The Wind Rises Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Wind Rises" offers a visual presentation that is nothing short of breathtaking. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video captures every frame with incredible clarity, ensuring that every scene is resplendent with lush, beautifully saturated colors and consistently excellent contrast. Primary colors stand out vividly, while black levels are impressively deep and rich. The meticulous detail in the animation is evident, with crisp, clean line art and preserved textures that showcase the fine nuances of hand-drawn animation. The slight grain present adds to the authenticity without being obtrusive, and there are no issues with noise, macroblocking, or banding to detract from the viewing experience.

Framed in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this presentation truly brings Miyazaki's vision to life. The animation feels almost tangible, like a painting in motion, with every line and brush stroke rendering vividly on screen. The detail in scenes set at night or in the rain is mesmerizing, such as the captivating image of a candle's light shimmering against a window. The flying and dream sequences are particularly stunning, immersing viewers in a beautiful unreality that feels remarkably real. This Blu-ray release handles the film’s hand-drawn nature perfectly, free from over-sharpening or digital manipulation, maintaining the inherent charm and magic of Miyazaki's animation.

Hayao Miyazaki's "The Wind Rises" presents an intriguing choice in its audio design, featuring a single-channel DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track available in both English and Japanese. This distinctive decision is effectively executed, with the lossless mono mix offering an impressively clean and precise auditory experience. The sound effects, ingeniously crafted using the human voice, infuse elements such as roaring engines and whirring propellers with a unique charm that enhances the film's dream-like quality. The dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout, and Joe Hisaishi's evocative score seamlessly integrates into the overall soundscape without being overpowered.

For audiophiles accustomed to multi-channel surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, the mono track might seem limiting at first. However, it's crucial to understand that this was a deliberate creative choice by Miyazaki, aimed at prioritizing the visual narrative and evoking a period-specific ambiance. The constraint of a mono mix adds a layer of complexity and intimacy to the aural experience that is both refreshing and unprecedented in modern cinema. When played through high-quality front channels, every detail stands out with remarkable precision—a testament to the meticulous sound design and mix.

Both the English and Japanese mono tracks are of equivalent high quality, offering slightly different experiences. The Japanese track provides an authentic cultural experience with its poetic intonations, while the English dub, featuring an all-star Hollywood cast, allows viewers to immerse themselves in Miyazaki's rich visuals without the distraction of subtitles. It’s worth noting that while these audio tracks deliver reference-quality mono sound, they may not satisfy those seeking a full surround experience typical of other 5-star audio releases. Nonetheless, "The Wind Rises" provides an extraordinary and unique auditory journey—a solid four-star presentation that faithfully preserves the filmmaker's vision.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Wind Rises" offer a comprehensive look at the film’s production, featuring detailed insights from both the English and Japanese teams. The standout is "The Wind Rises Behind the Microphone," where voice director Gary Rydstrom and the English voice cast discuss the animation, themes, and dubbing challenges. The expansive "Storyboards" section allows viewers to experience the entire film through original Japanese storyboards, complete with Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 audio and optional English, English SDH, and French subtitles. Additionally, the "Announcement of the Completion of the Film" provides an in-depth glimpse into the press conference with Hayao Miyazaki and key contributors. Completing the set are the original Japanese trailers and TV spots.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wind Rises Behind the Microphone: Voice cast and director on dubbing.
• Storyboards: Full film with original storyboards.
• Announcement of the Completion of the Film: In-depth press conference.
• Original Japanese Trailers and TV Spots: Promotional material.

Hayao Miyazaki's "The Wind Rises" is a masterful amalgamation of biopic and fantasy, deftly blending history with the director’s signature imaginative storytelling. The film intricately portrays the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the innovative mind behind the Mitsubishi A5M and A6M Zero fighter planes, while interweaving stunning sequences of dreamlike visuals. As Horikoshi, voiced by Hideaki Anno in Japanese and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in English, navigates key historical events such as the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Great Depression, and Japan's wartime escalation, Miyazaki uses these backdrops to highlight the transcendence of human creativity against an unforgiving reality. The seamless integration of Jiro’s fantastical interactions with Giovanni Caproni (voiced by Mansai Nomura and Stanley Tucci) encapsulates the essence of inspiration and invention, making these dream sequences vital both thematically and visually.

Miyazaki is less concerned with a linear recounting of Horikoshi's engineering feats, choosing instead to focus on the human elements of imagination, love, and personal struggle. The narrative avoids melodrama, even as it touches on poignant themes such as Jiro's love for Nahoko (Miori Takimoto, Emily Blunt) and his complex friendship with Honjo (Hidetoshi Nishijima, John Krasinski). This intricate character study gains depth through visually rich animation that contrasts Jiro’s uplifting dreams against the harsh realities of his time. The absence of traditional villains underscores a more profound conflict - Jiro's internal struggle with the knowledge that his creations, born from a desire to craft beauty, are destined to be tools of war. This paradox is echoed in Miyazaki’s own artistic journey, making "The Wind Rises" a reflective piece on the burdens and joys of creation.

"The Wind Rises" stands out not only for its narrative complexity but also for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation which captures the elegance of Jiro's visions while painstakingly portraying historical authenticity. It is both a tribute to Jiro Horikoshi’s genius and Miyazaki's swan song, emphasizing the bittersweet pursuit of dreams amidst inevitable destruction. The film's end may feel abrupt, but repeated viewings reveal it as a poignant reminder to treasure fleeting moments of inspiration and love in a world rife with turmoil. With its thought-provoking themes and exquisite animation, "The Wind Rises" cements itself as one of Miyazaki’s finest artistries.

Hayao Miyazaki's final film, "The Wind Rises," encapsulates the director's unique vision and delicate storytelling, delivering both a visually arresting and emotionally poignant experience. This anime subtly weaves a tale of creativity, love, and ambition, infused with Miyazaki's characteristic introspection. Its deliberate pacing and thematic depth reflect a more biographical glimpse into the mind of this iconic filmmaker, making it an indelible part of Studio Ghibli's legacy.

The Blu-ray release complements the film remarkably well, showcasing reference-quality video that retains Miyazaki’s intricate art style and animation nuances. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is pristinely faithful to the director's intentions, offering a compelling sonic landscape that mirrors the film's emotive undertones. Accompanying the visual and auditory excellence is a literal-translation subtitle track catering to purists, enhancing the authenticity and integrity of the original Japanese dialogue. The substantial collection of almost four hours of special features and the inclusion of a DVD copy make this Blu-ray package exceptionally comprehensive.

I'm sure "The Wind Rises" won't resonate with everyone as much as it has with me. Some will find its deliberate pace and simple story off-putting, while others will pine for a full-fledged Miyazaki fantasy the filmmaker's retirement has assured they'll never see. But buried within his final film is a tale of inspiration, creation and invention, one that's both a terrifically effective and touching drama and, from a certain perspective, an autobiographical glimpse into the inner-workings of Miyazaki's mind and Studio Ghibli's productions. I can't think of a more fitting farewell from Miyazaki than a film that offers a look into his own imagination. Thankfully, Disney's Blu-ray release doesn't disappoint. With a stunning video presentation, an excellent DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track (faithful to Miyazaki's intentions), a literal-translation subtitle track (for the purists among you), and a solid selection of supplements, it stands as one of my favorite releases of the year.