In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Coraline returns to theaters in stunning, newly-remastered 3D. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by LAIKA, Coraline was the studio’s first stop-motion feature film.
Released on August 15, 2024, this anniversary edition brings back the eerie charm of the original movie, adding a new layer of depth to its magical world. Just in time for the fall season, Coraline is MoviePrairie’s 7th installment of our stop-motion series, where we review known and lesser-known stop-motion films. So, whether you’re revisiting it or seeing it for the first time, this version of Coraline is bound to leave an impression.
Check out Coraline’s Movie page for the trailer and for more details.
- Title: Coraline (3D Remaster)
- Voice Actors: Dakota Fanning (Coraline), Teri Hatcher (Mother/Other Mother), John Hodgman (Father), Keith David (The Cat), Robert Bailey Jr. (Wybie)
- Release Date: August 15, 2024
- Production Company: LAIKA
- Run Time: 100 minutes
Coraline Plot Synopsis
Coraline tells the story of a young girl named Coraline Jones, who moves into the Pink Palace Apartments with her parents. The old house, divided into separate apartments, feels strange to Coraline, and she quickly grows bored with her parents, who are preoccupied with their work.
One day, Coraline discovers a small, mysterious door hidden behind the wallpaper. She convinces her mother to open it, only to find it bricked up. However, later that night, Coraline follows some mice through the door and discovers a magical blue tunnel leading to a parallel world—a seemingly perfect version of her own. In this world, her “Other Mother” and “Other Father” are more attentive, and everything appears brighter, more fun, and tailored to Coraline’s desires.
But there’s something off about the Other World: everyone has buttons for eyes. Although Coraline enjoys the attention and gifts in this strange world, things soon take a darker turn. The Other Mother reveals her true intentions—she wants to keep Coraline in this world forever and sew buttons into her eyes. Coraline must then embark on a dangerous journey to escape the Other World, save her real parents, and free the souls of other children trapped there.
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Coraline Animation Style
The stop-motion animation in Coraline is nothing short of breathtaking. LAIKA’s detailed craftsmanship shines through in every frame. The characters’ movements are smooth, and the settings are rich in texture and atmosphere. The addition of 3D in this remaster truly elevates the viewing experience. The eerie, spooky atmosphere feels even more intense, as objects appear to float toward you, drawing you deeper into Coraline’s unsettling adventure.
I also noticed how the remaster added more depth to the vibrant colors of the two worlds. The real world feels more drab and muted, while the Other World is bright and lively, perfectly reflecting the two sides of Coraline’s adventure. The 3D made this contrast pop, giving each world its distinct feel.
My Take
Watching Coraline in 3D for its 15th anniversary was an incredible experience. The story’s creepiness was magnified on the screen, with the enhanced visuals pulling me into Coraline’s world. The spooky scenes, such as when Coraline first meets the Other Mother with her unsettling button eyes, were especially enhanced by the 3D effect. The animation, already impressive in 2009, looks even more detailed in this remaster. I also enjoyed the post-credit scene depicting how Coraline was remastered, including details about her iconic yellow raincoat and blue hair.
Coraline’s Soundtrack
I really enjoyed the Coraline soundtrack, composed by Bruno Coulais, who also scored the enchanting music for Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells. His ability to blend eerie and whimsical tones perfectly complements the film’s shifting moods. In Coraline, Coulais uses haunting melodies and ethereal voices to heighten the mystery and suspense, particularly in the scenes set in the Other World.
The music deepens the tension during spooky moments but also brings a sense of wonder to the magical scenes, making each sequence even more immersive. The soundtrack truly enhances the film’s atmosphere.
For Coraline‘s 15th anniversary, Mondo released a special edition vinyl soundtrack, featuring a stunning pop-up gatefold design. This new version is crafted to be larger than life, mirroring the film’s enchanting yet eerie atmosphere.
Favorite Character
Coraline herself remains my favorite character. She’s brave, curious, and determined, even when faced with the terrifying truth about the Other Mother. Her journey of self-discovery, as she learns to appreciate her real parents and find her strength, is what makes the story so relatable. Despite her flaws, Coraline’s courage shines through, making her an endearing and compelling character.
In the Other World, Coraline is followed by the Black Cat, who, to her surprise, can speak. The cat warns her about the dangers of the Other Mother and the sinister nature of the world she’s entered. Although it often disappears mysteriously, the cat offers Coraline crucial guidance throughout the film, helping her forge her path and uncover the truth. The cat’s intelligence, independence, and subtle role as Coraline’s protector make it one of my favorite characters in the story. Its mysterious nature adds depth to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Favorite Scene
One of my favorite scenes in the 3D remaster is when Coraline first walks through the blue tunnel into the Other World. The swirling lights and eerie blue hues are mesmerizing. In 3D, the tunnel feels like it’s coming to life, pulling you in along with Coraline. The excitement of discovering the new world, followed by the immediate sense of something being slightly off, sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the movie.
Another standout moment is the theater performance in the Other World, where Coraline watches the eccentric neighbors transform into acrobatic mermaids. The scene’s vibrant colors, along with the 3D effects, made the performance feel like it was happening right in front of me. It’s a fun, wacky scene that quickly turns eerie, highlighting the unsettling nature of the Other World.
Recommendation
If you’re searching for a spooky stop-motion film to add to your fall watchlist, I highly recommend Coraline. It blends eerie suspense with charming characters, making it the perfect choice for a Halloween movie night.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Coraline come out?
The 3D remastered version of Coraline was released in theaters on August 15, 2024, to celebrate the film’s 15th anniversary.
Who voices Coraline?
Coraline is voiced by Dakota Fanning, who perfectly captures the character’s curiosity and bravery.
Who created Coraline?
Coraline was directed by Henry Selick and based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. The movie was produced by LAIKA, marking their first stop-motion animated feature.
Is Coraline on Disney+?
No, Coraline is not available on Disney+. It’s a LAIKA production, and you can find it on other streaming platforms.
Who is the Black Cat in Coraline?
The Black Cat is voiced by Keith David. In the movie, the cat acts as a guide and protector for Coraline, helping her navigate the dangers of the Other World.
What streaming service is Coraline on?
Coraline can be found on several streaming platforms, including HBO Max and Prime Video.
What is the story of Coraline?
Coraline follows a young girl who discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to a parallel world. At first, this world seems perfect, but Coraline soon learns that it’s a trap set by the Other Mother, who wants to keep her there forever. Coraline must use her wits and bravery to escape and save her parents.
Conclusion
The 3D remaster of Coraline offers both new and returning viewers a fresh perspective on this beloved classic. With its darkly enchanting storyline, incredible stop-motion animation, and newly enhanced visuals, it’s a must-see.
Whether you’re drawn in by the eerie atmosphere, the relatable characters, or the sheer artistry of the animation, this version of Coraline will captivate you from start to finish.
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As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
