Akira Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Akira" offers a remarkable improvement over its previous home video formats, presenting the movie in a 1080p AVC encoded image that adheres to its original theatrically correct aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This edition shines with a clarity and color vibrancy that surpasses earlier versions, bringing new life to the animated classic. The color palette reveals a newfound boldness and differentiation, especially evident in scenes where reds previously blurred into a single hue. Now, elements such as Kaneda's bike, his clothing, and blood details are distinctly vibrant, showcasing a richness that adds depth to the visual experience. The remastering process seems to have been thorough, as the visual presentation is largely immaculate, offering clean and crisp lines without the jagged edges seen in past DVD releases. While minor imperfections remain, they do little to detract from the overall quality.

Detail and contrast are strong points of this Blu-ray presentation. The darker scenes, including those exploring the underground resting place of the titular character, are rendered with exceptional detail that brings out nuances in the gloom. Yet, some moments exhibit a softness inherent to the source material rather than a flaw in the disc's reproduction. Despite the overall excellence in visual quality, there is an oversight regarding the framing; a small border on all four sides of the image is present due to maintaining the original aspect ratio without fully utilizing the width of contemporary displays. This decision, likely made to prevent overscan on older sets, may slightly detract from the immersive viewing experience on modern systems.

Technicalities aside, the 1080P AVC codec delivers with an average bit-rate of 20 MBPS, ensuring that lines are crisp and colors are faithful to the original print. Despite a limited color spectrum compared to modern film standards, this release of "Akira" manages to maintain color consistency throughout, avoiding common animation pitfalls such as color variance between scenes. Black levels and contrast are exemplary, save for a handful of scenes where details turn slightly muddy. A peculiar issue noted is a hazy outline around characters in certain shots, which seems out of place and not attributable to edge enhancement—a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar transfer. The decision to frame the picture on all sides, though understandable from a technical perspective, is mildly frustrating and somewhat diminishes the transfer’s potential immersion on 16:9 displays.

In the realm of Blu-ray audio presentations, "Akira" stands out prominently, especially when considering the meticulous handling of its soundtracks. The 50GB disc space is adeptly utilized to offer a quartet of auditory choices, including Japanese Dolby TrueHD, Japanese Dolby Digital, Japanese Linear PCM, and English Dolby TrueHD. Among these, the Japanese Dolby TrueHD track deserves particular attention for its exemplary delivery. The richness of Geinoh Yamashiro Gumi's score is unparalleled, turning scenes like the opening motorbike chase into auditory masterpieces. The detail in sound is so precise—from the wheezing breaths to the gentle tapping of drums—that it enhances the narrative without overwhelming it. Notably, the soundtrack benefits from the hypersonic effect theory, contributed by Shoji Yamashiro, thereby elevating the listening experience to a degree where owning the soundtrack as a standalone piece seems almost obligatory.

The audio design makes effective use of spatial separation, bringing a dynamic clarity that feels like lifting a veil from the speakers. Dialogue is crisp and well-balanced within the soundscape, ensuring that every word is integrated without compromising the surrounding effects and music. The surround effects are particularly notable for their use in moments of intensifying action as well as in subtler scenes, creating a fully immersive experience. The LFE channel makes its presence known with impactful bass that adds depth to explosions and action sequences without descending into muddiness. The English Dolby TrueHD track mirrors this clarity and balance, appealing to those who may favor an English auditory experience.

Ultimately, this audio presentation of "Akira" on Blu-ray sets a high bar for home entertainment. Its usage of lossless sound formats like Dolby TrueHD not only sharpens the auditory elements but also envelops the listener in an intricate soundscape that honors the film's legacy. The meticulous remastering process guided by Yamashiro's theories not only preserves but enhances each sound, ensuring a listening experience that is as profound and captivating as the visual spectacle of "Akira" itself.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Akira" offers a somewhat underwhelming array of extras, primarily featuring a collection of five promotional videos, including two teasers, a TV commercial, and two trailers, all rendered in 1080p but lacking the contextual richness that fans might expect from retro content. They essentially serve as high-definition snippets of the film without capturing the essence or marketing ingenuity of its original release period. Moreover, the Storyboard Collection, while showcasing Katsuhiro Otomo's original 700-page blueprint of the iconic anime, is presented in a format that may not fully satisfy enthusiasts hoping for a closer examination of each frame. This constraint stems from the storyboards being displayed two pages at a time, diminishing the potential for an immersive deep dive into Otomo's creative process due to the reduced visibility of intricate details. This collection falls short of compensating for the absence of more extensive special features found in previous DVD editions, signaling that collectors might want to retain their older copies for a more comprehensive Akira experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Teaser #1: A brief preview clip.
• Teaser #2: Another short teaser snippet.
• TV Commercial: A quick advertisement for the film.
• Trailer #1: The first full trailer.
• Trailer #2: A second trailer offering.
• Storyboards: A vast collection replicating Otomo's original drawings across 700 pages.

"Akira," the epitome of classic anime, shines brilliantly in its Blu-ray incarnation, inviting both newcomers and long-standing fans to experience its post-apocalyptic saga with unprecedented clarity and sound quality. Originating from Katsuhiro Otomo’s visionary manga and premiering in Japanese theaters in 1988, "Akira" set a groundbreaking precedent for what animation could achieve. Its narrative, unfolding in the dystopian metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, weaves an intricate tale of psychic powers, political intrigue, and human resilience. The film’s leap to high-definition format accentuates its meticulous artistry and animation, which remarkably utilized over 160,000 cels to create a meticulously detailed world that remains unparalleled in its depth and fluidity. The pure, hand-drawn craftsmanship, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a society on the brink of renewal and destruction, underscores "Akira’s" monumental role in bringing anime to the global stage.

The Blu-ray edition of "Akira" not only resurrects the film’s breathtaking visuals but elevates its audio presentation to new heights. The decision to allocate the BD50’s capacity towards high-quality English and Japanese dubs in lossless formats pays off, providing an auditory experience as immersive and dynamic as the film’s visual spectacle. While extras on the disc may be sparse, this choice underscores a commitment to prioritizing the core viewing experience—a move that will undoubtedly satisfy purists and aficionados alike.

At its core, "Akira" transcends the boundaries of animated cinema, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers into a richly conceived world of imagination and chaos. Whether it's the awe-inspiring scenes of Neo-Tokyo by night or the intricate detail captured in each frame, the Blu-ray iteration honors the legacy of Otomo’s masterpiece, ensuring its place in the annals of animation history. Through its blend of hand-drawn animation and a compelling narrative, "Akira" on Blu-ray emerges not merely as a film to watch but as an experience to behold, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of anime as a respected medium in cinema.

"Akira" emerges on Blu-ray as an essential piece for both enthusiasts of the animation genre and dedicated collectors, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to Experience one of the most pivotal films in the history of animated cinema in its highest quality rendition to date. While the film itself may not appeal universally due to its intense narrative and graphic content, it offers a unique journey into a dystopian future that transcends typical anime conventions, engaging viewers in thought-provoking themes and a meticulous animation style. The restoration efforts culminate in a visually striking presentation, boasting the finest picture quality alongside an immersive audio experience, notably the original Japanese soundtrack, which is encouraged for an authentic viewing experience. This release, however, does not come without its drawbacks, particularly noted in the scarcity of special features when juxtaposed against previous editions. This limitation could disappoint those who seek a comprehensive deep dive into the film's creation and legacy.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray are highlighted by its fans as a new benchmark in high-definition presentations, with admirers particularly applauding the audio enhancements which elevate the original Japanese track, urging viewers to engage with the film as it was initially intended. This recommendation is rooted in the belief that experiencing "Akira" in its original language preserves the integrity of the creator-directed performances, a sentiment that holds value in retaining the film's authenticity. However, this push for authenticity in audio choice emphasizes the ongoing debate within the anime community regarding sound mixes, framing, and digital noise reduction, underlying a larger conversation about fidelity to source material in the realm of animation.

Conclusively, "Akira" on Blu-ray stands as a monumental release, capturing the essence of its groundbreaking animation and storytelling within a technically superior presentation. The concern over limited special features is valid but overshadowed by the significant merits of this edition—remarkable picture quality and an enriched audio experience. As such, this release serves not only as a tribute to "Akira's" enduring legacy but also as a hallmark achievement in the preservation and appreciation of anime in high definition. It encapsulates a pivotal moment in cinematic history, making it an indispensable addition to any connoisseur's collection, despite its imperfections.