First Squad: The Moment of Truth Blu-ray Review

"First Squad: The Moment of Truth" showcases a commendable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The transfer itself is stable and crisp, effectively preserving the film’s intentionally muted color palette reflective of its World War II setting. Earthy tones dominate the visual landscape, with faded tans, greens, browns, and the stark whites of snowy backdrops subtly enhancing the period's bleak atmosphere. The animation retains a soft and occasionally hazy quality, intended to complement the animation style, which although not highly detailed, is conveyed with sufficient clarity even on large displays.

The film's use of color is minimal yet deliberate, with infrequent pops of brightness within a predominantly subdued spectrum. Blacks are deep and consistent, enhancing the overall contrast, while slight banding is occasionally noticeable but does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Interspersed live-action interview clips are also competently handled, displaying average detailing and coloring against predominantly dark backgrounds.

Overall, "First Squad: The Moment of Truth" delivers a robust visual presentation on Blu-ray. Despite its simple animation style lacking intricate detail, the transfer effectively supports the source material, maintaining clarity and stability throughout. The use of artificial grain and damage in certain scenes to enhance the degraded look is executed with care, contributing to the film’s aesthetic without overwhelming the viewer.

"First Squad: The Moment of Truth" offers a trio of Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks in English, Russian, and Japanese, each bringing a highly proficient and exciting audio experience. The opening title music stands out with its thunderous impact, marked by excellent spacing and a robust surround support element. The clarity throughout is commendable, delivering various levels of sonic immersion and power. Military hardware sounds robust and precise, while gunfire and explosions impressively span the soundstage with authenticity and seamless integration. The film’s ambiance is notable, from the early applause and chatter at Nadya's talent show to the chilling atmospherics in scenes where Nadya is transported to the land of the dead.

Dialogue remains clean, full, and well-prioritized across all tracks. The dynamic range is well executed, providing some low-end kick to the explosions without any noticeable distortion. Surround sound usage is adeptly handled during aerial attacks, bombings, and shootouts, ensuring natural imaging and effective directionality. While the opening scene features intentional pops and crackles to simulate old newsreel footage, these artifacts do not detract from the overall audio quality.

Overall, the mix brings solid ambiance and utilizes rear speaker effects effectively when required. Although it might not astound with groundbreaking creativity, it adeptly complements the on-screen visuals and maintains a consistently immersive experience. Whether in atmospheric buildup or action-packed sequences, the audio presentation suits the material nicely and enhances the viewer's engagement with the film’s narrative.

The extras included in the Blu-ray of "First Squad: The Moment of Truth" are somewhat sparse yet reflective of the film’s niche appeal. The disc features two versions of the movie: a short version (1:00:28) and a long version (1:12:53), providing fans with some flexibility in viewing options. The supplements, however, might leave more to be desired if you were expecting expansive behind-the-scenes content or cast interviews. Instead, the extras consist only of trailers for other cult classics, "Redline" and "Battle Royale." While these trailers are presented in HD and add value for enthusiasts of anime and unique cinematic experiences, the limited nature of these extras might not satisfy those looking for a comprehensive dive into the making of "First Squad."

Extras included in this disc:

Trailers: Trailers for 'Redline' and 'Battle Royale' are included.

"First Squad: The Moment of Truth" offers a unique take on World War II, blending historical events with supernatural elements. Set against the ferocious Eastern Front in 1942, the film follows young clairvoyant Nadya, the sole survivor of a specialized Soviet unit, as she delves into the spirit world. The narrative introduces an engaging twist: while Nazi occultists resurrect the ancient warrior Baron Von Wolff, Nadya must enlist her fallen comrades' spirits to counter this otherworldly threat. Directors Yoshiharu Ashino, Aljosha Klimov, and Misha Shprits achieve a compact yet rich storytelling experience, with developed characters and a smart, if not straightforward, plot.

However, "First Squad" suffers from an overly complex narrative structure that sacrifices clarity for convolution. The non-linear timeline and frequent flashbacks disrupt the flow and dilute the film's impact. Additionally, despite an intriguing premise, character depth is superficial; Nadya's potential as a protagonist remains underutilized, and her team is poorly fleshed out. The animation—a blend of traditional designs with subtle CG—lacks dynamism and fluidity, resulting in action scenes that fail to fully engage. The climactic battle, meant to be the film's high point, ends abruptly without satisfying resolution.

The inclusion of live action interviews, intended to provide expository depth, instead feels like padding that breaks the immersive experience. These sequences add little to the plot and can be seen as extraneous. For viewers, especially anime enthusiasts, "First Squad" might offer some novelty with its WWII supernatural clash. Still, the overall execution lacks the finesse and excitement needed to make it a standout. This piece could benefit from more cohesive storytelling and deeper character development to truly reach its full potential.

"First Squad: The Moment of Truth" is a notably unique fusion of animation and World War II settings. It masterfully merges various genres, creating a distinct narrative that doesn't rely on action quotas but is driven by its characters and plot. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, drawing viewers into its expansive storyline. This film appeals to fans across different genres including Superhero, War, Anime, and History by combining these elements into an engaging package.

Despite its innovative concept, "First Squad" struggles with some critical issues. The characters lack depth and the animation, while competent, fails to be particularly captivating. The plot, though ambitious, often feels underdeveloped and clunky, leaving much to be desired in terms of character and story progression.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "First Squad: The Moment of Truth" excels in its technical execution with impressive video and audio quality. However, the offering is marred by the lack of supplementary content, with only a few trailers included as extras.

In conclusion, "First Squad: The Moment of Truth" offers a unique take on animated wartime storytelling and can be enjoyable for a diverse audience. Its technical strengths make it worth considering for purchase at a discount or a rental for immediate viewing, but its narrative shortcomings might leave hardcore anime enthusiasts seeking more substantial fare.