defined, and precise but when it needs to be more dynamic and alive, it is. Very nice sound envelope and will play back well on a good quality HT system. The movie itself is full of deeper meanings and touches on many human faults and strengths. Younger audiences will appreciate the humor and the courage of the young character while teens and adults will get more of the symbolism and meaning to the story. Very family friendly and a great tale.

Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey. Kubo amazes the people in his village with his magical gift for telling stories with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry. Along the way he sis joined by a talking monkey and a bug in armor. I loved the art of this movie, I loved the voice talents in this movie and the story is heart warming and lovely. I will also say that it is somewhat predictable. But that is okay as the story is so wonderful and the characters are so well defined too. I recommend this for the whole family and would love to watch it again, myself. Read less

This was a fun movie that both parents and children will enjoy together. Good story and characters make this a hidden little gem to own. The video on this Blu-Ray was very good with a picture that is very clear and easy on the eyes. It is a very colorful movie will a sharp contrast. Audio was very good as well. If you have a home theater, you will appreciate the audio on this Blu-Ray. Well defined voices, powerful music and great use of surround sound as well. The 3D effect was fun to watch with lots of depth and a few pop out effects. Overall this was a impressive little gem of a movie that will be watched numerous times.