The Key Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Key Blu-ray Movie Review

The Key is a compelling example of classic Soviet animation. The Key is from filmmaker Lev Atamanov (The Snow Queen, The Scarlet Flower). A classic examining the role of automation and the value of traditional methods of work.

The Key is a tale about the rise of automation and artificial intelligence and the importance of traditional work compared to A.I. and automation. The tale is surprisingly relevant to the modern era considering the rise of artificial intelligence. The tale compares and contrasts the experiences of magic against old fashioned methods of work, too. Is there value in old fashioned work and is that the real gift? The risk of automation in a world increasingly reliant upon it is the core theme.

The animation is beautiful and the greatest highlight of the feature. The Key features chief art direction by Leonid Shvartsman (A Kitten Named Woof, The First Aid) and Aleksandr Vinokurov (The Snow Queen, The Adventures of Mowgli). The animators did great work with the production. The animation does an impressive job showcasing all the subtle intricacies of the artwork.

The cinematography by Mikhail Druyan (The Snow Queen, The Adventures of Buratino) is well-done. The visuals add to the filmmaking. The cinematographic style works well for the production.

Composed by Lev Solin (Chronicle of the Night, Black Sun), The Key is a beautiful score. The music adds layers of creativity to the filmmaking. Solin did a great score for the feature and it adds to the charms throughout the film.

Edited by Lidiya Kyaksht (The Snow Queen, The Bath House), The Key is well edited. The pacing is well done. The flow and rhythm of the film work quite nicely. The end result is an entertaining work with good balance on the whole.

Written by Mikhail Volpin (Solovey, The Horsemen), The Key is quite compelling as a thoughtful piece examining the role of automation. The themes revolve around magic and artificial intelligence. Are solutions of automation better than traditional methods? The screenwriter seems to think the old-fashioned ways are better. The questions are compelling and well worth discussion.

Directed by Lev Atamanov (The Snow Queen, The Scarlet Flower), The Key is a fun and charming animated film. It is not a classic in the same way the fable adaptations of Atamanov are but it is entertaining, comedic, and charming. Atamanov made a good animated film exploring difficult themes. The Key is well worthwhile.

The Key Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile, The Key is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The high-definition transfer impresses with good color reproduction and fine detail. Colors do look remarkably impressive. Throughout the film, the cinematography looks excellent as well. The transfer does have some examples of dirt or minor imperfections to the scan but it is still in good shape overall.

The Key Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Key is presented in Russian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio encoding is well done. The English subtitles are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score is well reproduced.

The Key Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary on The Key by Rolf Giesen

The Key Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Key is an entertaining and thoughtful work of art examining the role of automation in society. In an era becoming increasingly reliant upon artificial intelligence, it is a surprisingly relevant work of art examining the role of traditional work compared to modern convenience. Which is better? The filmmakers ask these questions. The Blu-ray release provides an excellent high-definition transfer and lossless audio. Recommended.