DVD Corner

The Last Unicorn 4K UHD Steelbook Review

The cult classic animated fantasy film gets the 4K treatment.    

Based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle (who also wrote the script), “The Last Unicorn” is exactly about what the title suggests- a lone female Unicorn who wonders if she really is the last of her kind. She sets out on a quest to find other Unicorns that have been allegedly herded by the mythical Red Bull to an undisclosed location. On her journey, the Unicorn faces dangers (including a witch that kidnaps her), but meets new companions that aid her in her quest (a magician and wannabe Wizard named Schmendrick and Molly Grue). The trio eventually arrive at King Haggard’s castle where they learn the truth about the Red Bull, the Unicorns, and the King himself. In order to save the Unicorn from harm, Schmendrick winds up turning the Unicorn into a human woman named Lady Amalthea. Although initially put off by her human form, she grows accustomed to it and even falls for the King’s son Prince Lir. Will the Unicorn stay human? Can she save the other Unicorns? All is revealed in the end.

Since its release in 1982, the Rankin and Bass directed “The Last Unicorn” has gone on to become a fantasy cult classic animated feature film. Arthur Rankin Jr.,  Jules Bass, and Peter Beagle created a memorable fantasy tale filled with beautiful hand-drawn animation, sweeping landscapes, creatures, lush colors, magic, creative character designs and a poignant story about sacrifice, love, heroism, humanity, and regret. It feels decidedly unlike a Disney animated feature of the time and wasn’t afraid to go to dark and sometimes weird places ala a tree with breasts, the freaky Red Bull, Unicorns being forced to live in the sea (yes, you read that right), a singing Butterfly, and song montages by the rock band America. Granted, some of these elements also haven’t exactly aged well with time or are just downright bizarre (again, the Unicorns living in the sea), but these bold choices are admirable nonetheless as they have clearly struck a chord with audiences for decades now.

“The Last Unicorn” features an all-star voice cast that includes Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, Christopher Lee, Alan Arkin, Angela Lansbury, and more. Farrow does a commendable job voicing the Unicorn and her human form. Arkin steals the show as Schmendrick. Christopher Lee brings depth to King Haggard. 

Note: The 4K Steelbook is a Wal-Mart exclusive. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p In Dolby Vision. How does it look? The 4K transfer of the 35mm Interpositive offers up rich colors and an impressive new print, but there is no shortage of visible print defects on display. 

Audio Tracks: 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The music, score, and dialogue shine in the layered 5. 1 (and 2.0) tracks.

Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* Original theatrical trailer.
* 7 ½ minutes of animated storyboards
* An 8 ½ minute Q&A with Peter S. Beagle from a tour.
* A new 15 minute profile of writer Peter S. Beagle which is essentially an interview with the author/screenwriter.
* “True Magic (Redux): The Story Of The Last Unicorn”- A 27 ½ minute featurette with Peter S. Beagle and producer Michael Chase Walker talking about the story’s origins, how the film came about, the casting, the music and more. 

August 6, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movie, Alan Arkin, Animated Movie, Christopher Lee, fantasy, Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Peter S. Beagle, Rankin And Bass, The Last Unicorn 4K UHD Steelbook Review, The Last Unicorn Movie