Your Name. Blu-ray Review

Your Name." graces the Blu-ray format in a distinguished release by FUNimation, packaged as a BD/DVD combo set complete with a tasteful slipcover. This release showcases an immaculate transfer employing MPEG-4 AVC encoding, boasting an impressive average bitrate of 34.693 Mbps that peaks at 44.00 Mbps across the disc. Viewers will appreciate the visual fidelity as it is presented in the film's original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The digital intermediate (DI) print is presented without a single detectable flaw, apart from an initially presumed white speck that cleverly turns out to be part of the animated scenery. This Blu-ray edition not only pays homage to the movie's original composition but enhances the viewer's experience with its technical prowess.

Diving deeper into the visual spectacle "Your Name." offers, one cannot help but be captivated by its seamless integration of hand-drawn artistry and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery. The transfer meticulously highlights the animation's stunning detail, especially evident in the depiction of natural light playing across varied textures and surfaces. A notable example can be found in the detailed rendering of an iPhone in one of the scenes, which showcases an extraordinary level of realism seldom seen in animated features. Such vivid representation catapults the viewer into the movie's meticulously crafted world, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Moreover, FUNimation's release is commendably user-friendly, providing fifteen distinct scene selections that facilitate easy navigation through the narrative’s most memorable moments. Whether it's for the audience immersed in the study of animation or those simply seeking to relive the film's beautifully animated sequences, this Blu-ray edition serves as a definitive version, offering unparalleled visual clarity and detail that pays respect to the original creators' vision. This Blu-ray presentation not only sets a high standard for home video releases but also ensures "Your Name." is experienced in its most visually stunning form possible.

In assessing the audio presentation of "Your Name" on Blu-Ray, FUNimation provides both the original Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround mix, with an impressive bit rate of 2577 kbps and 16-bit depth, and an English dubbed counterpart at 2508 kbps, also in 16-bit. The review focuses on the Japanese original, revealing that while dialogue is predominantly crisp and clear, there is an occasional imbalance as it can come across overly loud at a moderate volume setting on certain setups, such as my Onkyo receiver. This slight issue aside, the front and satellite speakers deliver a commendable range and depth, crafting an immersive audio experience for the listener.

The soundstage presented by the Blu-Ray's mix is notably broad, with a particularly impressive rendering of environmental and background noises—thunder, rainfall, footsteps—that enrich the viewing experience. These elements are not only clear but also utilize the subwoofer effectively, albeit sparingly, adding a resonant depth to the film's atmospheric moments. The dynamic contrast between the calm and tempestuous scenes is handled with finesse, highlighting the mix's ability to balance and transition smoothly between varying degrees of auditory intensity.

Furthermore, the English subtitles accompanying the Japanese audio track are consistently legible, ensuring that non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with the language can still fully engage with the film without distraction. This attention to clarity and accessibility complements the overall audio package, reinforcing its quality and making "Your Name" a compelling experience for both audiophiles and casual viewers alike. The mix's adept handling of dialogue, alongside its detailed ambient soundscape, contributes significantly to the emotive and immersive nature of the narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Your Name." stand out as a valuable collection for fans and cinephiles alike, delving deep into the creative process behind this animated masterpiece. The centerpiece is a comprehensive, English-subtitled interview with director Makoto Shinkai, where he articulates his inspirations and compares this work to his previous films, offering an intimate glimpse into his artistic journey. This is complemented by an innovative, illustrated filmography that briskly walks viewers through Shinkai's career with clips and commentary, all in high definition. Additionally, the special TV program, recorded in 1080p, expands the behind-the-scenes look with engaging interviews from the voice actors and Shinkai himself, interspersed with unique footage from the Anime Expo and location visits that inspired the settings of Shinkai's films. The collection rounds off with a selection of trailers, presenting a well-curated insight into FUNimation's catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Makoto Shinkai: A profound discussion detailing the inspirations behind "Your Name.", comparisons with his past work, and insights into his creative process.

• Makoto Shinkai Filmography: An illustrated journey through Shinkai's career, blending quick-moving text with clips from his various works.

• Special TV Program: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the Anime Expo, with additional interviews from Mone Kamishiaishi and Ryûnosuke Kamiki, providing more depth to the making of the film.

• Trailers: A collection of previews showcasing FUNimation's catalog, giving viewers a glimpse into other titles they might enjoy.

Your Name." (Kimi no Na wa.) directed by Makoto Shinkai, not only marks a monumental achievement in animated filmmaking but also solidifies Shinkai's position as a rising star in the realm of animation, drawing comparisons to the legendary Miyazaki. The film broke records, grossing over $355 million worldwide, making it the highest-earning anime, eclipsing even Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away." Its unprecedented success led to an IMAX release in the UK, a testament to its wide-ranging appeal. At the heart of its acclaim is the visually stunning animation and a literate screenplay that resonates with viewers beyond its target adolescent audience. Shinkai's mastery in blending color schemes and lighting adds a mesmerizing quality to the movie, enhancing its narrative of a body-swapping adventure between Taki, an urban teen from Tokyo, and Mitsuha, a young country girl yearning for an escape.

The film intricately weaves a narrative that explores themes of identity, connection, and time through the lives of its protagonists, Taki and Mitsuha. Their accidental switch leads to a series of comedic and enlightening experiences that delve deep into the teenage psyche while navigating gender roles and societal expectations. Shinkai's storytelling prowess is demonstrated through his adept handling of the subject matter, bringing a fresh perspective to the well-trodden path of body switching and time travel tales. The screenplay is both engaging and intelligent, striking a fine balance between humor and emotional depth. The character's journey is marked by text message exchanges and note sharing, adding layers to their connection and unveiling their personalities.

However, Shinkai's ambitious narrative does face its set of challenges, particularly in pacing. The film occasionally rushes through its beautifully crafted scenes, leaving audiences desiring more time to appreciate the detailed landscapes and backgrounds that form the setting of this captivating story. The music, composed by Japanese band Radwimps, offers a mix of instrumental pieces and ballads that beautifully complement the film's visual splendor but at times leans towards being overly saccharine. These minor critiques notwithstanding, "Your Name." stands as a masterpiece of modern animation, thanks to its originality, depth, and breathtaking visual artistry.

Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name." is a visual masterpiece, capturing the hearts of viewers with its breathtaking animation and compelling narrative. This film not only solidifies Shinkai's status as a formidable filmmaker in the anime industry but also showcases the meticulous care put into its Blu-ray presentation. The FUNimation standard BD/DVD twin pack delivers an impeccable transfer that ensures the animated beauty of "Your Name." is presented with utmost clarity and vibrancy. Accompanied by a lossless audio track, the home viewing experience is immersive, drawing viewers into the world Shinkai has created. The additional content further enriches this package, featuring insightful interviews with Shinkai himself, along with a revealing making-of documentary that explores the depth of work from both the director and his leading voice actors.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray edition deserve particular commendation. The visual transfer is flawless, preserving the intricate details and lush colors of the animation that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. The audio experience complements this visual splendor, with lossless audio tracks providing crisp and clear sound that enhances every moment of the film. The special features, including the interview with Shinkai and the behind-the-scenes documentary, offer valuable insights into the creative process behind "Your Name.", making it a must-have for both anime enthusiasts and those interested in the filmmaking process.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Your Name." is an exemplary showcase of how to bring a cinematic journey into one's living room flawlessly. The combination of a visually impeccable transfer, superior audio quality, and enriching special features make this release highly recommended. It not only serves as a testament to Makoto Shinkai's unparalleled talent but also offers fans an intimate glance at the dedication and artistry behind this extraordinary film.