Porco Rosso Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "Porco Rosso" exhibits an impressive restoration that remains faithful to the original animation. The naturalistic color palette, highlighted by vibrant primaries, perfectly captures the essence of the film. The blues of the skies and oceans, coupled with the striking reds of Porco's plane and the painterly hues of the Italian seaside, shine through brilliantly. The transfer’s sharpness and clarity are commendable, with neatly defined lines and abundant background textures. The faint grain maintained in the transfer enhances the filmic quality, free from significant scratches or noticeable damage, resulting in minimal artifacting or banding.

However, it's not without its imperfections. While the overall presentation is significantly superior to the old DVD release, it falls slightly short in some areas compared to other Blu-rays like "Pom Poko." A subtle grain-like noise appears intermittently in uniformly colored sections, and infrequent white specks of dirt or debris can be observed. These minor flaws occasionally distract but do not overshadow the overall sharpness and vibrancy of the animation. Despite these issues, the colorization and defined animated lines make this Blu-ray version of "Porco Rosso" an essential upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Porco Rosso" showcases a high-fidelity experience with multiple language options, including English and Japanese 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, and a French 2.0 Dolby Digital track. Dialogue is exquisitely clear and seamlessly integrated with both sound effects and the musical score, creating an immersive soundscape. Though some audiences may desire rear-speaker support or LFE to augment the action sequences, particularly during the aerial dogfights, the 2.0 stereo tracks remain faithful to Miyazaki's original vision for the film.

The English dubbed version features notable voice talents such as Michael Keaton and Susan Egan, delivering performances that maintain clarity and presence throughout. The mix vibrantly balances narration, dialog, and effects without congestion, even during complex scenes involving aviation soundscapes like wind, engines, and gunfire. Purists will appreciate that the original Japanese track is preserved in its authentic form, with clear subtitles offering accurate translations. While a 5.1 mix would have added depth and spatial dimension, the existing 2.0 DTS-HD tracks provide a robust and faithful audio presentation that aligns well with the film’s artistic intent.

In sum, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo tracks ensure "Porco Rosso" sounds both rich and dynamic, preserving the integrity of the original soundtrack while offering an enhanced auditory experience over previous DVD releases. This meticulous effort to maintain audio fidelity provides a satisfying auditory experience for Ghibli enthusiasts and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Porco Rosso" offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at this celebrated Studio Ghibli film. Featuring original Japanese storyboards that showcase the entire film in its early visual form, viewers can appreciate Hayao Miyazaki’s artistic approach. An engaging interview with producer Toshio Suzuki delivers insightful commentary on the personal and thematic elements of the project. The "Behind the Microphone" featurette provides an interesting view of the voice casting and ADR processes, focusing primarily on Disney's dubbing efforts. Additionally, the disc includes a set of original Japanese trailers, giving fans a nostalgic glimpse into the movie's promotional history. Overall, these extras present a thorough exploration of both the production and promotional facets of "Porco Rosso," enriching the viewing experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Japanese Storyboards: Watch the entire film comprised of its original storyboards. Interview with Producer Toshio Suzuki: Suzuki discusses the elements that make Porco Rosso a special film. Behind the Microphone: Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew of Disney's dub. Original Japanese Trailers: Four trailers and preview reels.

"Porco Rosso," based on Hayao Miyazaki's 1989 watercolor manga "Hikōtei Jidai," tells the story of Marco, a former WWI Italian fighter pilot cursed to live as a pig. Now a sky-faring bounty hunter, Porco roams the airwaves, ridding them of air pirates while evading the Italian air force and yearning for his sweetheart Gina. The film's blend of post-WWI history with light fantasy creates an adventurous yet understated narrative, characterized by its protagonist's search for redemption and the richly nuanced character relationships. Michael Keaton embodies Porco’s animated anti-hero in the English dub, contributing to a voice cast that includes Cary Elwes, Susan Egan, and Brad Garrett.

Studio Ghibli's 1992 film is brought to life with minimalistic yet compelling animation that perfectly captures Miyazaki’s whimsical storytelling style. The plot focuses on Porco's rivalry with American pilot Curtis and a climactic dogfight that showcases Miyazaki's directorial prowess. The narrative is a balance of humor and heart, utilizing the backdrop of early aviation to explore deeper themes such as gender dynamics through secondary characters like Fio, Porco's enthusiastic mechanic. Despite its simplicity, "Porco Rosso" captivates with authentic touches and charismatic characters, each adding layers to this animated historical fiction.

While it may lack the grandiosity of other Ghibli classics, "Porco Rosso" holds an essential place within the studio's diverse oeuvre. Its charm lies in its modesty and the relationships between characters rather than epic battles or fantastical elements. The film succeeds in engaging viewers through its playful yet insightful take on post-war adventures and personal redemption. This Blu-ray release ensures that "Porco Rosso" is not only preserved but experienced in unparalleled visual quality, reinforcing its significance in Studio Ghibli's storied catalog.

"Porco Rosso" delivers an enchanting, light-hearted adventure that consummately exemplifies Hayao Miyazaki's directorial style. Featuring exuberant animation and a well-paced narrative, the film captures the viewer with its unique charm. While it may not be counted among Miyazaki’s most prolific works, its simplicity and sheer entertainment value make it highly rewatchable. Disney's Blu-ray release enriches the experience with a meticulously faithful remaster, bolstered by impressive video quality and robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The inclusion of extras, such as the original storyboards, further enhances its appeal for fans and collectors alike.

The film itself brims with endearing characters and an easy-to-follow story that invites viewers to immerse themselves fully. Despite its somewhat understated position in the Studio Ghibli canon, "Porco Rosso" firmly establishes itself as a personal favorite for many. The central character's anti-hero charm adds depth to the narrative, offering both humorous and intense moments. Supplemented by a solid audiovisual presentation, the Blu-ray stands as a commendable addition to any collection, particularly for enthusiasts of Miyazaki’s oeuvre.

In conclusion, "Porco Rosso" is an engaging and spirited escapade that merits frequent revisits. Disney's Blu-ray release succeeds in maintaining the integrity of Miyazaki's vision through high-quality remastering and thoughtful special features. Whether a long-time Studio Ghibli aficionado or a newcomer to their films, adding "Porco Rosso" to your library is a decision that promises lasting enjoyment.