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

I would recommend this movie to those that are inclined to liking fantasy tales. Many surprises as the story unfolds. It is not a particularly light hearted story for kids however. The video is 1st class with detailed imaging along with a satisfying sound presentation. The added depth of the 3D version does enhance the viewing experience.

The effects and storyline are great especially seen on blu ray.

Wow what a movie! Another masterpiece from Laika! Tons of extras, highly recommend!

Beautifully made and one of my favorite movies. Check it out

The movie was excellent and enjoyed watching with family.

This was a beautiful film. I think I went and saw it twice in theaters. Animation is amazing and it was definitely one of my favorite movies of that year. The Blu-ray version does not disappoint.

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 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.