Ponyo Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Ponyo" is a reference-quality showcase, embodying the pinnacle of high-definition animation. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, encoded masterfully by Disney, presents a pristine image quality that vividly brings Studio Ghibli's hand-drawn artistry to life. The colors are crafted with rich tonality and stunning delineation, featuring vibrant primaries such as lush greens, piercing reds, and inky blacks. The clarity and detail of the animation are impeccable, allowing each brush stroke and penciled texture to stand out crisply. Furthermore, the line art and stable color fills bolster the expressive characters, ensuring that every frame is worthy of being a standalone piece of art.

Contrast and depth are equally impressive, contributing to images with strong black levels and rich dynamic range. The transfer wisely avoids any artifacting, aliasing, edge enhancement or unintentional source noise, which often plague animated films. However, slight color banding artifacts can occasionally be noticed; yet these minor imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. The use of a digital intermediate stage ensures an immaculate production, free from dirt or grit issues that could arise from older traditional animation methods. Therefore, viewers can expect an optimum presentation that authentically represents Miyazaki's vision.

Overall, the Blu-ray edition offers an almost flawless presentation that balances technical perfection with the inherent magic of Studio Ghibli's animation. The 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio is maintained with minimal letterboxing, and the absence of windowboxing on all four sides enhances the viewing experience further. This presentation does true justice to "Ponyo," capturing the fluidity of its animation and the brilliance of its color palette in a manner that will enchant both cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Ponyo" offers a dichotomous experience, with Disney's top-tier DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the English dub contrasting sharply with a rather underwhelming standard Dolby Digital 5.1 mix for the original Japanese language track. The English dub boasts a robust sonic landscape replete with dynamic low-end presence and finely detailed directional audio. Effects, such as the immersive underwater soundscapes, are convincingly portrayed, with nuanced elements like rustling trees and the gentle patter of rain adding to the atmospheric depth. The resulting soundfield is both enchanting and enveloping, elevating Joe Hisaishi's evocative score to an engaging auditory experience.

Conversely, the Japanese Dolby Digital track falls short in comparison. While it demonstrates a satisfactory presence within the front soundstage, it lacks the overall body and vibrancy of its lossless counterpart. Surround channels and bass activity appear weaker and less impactful, undermining the otherwise intricate sound design. The disparity in audio quality between the two tracks is notably disappointing for purists and viewers preferring original language options. Additionally, despite Pixar's involvement and a star-studded voice cast, some might find the English dub's celebrity voices distracting, with supplementary infelicities such as subpar child voice performances and a questionable end credits remix.

On balance, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for the English dub ensures an immersive and pleasurable listening experience, the lack of a lossless audio option for the original Japanese track mars an otherwise stellar presentation. Such decisions arguably detract from the intended authenticity of Miyazaki’s masterwork, necessitating import options for those seeking unadulterated fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ponyo" offer a succinct yet enriching glimpse into the creation and artistry behind Miyazaki's beloved film. Highlighted by high-definition content, the extras notably include short featurettes that meticulously cover different aspects of the film's production, from initial storyboards to final scoring. Conversations with influential figures like Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter add valuable insights, while interactive experiences like "Enter the Lands" provide younger audiences with engaging activities. Although compact, the supplements effectively deepen understanding and appreciation of the film without overwhelming viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Disc Introduction: Meet Ponyo: Brief introduction by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall.
• A Conversation with Hayao Miyazaki & John Lasseter: Miyazaki and Lasseter discuss Ponyo's creation.
• Creating Ponyo: Miyazaki on making a film for young children.
• Ponyo & Fujimoto: Insights into the characters' names and roles.
• The Nursery: Real nursery at Studio Ghibli and its influence.
• Producer's Perspective: Telling the Story: Producers on Miyazaki's storytelling process.
• The Locations of Ponyo: Real-life locations inspiring the film.
• Scoring Miyazaki: Joe Hisaishi on the musical score.
• Original Japanese Trailers: Two subtitled trailers.
• Behind the Microphone: The Voices of Ponyo: Feature on the English voice cast.
• Other Ghibli Worlds Preview: Look at "My Neighbor Totoro", "Kiki's Delivery Service", and "Castle in the Sky".
• Enter the Lands: Interactive exploration of various Ghibli worlds.

Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo" is a captivating narrative centered on the bond between a young boy named Sosuke and a mystical goldfish named Ponyo. Their story intertwines themes of environmental caution and the whimsical nature of childhood, delivering an engaging adventure for viewers of all ages. Miyazaki, known for masterpieces like "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke", once again employs his deft storytelling and Studio Ghibli's breathtaking animation to bring this tale to life. The richly detailed undersea world and the profound connection between land and sea underscore the delicate balance that Ponyo's magical powers disrupt, leading to a series of visually stunning and emotionally resonant events.

The film is a testament to Miyazaki's ability to blend simple, child-friendly narratives with profound thematic depth. "Ponyo" features complex characters such as the sorcerer Fujimoto and his ethereal wife, voiced by Liam Neeson and Cate Blanchett respectively. These figures add layers to the storyline, which is further enhanced by Disney's perfectly cast voice actors in the English dub. The animation's fluidity and the care put into every detail – from everyday interactions to grand, magical transformations – exhibit Ghibli's signature style, making each scene enchanting.

However, "Ponyo" has received mixed responses regarding its appeal to adult audiences. While undoubtedly charming and filled with Miyazaki's trademark magic, some critics argue that its environmental message is more straightforward compared to his other works. This simplicity, though endearing, may make it less engaging for mature viewers seeking deeper narrative complexities. Despite this, even a lesser Miyazaki film stands above much contemporary animation, showcasing his unique imagination and artistic vision. "Ponyo" remains a visual feast and an emotional journey that reinforces Miyazaki's status as a master of animated storytelling.

Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo" presents a charming journey into a whimsical world that offers a deeply engaging experience. The animation stands out with its delightful hand-drawn visuals, a trademark of Miyazaki’s extensive and revered filmography. While some might argue that "Ponyo" leans more towards catering to a younger audience compared to the director's previous works like "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle," it still possesses the touch of magic and emotional depth that captures the hearts of both children and adults.

The Blu-ray edition of "Ponyo" showcases an exemplary video transfer, allowing viewers to appreciate the vibrant and intricate animations in stunning high-definition. However, the decision by Disney to prioritize an English DTS-HD Master Audio track while relegating the original Japanese audio to a lossy format is a notable shortfall. This choice may disappoint purists who prefer experiencing the film in its native language without compromising on sound quality. Despite this, the English audio track is robust and dynamic, enhancing the overall viewing pleasure. Additionally, the supplementary materials included add substantial value to the release, although they remain fairly modest.

In conclusion, "Ponyo" on Blu-ray is a visually captivating and emotionally resonant film that deserves a place in any animation enthusiast’s collection. Although it may not possess the universal appeal of Miyazaki’s earlier masterpieces, its unique charm and artistic prowess make it a worthwhile addition. Fans of the renowned director should consider this release while being mindful of the audio constraints. The enchanting story and superb animation offer an immersive experience that transcends age, making it a recommended purchase for families and animation aficionados alike.