Pom Poko Blu-ray Review

Studio Ghibli's Blu-ray presentation of "Pom Poko" is visually striking, maintaining its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, encoded with an AVC encode. The image quality is outstanding, with a natural layer of film grain that lends a distinctive 90s ruggedness to the animation. The colors are vibrant and cheerful, enhancing the strong lines of the animation. Black levels are remarkably deep, further augmenting the vivid and crisp visual experience. Notably, there are no visible banding or encoding issues, making this release arguably the best visual representation of "Pom Poko" to date.

Shout! Factory has meticulously presented "Pom Poko" with an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 disc, averaging video bitrates of approximately 35,000 kbps and a total disc bitrate of 41.72 Mbps. This suggests a high-quality transfer that remains faithful to the original film quality, comparable to previous releases. The attention to detail in the visual encoding ensures a seamless viewing experience, free from any visual artifacts. Furthermore, Shout! has included twenty-four chapter selections for enhanced navigability within the film.

This Blu-ray release embodies the technical excellence Studio Ghibli and Shout! Factory are known for, capturing the essence of "Pom Poko" with remarkable fidelity and clarity.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of Pom Poko features multiple lossless 2.0 tracks, with the original Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track (2061 kbps, 24-bit) and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo dubbed mix (2035 kbps, 24-bit). Additionally, a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (192 kbps) dubbed in French is available. Among the options, the Japanese track stands out for its darker, harsher tone offered by the voice actors, enhancing the maturity of the film. Conversely, the English dub offers a lighter, more youthful interpretation. This variation in voice acting significantly impacts the overall audio experience.

Subtitling options include English SDH for the English soundtrack, English subtitles for the original language version, and French subtitles. Notably, Ghibli and Shout Factory have resolved previous issues with "dubtitles" from Disney's release, ensuring that the subtitles now accurately reflect translations directly from the Japanese script, while the SDH remains meant for the English language track.

The Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio track provides impressive fidelity with clear dialogue and excellent channel separation. Mild Low-Frequency Effects included in the encoding give the track a fuller sound profile. Directionality is particularly notable in boisterous scenes, adding a dynamic and immersive element to the audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Pom Poko" features a comprehensive and well-curated collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience significantly. The inclusion of the original Japanese storyboards in their full feature-length format offers a deep dive into the film's creative process, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the animation’s development intricacies. The promotional materials and theatrical trailers serve as an engaging retrospective on the film's marketing efforts. Additionally, the exclusive booklet, featuring English-translated statements and vibrant stills from the movie, provides valuable insights and aesthetically pleasing content that fans will likely treasure. This assemblage of extras ensures that viewers not only enjoy the film but also gain a richer understanding of its artistic journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-Length Storyboards: Provides a comprehensive look into the film's development process.
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers: Showcases the film's original promotional content.
• Promotional Materials: Includes various marketing artifacts.
• Exclusive Booklet: Features English-translated statements and movie stills, adding depth to the viewing experience.

Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko, directed by Isao Takahata and co-written and produced by Hayao Miyazaki, is a compelling blend of whimsical humor and serious environmental commentary. Released in the early '90s, this film portrays the struggle of raccoons in Tama Hills, Japan, who confront the encroachment of human civilization. Utilizing their mythical power of transformation, the raccoons initially employ scare tactics against humans, led by the aggressive Gunto under the cautious supervision of elders Oroko and Seizaemon. However, as these efforts prove insufficient, they call upon transformation masters to escalate their resistance. Despite the inclusion of these masters bolstering their efforts, the increased visibility leads to humans noticing these unusual events, pushing the conflict towards an inevitable confrontation.

Pom Poko is notable for its unusual mixture of animation styles; raccoons appear in a more traditional, realistic form during serious sequences but shift to a chibi-like, cartoonish appearance during lighter moments. This stylistic approach underscores the film's balance between playful antics and grave environmental messages. While the film is brimming with lively elements like raccoon parties and humorous transformations, it does not shy away from the harsh realities of survival, including death and loss during conflicts. Rated PG for violence and thematic elements, Pom Poko certainly earns its rating with mature content layered beneath its child-friendly façade.

Despite its artistic merits and important lessons on environmental conservation, Pom Poko's extended running time can feel excessive. At nearly two hours, some sequences verge on repetitive, diminishing the film's narrative momentum. Takahata’s direction creates a visually captivating film rich in detail, but trimming around 30 minutes could have enhanced its pacing without compromising its compelling message. While it stands as one of Ghibli’s uniquely strange offerings, the bloated duration detracts slightly from its overall impact.

"Pom Poko," a lesser-known yet distinctive entry from Studio Ghibli, presents a whimsical and unique narrative that stands apart in the studio's extensive catalog. Directed by Isao Takahata and penned from an idea by Hayao Miyazaki, the film offers a trip down memory lane that fans of Japanese animation will appreciate. The Shout Factory Blu-ray edition faithfully preserves its quirky charm and visual fidelity. Featuring a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio and audio options including English and Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0, the technical specifications are robust and ensure a high-quality viewing experience.

While "Pom Poko" is not regarded as a pinnacle of Studio Ghibli’s oeuvre, its visual and storytelling idiosyncrasies make it a compelling watch. The Shout Factory edition includes minor enhancements such as new cover art and a small booklet, adding to the physical appeal of the release. However, the absence of substantial new bonus features means that those who already own the previous Disney edition might not find significant value in upgrading unless they are particularly bothered by the 'dubtitles' present in earlier versions. For new viewers or collectors missing this title, this edition is recommended due to its quality presentation and reasonable price point.

In conclusion, "Pom Poko" on Blu-ray from Shout Factory offers fans a chance to experience one of Studio Ghibli's quirkier but charming titles in high definition. Although it may not hold the same acclaim as other Ghibli classics, its unique storytelling and strong technical execution make it a worthy addition for enthusiasts of Japanese animation. Ideal for rental to gauge initial interest, this release is also a solid purchase for dedicated collectors seeking to complete their Studio Ghibli collections.