The Wind Rises Blu-ray Review

The Wind Rises Blu-ray presentation from Gkids and Shout Factory stands out as an exemplary showcase of Miyazaki's distinctive animation style. Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition within the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film's visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. Hand-drawn imagery seamlessly blended with digital enhancements reveals a flawless and immersive experience. Each frame is saturated with a rich palette, with shades of blue, green, and brown showcased in soft pastels and deep primaries, contributing to a vibrant and meticulous visual representation.

Black levels are impeccably rendered, contrast is perfectly balanced, and the fine details are consistently impressive. The quality of the encode ensures that digital artifacts such as banding and aliasing are virtually non-existent. Upon close examination, no digital compression issues were apparent, confirming the Blu-ray's pristine quality. Compared to the previous Disney release, minor banding lines can be seen intermittently in the Shout Factory version; however, these fleeting instances do not detract from the overall stellar visual presentation. The bit-rate sufficiently supports the feature film, preserving the stunning artwork and allowing Miyazaki's enchanting animation to truly shine in high-definition.

The audio presentation of "The Wind Rises" on Blu-ray is a distinctive and unique offering that departs from conventional multi-channel surround sound formats. In this 2013 film, Miyazaki has chosen to utilize a 1.0 mono track in DTS-HD Master Audio for both the original Japanese and the English dub versions. This decision reflects Miyazaki's intent to harken back to the simpler audio roots found in his early works. The dialogue is presented with exceptional clarity and is complemented by solid effects within the front sound stage, ensuring an engaging auditory experience.

What sets this audio track apart is its organic approach to sound effects. All non-musical sounds in the film are human-generated, adding a layer of authenticity and unique texture to the listening experience. The Italian-influenced musical score seamlessly blends with these human-created effects, creating an almost immersive, earthy atmosphere. This mono presentation aids in masking the human origin of the sound effects more effectively than a surround mix might have. The result is a soundscape that feels both grounded in reality and ethereal, enhancing the overall impact of the film.

It should be noted that the audio mix on this Blu-ray appears to be identical to the one offered on the previous Walt Disney Blu-ray release, with no discernible differences in the quality or mixing. This consistency ensures that fans of Miyazaki's work are treated to the authentic audio experience intended by the creator, effectively merging his signature animation style with a unique and thoughtfully crafted sound design.

The Blu Ray edition of "The Wind Rises" offers an exceptional array of extras that provide viewers with in-depth insights into the creation and vision behind this animated masterpiece. Highlights include a revealing documentary, "10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki," now in HD, that delves into the meticulous process and daily life of the legendary animator. This new addition, alongside a freshly translated booklet featuring notes from both Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, enriches the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film. The release retains previously available features such as comprehensive storyboards, a behind-the-scenes look at the voice actors, and coverage of the film completion press conference. This collection enhances the immersive experience for enthusiasts and provides extensive behind-the-scenes material befitting the gravitas of Miyazaki's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Exclusive Booklet: Includes translated notes by Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki.
• Feature-Length Storyboards: Detailed visual development of the film.
• 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki Documentary Episode: Behind-the-scenes look at Miyazaki's process.
• Behind the Microphone: Insights from voice actors.
• Film Completion Press Conference: Coverage and interviews from the event.
• Original Theatrical Trailers: Promotional footage.
• TV Spots: Short promotional clips.

Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises” is a profound and meticulously crafted film that intertwines the realms of historical drama and biographical narrative. The movie chronicles the life of Jiro Horikoshi, a pioneer in aeronautical engineering who created the infamous Japanese "Zero" fighter planes used during WWII. The storyline seamlessly integrates Miyazaki's lifelong fascination with flight, evident in his previous works such as “Nausicaa” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”. With its compelling character development and emotional depth, the film presents a poignant reflection on innovation's dual nature—the beauty of creation tainted by its potential for destruction.

While the technical achievements of Jiro are central to the plot, Miyazaki also explores significant themes of love and loss through Jiro's relationship with Naoko. Their story, marked by an initially heroic encounter during a Tokyo earthquake and culminating in a tragic yet tender marriage, adds an emotional weight to the narrative. Naoko’s struggle with tuberculosis and her ultimate demise serve as a heart-wrenching counterpoint to Jiro’s professional successes, illustrating the fragility and fleeting nature of life. The delicate portrayal of their relationship underscores the narrative’s emotional core, evoking powerful responses from viewers and challenging them to ponder the complex interplay of love, destiny, and mortality.

Visually, "The Wind Rises" remains a testament to Miyazaki’s artistic mastery, with stunning animation that vividly brings Jiro’s world to life. From dream sequences featuring conversations with Italian engineer Giovanni Caproni to the meticulous depiction of aircraft design, every frame is infused with both technical precision and poetic beauty. The film's haunting score complements its somber tone, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Rated PG-13 for some disturbing images and smoking, "The Wind Rises" stands as one of Miyazaki's most thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works to date.

"The Wind Rises" is a masterful achievement in animation and storytelling by Hiyao Miyazaki, standing out as his most personal and poignant work to date. In this film, Miyazaki expertly blends his signature fantasy elements with a grounded historical narrative to tell the life story of one of Japan’s most renowned engineers. The exploration of themes like love, loss, and the conflict between dreams and reality reflect Miyazaki’s introspective look at his own life and beliefs. The physical and virtual artistry in "The Wind Rises" sets this film apart as a unique entry in Miyazaki’s oeuvre, providing a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Wind Rises" by Shout Factory ensures that the film’s visual and auditory charm is impeccably preserved. Presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with English and Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio tracks, the disc excels in delivering pristine picture quality and immersive sound. The English, English SDH, and French subtitles add to the accessibility of this masterpiece. Notably, the Blu-ray release mirrors the earlier Disney disc in quality, offering a virtually identical experience. However, with Disney discs being out of print for years, Shout Factory’s competitive pricing makes this edition a valuable acquisition for both long-time Miyazaki fans and newcomers.

In conclusion, "The Wind Rises" is an essential addition to any film collection. It’s a profoundly moving piece that highlights Miyazaki's skillful storytelling and artistic vision. Whether you’re an avid collector or discovering Miyazaki’s works for the first time, this Blu-ray edition is a must-own for its flawless presentation and enduring emotional impact. Highly recommended for all audiences who appreciate animation or deeply compelling narratives.