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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Such a beautiful film for both adults and children. It is a piece of art. We love it. Such a unique storyline and the characters are very memorable. Packed with action, humor, love, adventure, and even emotional too. Definitely an amazing movie worth watching!!!

This is a really great story with great animation. Most of it is practical animation instead of digital animation which is really awesome. The design of the characters made mating them and a couple digital things here and there seamless, which.... on the one hand made it a very unified film, but on the other hand, I think that if you are going to go to all the effort they went to make the film hand made, that it should have looked a little more hand made. I mean, it all looked awesome, but I wish it had a little more human flaw to the imagery. Personal choice. But as I said, the story was awesome, so... great film.