Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		5.0

Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Gwen and the Book of Sand is a beloved classic and one of the best films ever made. The French animated masterpiece comes from production studios La Fabrique, Films de da Demoiselle, and Antenne 2. Gwen and the Book of Sand comes from an original story and scenario written by Jean-Paul Gaspari and Jean-François Laguionie. Gwen and the Book of Sand won the prestigious Grand Prix de la critique when it premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Featuring the voice of Lorella Di Cicco.

The world has turned upside down. In a post-apocalyptic future, the entire world is covered in desert sand. Everyone who has survived to see the future walks on stilts and gorgeous lanterns are used to traverse the world.

Beautiful objects fall from the sky – including a myriad of eyeglasses, forks, and bathtubs. The futuristic post-apocalyptic world is beautiful but barren as survivors of Earth travel and experience magic in exploding fireworks, strange UFOs, and other otherworldly visions. Gwen (Lorella Di Cicco) goes on an epic journey across the sands to find her kidnapped boy Nokmoon.

The animation is outstanding. Gwen and the Book of Sand features superb animation direction. Gwen and the Book of Sand is without-a-doubt one of the most beautifully animated films I have ever seen. There is something profound about the majestic animation. Every single frame of the production is masterful. Every single still of animation looks as beautiful as something one would find in a nice museum and display of art. The animators delivered a masterpiece of animation.

Edited by Hélène Arnal (Fantastic Planet, Voyage of Silence), Gwen and the Book of Sand is well-paced throughout. Arnal is a gifted editor and the pace and rhythm of the filmmaking is beautiful from beginning to end. The majestic editing allows for the filmmaking to be wondrous.

Composed by Pierre Alrand (Le voyage étranger, Le jardinier), Gwen and the Book of Sand is a top-notch score. The music by Alrand is special and profound. The score is one of the best scores ever composed for an animated feature. The music makes a terrific impression and adds so much mystery to the filmmaking.

Screenplay adaption, dialogue, and direction by Jean-François Laguionie (Louise by the Shore, The Prince's Voyage), Gwen and the Book of Sand is a gem. The masterpiece is one of the greatest artistic achievements in the history of French animation. Gwen and the Book of Sand is a must-see and there are so many beautiful layers to the production. The filmmaking is visually stunning from beginning to end and the filmmaking is as serene as poetry.

Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 4K UHD by Deaf Crocodile, Gwen and the Book of Sand is presented in HEVC / H.265 in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. Restored in 4K in France by La Traverse Films in collaboration with the director, Gwen and the Book of Sand is a visually lush production. The 4K presentation is provided on 4K UHD with a HDR10 presentation.

 The colors are vibrant and outstandingly beautiful. The wonderful animation style is impressive in spades – gorgeous animation. The presentation is remarkably well restored and makes such an incredible impression. A stunning 4K restoration and release by Deaf Crocodile.

Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound (with English subtitles). The lossless audio presentation is engaging on the release. The lossless audio preserves the original score. The music sounds incredible and is beautifully reproduced on the release. The surround sound presentation is remarkable and allows for a more immersive audio experience. The surrounds offer impressively lush dynamics and the audio soundstage is outstanding.

Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The combo pack release includes a 4K UHD and Blu-ray combo pack.

The limited-edition release includes a deluxe chipboard art-box with additional key artwork. The standard edition is housed inside of the limited edition and provides additional artwork. The limited-edition release provides an extensive booklet, too. A beautiful collectors edition and one that fans will love holding in hand and will proudly display on their shelves.

On disc supplements:

Audio Commentary by Samm Deighan

Interview with director Jean-Francois Laguionie (HD, 1:05:19)

New 2024 Trailer (HD, 1:15)

"The Language of the Sands: Time and the Surrealism in Gwen, or The Book of Sand" – New Visual Essay by Dr. Will Dodson & Ryan Verrill (HD, 24:44)

Gwen and the Book of Sand 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gwen and the Book of Sand is a masterpiece. The animated classic is one of the great animated films of French cinema. The animators delivered on every level and made something majestic. The 4K UHD and Blu-ray combo pack provides an excellent presentation, lossless audio, and a nice selection of bonus features. Highly recommended.