Space Battleship Yamato Blu-ray Review

"Space Battleship Yamato" boasts a visually impressive presentation on Blu-ray, courtesy of Giant Ape Media and FUNimation Entertainment, rendered through an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This high-definition transfer excels in delivering crisp, sharp visuals with vibrant colors that bring the film’s diverse array of settings to life. Black levels are beautifully solid, providing great depth to the space sequences, while the CGI elements and green screen compositions are generally well implemented. Notably, interior scenes on the Yamato exhibit a slightly yellow hue, yet the contrast remains strong and fine detail is commendable, especially in close-ups.

However, the video quality is not without its drawbacks. Occasionally, the CGI, particularly the exterior shots of the Yamato, appears softer compared to the rest of the film. Similarly, when characters transition to underground explorations, image quality deteriorates significantly. Black levels become gray, shadow detail fades, resolution diminishes, and characters often appear as rudimentary cutouts against less detailed backdrops. Despite these inconsistent quality issues, the transfer remains free from artificial sharpening and denoising artifacts. There are minor instances of banding in visual effects, such as explosions and engine thrusters, but overall, "Space Battleship Yamato" delivers a mostly satisfying high-definition visual experience.

"Space Battleship Yamato" offers an engaging aural experience with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtracks. Both versions deliver commendable audio fidelity and dynamic range, making the battle sequences notably vibrant. The sound design leverages ample surround activity, effectively immersing the viewer within the zinging spacecraft and weaponry, enriching the panning effects and percussive low-frequency effects. The English dub notably boosts music and some effects, which may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic experience.

The dialog remains clear and well-prioritized across both language tracks, ensuring clarity even amidst intense action scenes. Although the English track delivers slightly more boisterous LFE, it doesn't detract from the overall immersive quality of the Japanese track. While this mix isn’t exemplary enough to become a home theater showpiece, it pays homage to its sci-fi roots effectively, akin to a robust episodic TV show sound mix. For an audio presentation on a budget-conscious project, "Space Battleship Yamato" impressively manages to offer a rich sonic landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Space Battleship Yamato" encompass a comprehensive suite of featurettes primarily focusing on visual effects and pre-visualization processes. The content is technically proficient and offers valuable insights into the movie-making process, making it an engaging set of supplementary materials that enhance the viewer's understanding of the film’s production intricacies. Each featurette is presented in high-definition, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Space Battleship Yamato Pre-Visualization: An in-depth look at how pre-viz morphed into the final film.
• VFX Making Of: Explores digital compositing and other visual effects.
• Local Yamamoto: Shows the battleship integrated into real-life locations in Japan.
• News Flashes: Resemble trailers more than typical news features.
• Premiere Announcements: Brief promotional content.
• Original Trailer #1: The first promotional trailer.
• Original Trailer #2: The second promotional trailer.

"Space Battleship Yamato" delivers a compelling blend of nostalgia and high-octane space action. The movie, based on the 1970s anime television series, begins with humanity on the verge of extinction due to an ongoing war with the alien Gamilas. From the opening moments, the film establishes its retro-seventies vibe with sets and costumes that pay homage to classic sci-fi series like "Battlestar Galactica." The narrative follows Susumu Kodai (Takuya Kimura), a former ace pilot turned scavenger, whose chance discovery offers a glimmer of hope for Earth. With the dormant Space Battleship Yamato resurrected for a mission to Iskandar, the crew embarks on a quest that could save mankind. The plot is rich with character development, featuring firebrand pilot Yuki Mori (Meisa Kuroki) and stoic Captain Okita (Tsutomo Yamakazi), whose interactions are layered with personal grudges and burgeoning respect.

The film’s nearly $24 million budget, though modest by Hollywood standards, is effectively utilized to create engaging special effects. While some CGI elements feel somewhat artificial, particularly the titular space battleship, the visual portrayal of the Gamilas craft is commendable. The battle sequences are fast-paced and thrilling, reminiscent of the intense space dog-fights seen in "Star Wars" or "Ender's Game." Kodai's journey from a bitter recluse to a responsible leader adds a potent emotional arc to the plethora of interstellar skirmishes. The screenplay's serious tone juxtaposed with occasional moments of silliness—like Kodai's witty communications device—balances well to make for an entertaining watch.

What stands out in "Space Battleship Yamato" is its cavalier approach to character mortality, enhancing its grave thematic undertones. The film’s willingness to sacrifice major characters lends it a somber edge distinct from many Western sci-fi counterparts. Despite some minor pacing issues near the climax, where Kodai’s monologue seemingly disregards an imminent threat, the movie captures an engaging mix of suspense, moral dilemmas, and adventure. This balance makes it an enjoyable experience for both geeks and fans of nostalgic sci-fi storytelling.

"Space Battleship Yamato" is an intriguing blend of nostalgic space opera and ambitious storytelling, combining exciting action sequences with deeper, albeit sometimes clumsily delivered, themes such as sacrifice, pollution, and the duality of existence. While the movie maintains a serious tone that can occasionally feel overbearing, it compensates by delivering a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The film’s special effects, particularly impressive given its limited budget, are a standout feature, ensuring that the visual experience remains compelling from start to finish.

The Blu-ray edition of "Space Battleship Yamato" excels in its audiovisual presentation. Picture quality is superb, offering crisp details and vibrant colors that enhance the space-faring adventure. The sound design is equally commendable, providing a dynamic and immersive soundstage that enhances the overall viewing experience. Fans of the original series or similar genre works like 'Pacific Rim' will likely find much to enjoy in this release. The included supplemental materials add value, offering deeper insights into the film’s creation and expanding on its themes.

In conclusion, "Space Battleship Yamato" is a film that manages to balance old-school space opera charm with thoughtful thematic elements. Though its tone may waver between overly serious and inadvertently humorous, it remains an engaging ride with impressive technical merits. The Blu-ray release stands out in terms of video and audio quality, making it a recommended pick for fans and newcomers alike. While it may not achieve universal appeal, it certainly offers an entertaining journey worth taking.