The Boy and the Heron 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Boy and the Heron" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray has truly set a high benchmark for anime releases. Encoded in HEVC / H.265 and presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen, this upscale from 2K is nothing short of impressive. The 4K UHD release, overseen by Studio Ghibli and Shout! Studios, is meticulously encoded, showcasing an extraordinary depth of detail and vibrant color rendering. The film's rich primary colors, soft pastels, and varied landscapes are beautifully showcased, taking full advantage of high-dynamic-range (HDR) capabilities to deliver incredible depth. The black levels are particularly noteworthy, being remarkably deep and inky without any noticeable artifacts or banding, which enhances the immersive experience.

Every scene in "The Boy and the Heron" benefits from the stellar 4K treatment, with fine details that make the animation come alive. Although some scenes felt slightly softer than others when compared to the more intricately drawn sequences, this is a minor observation in an otherwise flawless presentation. The encode quality is exceptional, brilliantly capturing the film's vibrant animation and intricate artistry. This release exemplifies Shout! Factory's commitment to quality, ensuring that the action and spectacle are preserved with precision and clarity. Overall, this 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a near-perfect visual experience that will captivate Ghibli fans and new audiences alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Boy and the Heron" by Shout! Studios features an impressive Dolby Atmos audio presentation available in both English and Japanese dubs. The English dub, despite any predisposition towards the original Japanese, is executed with exceptional proficiency, partly due to the high-profile cast associated with this project. The Japanese track maintains its integrity and remains a slight preference for purists. However, the English track almost parallels its excellence, indicative of the high production values invested in this release. Notably, both tracks utilize object-oriented formats to create an immersive auditory environment.

Koji Kasamatsu’s sound direction, alongside Joe Hisaishi’s masterful score, elevates the audio experience. The Dolby Atmos mix leverages surrounds and bass channels to craft a rich, encompassing soundscape that vividly brings the story to life. Key scenes, such as Mahito's traversal into another world and dynamic sequences involving water rushes, creature movements, and intense action, showcase the spatial capabilities of the mix. The seamless integration of effects and music offers a formidable auditory engagement, where vocals are always clear and well-defined. The precision in the mix ensures that even the subtle tones enhance the cinematic experience without overshadowing any elements.

In essence, this UHD Blu-ray presentation delivers a perfect balance of powerful, yet nuanced audio. It excels by rendering tight and punchy bass, balanced effects, and crystal-clear dialogues. The spatial audio enhanced by Dolby Atmos widens the soundstage, creating a mesmerizing and enthralling auditory experience, positioning it as an exemplary release for both anime enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

The extras for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Boy and the Heron" provide a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look into the making of this acclaimed Studio Ghibli film. The feature-length storyboards offer an immersive two-hour experience, complemented by insightful interviews with key contributors such as composer Joe Hisaishi, producer Toshio Suzuki, and supervising animator Takeshi Honda. Honda also stars in a separate, beautifully-filmed drawing featurette that showcases his illustration process, adding depth to the artistic journey of the film. Additionally, the Spinning Globe music video and a collection of teasers and trailers round out the offerings, making this a must-own for fans. The included printed booklet is another thoughtful touch, fitting snugly within the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-Length Storyboards: Complete storyboard experience.
• Interview with Composer Joe Hisaishi: Insights into his collaboration process with Miyazaki.
• Interview with Producer Toshio Suzuki: Words from the legendary Studio Ghibli producer.
• Interview with Supervising Animator Takeshi Honda: Enlightening discussion on working with Miyazaki.
• Drawing with Takeshi Honda: An in-depth look at Honda's illustration process.
• Spinning Globe Music Video: Visual-musical experience.
• Teasers & Trailers: Promotional material for the film.

The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki’s latest animated feature, is a triumph of surreal storytelling that oscillates between the profound and the perplexing. Centered around the young Mahito Maki, who watches his mother perish during an allied bombing run, the film plunges us into a dreamscape suffused with personal loss and existential ambiguity. After his father remarries his aunt, Mahito, struggling to adapt to his new life, stumbles upon a mysterious gray heron that propels him into an alternate realm. In this land filled with anthropomorphic parakeets and a fire princess named Himi, Mahito seeks to rescue his stepmother and unravel the intricacies of this ethereal domain. The Boy and the Heron stands as Miyazaki's most esoteric work yet, prompting viewers to fathom the depths of its symbolic narrative and leaving them with more questions than answers.

True to Studio Ghibli's reputation, the animation in The Boy and the Heron is breathtaking. Art direction by Yōji Takeshige and animation helmed by Takeshi Honda provide each frame with a level of detail that evokes the essence of a finely crafted painting. The visual storytelling is complemented by Joe Hisaishi’s whimsical yet nuanced score, which perfectly captures the film’s spectral atmosphere. The cinematic experience is further elevated by Atsushi Okui's cinematography, whose work ensures that every brushstroke of animation carries emotional weight.

Equally impressive are the voice performances, with notable contributions in both the Japanese and English dubs. Luca Padovan’s portrayal of Mahito in the English version stands out, backed by an illustrious cast including Christian Bale, Florence Pugh, and Mark Hamill. The Japanese vocal ensemble, led by Soma Santoki and Kou Shibasaki, are equally compelling, showcasing the adeptness of both language versions. Despite its narrative complexities, The Boy and the Heron serves as a testament to Miyazaki's artistry, capturing a mosaic of human experiences through its fantastical orchestration of animation.

The Boy and the Heron’s 4K UHD Blu-Ray release is a visual and auditory feast, deserving of a spot in any serious cinephile’s collection. Directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, this film is not just another addition to his illustrious career but a profound piece that demands viewing on the highest quality platform available. The 2160p presentation, although upscaled from 2K, manages to deliver breathtaking visuals, capturing the intricate details and vivid colors that are hallmarks of Studio Ghibli's animation. The Dolby Atmos audio tracks, available in both Japanese and English, provide an immersive sound experience that complements the movie's rich visual tapestry.

The Blu-Ray, distributed by Shout! Studios for Ghibli/Gkids, excels in both technical specifications and content. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 HEVC and subtitle options in English, English SDH, French, and Spanish, the package caters to a wide audience. The supplementary materials included are equally impressive, with insightful interviews and the special featurette "Drawing with Takeshi Honda" being particular standouts. These extras offer a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the film and enrich the viewing experience.

As mentioned previously, The Boy and the Heron is a film that will appeal directly to long-time Miyazaki fans and also act as a barrier for casual viewers. It’s a wonderfully animated film with hints of deeper messaging layered through an allegorical tale of power and intrigue. The English Dub is something I usually ignore being a purist, but the star-studded cast is absolutely breathtaking, giving us an amazing Dub that even I have to begrudgingly admit is pretty stellar. The 4K UHD disc from Shout!/Studio Ghibli (Shout! Studios is simply the distributor for Ghibli/Gkids) is fantastic on the audio/video front, and the extras (while moderate) are still rather satisfying. Check it out if you’re even remotely a Miyazaki fan.