Levius Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		2.5

Levius Blu-ray Movie Review

Levius is an action anime series. Created by Haruhisa Nakata. Levius features animation production by Polygon Pictures (Ajin, Knights of Sidonia). Levius is a Netflix original series. The series is available on internet streaming on Netflix. Licensed for home media release by VIZ Media. Featuring the voice performances of Nobunaga Shimazaki, Junichi Suwabe, Takahiro Sakurai, Ayane Sakura, and Mamoru Miyano in the leading roles. Featuring additional vocal performances by Daisuke Ono, Houchu Ohtsuka, and Saori Hayami.

Levius Cromwell (Nobunaga Shimazaki) is a tough-as-nails fighter who dreams of being the best in his field. Levius is no common fighter and he has more skills in his arena than most fighters have in their threshold. As a determined fighter with a sense of energetic skill at every turn of a challenge, Levius aims for the top spot as the best within the world of metal boxing.

Uncle Zacks Cromwell (Junichi Suwabe) helps Levius along the way with special training to be the best in the arena. The camaraderie of the two builds to something special and lasting. Familial bonds are put to the test while training as a metal boxer. The competition is fierce but Levius will do whatever he can to rise to the top.

With some additional help by engineer Bill Weinberg (Takahiro Sakurai) and personal sparring partner – the gorgeous Natalia Garnet (Ayane Sakura), Levius has his path set ahead. Can a challenge by the vile Dr. Crown (Mamoru Miyano) be overcome? Can Levius rise to the top?

The animation is a mixed bag. The animation style is sleek and modern in some respects but it also looks less cohesive and less compelling compared to traditional animation styles. The animation reflects the art direction by Yuuki Hatakeyama (Summer Time Rendering, The House of the Lost on the Cape). A blend of CG animation, the CG direction by Takeshi Iwata (Ajin, Ronja the Robber's Daughter) is somewhat underwhelming. The series animation also showcases the character designs by Yuki Moriyama (Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, Knights of Sidonia).

The cinematography by Mitsunori Kataama (Blame!) is a highlight and demonstrates the blend of vibrant visuals with the CG element. A good cinematographic effort by Kataama. The cinematography is quite stylized.

The score composed by Yūgo Kanno (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, Psycho-Pass) adds some decent elements to the production, too. The music might not be as entertaining as on some series. However, the score is a decent component.

Written by Hiroshi Seko (Ajin, Chainsaw Man), Levius is a decent series. The writing might not be especially great but there are some decent elements. The scripting also features additional script contributions by Kenta Ihara (Uncle From Another World, Ajin).

Hiroyuki Seshita (Ajin, Knights of Sidonia: Battle for Planet Nine) and Keisuke Ide (Ajin) handle the chief directing duties. Levius is not a grand slam but it has some decent action scenes. The series is decent enough entertainment for action anime fans who don’t mind the CGI-emphasis art style.

Levius Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by VIZ Media, Levius is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the streaming aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition visuals are underwhelming to say the least. The transfer could look a lot better than it does. The encode looks similar to what I would expect to find from Netflix streaming. There is a ton of banding on the release. The image looks too compressed at times. The image doesn't have as crisp or detailed video as one might hope to find. Underwhelming. An average quality transfer at best. For those considering a purchase to get a superior presentation, it isn't going to impress and the release could be a lot better looking.

Levius Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. A decent soundstage but the surrounds are not as interesting sounding as one might have hoped for. Clarity is decent overall. The sound direction by Yoshikazu Iwanami (The Demon Girl Next Door, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure) is preserved on the release.

Levius Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an o-card slipcover. The artwork underneath the slipcover features unique key artwork different from the main artwork highlighted on the front of the slipcover. This is a nice design touch by the designer and the release has a little bit of extra pizzaz as a result.

Disc 1:

An Interview with Todd Haberkorn (HD, 8:28) includes a discussion with the English voice actor for Bill.

Character Model (HD, 2:55) showcases character animation models.

More from VIZ (HD, 4:49)

Disc 2:

Cut Making (HD, 3:37)

Clean Opening / Ending (HD, 3:05)

More from VIZ (HD, 4:49)

Levius Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Levius isn't a total slam-dunk. The series has decent action and fans of the genre may find it worth checking out. The series is an overload of CG animation and it often looks unnatural and clunky.

An underwhelming transfer on the release. Plenty of banding and compression looks disappointing. Anyone considering a purchase who is hoping for superior video encoding to the Netflix stream should consider passing on the release altogether. Only series fans who want ownership should even remotely consider a purchase. RENT IT.