Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Boy & the World Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 16, 2016

Writer/director Ale Abreu’s “Boy & the World” is both a celebration of animation and a hypnotic trip through Latin American culture and history. Settling on a kaleidoscopic atmosphere for the feature, Abreu sends viewers on a cinematic ride of colors and music, intentionally avoiding dialogue to tell the story through bright, inventive imagery, giving the effort an explorer’s spirit and surprising heart. “Boy & the World” is stunning work, filling its brief run time with ample energy and true directorial vision.

The story of “Boy & the World” is almost secondary to the viewing experience, as Abreu emphasizes abstraction throughout, following his main character, a child known as Cuca, into the unknown realms of dreamscapes and fantasies, which move from rainbow-colored kingdoms in the sky to the harsh realities of the kid’s world. There’s symbolic intent and social commentary, but Abreu is mostly concerned with rhythm, giving the odyssey musical leadership to help acclimate audiences to the alien surroundings. “Boy & the World” does a fantastic job blending sound and vision, with the director working to keep outsiders interested in Cuca’s inner strength and his encounters with odd elements, characters, and environments.

Boy & the World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes through with terrific clarity, cleanly identifying animation artistry and production detail, bringing crisp textures to character design and backgrounds. Colors are joyous, bright and bold, offering the universe of "Boy & the World" with deep primaries, never disrupting the fantasy. Delineation is ideal. Source is secure.

Boy & the World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is generally quite strong with surround placement, enjoying a great number of panning effects that envelop the listener, opening with the whoosh of a bird that sets the tone for the track. While dialogue isn't included, voices remain expressive, capturing all grunts and puzzlement. Scoring is full and heavy, with sharp percussion leading wonderfully detailed instrumentation. Atmospherics are charged but comfortable.

Boy & the World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Making Of (25:58, HD) covers most creative stops during production, following director Ale Abreu as he shows off initial doodles from 2006, sparking to ideas that were eventually developed for the picture. Inspecting story, animation, scoring, and appreciation, the featurette doesn't cut deep, but it provides an interesting summary of artistry and labor.

• "Aos Olhos De Uma Crianca" (3:31, HD) is a music video from Emicida.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:46, HD) is included.

Boy & the World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Boy & the World" can be esoteric work, but it's never far from a recognizable emotion to keep its creative surges in place long enough to appreciate. It's not a narrative wonder, requiring some submission to enjoy, but Abreu captures pure behavior with help from accomplished and impish animation. It's a gorgeous movie, but also substantial, finding ways to remain human while it slips into the occasional trance.