Miss Hokusai Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray presentation of "Miss Hokusai" is nothing short of impressive. The film is framed at 1.78:1 and utilizes the AVC codec, delivering a crisp and detailed image throughout. There are minor instances of nearly imperceptible banding and occasional uneven lines, but these issues seem to originate from the source material. The animation is sharp and the fine details on clothes, woods, decorations, and artwork stand out. Colors are bold, diverse, and well-saturated, enhancing the visual experience. Blue skies and vibrant reds are particular highlights, while blacks remain rich and deep. The overall image quality is clean, well-defined, and maintains an engaging textural quality without appearing soft or smudgy.

The color palette showcases a fine balance between bold, rich tones and more pastel, subdued hues. This balance is evident in daytime scenes with bright blue skies and striking scenes at dusk featuring vivid reds and oranges. Contrast has been consistently applied, ensuring that the visual elements maintain their integrity across various scenes without any banding issues of note. The subtitles are presented in white, making them easy to read against the diverse backdrops of the animation. Additionally, the movie is divided into 23 chapters, allowing for convenient navigation. Overall, fans of the film and its distinct style will find this Blu-ray presentation highly satisfying.

The audio presentation of "Miss Hokusai" on Blu-ray is anchored by a superb DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This track excels in offering a rich and wide soundscape, with music that envelops the listener through balanced rear-channel integration and commendable instrumental definition. The low end provides sufficient support when needed, adding a sense of weight without overwhelming other elements. The inclusion of atmospheric sounds such as jingling bells, chirping birds, and falling rain is handled with clarity and precision, contributing to an immersive experience. More intense auditory moments, like gusts of wind and chaotic sequences, are well balanced across the stage, emphasizing the defined low end while maintaining overall coherence.

Both the English and Japanese language tracks share the same high-quality lossless configuration. Dialogue is centered, remaining clear and naturally positioned throughout. The musical score, composed by Harumi Fuuki, leverages the full surround treatment, incorporating modern rock elements that intriguingly contrast with the film's historical setting. The surround channels are utilized effectively to distribute environmental sounds, enriching the viewing experience. The transitions between languages show no perceptible differences in volume or clarity, maintaining consistent audio quality whether you choose the English or Japanese track.

The Blu-ray extras for "Miss Hokusai" are an impressive package, led by a nearly two-hour-long making-of feature that delves deeply into the film's intricate production. This extensive documentary surpasses the movie's runtime and offers raw footage, interviews with key artists, and insights into the Manga adaptation process, making it a must-watch for fans of animated filmmaking. The documentary covers the rollercoaster journey from initial conception and storyboarding to overcoming a significant hiatus, showcasing the dedication involved in meeting tight deadlines. Additional promotional trailers for other GKids films enrich the Blu-ray experience, making it a treasure trove for animation aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Miss Hokusai: Detailed behind-the-scenes feature longer than the film itself.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for "Miss Hokusai."
• More from GKids: Trailers for four other GKids titles.

"Miss Hokusai," directed by Keiichi Hara and based on the manga "Sarusuberi" by Hinako Sugiura, delves into the life of O-Ei, the daughter of renowned 19th-century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. The narrative departs from conventional storytelling, offering a series of episodic vignettes that explore O-Ei's struggle to assert her artistic identity while working under the shadow of her exacting father. As she navigates her roles as an apprentice and caretaker for her blind sister, O-Nao, O-Ei performs much of her father's work to meet deadlines. The film reflects her multifaceted quest for personal and creative autonomy. This narrative approach might challenge viewers expecting a traditional plot but rewards those who appreciate layered character studies and historical context.

The animation in "Miss Hokusai" is visually captivating, executed in delicate pastel tones that contrast intriguingly with the story's mature themes and surprising flights of fantasy. Several sequences stand out, including an intense and demonic vision experienced by one of Hokusai's patrons and surreal episodes, such as a dragon descending from the heavens or Hokusai's hands extending through town. The film also explores more adult content, including O-Ei’s erotic explorations, thus justifying its PG-13 rating. These artistic liberties underscore the deeply intertwined relationship between life and art and extend to moments of tender familial bonding, particularly a poignant scene where O-Ei and her sister experience snowfall.

Voice acting in both the original Japanese version and the English dub is commendable, with notable performances by Anne Watanabe and Richard Epcar as O-Ei and Hokusai, respectively. The English adaptation maintains emotional depth without losing authenticity, making it accessible to a broader audience. The exquisite score complements the visual splendor, enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance. "Miss Hokusai" thus emerges as a richly textured film that challenges conventional animation boundaries while offering a meditative exploration of artistic legacy and individual purpose.

Miss Hokusai is an adult-themed anime that beautifully captures a segment of the life of Japanese artist O-Ei Hokusai. Directed by Keiichi Hara, the film serves as an exquisite exploration of character and artistry, blending both historical narrative and creative imagination. The animation stands out with its fine detailing and vibrant expressions, enhancing an already immersive storyline. The voice acting, available in both Japanese and English languages, is also commendable, adding depth and nuance to the character portrayals.

Universal’s Blu-ray release does great justice to the film’s audiovisual quality. The video presentation is exceptional, with sharp visuals, rich colors, and high contrast levels that highlight every intricate detail of the animation. The audio quality is equally impressive, delivering a clear and dynamic sound experience that complements the visual feast. The inclusion of a nearly two-hour making-of documentary as a special feature provides valuable insight into the creative process behind this thoughtfully constructed film.

In conclusion, "Miss Hokusai" is a captivating movie that challenges traditional cinematic paradigms through its nuanced narrative and thematic depth. It encourages viewers to delve deeper into its artful storytelling and insightful commentary on art. The outstanding animation and voicing further enrich the viewing experience, making it highly rewarding. Universal's Blu-ray release, with excellent video and audio quality alongside a substantial making-of feature, comes highly recommended for both anime enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.