"Isle Of Dogs" tells the story of Atari Kobayashi (Rankin), 12-year-old ward to corrupt Mayor Kobayashi. When all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to vast Trash Island, Atari sets off in search of his bodyguard dog, Spots. With the assistance of his newfound mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture. (Gary Reber)
Special features include six featurettes: "Animators" (HD 03:42), "Isle Of Dogs Cast Interviews" (HD 05:09), "Puppets" (HD 04:03), "An Ode To Dogs" (HD 02:00), "Magasaki City And Trash Island" (HD 02:59), and "Weather And Elements" (HD 03:04); an image gallery; the theatrical trailer; upfront previews; and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.
The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Canon EOS 1DX camera and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Picture quality is fantastic! The color palette is dynamic, with rich and warm hues, which at times pop. Colors are often vibrant as well. Animated people exhibit natural fleshtones. Contrast is superb, with a high dynamic range, from deep blacks to bright whites. Shadow delineation also is superb. Resolution is excellent, with fine detail exhibited throughout. Fine detail is rendered in line structures, textures, clothing, ground cover, trash, the dogs, the robot dog, Municipal Task Force dog catchers, and all manner of object rendering. This is a fantastic visual experience that will enthrall audiences of all ages. (Gary Reber)
The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is superb, with a vibrant and dynamic-sounding Taiko drum-focused music score. Sound quality is excellent, with a wide distinctive stereo image and extension to the surrounds. Atmospherics are nicely developed, with fine resolution heard throughout. Sound effects provide dynamic support to the action segments. Surround envelopment enhances the sense of dimension, with at times aggressive energy, such as explosions. The .1 LFE channel is at times energized to sub-25 Hz frequencies. Dialogue is directionalized and as ADR succeeds in establishing dimension and acceptable spatial integration. The narration also is well positioned frontally in the soundstage. This is a fantastic soundtrack with excellent clarity and fidelity that is mesmerizing. Listening in DTS Neural:X or Auro-3D Immersive Sound really enhances the sense of spherical dimension. Be sure to listen to Alexandre Desplat's wonderful orchestral/choral composition accompanying the end credits.(Gary Reber)