ParaNorman [DVD] [2012]

I admit, I only looked into "Paranorman" as I absolutely loved Coraline (Blu-ray 3D) [2009] [Region Free] with its the crafty and wonderful stop-motion animation (and which I thoroughly recommend!). I was not disappointed, the film is very well done, the stop-motion animation is indeed a work of art, the scrip is clever and thoughtful and, this being a "scary" film, there are some truly, truly scary sequences in this wonderful production.I watched this film with a 9-year old on a Halloween night and this proved to be an excellent choice - the kid was scared! Truly scared, but also entertained, we both laughed (he laughed much more, I have to admit), but the film proved to be enjoyable and thought-provoking, with an array of weird and wonderful characters and a few twists in a story. Seriously, not often I come across films for children that are so enjoyed by children but also are entertaining for adults.The message is also a good one, most of all "Paranorman" teaches children (and young adults) about open-mindedness and acceptance and how to be tolerable to one another. This film has countless topics that I, as an adult, thought were very well-addressed, such as personal relationships, family and friends, and courage and keeping one's promises. PLUS, the voice-overs were excellent! Four and a half to five stars.Oh, how I wish I saw this in 3D!

Great movie, great quality

Excellent film, quirky animation style and humour, and on the right side of spooky and childish gore- a Halloween and year round classic! The soundtrack is brilliant, and the well placed White Stripes song in the credits brings it all together. I'm 17 and my whole family (aged from 9-47!!!) absolutely love it.

The makers of Coraline (2D Version Only) [DVD] bring us another stop motion horror comedy for family audiences. Although this is an original screenplay, rather than an adaptation.Set in a small American town called Blithe Hollow, Norman is a high school student, and of those who doesn't quite fit in. Not least because he can see and talk to the dead. The bane of his family because of this, Norman soon finds he has bigger problems. He has his abilities for a reason. The town faces supernatural danger thanks to a dark secret from it's past. Norman is the only one who can save the day. Can he face up to his responsibilities and be a hero?Many movies of this type all have the same message: just be yourself. And the main character has to go through a lot on the way to learn that. But Paranorman never lectures it's audience or goes too over the top with that, so it works fine. The stop motion is of extremely high quality. There's an incredible attention to detail, from the looks of all the characters to what happens in the background. And every supporting character in the movie is pretty unique and very well characterised. The burgeoning friendship between Norman and one other character is very nicely done.There are enough twists and plot developments to keep it moving along at a good pace. Some fun set pieces help with this also. It isn't quite as strong a script as Coraline's, but that's only a minor complaint.This is a pg certificate because, as the dvd box puts it 'contains mild comic horror and violence, frightening sequences and innuendo', so it may not necessarily be suitable for the very young. Possibly not least for the couple of bits of mild innuendo as well. But that's all a matter of parental responsibility.Do keep watching to the very end of the credits for an extra little stop motion scene. Which has nothing to do with the story, but is very nicely done. Do watch the beginning of the end credits also, for some excellent artwork.The dvd begins with quite a few trailers, but you can skip through these via the next button on the dvd remote.It has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, Arabic, Icelandic, Hindi.Subtitles: English, Arabic, Icelandic, Hindi.It contains a flyer which has a website address and a code you can input on that to allow you to download a digital copy of the movie onto digital devices.There are no extras. And a slightly irksome main menu which uses icons rather than text.But all in all this is a fun little movie, and well worth a look.

Watched this with my kids. Was ok to watch and quite amusing

Love this film. Yes, I'm an adult, yes I like a good animation and yes, I'm a massive fan of ghosts, ghoulies and long leggity beasties and things that go bump in the night. Brilliant bit of entertainment for the whole family.

The image and sound are impecable, and it is dubbed in different languages. It is a remarkable work of art, since the stars. But the box says there is a leaflet inside, with an UltraViolet code. Well, there was none inside so I returned it. Amazon sent me a new one and I was quite happy, thinking the last one was a faulty one. When I opened it there were no leaflet nor code inside either, so I suppose it is a problem with all them. It is a pity, because it misleads you. Afterwards I saw in the other commentaries that others have also complained about that.

Good entertaining film