Porco Rosso Blu-ray Review

In its native aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the AVC encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Porco Rosso" establishes a benchmark for hand-drawn animation on film. The robust average bitrate of 35,000 kbps ensures an image that is both exquisitely detailed and rich in color. The color palette bursts with vibrant hues—from the striking reds of Porco's plane to the shimmering blues of the Adriatic Sea and the lush greens of Miss Gina's garden. The finely preserved film grain adds an authentic texture to the visuals without interfering with the clarity. Black levels are consistently deep, enhancing both shadow details and the overall realism of the animated world.

The transfer showcases the artistry of hand-drawn lines without any signs of digital tampering such as DNR or scrubbing, maintaining the integrity of the original animation. The higher bitrate employed by Shout Factory, while nominally different from previous releases, doesn't significantly alter the final visual output, ensuring that fans can enjoy a virtually flawless presentation. Minor instances of banding in the sky were noted but are so fleeting that they don't detract from the viewing experience even on larger screens.

In summary, "Porco Rosso" on Blu-ray is a triumph in video presentation, preserving every nuance and detail of Studio Ghibli's brilliant animation.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Porco Rosso" features two DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo tracks, one in English (2056 kbps, 24-bit) and the original Japanese (2069 kbps, 24-bit), along with a Dolby Digital 2.0 (192 kbps) French dub. Both the English and the Japanese tracks have distinct advantages, with the Japanese track showcasing exceptional vocal performances by seasoned voice actors. The English dub is commendable, featuring performances by Cary Elwes and Michael Keaton that elevate it close to the quality of the original.

The fidelity of both 2.0 tracks is impressive, providing solid presence and clear dialogue across the front sound stage. While the LFE impact is minimal, the bass integrated into the front channels is sufficient to create a satisfying audio experience. Subtitling options are generous, including an English SDH track for the hearing impaired that follows the English dub closely, an English subtitling option that offers a more literal translation of the Japanese script, and French subtitles. The literal translation adds significant depth and nuance to the narrative that may be missing in the dub-based subtitles.

Overall, Shout! Factory has done a commendable job in audio presentation for "Porco Rosso," delivering a satisfying auditory experience whether you prefer the nuanced Japanese track or the well-executed English dub. The combination of lossless codecs and thoughtfully provided subtitle options ensures a versatile and high-quality viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Porco Rosso" are comprehensive and offer a deep dive into the film's creation. The "Feature-Length Storyboard" provides a unique perspective on the development process, spanning over 1.5 hours in high definition. The "Interview with Toshio Suzuki" and "Behind the Microphone" featurettes, while upscaled to 1080p, are insightful and provide valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives. Notably, the inclusion of original Japanese theatrical trailers, presented in 1080p, adds a nostalgic touch. An exclusive 8-page booklet with statements from the producer and director is a tangible bonus for collectors and fans alike. English subtitles are available where necessary, ensuring accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

Feature-Length Storyboards: A comprehensive storyboard presentation.

Interview with Producer Toshio Suzuki: Insightful interview with the producer.

Behind the Microphone: Featurette on voice recording.

Textless Opening and Closing Credits: Clean opening and closing sequences.

Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers: Promotional trailers from Japan.

8-page Booklet: Contains producer's and director's statements.

Shout! Factory's reissued Blu-ray of "Porco Rosso" highlights one of Hayao Miyazaki's lesser-known yet profoundly delightful works. The film's narrative centers around the melancholic yet humorous adventures of Marco "Porco" Rosso, a former WWI fighter pilot cursed to take on the appearance of a pig. Porco's story, while seemingly whimsical, juxtaposes light-hearted comedy against mature, introspective themes such as war, loss, and the shifting sands of time. The film's seamless blend of slapstick humor and poignant reflection gives it a unique charm and depth that resonates with viewers across ages.

Visually, Miyazaki’s affection for aeronautics shines through with meticulous attention to the WWI-era flight machines, making the aerial sequences truly spectacular. The Blu-ray transfer maintains high standards, preserving the film’s vibrant colors and intricate details. In terms of voice acting, both Japanese and English dubs are commendable. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Porco adds a distinct layer of wry humor, although Shuichiro Moriyama’s grittier interpretation arguably better captures the character's ruggedness. The audio presentation is crisp, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Overall, while "Porco Rosso" may not feature prominently among Miyazaki's celebrated epics, it is a gem that warrants appreciation. Its rich storytelling coupled with high-quality audio-visual presentation makes this reissue a valuable addition for any Studio Ghibli enthusiast.

“Porco Rosso” Blu-ray Review:

"Porco Rosso" showcases Hayao Miyazaki's unique ability to harmonize fantasy with grounded realism, reflecting a more obscure yet captivating entry in his illustrious oeuvre. Whereas titles like "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke" are celebrated for their epic breadth, "Porco Rosso" presents a softer, more nostalgic adventure featuring a charming aerial tale. The latest Shout Factory re-release competes directly with the earlier Disney versions, offering a near-identical audiovisual experience. The new release boasts an impressive 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio and dual DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio options in both English and Japanese, maintaining the film's authentic tonal quality.

Despite its impressive technical specs, such as stunning video clarity and immersive audio fidelity with DTS-HD MA 2.0, the Shout Factory release doesn’t significantly differentiate itself from the previous Disney Blu-ray edition. Both releases share near-identical subtitles, video encoding, and a suite of extras, which even includes a respective exclusive booklet. The visual and audio parallels confirm that existing owners of the Disney edition may find little reason to upgrade. However, for first-time buyers or those clinging to older DVD editions, this release presents excellent value—offered at a significantly lower price point than the out-of-print Disney version.

In conclusion, “Porco Rosso” may not attain the iconic status of Miyazaki’s greatest achievements but remains an endearing and essential addition to any anime collection. This Shout Factory iteration underscores its worthiness with high-quality presentation, even if lacking compelling new content for upgraders. Given its accessible price and high-def rejuvenation, it earns a solid recommendation for newcomers and dedicated fans alike seeking to rediscover Miyazaki's versatility and storytelling prowess in Blu-ray format.