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The Nightmare Before Christmas

4K Ultra HD

Blu Ray

  • Score
    86
    from 4 reviewers
    Review Date:
  • Stunning Nightmare Before Christmas 4K & audio dazzle, with Elfman's score shining.

    The Nightmare Before Christmas 4K UHD Blu-ray Front Cover

    Disc Release Date:

    True 4K
    HDR10
    DTS-HD MA
  • Video
    95
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas" shines in 4K UHD with vibrant details, HDR enhancing depth and colors, outperforming previous editions.

  • Audio
    94
  • The 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix astounds with Elfman's vibrant score and precise vocal balance, enriching the film's immersive, fun, yet technically nuanced presentation.

  • Extra
    83
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas Blu-ray bundles enriching extras like making-of, Burton's early works, and karaoke songs, but the 4K disc lacks bonus content, dimming its anniversary sparkle.

  • Movie
    90
  • Jack Skellington's quest for novelty leads to chaos but reveals the heart and cultural nuance in celebrating holidays, all portrayed with Tim Burton's iconic whimsy and the enduring charm of Disney's storytelling.

    Video: 95

    The Nightmare Before Christmas" shines in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, offering a significant upgrade over previous formats. Distinguished by an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer displayed in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, the visual clarity and detail presented are of the highest quality. HDR enhancement plays a crucial role, introducing more nuanced shades and elevating the contrast within the film’s distinctive palette. Particularly impressive is the handling of shadows and black levels, which add depth and dimension without losing detail, even in the darker scenes. The film's unique blend of colors, from the monochromatic tones of Halloween Town to the vibrant hues of Christmas Town, look more vivid and defined than ever before. Subtle textures and fine details in the character designs and environments, previously unnoticed, are now palpable, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the stop-motion animation.

    Texture reproduction is notably enhanced, with fabrics, miniature set elements, and even snow displaying remarkable clarity and sharpness. The film's artistic expression benefits from the absence of digital nuisances like edge enhancement or unnatural grain, resulting in a clean and cinematically faithful image. The HDR10 grade not only enriches the black levels but also boosts color vibrancy and contrast, making every frame pop with depth and vitality. The color palette benefits greatly from this treatment—whites are pure and bright without blooming, while the colorful expanses of both Halloween and Christmas scenes exhibit a richness that adds to the immersive experience of the film.

    Despite its availability on streaming platforms in 4K, the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc version of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" offers a superior viewing experience, marked by its dynamic range and meticulous attention to detail. Not only does this release showcase an admirable enhancement in resolution and color accuracy, but it also respects the film’s original aesthetic while revealing new layers to its visual storytelling. Film grain is preserved in a manner that enhances the film’s texture without detracting from the overall clarity, ensuring that the transfer remains faithful to the filmmaker's vision. This 4K UHD presentation undoubtedly sets a new standard for home video quality, providing fans with the definitive version of Tim Burton’s cherished classic.

    Audio: 94

    The upgrade to a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for "The Nightmare Before Christmas" 4K UHD Blu-ray release has been met with wide acclaim, providing an audio experience that is both immersive and meticulously balanced. This mix shines brightest with Danny Elfman's signature score, bringing to life the whimsical menace and haunting beauty that define the film's atmosphere. While fidelity across the board is exceptional, ensuring dialogue, music, and sound effects are delivered with crystal clear clarity, there are noted moments of unequal bass distribution—particularly during action sequences where a more robust bass presence could elevate the overall impact.

    Despite the minor critique regarding bass response, the audio presentation remains an exemplary model of how to enhance a film's home viewing experience. The decision to opt for a 7.1 channel configuration over other possible audio formats, including the not-utilized Dolby Atmos, seems to be a calculated choice that favors an enveloping sound field without compromising on audio clarity. Each channel is fully engaged, from the enveloping reach of the musical numbers to the precise localization of sound effects, such as ghosts weaving through the soundscape, adding a rich layer of depth to the viewer's immersion.

    Moreover, this release maintains its audio prowess throughout various sequences, effectively reproducing the subtle nuances and dynamics with excellent tonal balance. While some may question the absence of additional audio tracks or the decision not to employ Atmos, the current DTS-HD MA 7.1 track accomplishes an engaging auditory experience. Vocals and dialogues are rendered with outstanding clarity, ensuring that every lyric and line permeates through the mix with precision—a testament to the careful consideration given to this audio presentation. Optional subtitles in several languages further enhance accessibility, making this audibly delicious slice of Halloween and Christmas festivity accessible to a wider audience.

    Extra: 83

    The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" offers a blend of nostalgic and insightful supplements across its two-disc set, although the 4K disc itself disappointingly lacks any extras. The inclusion of a Blu-ray disc from the 2018 release compensates for this with a rich array of features. These include a deeply engaging audio commentary by Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman, an evocative original poem by Burton narrated by Christopher Lee, and a fascinating look at the making of the film with a six-chapter dive into its production. Fans will relish the addition of Burton’s early films, “Frankenweenie” and “Vincent,” which come with introductions by Burton. Also notable are the storyboard comparisons, deleted scenes, and an entertaining sing-along song selection. While these extras are comprehensive, they also feel brief and leave one wanting more, highlighting both the film's enduring legacy and the evolving nature of bonus content in the digital age. A digital copy rounds out the package, ensuring that enthusiasts can enjoy this Gothic holiday classic across multiple platforms.

    Extras included in this disc:

    • The Making of The Nightmare Before Christmas: An insightful overview of production.
    • Song Selection - Karaoke-style presentations: Sing along with your favorite tunes from the film.
    • Tim Burton’s Early Films: Including "Frankenweenie" (1984) and "Vincent" with introductions.
    • Tim Burton’s Original Poem Narrated by Christopher Lee: A visually assisted reading.
    • What’s This? Jack’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour: Explore the Disney ride transformation.
    • Audio Commentary: Insights from Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman.
    • Deleted Storyboards and Animated Sequences: Glimpses into what might have been.
    • Storyboard-to-Film Comparison: A peek into the creative process.
    • Posters and Trailers: Promotional materials for the film.

    Movie: 90

    The Nightmare Before Christmas," presented in its 4K UHD Blu-ray format, offers an unparalleled viewing experience that vividly brings to life the unique charm and dark whimsy of Tim Burton's classic. With this release, Disney continues its tradition of meticulously refurbishing its cinematic gems, ensuring that both the visually striking gothic aesthetic and the intricate details of the stop-motion animation are more pronounced than ever before. The upgrade not only enhances the visual depth and texture but also elevates Danny Elfman's hauntingly beautiful score, making the auditory experience as compelling as the visual. This edition, which includes a Region-Free BD-66 Disc and a 1080p Blu-ray Sing-Along disc from 2018, offers fans a variety of ways to enjoy this beloved holiday crossover tale.

    At the heart of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is its surprisingly tender and nuanced narrative, which explores themes of identity, cultural appropriation, and the yearning for purpose through the eyes of its protagonist, Jack Skellington. The 4K UHD presentation breathes new life into Jack's journey, highlighting his existential crisis and misguided attempts to merge Halloween with Christmas in a way that is visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The film’s dark humor and Gothic elements are rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the meticulous craftsmanship behind its production. The inclusion of the Sing-Along Edition disc invites audiences to engage more directly with Elfman’s memorable musical numbers, further enhancing the film’s appeal for both longtime fans and newcomers.

    Technical prowess aside, this 4K UHD release underscores "The Nightmare Before Christmas"'s cultural significance and its critique of political inertia through its vivid portrayal of Halloween Town's dynamics and Oogie Boogie's reign of terror. The movie’s lasting impact is a testament to the collaborative genius of Tim Burton, Henry Selick, and Danny Elfman, whose collective vision created a film that defies categorization and continues to captivate audiences with its blend of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer. This edition not just preserves but accentuates every nuance of the film's audiovisual splendor, making it a definitive version for collectors and cinephiles.

    Total: 86

    The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" presents an enriching experience that beckons fans and newcomers alike into its uniquely macabre yet charming world. Spearheaded by the combined genius of Tim Burton's vision and Henry Selick's direction, underscored by Danny Elfman’s memorable music, this edition elevates the film through its technical prowess. The HDR10 transfer shines, bringing out details and colors previously unseen, surpassing prior home video releases and even its 4K streaming counterparts. The audio, anchored by a DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix, excels in its clarity and dynamic range, providing an immersive atmosphere that faithfully reproduces Elfman’s score and the intricate soundscapes with remarkable precision. The fidelity and vocal reproduction are commendable, ensuring that every nuance of the soundtrack contributes to the film’s otherworldly charm.

    However, while the film’s presentation significantly benefits from these enhancements, the bonus features leave a bit to be desired. Retaining the mix from the old “Sing-Along Edition” disc, there is a noticeable absence of new materials to explore, which might disappoint avid collectors and fans looking for fresh insights into the film's creation and legacy. Despite this minor shortcoming, this release does justice to the film's exploration of identity, culture, and understanding, underscoring its status as a cult classic. It further cements "The Nightmare Before Christmas" as a pivotal piece in stop-motion animation and a hallmark of creative storytelling.

    In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is an essential acquisition for enthusiasts and cinephiles. Its superb audiovisual quality enhances every aspect of this timeless film, allowing its artistic and thematic nuances to resonate more deeply. While the lack of new bonus content is a slight disappointment, the overall package remains highly recommended. This edition not only celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary but also reaffirms its place in cinematic history as a masterful blend of innovation, creativity, and heart.