Tales from Earthsea Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tales from Earthsea" boasts an impressive video presentation, retaining the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio with an AVC-encoded transfer. Utilizing a BD-50 disc, this release maintains an average bitrate of 29999 kbps, peaking at a total bitrate of 41.43 Mbps, ensuring that the film's visuals are rendered with remarkable clarity and detail.

The hand drawn animation of "Tales from Earthsea" is beautifully showcased on this Blu-ray. Line work remains exceptionally crisp and free from any digital noise reduction or artificial enhancement, allowing the natural film grain to complement the animation. While the color palette predominantly leans towards pastel hues, there are instances where vibrant primary colors emerge, particularly in key scenes such as the finale with Therru. This strategic use of color enhances the viewing experience without overwhelming it. Furthermore, black levels are robust, maintaining detail and depth even in the film's darker sequences, contributing to an overall visual presentation that is just shy of perfection.

This edition from Shout! Factory also includes thoughtful extras such as twenty-five scene selections, adding a layer of convenience for viewers who wish to navigate specific moments within the film. Overall, this Blu-ray release represents an excellent video transfer that honors the film's artistic integrity while providing a high-quality viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the "Tales from Earthsea" Blu-ray by Shout! Factory delivers an impressive auditory experience with three primary soundtracks available. These include the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix (4334 kbps, 24-bit), the original Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track (4304 kbps, 24-bit), and a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in French (448 kbps). Notably, the Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1, 7.1, and other uncompressed mixes from various previous releases are absent on this disc. However, the provided audio tracks still maintain high fidelity, ensuring a robust and immersive listening environment.

Upon evaluating both the original Japanese and the English tracks, it becomes clear that the Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a superior auditory experience. The voice actors in the Japanese version exhibit a higher comfort level with the material, resulting in more naturally delivered performances. Dynamics range impressively from serene and subdued moments to intense sequences featuring pounding horse hooves and deep LFE wallops. The spatial accuracy in sound design is noteworthy, with precise directional cues—background crickets and flowing water feel eerily lifelike, enhancing the immersive experience.

Subtitled options include English SDH for the English audio, English for the original Japanese audio, and French. While some might miss the absence of the boosted uncompressed mixes from previous entries, the audio tracks available do not compromise on quality, offering an engaging and robust soundscape that brings the tale to life vividly.

The Blu-ray release of "Tales from Earthsea" boasts an impressive array of extras, catering especially to enthusiasts of animation and film origins. Shout! Factory's inclusion of previously unreleased content in North America boosts the appeal, particularly with the notable additions of a 43-minute Japanese TV special and a 30-minute featurette focused on Therru's song. However, the absence of the 47-minute "Behind the Microphone" featurette is a miss. All supplementary content includes English subtitles for accessibility. The detailed 1:55:38 storyboards presented in 1080p widescreen add notable depth, diverging from previous picture-in-picture formats. Additionally, the exclusive booklet provides valuable insight with essays and color stills.

Extras included in this disc:

• Japanese Storyboards: Comprehensive visual breakdown of the film.
• TV Spots and Trailers: Promotional materials.
• The Birth Story of the Film Soundtrack: In-depth documentary about the music.
• Behind the Studio: Origins of Earthsea: Insight into the creation process.
• Exclusive Booklet: Eight-page leaflet with essays and artwork.
• NTV Special: Detailed behind-the-scenes TV feature.

"Tales from Earthsea," based on Ursula K. Le Guin's acclaimed novels, is a venture by Goro Miyazaki, son of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The film, now re-released by Shout! Factory on Blu-ray, delves into the mystical realm of Earthsea, where magic is fading. Character development and the plot's depth are hindered by the film's compression of Le Guin’s third and fourth novels into a two-hour narrative. Protagonist Arren’s internal struggles and unclear backstory, especially regarding his patricide, create a fragmented storytelling experience. The antagonist Cob, a mage with sinister ambitions, offers an intriguing yet insufficiently explored dynamic, leaving some viewers with unanswered questions.

Despite its narrative challenges, "Tales from Earthsea" possesses hallmarks of a Studio Ghibli production: stunning animation, captivating characters, and an atmospheric score. Goro Miyazaki, while not as whimsical as his father, imbues the film with darker themes and scenarios—a PG-13 rating is warranted for its mature content and depiction of power misuse. Character-driven moments between Arren and the sagacious Sparrowhawk provide emotional anchors amidst the convoluted plot. The villainous Cob’s eerie presence brings a unique edge to the story as his true form is revealed, contributing to the film’s darker tone.

This re-release retains the original extras from the Disney/Buena Vista edition, although it sacrifices some audio channels found in earlier regional versions. Shout! Factory’s involvement signifies a fresh effort to correct previous subtitle issues, catering to purists by offering direct translations. While "Tales from Earthsea" may be seen as a weaker entry in the Ghibli catalogue due to its storytelling flaws, it remains an engaging and visually rich experience that showcases Goro Miyazaki’s ability to tackle complex themes and characters beneath its narrative surface.

Tales from Earthsea, helmed by Goro Miyazaki, offers a compelling fantasy adventure that stands out despite not being the crowning jewel of Studio Ghibli's filmography. Goro Miyazaki crafts a visually stunning and engaging narrative that successfully captures the essence of Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel. The lush animation, which remains a hallmark of Studio Ghibli, is expertly preserved in Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release. The storyline, supported by impressive voice acting from Willem Dafoe, Timothy Dalton, and others, delivers robust fantasy elements paired with mature themes that resonate well with an adult audience.

The technical specifications of the Blu-ray uphold high standards synonymous with Shout Factory. Presented in a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio, the video quality is impeccable, showcasing the intricate animation details and vibrant color palette in pristine condition. The audio options are comprehensive, featuring English DTS-HD MA 5.1, Japanese DTS-HD MA 6.1, and French DD 5.1 tracks that provide an immersive listening experience. One notable downside is the absence of the additional Behind the Microphone feature and certain JP DTS-HD MA 6.1/7.1 tracks, which may disappoint some enthusiasts. However, the competitive pricing and added value propositions like new artwork and an exclusive booklet make this release an attractive option for both new viewers and collectors.

In conclusion, if you missed the previous Disney release or are looking to add a valuable piece to your anime collection, Shout Factory's edition of Tales from Earthsea comes highly recommended. Its audiovisual fidelity and supplemental materials offer excellent value, enhancing the enjoyment of this somewhat underrated fantasy epic. At a price point significantly lower than its predecessor, this Blu-ray represents an unmissable opportunity to revisit or discover Goro Miyazaki’s work.