Whisper of the Heart Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Whisper of the Heart by StudioCanal delivers a 1080p resolution encoded with the AVC codec and framed within a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. StudioCanal's approach to grain reduction might divide purists: some laud the Japanese Ghibli releases for maintaining natural grain, while others recognize the noise in darker scenes. Nonetheless, StudioCanal manages to reduce heavy grain without erasing the image’s vitality. The background art retains its high frequency detail, showcasing texture in urban environments, such as road pits and wall cracks, effectively. Improvements are most evident in moving objects, which are more pronounced but slightly less integrated into the overall scene. The overall frame is lightened, affecting whites and reds differently; whites appear cooler and bluer, whereas reds lean towards pastel shades. While daylight scenes are considerably brighter, the film maintains remarkable clarity and sharpness without substantial banding or aliasing issues.

Studio Ghibli's exceptional animation style shines through in this Blu-ray release, with colors that are rich, vibrant, and balanced—never appearing overly boosted or plastic. The image is not static but dynamic, framed as a cohesive mosaic of crisp moving pictures rather than a series of stills. Significant denoising corrections were avoided, upholding the image's depth and texture. Apart from minor deviations in a few frames, the linework remains tight and clear, offering a stunning visual experience from start to finish. Stability is consistent throughout the film without any significant issues, producing a clean and beautiful picture that will undoubtedly appeal to both new viewers and long-term fans of Studio Ghibli's work.

The Blu-ray release of "Whisper of the Heart" offers two DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, one in Japanese and the other in English. The Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in creating a deeply immersive soundscape. It captures ambient sounds and noises that significantly enhance the film's atmosphere. Yuji Nomi's score integrates seamlessly into the track, enriching existing moods rather than jarring the viewer with overemphasis. Dialog clarity in the Japanese track is top-notch, presenting crisp, clean, and stable audio that is easy to follow. However, the surround effects are used sparingly but effectively to ensure an engaging auditory experience. The primary narrative-driven sounds are front-heavy, which may, at times, come off slightly flat due to the nature of certain film segments.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, on the other hand, also brings a commendable level of quality to the table. Unexpectedly well-executed, the English version's lines occasionally match the intensity of their Japanese counterparts, though differences in acting depth are noticeable. The center channel in the English track appears slightly more balanced than usual for dubbed versions, with added vocals not overtaking the mix. Despite this, whispers and subtle effects are sometimes less prominent compared to the Japanese track where discreet noises add an extra layer of realism. Both tracks handle high and low frequencies well, particularly during musical sequences where electro-pop beats playfully pop around all speakers and stringed instruments hum with an almost tangible resonance. Overall, both audio tracks provide high-quality sound experiences, with minor caveats depending on user preference.

The Blu-ray extras for "Whisper of the Heart" are substantial, offering a mix of visually stunning artwork and insightful behind-the-scenes content. The Storyboards feature allows viewers to toggle integrated storyboards on or off via picture-in-picture mode, providing a comprehensive look at the film’s artistic process. Naohisa Inoue’s 4 Masterpieces of Naohisa Inoue: From Start to Finish captivates with its detailed progression of paintings, offering a unique glimpse into the creative workflow. The Background Artwork from The Baron's Story segment showcases mesmerizing surrealist imagery set to music. Behind the Microphone involves discussions with notable English voice cast members, shedding light on the dubbing process. Additionally, Japanese TV spots and theatrical trailers offer cultural context and promotional insight, supplemented by a collection of trailers for other Studio Ghibli classics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Storyboards: Fully integrated storyboards viewable in picture-in-picture mode.
• Background Artwork from The Baron's Story: Conceptual drawings for fantasy sequences.
• 4 Masterpieces of Naohisa Inoue: From Start to Finish: Detailed progression of Inoue’s paintings.
• Behind the Microphone: English voice cast commentary on dubbing.
• TV Spots: Japanese television advertisements with English subtitles.
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers: Promotional trailers with English subtitles.
• Studio Ghibli Collection Trailers: Trailers for various Studio Ghibli films.

Studio Ghibli's "Whisper of the Heart," directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and scripted by Hayao Miyazaki, is a captivating narrative deeply rooted in human emotions and everyday experiences. Diverging from the studio's typical fantasy elements, "Whisper of the Heart" is an eerily realistic coming-of-age story that resonates with both adolescents and adults. The Blu-ray release by Studio Canal boasts distinct features, including original Japanese theatrical trailers, conceptual drawings, and a making-of featurette. Highlighting the film's poignant musical score, the audio delivers a superb performance on both the Japanese and English tracks, though they offer different tonal experiences.

Narratively, "Whisper of the Heart" follows the protagonist Shizuku Tsukishima, a bright teenage girl who finds solace in books and embarks on an exploratory journey after encountering a mysterious boy named Seiji. This journey leads her to an antique shop owned by Seiji’s grandfather, where she becomes enchanted by a cat statue with dazzling eyes. As her friendship with Seiji deepens, Shizuku is inspired to pursue her burgeoning passion for writing, crafting a novel influenced by her real-life experiences and newfound self-awareness.

The characterization in "Whisper of the Heart" is notably exceptional. Shizuku represents an intricate blend of typical adolescent uncertainty and exceptional creative drive, making her a relatable and compelling character. Additionally, supporting characters like Seiji and Shizuku’s best friend are portrayed with layers of vulnerability and innocence, capturing the essence of youthful naivety. This multilayered storytelling, combined with vibrant visuals and an evocative soundtrack, ensures "Whisper of the Heart" stands as one of Studio Ghibli’s most mature and engaging offerings. Despite some debate over grain structure and color on the Region B locked disc, this release remains a valuable addition for enthusiasts of Kondo's artistry and Ghibli's legacy.

Japanese director Yoshifumi Kondo's Whisper of the Heart is a compelling entry from Studio Ghibli, renowned for its poignantly real storytelling. Combining the everyday challenges and aspirations of adolescence with the beauty of animation, the film achieves a unique level of relatability. The Blu-ray edition delivers exceptional visual quality, preserving the intricate details and vibrant colors that Studio Ghibli is known for.

The narrative remains engaging for both children and adults, reflecting universal themes of self-discovery and youthful ambition. The audio presentation on this Blu-ray is pristine, enhancing the clarity and richness of the film's soundtrack, which complements its tender narrative beautifully. For viewers capable of playing Region-B releases, Whisper of the Heart on Blu-ray offers an immersive experience that does justice to its heartfelt storylines and charming characters.

In conclusion, Whisper of the Heart on Blu-ray is an outstanding addition to any collection, thanks to its top-tier presentation and timeless appeal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.