Fafner: Heaven and Earth Blu-ray Review

"Fafner: Heaven and Earth" is delivered on Blu-ray by FUNimation Entertainment with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This high-definition presentation is somewhat inconsistent, akin to the varied quality of the narrative itself. The blend of CGI and traditional hand-drawn cel animation is striking at its best moments. CGI elements, especially the Festum and Fafner units, intermittently exhibit impressive detail and depth. However, they can also appear noticeably soft and poorly defined. Similarly, hand-drawn sequences alternate between vibrantly detailed and distressingly muted, lacking clear definition without a discernible pattern, suggesting an intentional choice by the animation team.

In scenes where the image quality excels, blacks are portrayed with commendable depth, colors are vivid, and the overall sharpness is notable. Motion appears smooth and detail is pronounced, providing a satisfying visual experience. Contrarily, the frequent lapses into softness result in a flattened image where intricate details become difficult to discern. This disparity occurs throughout the entire film, making it occasionally jarring and potentially distracting for the viewer. The unpredictability of the visual presentation detracts from what could otherwise be a more consistently immersive viewing experience.

Despite these inconsistencies, when the Blu-ray quality peaks, it delivers an engaging and visually appealing spectacle. Nonetheless, the shift between high-detail, vibrant scenes to softer, less defined moments prevents "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" from attaining the level of visual polish expected from a high-definition release.

The audio presentation of "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" on Blu-ray is exceptionally well-executed, featuring two Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mixes in original Japanese and English dubbed versions. Both mixes provide expert voice work, delivering highly effective and immersive experiences with particularly impactful sound effects. During the battle sequences, the surrounds come alive with dynamic clashing sound effects, and the LFE channel offers floorboard-rattling bass that greatly enhances the viewing experience. Dialogue is prioritized, ensuring clarity and absence of any hissing or distortion.

In terms of technical performance, both the original Japanese and English dubbed versions surpass the video quality. The dialogue is anchored effectively in the center channel, consistently clear and clean. Action sequences leverage the surround speakers to great effect, encapsulating the viewer with robust and precise audio. The immersive soundscape is further bolstered by a well-balanced score that, while arguably cheesy, fits seamlessly within the film’s tone without overwhelming other elements. The subwoofer’s contribution is equally noteworthy, providing a satisfying rumble that enhances the overall audio dynamics of the film.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" provide a treasure trove of content for fans, featuring an array of supplementary materials that delve deep into the creation and promotion of the film. Joel McDonald and Micah Solusod lead a lively and informative U.S. Commentary track, blending humorous anecdotes with behind-the-scenes insights, including McDonald's efforts to voice match with the original Fafner TV series' English dub cast. The commercial collection showcases promotional videos that highlight FUNimation's marketing efforts, encapsulating the excitement around the release. Furthermore, the theatrical trailer offers a polished preview of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• U.S. Commentary: Joel McDonald and Micah Solusod provide humorous and informative insights.
• Commercial Collection: Promo videos that showcase FUNimation's marketing efforts.
• Theatrical Trailer: A polished cinematic preview of the film.

"Fafner: Heaven and Earth" serves as a feature-length continuation of the "Fafner" anime series, diving headfirst into the unresolved storylines from its predecessor. This film’s narrative assumes a solid background knowledge of the original series, inundating viewers with intricate techno-babble and heavy references to themes and terms derived from both its universe and Der Ring des Nibelungen, which might alienate newcomers. However, despite its verbose tendencies, this film compensates with a certain emotional depth that outshines the series. The story centers around Kazuki and his poignant quest to find his friend Soushi, interwoven with thematic reflections on human nature and conflict.

The core of the film rests on the evolving dynamics between Kazuki and a mysterious child, Kurusu, who heralds changes in the ongoing battle against the Festum aliens. This new character’s enigmatic nature and telepathic connections add intriguing layers to the story, contrasting the duller moments crammed with endless scientific exposition. Viewers familiar with the series will appreciate the emotional undertones rooted in Kazuki’s journey, even though deciphering the plot may prove challenging due to the incessant jargon. Notwithstanding, the animation itself is noteworthy, blending CG and hand-drawn techniques to deliver visually compelling action sequences, albeit infrequent.

Overall, "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" delivers a mixed experience. While it attempts to balance storylines across supporting characters, it’s the primary arc focused on Kazuki that truly resonates. The film strikes an authentic emotional chord during its climax but doesn’t escape its share of interminable dialogues that might test even the most dedicated fans. The sporadic action set-pieces are engaging, but viewers are likely to find the profuse scientific discourse somewhat off-putting. Although imperfect, "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" embodies a memorable continuation for those deeply invested in the series’ lore.

"Fafner: Heaven and Earth" on Blu-ray provides a mixed viewing experience that is likely to elicit divided opinions among anime enthusiasts. Technically speaking, the visual presentation is less than perfect. There are noticeable issues that detract from the overall viewing quality, preventing it from reaching its full potential. In contrast, the audio quality is robust and engaging, offering a solid enhancement to the film's more intense sequences. The film's pacing is another area of concern; it maintains a slow tempo at times, potentially testing the patience of viewers unfamiliar with the original series.

The most compelling aspect of this feature lies in its central storyline involving Kazuki, Kurusu, and Soushi. This narrative thread manages to evoke a surprising emotional depth, particularly as the film crescendos towards its climax and denouement. Unfortunately, many of the supporting characters' arcs are inadequately developed, leaving these segments feeling incomplete and some dialogues overly laden with tech jargon. This surplus of scientific exposition can become tedious, detracting from the film’s overall engagement potential.

In conclusion, "Fafner: Heaven and Earth" stands as a superior crafted piece compared to its predecessor series but is hampered by excessive verbiage and underdeveloped subplots. It is best suited to fervent fans of the franchise who are invested in uncovering more about key characters like Soushi. However, for newcomers or those exploring mecha series for the first time, this film might not serve as the ideal introduction to the genre.