Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 Part 2 continues the action-packed adventure of the first season of the hit anime series. Produced in collaboration with Hiroyuki Aoi (Rent-A-Girlfriend, Domestic Girlfriend) and Noriyuki Akita (Otaku Elf, Goblin Slayer), Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 features compelling animation production by acclaimed C2C (Wandering Witch - The Journey of Elaina, Harukana Receive). An anime series aimed at video game fans, Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 Part 2 continues the journey with episodes 14-25.

From creators Katarina (novel) and Ryōsuke Fuji (manga), Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 continues the Shonen action fun with more video-game fantasy adventures. Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 features theme performances by FZMZ (OP1-2), icy (OP2), CHiCO  (ED1), and ReoNa (ED2). Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 Part 2 features the voices of Yūma Uchida, Azumi Waki, Makoto Koichi, Rina Hidaka, Sayaka Senbongi, Seiichirō Yamashita, Yōko Hikasa, and Yumiri Hanamori.

Rakurō Hizutome (Yūma Uchida) continues to excel at video games and continues to play away at each of them as best he can. After almost non-stop gameplay, Rakurō finds himself exceling even more and faster than anticipated as his online game alter-ego of Sunraku. Sunraku continues to level up and he finds more success alongside other trash-gamers playing the VR game than anticipated. Despite the endless level-ups, Sunraku still has a lot ahead of him. Is it time to face down a god-tier level boss? Adventure continues as new confrontations await.

Rakurō Hizutome might have a reputation for cheap video games at the local video game shop but the new VR game considered “god tier” is too tempting to pass up. As Rakurō continues to delve into the video game world, things become more and more complex. The good game is cutting edge and isn’t ridden with the same massive “trash game” flaws of bargain bin games. Can the “good game” of the Shangri-La Frontier be defeated?

Rakurō Hizutome remains a fun leading character for the action-packed anime series. Rakurō has such a clear passion and devotion to video games. Fans of cheap video games and bargain bin gaming will also appreciate that aspect of the character. Yet Rakurō reaches for the gold god-tier video game with this virtual reality offering. It is interesting to see the transition from ordinary video game to god-tier and everything unfolds in a compelling way.

The supporting characters in Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 include Vysache (Akio Ōtsuka), Rei Saiga/Psyger-0 (Azumi Waki), Kei Uomi/OiKatzo (Makoto Koichi), Emul (Rina Hidaka), Animalia (Sayaka Senbongi), Orcelott (Seiichirō Yamashita), Towa Amane/Arthur Pencilgon (Yōko Hikasa), and Psyger-100 (Yumiri Hanamori). An impressive roster of supporting players. The supporting cast adds to the video game madness and fun.

One of the quality aspects of the series is found in the character designs by Ayumi Kurashima (Xam'd: Lost Memories, Megalobox 2: Nomad). The character designs are extremely impressive and are well designed across the board. The character designs add a lot of charm to the anime production. The season has a lot to showcase and the art style works well considering the virtual reality video game element of the anime.

Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 Part 2 continues the journey with exceptional art direction by Asaki Nakamura (My Happy Marriage), Masanori Nishiyama (Baki, Farmagia), and Yūki Nobe. The anime season features chief animation direction by Ayumi Kurashima (Eureka Seven, Classroom Crisis). The art direction is essential to the production. The team of animators did fantastic work with the production. The background animation and line artwork are well done. There are a lot of good visuals and the fun attention to detail is something that adds a lot to the production.

The cinematography by Hikaru Yamamoku (One Piece, Attack on Titan) and Jun Kubota (Tamayomi: The Baseball Girls, Aquarion Logos) is inspired. The cinematography helps with the visual quality of the VR video game storytelling and the cinematography looks all the better with the emphasis on the release. The cinematography makes a huge difference and helps the animation to shine. The overall animation quality and aesthetic of the production is enhanced as a result.

The original score composed by monaca (Nyaruko: Crawling with Love!, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) adds a lot to the anime series, too. The original score is well-done and certainly fits the VR setting. A good anime score for a video game setting and it builds well on the action-adventure elements. The score works as a nice element of the anime and fits the background perfectly.

Written by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord, Black Clover), Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 rewards with fun writing and solid scripting. The concept remains compelling and is certainly well executed. The emphasis on video gaming and the transition from trash games to god tier video gaming in the world of VR gaming is compelling. Video gamers will appreciate the types of nods the series provides. The comedic element is entertaining and is one of the most compelling aspects of the series production. Fudeyasu balances the comedic and dramatic elements while keeping things action-packed.

Directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka (Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition, Wandering Witch - The Journey of Elaina), Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 is an action-packed blast of entertainment. The anime has compelling elements throughout and fans of Shonen anime will find it especially compelling. The video game element is a huge part of the directorial vision and the VR setting is well utilized for the action scenes. The video game world is certainly brought to life with the VR element. For action anime fans obsessed with video games, Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 is well worthwhile.

Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Crunchyroll, Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original television broadcast of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition encoding is enormously pleasing. The transfer capably showcases the evocative cinematography. The transfer also capably demonstrates color reproduction and fine detail. Background animation and line artwork are well done. The visuals look incredible and robust on the release.

Physical media rewards audiences with encoding that is often superior to streaming video services. Streaming video services tend to offer video presentations with lower bit-rates compared to disc options. Physical media provides a less compressed image. For home theater enthusiasts and other aficionados, the higher bit-rates makes a big difference.

Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 (with English subtitles). The sound direction by Akiko Fujita (The Elusive Samurai, Wonder Egg Priority) is preserved. The crisp audio is well done throughout. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The soundstage enveloping. The surround mix is somewhat more robust compared to 2.0 but both audio options should leave fans feeling satisfied.

One of the coolest things about Blu-ray is the lossless audio encoding. Blu-ray provides lossless audio with greater bit-rates and better bit-depth. The quality difference is notable and can make a difference. Streaming video services are limited to lossy (non-lossless) audio quality. For home theater enthusiasts wanting the best possible experience, the Blu-ray provides an improved soundstage. This is something appealing to both audiophiles and home theater fans alike.

Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The first print run of the release comes with a nice o-card slipcover. The slipcover features unique key artwork. The artwork underneath the slipcover features additional key artwork unique from the art highlighted on the slipcover. The duality of the two visuals makes the packaging all the nicer and certainly more fun for collectors.

On disc extras include:

Recap Episode 14.5 (HD, 23:09)

SLF Mini – Shangri-La Frontier (HD, 47: 34)

Promo Video (HD, 1:30)

Textless Opening Song (HD, 1:32)

Textless Closing Song (HD, 1:32)

Shangri-La Frontier: Season 1, Part 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shangri-La Frontier Season 1 Part 2 continues the adventure of the first season. The season continues to highlight impressive animation and the cast of characters is engaging. The emphasis on video games is something that means the series will appeal especially to video gamers.

The Blu-ray release provides an impressive high-definition video presentation, lossless audio, and a nice selection of bonus features. The first print run of the release also includes a nicely designed o-card slipcover. Fans who own the first set will want to continue their collection and pick up the second collection. Recommended.