Appleseed Blu-ray Review

The high-definition release of "Appleseed" on Blu-ray, presented in 1080p with the VC-1 codec at an average bitrate of 19Mbps, showcases the potential for digital animation in the HD era. However, it's marred slightly by the presence of jaggies and aliasing, artifacts likely inherited from the original animation and not a result of the transfer process itself. Herein lies a bittersweet truth; while we witness the technological prowess of direct digital transfers in preserving the integrity of the source material, we're also faced with inherent limitations present in the original production. This revelation might give pause to those considering upgrading from previous formats, but I argue the enhancements elsewhere significantly offset these digital blemishes.

The Blu-ray edition shines when it comes to revealing intricate details and enriching the color palette. From the onset, viewers will appreciate a notable uptick in detail, especially evident in darker, previously indiscernible sequences—like Deunan's initial skirmish with cyborgs. The murky and soft appearance familiar to DVD owners gives way to a crisp and meticulously defined image that boasts an impressive depth of field. Moreover, the transition to Blu-ray breathes life into the once-muted colors of Olympus City and its environs, with lush and sometimes almost oversaturated tones replacing the sterile hues that characterized earlier releases.

Despite some flaws tied to the original production, the "Appleseed" Blu-ray edition represents a significant upgrade over its DVD predecessors. The marked improvements in clarity and color vibrancy will be appreciated by many, even if a small contingent of enthusiasts might lament the persisting digital imperfections. Through this lens, viewers should approach this release with moderated expectations, ready to embrace its visual enhancements while acknowledging its intrinsic limitations.

The audio presentation of the "Appleseed" Blu Ray has garnered attention for its decision not to include a lossless upgrade, a move that has disappointed a subset of its audience. Given the film's potential to showcase the stunning capabilities of modern audio technology, this oversight sticks out as a missed opportunity for an enhanced auditory experience. The provided audio options include both DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, covering newly recorded dubs by Sentai Filmworks and maintaining the original Japanese tracks in both formats. The lack of a DTS option for the Geneon's previous dub, however, narrows the choices for fans preferring the original voice work.

Upon delving into the technical aspects, it becomes clear that the DTS mix outperforms its Dolby Digital counterpart significantly, especially during action sequences where the difference in surround separation, clarity, and volume balance becomes markedly apparent. Opting for the DTS track undeniably elevates the viewing experience, providing an auditory clarity that captures the intricacies of the film's dynamic soundscape. However, while the DTS mix is commendable, it does not fully compensate for the absence of a lossless option. This shortfall is noticeable in a lack of bass response and a certain thinness in sound depth, particularly evident in segments like the opening theme song.

Critically assessing the sound design reveals these discrepancies that, albeit not ruinous, hint at what could have been achieved with a lossless audio presentation. The transitions between audio tracks spotlight the advancements in sound quality, yet they also underscore the limitations imposed by the absence of lossless audio. Despite these issues, dismissing this release solely based on the audio specifications may be hasty. Both the DTS and Dolby Digital tracks perform admirably within their constraints, offering an engaging auditory experience that, while not without flaws, significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment of "Appleseed" on Blu Ray.

The extra presentation on the "Appleseed" Blu-ray provides a comprehensive look into the pioneering efforts that made the film a notable entry in the evolution of 3D live anime. It meticulously explores the adaptation process of Shirow's original manga into a cutting-edge 3DCG animation style through "The Birth of 3D Live Anime," offering viewers a thorough understanding of both creative and technical challenges overcome by the team. This featurette, supplemented with commentary from director Shinji Aramaki and producer Fumihiko Sori, delves into the animation techniques, particularly highlighting the unique integration of stop-motion work with real actors in body suits to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The additional text-based staff profile section provides further insight into the minds behind the movie, rounding out an in-depth appreciation for the groundbreaking work involved.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Birth of 3D Live Anime: Key figures discuss the adaptation of Shirow's manga to 3DCG and detail the animation process.
• Director and Producer Commentary: Insightful commentary from Shinji Aramaki and Fumihiko Sori.
• Staff Profiles: Text-based biographies of the film's primary production crew members.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Appleseed" brings forth a mixed bag of pioneering animation elegance and narrative complexities that both charm and challenge the viewer. Upon its original release, "Appleseed" set a new standard in computer-generated animation, distinguished by its unique cel-shaded appearance that promised—and delivered—a fresh aesthetic to the sci-fi genre. The anticipation that surrounded its transition from the big screen to home entertainment was substantial, fueled by visuals that, at the time, were groundbreaking. While the animation was a visual marvel in 2004, revisiting this spectacle several years later reveals the relentless pace of technology, as some aspects that once dazzled now appear somewhat subdued. Despite this, the animation retains a significant charm, showcasing fluid action sequences that remain engaging.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, "Appleseed" weaves a tale of Deunan Knute, a warrior plunged into the complexities of a utopian city, Olympus. This narrative landscape is rich with themes of humanity, cloning, and the perpetual struggle between peace and conflict. The story ambitiously tackles subjects such as artificial intelligence, governance, and the ethics of biotechnology, encapsulating a future where humans coexist with their clone counterparts, Bioroids. However, this breadth of scope occasionally hampers the film's pacing and emotional resonance, with crucial character dynamics, particularly between Deunan and Briareos, taking a backseat to broader thematic explorations. These narrative ambitions, while commendable, sometimes dilute the viewer's connection to the characters and the immediacy of their struggles.

Visually, "Appleseed" continues to stand out for its detailed cityscapes and meticulously crafted battle sequences, despite some criticisms regarding character animation and shadow rendering. The film presents a comprehensive world brimming with imagination and technological wonder. The battles, particularly, showcase an unmatched dynamism and scale that contribute significantly to the film’s appeal. However, it's important to note that while the character animation faced critique for elements like stiffness in movement and less-than-natural facial expressions, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall experience. In essence, "Appleseed" on Blu-ray remains an essential piece of animation history—a testament to the era's technological achievements and an enduring narrative ambitious in its scope and themes.

The Blu-ray edition of "Appleseed" is a presentation that significantly enhances the viewing experience primarily through its visual aspect. While the animation and stylistic choices have always been a focal point for fans of the film, the transition from DVD to Blu-ray has undeniably brought a new level of vibrancy and depth to the visuals. This upgrade underscores the importance of high resolution in truly appreciating the aesthetic intricacies of "Appleseed." However, it's worth noting that not all aspects of this edition offer a marked improvement. The source material contains inherent issues that still persist, and the absence of a lossless audio track is a mystifying omission, given the visual enhancements. These factors suggest that while the Blu-ray version makes strides in the right direction, it may not present a comprehensive upgrade over previous versions.

Regarding the narrative and replay value, "Appleseed" on Blu-ray maintains its original allure but also highlights certain limitations. With each viewing since its initial release, some may find the plot offers diminishing returns, suggesting that the primary appeal of this edition lies in its enhanced visual experience. This is particularly relevant for long-standing fans or those who prioritize animation quality in their viewing preferences. For casual viewers or those new to "Appleseed," a preliminary rental might be advisable to gauge personal interest and appreciation for the film's technical and narrative aspects before committing to a purchase.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "Appleseed" represents a mixed bag of enhancements and missed opportunities. The significantly improved visuals are a treat for the eyes and elevate the film's already impressive animation style. However, the lack of audio upgrades and persistent issues with source material detract from what could have been a definitive edition. This release will undoubtedly appeal to die-hard fans and visual connoisseurs, but potential buyers should weigh these considerations carefully. Ultimately, whether this edition is worth adding to one's collection depends on individual priorities regarding visual quality versus overall technical completeness.