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(HD) *Exclusive* Introduction by Director/Producer Travis Knight

Introduction by Director/Producer Travis Knight (HD) *Exclusive* Mythological Monsters – 9 minute featurette

Mythological Monsters – 9 minute featurette (HD) *Exclusive* Braving the Elements – 4 minute featurette

Braving the Elements – 4 minute featurette (HD) *Exclusive* The Redemptive and Healing Power of Music – 6 minute featurette

The Redemptive and Healing Power of Music – 6 minute featurette (HD) *Exclusive* Epilogue by Director/Producer Travis Knight

Epilogue by Director/Producer Travis Knight (HD) Japanese Inspiration – 6 minute featurette

Japanese Inspiration – 6 minute featurette (HD) Corners of the Earth – 3 minute featurette

Corners of the Earth – 3 minute featurette (HD) The Myth of Kubo – 2 minute featurette

The Myth of Kubo – 2 minute featurette Audio Commentary with Director/Producer Travis Knight

Bonus DVD

Digital HD Copy

Ralph Potts reviews this entertaining and refreshing stop-motion animation film about a young boy named Kubo, who must locate a magical suit of armor worn by his late father, in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.The Review at a Glance:(max score: 5 )( Max score: 100 )Universal - 2016PG102 minutesFamilyBD-50AVC2.40:11080p/24English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish DTS 5.1English SDH, Spanish, FrenchCharlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Art Parkinson, George Takei, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney MaraTravis KnightDario MarianelliMarc Haimes & Chris ButlerA,B,CNovember 22, 2016is a stop-motion action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan, from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Kubo, is a clever, kindhearted young boy, that lives alone with his mother on the outskirts of a seaside village. There he ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the local people, using his magical shamisen (a guitar like instrument) to help him bring his characters to life, before their eyes.Kubo's relatively quiet existence is abrutply shattered when he accidentally summons two sister spirits from his past, who rain down upon the village from the heavens to capture Kubo, and enforce an age-old vendetta . Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle, and sets out on a quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, a great samurai warrior, who gave his life so that Kubo may live. With the help of his new friends, and his shamisen, Kubo must battle monsters, the evil sisters and the vengeful Moon King, to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.is spirited and refreshing family entertainment. Its world is wonderfully creative and the story has a light cultural essence taken from Japanese folklore that is underscored by the film’s heartwarming tone, spot on action-adventure and well-shaped narrative. There is an infectious charm to its delightfully crafted characters and time period which nestle quite naturally into the story’s context about a young boy’s journey of discovery. The thematic tone is underscored by light wit, heartwarming familial underpinnings, engaging action and superb production elements that bring it all to life beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed. I am not certain if it’s destined for classic family movie status, however there is no denying its appeal to audiences young and adult.The rating is for thematic elements, scary images action, and peril.**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**This film features beautifully crafted animation that looks superb in high definition. The color range mates perfectly with the source material and are reproduced naturally, revealing subtle degrees of delineation that sparkle. Each of the characters has distinctive physical qualities that are attributable to them and all are easily discernable. The video is immaculately resolved with pristine quality and fine minutia that shows strict attention to detail. The facial features of the various characters have a lifelike quality that allows them to display a varied range of emotions. Contrast and black levels strike a great balance as whites are bright, detailed and punchy while blacks exhibit discernible depth and dynamic range. This is a resplendent, polished, and beautifully rendered Blu-ray presentation that looks fabulous on my large front projection display.Universal’s lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel surround mix compliments the film’s recorded elements quite nicely. This is a well-balanced presentation that features high level detail in a resplendent blend of dialog, sound effects, bass and music with discretely placed effects and atmospherics that utilize the entire soundstage. This isn’t a dynamically substantive mix but it contains sneaky good levels of deep bass that on occasion energized my room with its tactility. Chapter 10, in the giant skeleton’s cave, is a great example of the track’s propensity for room trembling low frequency detail, but it’s the subtle moments littered throughout the presentation that provide palpably rich, synth bass, that carries with it the kind of response that puts smiles on the faces of bass lovers. Overall the audio is crystal clear, free of the edginess and has a polished appeal that enriches the listening experience.is spirited and refreshing family entertainment that is sure to strike a chord with audiences young and old. It comes to Blu-ray from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in this Blu-ray Combo pack featuring terrific high definition video, rewarding DTS-HD Master Audio sound and a complimentary supplemental package that looks behind the scenes at the film’s interesting production.is an entertaining and must see family film that is made all the better on Blu-ray. Give it a spin and enjoy the ride.