Appleseed Alpha Blu-ray Review

"Appleseed Alpha" boasts a predominantly impressive 1080p HD transfer that is perfect for showcasing the detailed CG work and world-building of this film. The Blu-ray resolution lets viewers appreciate the intricate nuances in character and environment design, from the chips and wear on armored surfaces to the rich textures of desert terrains. The remarkable detail extends to facial features, where individual hairs and lines are discernible, offering a degree of realism that stands out in CG films. The color palette is vibrant and dynamic, with bright reds and other hues providing striking contrast against the more muted metallic grays and earthy tones of the desolate cityscapes.

However, the video presentation is not without its flaws. Black levels are a significant concern, often appearing gray and muddled rather than deep and inky, which compromises the visual depth of many scenes. Moreover, the transfer suffers from frequent aliasing, banding, and motion blur, particularly during action sequences. These issues can be distracting and detract from the otherwise excellent visual experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray still delivers a visually engaging experience that fans of "Appleseed Alpha" will find mostly satisfying.

"Appleseed Alpha's" audio presentation is delivered through an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers both immense power and nuanced detail. This mix is impressively robust, with action effects including screeching subways, intense gunfire, and potent explosions that reverberate deeply, pushing the limits of the subwoofer. The sound design ensures that these audio elements come through with remarkable clarity and impact, making every gunshot and explosion palpable. Notably, the directionality and sound movement are exemplary, creating an immersive auditory experience as vehicles and characters move fluidly through the soundscape.

The mix is intricately balanced with layers of sounds that enrich the action scenes, such as softer car collisions beneath the thunderous noise and background screams during perilous moments. This complexity enhances the realism of the soundtrack. Additionally, the dialogue remains consistently clear and free from any distortions, ensuring it stands out against the backdrop of action-packed sequences. The dynamic range showcased is extensive, while the low-frequency effects (LFE) deliver a powerful bass that supports the film's tone and keeps the auditory experience engaging from start to finish.

Overall, "Appleseed Alpha" provides a captivating and technically outstanding audio experience on Blu-ray. The soundtrack is a demonstration of strong sound design, with well-balanced elements that effectively convey the high-energy atmosphere of the film. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is impressive in its ability to both rattle walls with its robust effects and maintain clarity and precision in its delivery, making it an exemplary performance in every respect.

The Blu-ray extras for "Appleseed Alpha" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the making of this CGI animated film. The audio commentary by Director Shinji Aramaki, Producer Joseph Chou, and Sony Pictures' Shigeki Ishizuka is informative and engaging, offering anecdotes from production, scene details, technical insights, and thematic discussions in an easygoing manner. Additionally, the eleven-part Making of Appleseed Alpha feature is meticulously detailed, covering everything from the project's inception to the execution of its realistic digital animation. This suite of extras is further enhanced by multilingual subtitle options, ensuring accessibility to a global audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussions from the director, producer, and Sony Pictures' Ishizuka on various production aspects.
• The Beginning: History and development of the project.
• The Backstory: Overview of the film’s setting and protagonists.
• Design: Process of designing mechanical elements and digital props.
• Characters: Creation of realistic digital characters.
• Modeling and Backgrounds: Detailing realistic world-building.
• Motion Capture: Overview of motion capture technology and performance.
• Animation: Importance of integrating real-life subtleties into animation.
• Facial Capture: Challenges and benefits of facial capture techniques.
• Effects: Creating realistic action effects.
• Compositing: Process of creating a polished, cohesive look.
• Music: Discussion on the film’s score and its supportive role.

"Appleseed Alpha" is a prequel that lushly chronicles the earlier days of Deunan Knute and Briareos Hecatonchires, setting the stage before the events of "Appleseed" and "Appleseed: Ex Machina." The film situates itself within a post-apocalyptic New York City, where the duo struggles for survival while being indebted to an overlord named Two Horns. As they navigate failed missions and daunting tasks, they encounter Iris and Olson, whose connection to a mythical safe haven called Olympus offers a glimmer of hope against the ever-present robotic threats. While the story maintains a steady rhythm and engaging action sequences, it somewhat lacks in deeper thematic exploration, making it an experience geared more towards visual and superficial thrills.

From a technical standpoint, "Appleseed Alpha" represents a significant leap in CGI filmmaking. The animation dazzles with photorealistic detail, particularly in static elements and character design, with an uncanny accuracy that immerses viewers into its gritty yet futuristic world. Despite occasional issues with video presentation, the movie's digital craftsmanship stands out. Action scenes are meticulously choreographed, offering relentless and exhilarating sequences that keep sci-fi action aficionados on the edge of their seats. Although reminiscent of high-end video game cutscenes, the filmmakers' dedication to creating a believable, tangible universe is commendable.

Overall, "Appleseed Alpha" excels in delivering a visually stunning and entertaining narrative. However, it falls short in delivering profound storytelling or deeply impactful character arcs. Fans of the "Appleseed" franchise and anime enthusiasts will appreciate its lucid depiction of a dystopian future and the high-octane action that perfectly balances its futuristic aesthetics and intense confrontations.

"Appleseed Alpha" is a noteworthy entry in the realm of CG animated films. It pushes the boundaries of digital animation with its impressive visual and auditory detail, creating a captivating post-apocalyptic world. The film's action sequences are meticulously choreographed, offering an exhilarating experience that is both entertaining and engaging. Although the storyline may not delve deep into complex themes, the well-rounded characters and vivid environment compensate for any narrative shortcomings.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Appleseed Alpha" showcases a mixed yet largely commendable technical performance. The video quality, while generally solid, occasionally encounters issues which might detract from a seamless viewing experience. Conversely, the high-end lossless audio is outstanding, enhancing the film's dynamic action scenes and contributing significantly to the overall experience. Additionally, the supplemental content is robust, providing substantial depth and value to fans and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, "Appleseed Alpha" doesn't revolutionize its genre, but it does solidify its series' place within it by pushing digital boundaries forward. The film offers palpably exciting action, solid character development, and exceptional audiovisual quality. Whether you're already a fan of the "Appleseed" series or discovering it for the first time, this Blu-ray is a highly recommended addition to your collection.