Akira 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Akira" has sparked notable interest and debate among fans and critics alike, primarily due to its handling of the film's iconic visuals. Sourced from a 35mm interpositive scanned at 4K resolution and supervised by director Katsuhiro Otomo, the restoration aimed to deliver a native 4K image that both honors the film's artistic integrity and leverages modern video enhancements. There are various releases, including ones by Manga Entertainment UK, Funimation Entertainment, and an English-friendly version in Japan, all seemingly presenting the film in its original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 3840 x 2160p resolution. One controversial aspect across these releases is the decision to apply digital noise reduction (DNR) to varying extents, which, while resulting in a cleaner image, also diminished the grain that many purists consider intrinsic to the original animation quality. Despite this, the DNR has been described as not entirely obtrusive, preserving much of the film's dynamic range and texture, though it notably impacts character faces more than other elements.

The release's handling of color and HDR has been a focal point of praise and criticism. In iterations where HDR10 is available, viewers are treated to an enhanced color gamut that vividly amplifies key visual elements, such as the iconic red of Kaneda’s bike and the neon-lit streets of Neo-Tokyo. These HDR enhancements contribute to deeper blacks and more vibrant highlights, significantly enriching the viewing experience without compromising the film's originally gritty aesthetic. Conversely, some versions of the release reportedly lack HDR support, leading to discrepancies in visual quality across different editions and frustrating fans who expected uniformity in technological upgrades, particularly given the significance of HDR in modern 4K presentations.

Technical idiosyncrasies aside, "Akira" in 4K UHD undeniably offers a refreshing perspective on a classic, with improvements in detail clarity and color rendering that breath new life into its post-apocalyptic visual tableau. However, with various releases exhibiting differences in DNR application and HDR availability—factors compounded by inconsistencies in distributing promised HDR-upgraded discs—the presentation's reception has been mixed. Enthusiasts must navigate these variances to find the edition that best aligns with their fidelity preferences. Buyers should be aware of these issues before purchasing, especially considering the premium attached to 4K UHD editions.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Akira" brings with it a host of audio options that, despite certain omissions, stand out for their clarity and dynamic range. The package includes English and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mixes (with the English offered in a 2001 dub and the Japanese in a 24-bit version), alongside an English Dolby TrueHD 2.0 track from the 1988 dub. While the absence of the original Japanese 2.0 track—a feature included in the Japanese 4K release—might disappoint purists, and the lack of an immersive 3D audio experience such as Atmos is notable, the existing mixes provide impressive sound quality. The soundstage in these mixes is vibrant and fully engaging, with clear dialogue, and an active use of surrounds that enhance the iconic score of "Akira" and its myriad of sound effects from thunderous explosions to intense battles.

Moreover, the dynamics across the board are impressive, ensuring that the music score—though not as robust as the Hypersonic mix previously available—still resonates with a strong presence, maintaining a dynamic sound throughout the film's runtime. Fans will find the audio to be both aggressive and enveloping, reminiscent of a classic quadrophonic mix that fully immerses the listener in the world of "Akira". Despite some dialogues getting slightly overshadowed at moments, the overall mix pulls the listener into an intensified experience.

Thus, while there might be some longing for the higher resolution Japanese TrueHD track at 24 bit/192khz (downsampled to 48khz for this release) and the original Japanese theatrical mix, what's presented is undeniably top-notch. The lossless audio options, notably with such a forward-pulled soundstage that ambitiously encases the viewer, retain the film’s auditory essence beautifully. Even with its few shortcomings, this release of "Akira" showcases a commendable audio performance that largely compensates for what it lacks in track variety with sheer quality and immersion.

Manga Entertainment UK's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Akira" presents a mixed bag of extras across its dedicated disc, highlighting both its strengths and missed opportunities. The standout feature is "Akira: Sound Making 2019", a comprehensive look at the film's auditory restoration and enhancements, providing insider insights from the original and new sound design teams. This pairs well with the included sound clips and thematic scores, enriching the auditory experience of the film. However, the array of extras, while nostalgically valuable, largely consists of carried-over content from previous releases. This includes director interviews, storyboard collections, and restoration features that, albeit interesting, show their age and repeated inclusion across formats. The collection misses the chance to include the "Akira Production Report", a significant omission for hardcore fans. Despite these drawbacks, the extras offer a decent exploration into "Akira's" production history and its enduring impact, supported by a thoughtfully crafted 40-page booklet encompassing essays and interviews. The packaging’s aesthetic appeal undeniably adds value, making this release a must-have for collectors willing to overlook the redundancies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Akira Sound Making 2019: A documentary exploring the 4K restoration's sound design.
• Akira Sound Clip: Thematic scores from the film with optional English narration.
• Director Interview: A session with Katsuhiro Otomo discussing the film's creation.
• Storyboard Collection: A comprehensive gallery of original storyboard.
• The Writing on the Wall: English translations for Japanese writings seen in the film.
• Original Trailers and Commercials: Promotional content from the film's release.
• Restoring Akira: A three-part series detailing the film's 2001 restoration process.
• Glossary: Explanations of terms and concepts used in the film.
• End Credits (From The Original 1988 Theatrical Release): The original Japanese end credits.

Akira," directed and co-written by Katsuhiro Otomo, adapting his own manga along with Izo Hashimoto, is not merely a pinnacle of anime but stands tall as one of cinema's most profound achievements. This film, transcending the confines of its genre, showcases a masterclass in animation, story-telling, and production. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, it intricately weaves the tale of Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends caught in a web of military intrigue, psychic awakenings, and societal breakdowns. With its prescient vision of a 2019 Tokyo grappling with post-apocalyptic singularity and themes that resonate deeply with contemporary classics like "The Matrix" and "Inception," "Akira" endures not only as a groundbreaking sci-fi saga but also as a cornerstone of influential storytelling.

The 4K UHD presentation elevates "Akira" to unprecedented heights, where every frame's meticulous craftsmanship leaps off the screen. The animation, underpinned by the combined efforts of producers Shunzo Kato and Ryohei Suzuki, showcases an unparalleled level of detail and complexity. Characters designed with rich depth and backgrounds that immerse viewers into the expansive world of Neo-Tokyo highlight the production's monumental scope. Moreover, the cinematography by Katsuji Misawa, alongside the visionary art direction and production design, brings a unique visual style that is both captivating and pioneering. Shoji Yamashiro's electrifying score complements this visual spectacle, enhancing the dramatic arcs and emotional depth of the narrative, ensuring that "Akira" remains an unmissable experience.

At its core, "Akira" serves as an essential gateway to both the anime genre and cutting-edge cinema. Its seamless editing, ambitious storytelling, and thematic richness resonate as much today as upon its release. More than an anime masterpiece, "Akira" is a vibrant, brutal exploration of power, friendship, and resistance against tyranny. As one of the early ambassadors of Japanese animation to the global stage, it not only paved the way for future generations but also retained its relevance and impact over three decades, making it a definitive cinema experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Akira," an unwavering anime classic, has been met with anticipation and scrutiny due to previous apprehensions surrounding the Japanese 4K set's digital noise reduction (DNR) issues. Despite being a global release, it remains a near-identical disc, presenting a challenge for die-hard fans expecting significant improvements. The lack of HDR is a missed opportunity that diminishes the potential visual feast, raising questions about the studio's decision-making process. On the audio front, while the lossless 5.1 tracks offer an immersive experience, the absence of the original 2.0 Japanese audio may alienate purists. The supplemental materials provided are modest, not adding significant value to justify the steep price point.

Despite these shortcomings, "Akira" in 4K UHD is a spectacle of animation and sound. Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal work benefits from the 4K restoration, showcasing its breathtaking visuals and electrifying score in a new light. Even without HDR, the presentation captures the essence and dynamism of Otomo's dystopian vision. The cinematic experience is enriched by the film's timeless design and thematically resonant narrative, which continue to engage and provoke thought in contemporary audiences. This release acknowledges "Akira's" profound impact on the anime genre and its enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving world.

In conclusion, while this 4K UHD release of "Akira" may not fully meet the high expectations set by its legacy, it offers a visually stunning experience that underscores the film's significance in anime history. While fans may grapple with the aspects left wanting, such as DNR issues and the absence of HDR, there is undeniable value in experiencing Otomo’s masterpiece in this enhanced format. It’s a testament to "Akira’s" lasting appeal and its ability to adapt and resonate through time. For enthusiasts and new viewers alike, this release, albeit with reservations, comes recommended as a vital addition to any collection, promising an unparalleled dive into the cyberpunk genre that feels as fresh and relevant as ever.