In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory provides a solid 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio for "In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World." The film impresses with its overall clarity and exceptional reproduction of the animation. Despite the animation style inherently being soft at times, the encoding stands out as remarkable, ensuring viewers experience the visual storytelling without significant issues. Some scenes, particularly those tinted green or bathed in deep blacks and teal blue, reveal artistic choices that slightly detract from color vibrancy. However, aside from some minor banding, the film's visuals are genuinely captivating.

In terms of fine detail, the film can sometimes appear a bit muddy due to the heavy grading and artistic choices. Shadow detail in darker scenes poses a mild challenge, especially in scenarios set within dimly lit environments like the house where the protagonists stumble around. However, once the lighting conditions improve, facial details and household items become noticeably sharp and defined. This balance between intentional stylistic softness and moments of striking detail create a dynamic visual experience that, despite minor inconsistencies, remains a highlight of this Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World" by Shout Factory offers immersive aural experiences with two superb 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks in both English and Japanese. The absence of the typical 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks marks a notable shift from previous releases, presenting a robust choice for audiophiles. Both 5.1 tracks deliver resplendent soundscapes, but the Japanese track stands out with its nuanced detailing, catering to purists. The film’s predominantly dialog-driven scenes are surprisingly energetic, with surrounds capturing ambient sounds like chirping birds and the soft musical score seamlessly.

During more intense moments, such as when the war encroaches on everyday life, the audio design truly shines. Gunfire and bomb blasts are rendered with striking depth and ferocity, effectively shaking the sound stage and creating a palpable sense of tension. The dynamic range excels as it fluidly transitions between soft vocals and powerful action sequences without a hint of compromise.

In addition to these high-quality audio tracks, the release includes English subtitles for the original Japanese language version and optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, ensuring broader accessibility. The minimalistic approach in the quieter segments belies the complexity during climactic scenes, showcasing enhanced LFE and dynamic engagement, particularly as the historically significant atomic bombings unfold. This audio presentation is well-executed, offering a dynamic and enriching auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling beautifully.

The Blu Ray extras for "In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World" are thoughtfully curated, offering viewers an in-depth look into the film's creative process and historical backdrop. The highlights include extended interviews, where the director Sunao Katabuchi candidly discusses the meticulous research and audience reactions, alongside producer Masao Maruyama shedding light on the story's significance. A vivid comparison between historical Hiroshima & Kure and their cinematic portrayal provides a profound perspective. Additionally, a U.S. tour highlight segment, despite being less dynamic, offers valuable production insights. The inclusion of trailers and TV spots completes this comprehensive package, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Sunao Katabuchi: Discusses film research, development, and audience reactions.
• Interview with Masao Maruyama: Insights from the producer on the story's historical significance.
• Hiroshima & Kure: Then & Now: Comparison between real-world settings and film clips.
• U.S. Tour Highlights: Behind-the-scenes look at project development.
• Theatrical Trailers: Promotional material preceding the release.
• TV Spot: Brief promotional segment.

In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World, directed by Sunao Katabuchi and co-written with Chie Uratani, offers a deeply personal narrative set against the bleak backdrop of World War II Japan. Adapted from Fumiyo Konno's popular manga, the film follows Suzu Urano, a young woman navigating life in the village of Kure. The animation showcases meticulous hand-drawn artistry, derived from historical photos and video elements, resulting in a stunning and authentic visual experience. The narrative explores Suzu's experiences during the war, from rationed supplies to the constant threat of bombing raids while instilling a sense of optimism and resilience despite escalating dangers.

The story opens in the early 1930s, progressing to 1944 where Suzu's life changes with her arranged marriage to Shusaku Hojo, a naval clerk. The progression from initial optimism to increasing struggles as the war nears its end is palpable. The intense realism is juxtaposed with Suzu’s infectious optimism, even as her surroundings spiral into chaos due to food scarcities and relentless aerial bombardments. Despite the hopeful undercurrent, viewers are not shielded from the harsh realities, such as radiation sickness hints and a series of heart-wrenching family tragedies.

The film is technically brilliant, with superb direction by Katabuchi who is known for his work on Mai Mai Miracle and Black Lagoon. Kosuke Hayashi’s art direction employs a minimalist style that enhances the emotional gravity of the scenes. Kotringo’s evocative score complements the narrative's range from tranquil beauty to sorrowful aftermaths seamlessly. While In This Corner doesn’t reach the emotional depths of Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies, it is a masterful and poignant depiction of wartime struggles, balanced with moments of hope and resilience, marking it as an essential film for anime and history enthusiasts alike.

"In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World" is a masterpiece of traditional animation, skillfully directed by Sunao Katabuchi. It tells a poignant story of ordinary citizens during the harrowing period of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima, conveyed through both compelling screenplay and impressive hand-drawn animation. The film's deliberate pacing allows each moment to resonate, ultimately culminating in a breathtaking and intense third act. Its narrative and visual artistry earned it substantial success at the Japanese box office, solidifying its place among the more successful animated films.

The Blu-ray release by Shout Factory delivers an impeccable audio-visual presentation, featuring a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 in both English and Japanese. The clarity and fidelity of both audio tracks significantly enhance the viewing experience, immersing the audience deeper into the gripping storyline. Noteworthy extras include insightful interviews with real survivors from the era, providing additional context and depth, despite the somewhat limited quantity of supplementary materials.

In conclusion, "In This Corner of the World" is a brilliant character-driven film that excels in both narrative and technical execution. Its stellar performance and authentic portrayal make it a highly recommended addition to any anime enthusiast's collection. Shout Factory's Blu-ray release enriches this experience, marking it as a must-buy for fans of poignant, well-crafted dramas in the animated genre.