Children of the Sea Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Children of the Sea" on Blu-ray by Shout Factory is visually stunning, showcasing a harmonious blend of colored pencil drawings and advanced CGI. The AVC encoded image in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio captures the film's vibrant and extensive color palette, encompassing rich blues, greens, and reds both on land and in aquatic scenes. The hand-drawn animation lends a classic, intimate feel, while the exquisite detail highlights the synergy between traditional animation and CGI, bringing textures and characters to vivid life. Particularly notable are the eye-popping cosmic explosions towards the film's conclusion, which are visually arresting and contribute to the overall viewing experience.

Despite the visual splendor, the presentation is not without its flaws. Artifacts such as banding and macroblocking are present throughout the film, impacting its potential to be considered demo worthy. The banding appears prominently in select scenes, including underwater sequences where delicate color gradients are more noticeable. While it is challenging to determine whether these artifacts stem from the AVC encoding or are inherent in the original animation, their presence detracts from the otherwise illustrious visuals. Black levels remain solid, and delineation is commendable, maintaining the integrity of Studio 4°C’s artistic vision. Overall, "Children of the Sea" delivers a mostly eye-catching 1080P experience, albeit with some technical drawbacks.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray transfer faithfully adapts Daisuke Igarashi’s stylized art and Studio 4°C’s ambitious animation techniques, it is slightly marred by persistent artifacting. Nonetheless, the vibrant color palette and intricately detailed animations ensure "Children of the Sea" offers an engaging and visually appealing experience that fans of theatrical anime productions will appreciate. The interplay between colored pencil artistry and cutting-edge CGI makes this a noteworthy addition to any anime collection, even with its minor technical imperfections.

The audio presentation of the "Children of the Sea" Blu-ray is exceptional, featuring both Japanese and English 5.1 DTS-HD MA tracks with an undeniable preference for the original Japanese language track. The Japanese track stands out for its vibrant dynamics, offering a rich, detailed soundscape that encompasses everything from the soothing swoosh of the sea to the precise pattering of rain. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, both above and below water, ensuring that every spoken word is warm and expressive. The mix integrates ambient sounds seamlessly, providing an immersive auditory experience filled with oceanic activities and atmospheric directionality.

The low-frequency effects (LFE) deliver clean, impactful bass without being overbearing, adding depth to significant moments such as whale breaches. The score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, though minimalist, is effectively articulated through pristine instrumentation, notably strings and piano that enhance the film's cinematic journey. While the English dub track shares the same technical format, it falls short in comparison. The English track exhibits a more muted presence, weaker LFE, and a less engaging overall soundstage, with the voice performances coming across as underwhelming.

In conclusion, the sophisticated sound design is meticulously crafted and immaculately recorded, making the Japanese audio track the preferred choice for an enriching auditory experience. Optional subtitles in multiple languages further enhance accessibility without detracting from the audio quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Children of the Sea" offers an expansive collection of special features, providing both technical insights and intimate explorations of the film's creation. The standout content includes the feature-length documentary "Turep: Looking for Children of the Sea," which delves into the personal and scientific background of the source material through the perspective of artist Daisuke Igarashi’s sister. This set also hosts interviews with key contributors like director Ayumu Watanabe and composer Joe Hisaishi, capturing their approaches to adapting the manga and composing its score. Additional extras provide an in-depth look at voice cast recordings, storyboard processes, and the blend of traditional and CGI animation techniques. Collectively, these features give a comprehensive exploration of the production, augmenting the viewer’s appreciation of this visually stunning film.

Extras included in this disc:

Exclusive feature-length documentary Turep - Looking for Children of the Sea: A deep dive into artist Daisuke Igarashi's background.

Interview with director Ayumu Watanabe: Discusses challenges in adapting the manga.

Interview with composer Joe Hisaishi: Insight into his unique approach to the film’s music.

Animatic Sequences: Breakdown of animation techniques used.

Behind the Scenes featurette: Exploration of voice casting and recording process.

Theatrical Trailers: Includes various promotional trailers.

Voice Cast: Interviews with main actors about their roles and experiences.

Storyboards: Offers an extensive look at early designs.

Art Gallery: Collection of production and marketing stills.

Directing 'Children of the Sea': In-depth discussion with the director and CGI director.

Poster Making: Time-lapse of creating one-sheet art.

Studio 4C Makes a Meal: Fun look at the team preparing a thematic meal.

Animation Breakdown: Visual insight into selected scenes' animation.

Children of the Sea, directed by Ayumu Watanabe and adapted from Daisuke Igarashi's manga, is a visually stunning yet narratively complex film. Initially presenting a promising coming-of-age story involving the protagonist Ruka's summer spent at her father’s aquarium, where she befriends two enigmatic brothers, Umi and Sora, the narrative quickly transitions into an unexpected metaphysical journey. The first hour of the film is engaging, offering a heartwarming tale of friendship and personal growth. However, the latter half veers into a surreal and symbolic realm reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey, overwhelming viewers with its cosmic visuals and philosophical undertones.

The core of Children of the Sea revolves around Ruka's emotional struggles and her growing bond with Umi and Sora, who have unique ties to the ocean. Raised by dugongs, these brothers stir a deep connection within Ruka, revealing a grander mystery termed "The Festival," involving celestial events and marine life phenomena. Despite the intriguing setup, the film’s narrative becomes meandering and disorienting as it progresses. The fantastical elements overshadow the grounded storyline, resulting in a disjointed experience where the visual spectacle often eclipses coherent storytelling.

Technically, Children of the Sea is a masterpiece of animation, using a blend of CGI and traditional techniques to create vibrant underwater scenes and mesmerizing celestial visuals. The character designs are distinctive, and the color palettes are exceptionally rich, making the film a visual feast. Yet, this elaborate artistry cannot fully compensate for the film's narrative weaknesses. The story’s ambitious attempt to intertwine ecological themes with cosmic mysteries results in muddled messaging, best appreciated by fans of the original manga rather than casual viewers. Ultimately, while Children of the Sea excels as an artistic triumph, its fragmented narrative may leave audiences searching for deeper meaning amidst its stunning imagery.

Review of "Children of the Sea" Blu-Ray

"Children of the Sea" is a visually enthralling anime that takes viewers on a journey through its stunning hand-drawn animation and fluid narrative style. Directed by Ayumu Watanabe and based on Daisuke Igarashi’s manga, the film balances elements of fantasy and reality with a tale that celebrates the ocean's grandeur and the interconnections between nature and humanity. Voice performances from Mana Ashida, Hiiro Ishibashi, Seishu Uragami, and Win Morisaki enrich the viewing experience, while Joe Hisaishi’s tender scoring underpins the film’s sensitive tone.

While the animation and score are highlights, the storytelling occasionally falters, leaving viewers with a somewhat disjointed experience. The film's two halves offer contrasting tones, with the latter part delving into more surreal territory that might disorient some viewers. However, those prepared for this shift will find themselves carried along on an almost transcendental visual ride. The blu-ray release doesn’t just rest on the laurels of its impressive audiovisual quality but also enriches viewers with detailed special features, including interviews and documentaries that provide deeper insights into the film’s creation.

In conclusion, "Children of the Sea" is an admirable effort that, despite its storytelling weaknesses, succeeds in delivering a striking message about the interconnectivity of nature and the oceans. The exceptional animation and comprehensive special features make this Blu-Ray a worthwhile addition to any collection, providing both entertainment and education.