Shinobi: Heart Under Blade Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" on Blu Ray, at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and 1080p using the MPEG-4/AVC codec, offers a visually rich experience with certain nuances that merit attention. The transfer showcases an impressive level of detail in various scenes, ranging from the intricate motions in the small villages to the expansive landscape shots that provide a stunning view of the film’s setting. Colors are vivid and generally well-rendered, with clothing textures and skin tones being particularly noteworthy for their clarity and realism, despite occasional deviations towards red hues. However, it is important to note that the artistic choice to desaturate colors during key fighting sequences leads to a loss of visual depth, making these moments less impactful than they might otherwise have been.

Daytime scenes stand out for their sharp detail and almost three-dimensional depth, highlighting the potential of high-definition transfers for live-action Japanese cinema. Unfortunately, the video quality becomes inconsistent in low-light conditions. Nighttime scenes and dark interiors reveal weaknesses in black levels and contrast, resulting in images that often appear flat and lack the vibrancy present in brighter sequences. This inconsistency can be distracting, with black levels sometimes only reaching a dark grey and shadow details lost, undermining the otherwise stellar video presentation.

Despite these issues, the Blu-ray transfer of "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" offers a significant improvement over its DVD predecessor, with enhanced color vibrancy, improved skin tones, and more stable contrast overall. Detail across the board receives a considerable boost, from the textures of clothing and skin to the individual elements of complex landscapes. While the transition to high-definition accentuates some flaws inherent to the film's original print or post-production process, particularly in scenes utilizing certain artistic effects or color correction, the visual presentation on this Blu-ray edition significantly outperforms its standard-definition release, providing an experience that fans of the film will appreciate for its clarity and depth.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" offers viewers an immersive and technically impressive experience, featuring both a Japanese Dolby TrueHD 6.1 surround track and an English 5.1 TrueHD dub. The original Japanese track slightly outperforms its English counterpart, benefiting from an extra channel that provides a more enveloping soundfield and smooth rear pans. Despite this, both tracks deliver with powerful LFE support, crystal clear dialogue, and a balanced mix of subtle ambience and dynamic action sequences. Subtleties in sound effects such as the rustling of leaves, the unsheathing of a sword, or the rustle of fabric are rendered with impressive clarity, making viewers feel as though they are part of the scene.

Dialogue in the Japanese version remains firm and centered, easily discernible against the backdrop of the score and ambient sounds. The mix handles directional audio with precision, especially noticeable during battle scenes where the clang of steel and the movement of objects across the speakers are perfectly captured. Sound effects are used to great effect, creating a vibrant auditory landscape that complements the on-screen action without overwhelming it. The LFE channel is employed skillfully, enhancing the action with depth rather than excessive boominess.

Moreover, both audio tracks maintain appropriate volume levels for non-dialogue sounds, ensuring a balanced surround experience. Although the English dub exhibits a somewhat overpowering dialogue mix compared to its Japanese counterpart, both versions provide an engaging auditory experience. The inclusion of unintrusive white subtitles aids in making this a well-rounded presentation, catering to both Japanese and English-speaking audiences. The Blu-ray's audio successfully elevates the visual experience of "Shinobi," capturing every nuance from the quietest whispers of nature to the most intense combat encounters with precision and clarity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" offer a comprehensive look into the creation and production aspects of the movie. Particularly noteworthy is the "VFX Behind the Scenes" featurette, providing a deep dive into the CGI techniques and the innovative use of digital doubles, revealing the complexity behind merging actors with their CGI counterparts. However, its lengthy presentation may test some viewers' patience. The storyboard collections give a unique insight into the previsualization process, though the extensive duration might dampen interest for casual fans. The "Weapons Introduction" and "Shinobi Art: Manjidani" segments stand out for their engaging exploration into the film's use of weapons and set design, respectively, though more depth would have been appreciated. The "Shinobi Action: Suapmu Castle Fight" offers an intriguing glance at the choreography and planning behind key action sequences. Trailers and TV spots round out the collection, providing a glance at the marketing of "Shinobi" along with teasers for other productions, enriching this Blu-ray's value for enthusiasts and completists alike, despite some features feeling slightly underwhelming in their execution or integration.

Extras included in this disc:

• VFX Behind the Scenes: A detailed exploration of CGI techniques used in the film.
• Storyboard Collections: Includes general and director-specific storyboards with scene comparisons.
• Weapons Introduction: Insight into the design and historical context of the film's weaponry.
• Shinobi Art: Manjidani: Looks at the construction and concept of the Manjidani village set.
• Shinobi Action: Suapmu Castle Fight: Behind-the-scenes look at choreography and action planning.
• Original Trailers and TV Spots: A collection of the film's promotional materials.
• Coming Attractions: Trailers for other FUNimation releases.

"Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" makes its mark on Blu-ray as a visually stunning adaptation of Futaro Yamada's "The Kouga Ninja Scrolls," offering a tightly woven narrative that blends the tragic love story of Gennosuke from Kouga and Oboro from Iga with pulse-pounding action sequences unique to the ninja genre. Set against the backdrop of early 17th-century Japan, the film explores the fragile peace and subsequent turmoil between two rival ninja clans under the manipulative influence of the Shogun. The plot brims with political intrigue and a star-crossed romance that harks back to the timeless theme of forbidden love, akin to Romeo and Juliet, albeit lacking the Shakespearean emotional depth due to some shortcomings in character development. This oversight somewhat mutes the potential impact of the central relationship, a critical element around which much of the story revolves.

From a technical standpoint, "Shinobi" impresses with its cinematography and sparing use of CGI, which keeps the focus on the skillful martial arts choreography and authentic setting, despite some moments where digital effects veer towards the noticeable. The adept handling of fight scenes offers a varied showcase of weapons and styles, embedding the movie firmly within the martial arts genre, even as it dips into fantastical abilities attributed to its shinobi characters. The Blu-ray presentation enhances these aspects, offering a significant visual upgrade over its DVD counterpart, though it also inadvertently highlights some of the special effects' limitations.

While some die-hard fans of the original anime "Basilisk" may find "Shinobi" pared down in comparison, the film's adherence to the spirit of its source material—with its blend of melodrama, action, and a touch of historical context—makes it a compelling watch. The portrayal of Gennosuke and Oboro's doomed love and the eventual clash between their clans deliver an experience that is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging. Despite facing challenges in pacing and some CG inconsistencies, "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" offers a worthwhile journey into the heart of Japanese ninja lore, enriched by strong performances and a memorable, if not entirely flawless, cinematic execution.

"Shinobi: Heart Under Blade," a live-action adaptation of a beloved anime, delivers a mixed bag of successes and shortcomings. The film's ambition to transcend its genre is palpable, yet it stumbles in key areas such as character development and on-screen chemistry between its leads. These deficits slightly mar an otherwise noble attempt at bringing a rich story to life. Despite these issues, fans of the transition from animation to live action will find elements to appreciate, although a deeper focus on character backgrounds over action sequences could have enhanced the overall narrative depth. The film's modest budget of $40 million is evident in its occasional faltering special effects, yet these do not detract significantly from the Blu-ray presentation, which impresses with its video and sound quality.

The Blu-ray release itself is commended for its above-average video transfer and the immersive TrueHD 6.1 audio mix, suggesting that while the film may have its flaws, its home release format compensates with high-quality technical specs. The comprehensive collection of supplements included also adds value, making it an attractive purchase for enthusiasts of various genres ranging from period dramas to martial arts fantasies. Despite some video deficiencies, the presentation remains robust, supportive of a narrative that weaves action with quieter moments of character introspection.

In conclusion, "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" on Blu-ray represents a valuable addition to the collections of anime and Asian cinema fans alike. While the film might not reach the zenith of what it aims to achieve in storytelling and character dynamics, its physical release stands out through excellent audiovisual quality and enriching bonus content. This release is proof that even with imperfections, there's enough substance and style to warrant a spot on your shelf. Whether you're drawn by the allure of epic battles or the subtle beats of personal growth amidst conflict, this title deserves consideration for its earnest attempt to blend spectacle with narrative depth.