Metropolis Blu-ray Review

Eureka's Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release of Osamu Tezuka's "Metropolis" offers an AVC-encoded 1080p high definition video presentation in its original 1.85:1 widescreen. Blending hand-drawn animation and digital shots, the image quality varies considerably. The digital segments are both striking and slightly soft around the edges, while the hand-drawn work appears flawed yet robust, showcasing its vintage charm. The video presentation faithfully reproduces the different animation styles, although it is not consistently demo-worthy. Notable set pieces, particularly at the beginning and end, enhance the overall visual appeal.

For viewers accustomed to previous DVD releases, this Blu-ray undoubtedly presents a significant upgrade in image quality. The palette remains robust for most of the film, although occasional lapses result in densities appearing less full and colors shifting toward yellows or browns. Grain is heavy throughout, sometimes rolling in waves across the frame, hinting that this might have been sourced from a secondary element. Minor blemishes such as white flecks are noticeable due to the deeply saturated colors. There are sporadic instances of banding and horizontal striations, particularly against brighter backgrounds. The traditional cel animation can look soft at times, contrasting with the razor-sharp CGI elements, yet it retains an appealing organic appearance.

Given these details, the presentation provides a balanced mix of nostalgic hand-drawn appeal and modern digital enhancements. However, occasional banding, grain variability, and minor stability issues can detract from the overall experience. Despite these minor flaws, the Blu-ray release of "Metropolis" shines in its authentic representation of Tezuka's classic film, making it a must-have for animation enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Metropolis" features impressive audio options, including DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 in both English and Japanese. The fidelity and dynamic range are commendable, staying true to the film's distinctive sound design and musical score. Dialogue is crisp and well-prioritized across the frontal array, supplemented by English subtitles that ease comprehension. The surround channels are persistently active, effectively bringing the immersive layers of the Metropolis to life with sounds ranging from thundering machinery and whirring robotics to bustling streets and punchy gunfire.

One notable aspect of the audio presentation is the film's distinctive score. It includes a mixture of Dixieland-inflected jazz and haunting instrumental pieces which give it a unique flavor reminiscent of the Moroder revamp of Lang's "Metropolis". A notable highlight is the use of Ray Charles' "I Can’t Stop Loving You" during the climactic destruction scene, echoing Kubrick's iconic music choices. While the English surround track outperforms its Japanese counterpart in loudness, it occasionally buries softer dialogues, such as the character Pero's lines, beneath effects or score. Regardless, the audio remains a frequently solid and very good presentation overall.

The Blu-ray release of "Metropolis" by Eureka offers a commendable suite of supplemental features that enrich the viewing experience. Headlining the extras is The Making of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis, a comprehensive 33-minute documentary that provides insightful behind-the-scenes footage and interviews focusing on the complex production process, animated in original Japanese with English subtitles. Filmmaker interviews with director Rintaro and writer Katsuhiro Otomo delve into the artistic and ideological motivations behind the film. Additionally, Animation Comparisons showcase detailed layers of the animation process via interactive segments. The disc also includes promotional materials, rounding out a robust package despite some upscaling in high-definition presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis: Behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Filmmaker Interviews: Discussions with Director Rintaro and Writer Katsuhiro Otomo.
• Animation Comparisons: Sequence progression with interactive stages.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Promotional Trailer: Extended promotional material.

Osamu Tezuka's "Metropolis" is a compelling adaptation of Tezuka's 1949 manga, which itself pays homage to Fritz Lang's 1927 silent classic. The film plays with the familiar theme of class stratification, much like Lang's original, but carves its own identity with a tri-level societal structure and an underground populated by working robots. Duke Red, who dominates Metropolis, commissions a robot in the image of his deceased daughter. When this robot, Tima, goes missing, Duke Red's son Rock, distrustful of robots, seeks to destroy her. Adapted by Katsuhiro Otomo, renowned for "Akira," “Metropolis” embodies intricate plotting and deep socio-political commentary typical of Otomo’s works. The animation leverages advanced digital techniques developed painstakingly over years, resulting in a rich visual tapestry that remains ambitious if not entirely accessible.

This intricacy permeates the film, evoking a dense narrative experience underscored by vibrant animation styles reminiscent of "Akira." Shunning a straightforward retelling, the anime iteration expands on Lang's foundational themes while integrating additional layers. Duke Red's political maneuvers and clandestine intentions, together with Rock’s hostile response to Tima’s existence, fuel much of the movie’s tension. In parallel, detective Shinsaku Ban and his nephew Kenichi's investigation introduces auxiliary storylines that converge into an explosive climax inside the bowels of Metropolis. As familial and societal tensions escalate, the narrative unearths rich subplots and lavish visual storytelling that virtually saturates the screen with detail. Though rooted in Lang's original, the anime emphasizes themes of automation and humanity's reliance on robots, debating their beneficial and detrimental impacts—a dichotomy noted by critics like H.G. Wells yet intriguingly tackled within this rendition.

Eureka’s Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release of Osamu Tezuka's "Metropolis" is a noteworthy addition for fans of the classic anime film. Visually, this release stands out, offering frequently stunning visuals that contribute significantly to the viewing experience. While there are minor hurdles in video quality, these do not detract from the overall immersive ambiance of the film. Audio performance impresses, delivering a rich and clear soundscape that enhances the ambitious narrative and complex emotional tones within the movie.

A tidbit from the press sheet incites curiosity by mentioning that Osamu Tezuka's original Metropolis manga may have indirectly influenced Disney's "The Lion King." This intriguing detail adds an extra layer of historical significance and cultural context to the viewing. Eureka's Blu-ray release packs a strong selection of extra features that delve deeper into the film's production, making it a well-rounded purchase for enthusiasts. The robust set of extras, along with very good video and outstanding audio, effectively enriches the overall value of this edition.

Overall, Metropolis on Blu-ray is recommended for its clever political aspirations and compelling visual storytelling. This release from Eureka is a must-have for fans and collectors who appreciate high-quality presentation and insightful supplemental content.

You can buy Metropolis on Blu-ray here.