My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory’s 2.39:1 framed AVC encode of "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" offers a visually compelling experience that does justice to Director/Writer Dash Shaw's unique art style. While the presentation is not focused on extreme fine detail, the colors are simply magnificent, with vibrant primaries and softer pastels that pop off the screen. The hand-drawn art and watercolors maintain clarity and show no signs of artifacting. However, some color banding is noticeable, particularly when students and Lorraine are navigating dark scenes. Overall, the encode performs well in high definition, providing a rich visual experience.

The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) further excels in showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and background materials, which retain a tactile quality throughout the film. This image clarity is consistent, presenting appealing sharpness and allowing viewers to appreciate minute details essential to both the central disaster narrative and school life ambiance. The use of colors is particularly noteworthy; vivid primaries and a rainbow of bright hues keep the visuals engaging and dynamic. Psychedelic asides amplify the palette, ensuring an artful viewing experience. Despite occasional banding detected during sequences like the elevator shaft escape, the video presentation is robust and visually engaging.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" features a robust and engaging 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix. Unlike typical Shout Factory releases that include a 2.0 DTS-HD MA track for night listening, this disc solely provides the 5.1 track. This may be due to Gkids' specifications, considering their collaboration on the film. The mix itself is highly active and immersive, particularly during the chaotic sequences when the school descends into the ocean. The dialogue remains consistently crisp and well-centered, while the surround channels deliver ample activity, capturing the frantic sounds of students and environmental chaos effectively.

The surround sound design contributes significantly to the auditory experience, with sharp atmospherics that illustrate both the everyday hustle of a high school environment and the thrilling calamity as disaster unfolds. The sense of position is well articulated, especially during scenes depicting aquatic mishaps and narrow passages. Mild frontal panning effects enhance the travel sequences, maintaining engagement throughout. Dialogue is preserved with clarity, allowing distinct vocal performances to shine through without distortion. The soundtrack interweaves sharp synths with broader musical layers that bolster the emotional impact of the visuals.

Overall, the low-end frequencies are handled competently, providing sufficient depth during explosive moments and the various underwater reverberations as the building sinks. While not overwhelmingly aggressive, the LFE maintains a solid presence throughout. This meticulous balancing of sound elements ensures a detailed and evocative auditory experience that matches the film’s dynamic visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" provide an enriching exploration of Dash Shaw's unique creative vision and animation techniques. The audio commentary features writer/director Shaw discussing the film's development processes, providing insightful details on the artistic and technical challenges faced. The spotlight on the film's artwork showcases how Shaw and lead animator Jane Samborski tackled specific sequences, emphasizing their creative journey in realizing the project. The inclusion of Shaw's earlier short films gives a historical context to his evolving style, making this disc an essential resource for animation enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Dash Shaw: Insightful commentary on the film's creation by the writer/director.
• The Art of 'My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea': Exploration of artistic and animation techniques used in the film.
• Short Films by Dash Shaw: A collection showcasing Shaw's early works and stylistic evolution.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional footage for the film.

Dash Shaw's feature film debut, "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea," is an odd yet captivating disaster animation that stands out for its quirky, psychedelic visuals and unique storytelling approach. Shout Factory’s decision to release this film on Blu Ray attracts attention, especially for those familiar with Shaw’s diverse and hypnotic visual artistry. The narrative begins with Dash (Jason Schwartzman) and Assaf (Reggie Watts), two young journalists at Tides High School, who uncover that their school’s structural safety has been compromised. This revelation turns horrifyingly real when a sudden disaster sends the school plunging into the sea. The storyline is simple and spans just 75 minutes, but it effectively keeps the audience engaged through its eccentric charm and raw depiction of high school dynamics.

The animation style Shaw employs is intentionally crude yet mesmerizing, blending hand-drawn artwork, soft watercolors, and paper cutouts. This low-fi aesthetic might initially appear jarring, but it quickly becomes a natural fit for the movie's surreal tone. The use of Squigglevision animation adds a kinetic energy to the rather static character motions, allowing Shaw to build a miniature world filled with striking colors and memorable design achievements. As the film progresses and the school sinks further, the visuals become increasingly trippy, enhancing the already psychedelic atmosphere.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While Shaw’s visual style and his penchant for allegorical storytelling do much of the heavy lifting, the movie struggles to blend its interpersonal drama with the disaster plot seamlessly. After an engaging first act, the narrative begins to feel drawn out despite its brief runtime. The social dynamics among characters are initially intriguing but can feel overly didactic. Nonetheless, the dark humor interspersed with grim survival scenarios ensures that "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" remains an engaging, albeit uneven, cinematic experience.

"My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" is an ambitious and visually distinct animated film by Dash Shaw. Despite its engaging premise, it sometimes falters in achieving the grandiose vision it sets out for. The Blu-ray release from Shout Factory offers a commendable presentation, showcasing the film’s unique animation style through a high-quality 2.39:1 AVC encode. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix significantly enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that the movie’s auditory elements are just as vibrant as its visuals.

The film uniquely blends different animation styles and notable video game influences, particularly highlighted in an energetic scene where Lorraine tackles a group of antagonists, reminiscent of a classic beat-‘em-up level. While it may lack dramatic intensity, Shaw deftly navigates themes of adolescent social dynamics and friendship with humor and an offbeat appreciation for disaster movie tropes. The competent voice work from leads like Jason Schwartzman and Lena Dunham adds to its charm, with Susan Sarandon delivering standout performances that steal several scenes.

Though it may not fully meet its lofty ambitions, "My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea" remains an inventive piece of low-budget filmmaking. The included extras on the Blu-ray are limited but substantial, especially the insightful commentary. It's a film recommended for those intrigued by its trailers but advised to approach with moderated expectations for a balanced experience.