Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie Review

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a sort of avant-garde Hello Kitty science-fiction mish-mash and curiosity. Released by Studio Kinétique, Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a gorgeous black-and-white anime blending CG and hand- drawn animation. Produced by Seiichi Tsukada (Trouble Every Day), Kazuko Mio (Rocketmen), and t.o.L, Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is inspired by Astro Boy and other classic anime series.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is an interesting license for boutique distributor Deaf Crocodile. Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is the first anime release to be licensed and distributed by Deaf Crocodile – the boutique Blu-ray label is already making a strong name for itself for preserving and restoring classic animated films from all over the world – and it is nice to see an interest in Japanese anime as well. Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space surpassed expectations and is a perfect addition to the exquisite Deaf Crocodile catalog.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a strange curiosity and diversion from the norm. The Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space story explores the journey of Tamala (Hisayo Mochizuki) as she decides it is her mission to uncover the origins of her birth and find her place in the universe. As the story unfolds, events transpire across time and the city landscape showcases a neo-noir style unlike anything audiences might expect.

Traveling on home planet Cat Earth in Meguro City, the land is a strange corporate-overlord controlled environment with product placements everywhere and corporate greed take-over in every corner of the city. As Tamala leaves Cat Earth and traverses across outer-space, she lands on Planet Q and finds her new boyfriend, Michelangelo (Shinji Takeda). Soon, Tamala learns more about her origins and about a connection she has to ancient cats of Greek origin. Tamala is arguably a reincarnated cat – and everything is connected to a cat cult and Catty and & Co.

The anime feature-film is inspired by numerous classic Hollywood films and takes some of these inspirations with nods to several classic Hollywood cinema masterpieces like Blade Runner and more – making it an unusual and unique animated film. The film even parodies consumer culture and criticizes it with numerous scenes and a cameo by K.F.C.’s Sanders and other examples of corporate culture and exorbitant product placements are rife in the film.

The animation combines CG animation and hand-drawn animation for something special and unique. The art style is a wonderful component of the filmmaking. The CG and traditional art styles were so impressive and well-integrated into the feature-film that it made the feature more compelling. A testament to the efforts of the animators as the Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a sly nod to Japanese anime classics as well as to pop-culture in general (with a Cartoon Network Adult Swim energy, too).

The cinematography is a visual delight – the black-and-white visual sensibility making such a wonderful impression. The use of lighting and tone in the production is something special to behind. The visuals enhance the entire experience. The cinematography aims for something nostalgic and it works well. Animation can look beautiful in black-and-white and the results here provide a gripping sense of the fantastical and science-fiction elements.

Written, scored, and directed by t.o.L (Tamala on Parade), Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a great experiment. The experimental filmmaking feels right at home for Deaf Crocodile. The animation feels unique and unlike most other anime series or films. The concept is well-executed and it is ambitious in ways one might not even expect. Though Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space might have cult classic written all over it and isn’t as mainstream as some anime, the energy is so in tune with the likes of popular Adult Swim animated series (anime or otherwise) that Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space absolutely might pick up steam over time as an essential cult viewing for Japanese anime fans.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile, Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition video presentation is a bit of a mixed bag and is unfortunately not one the strongest qualities of the release. The video quality looks average most of the time and simply fails to impress compared to most classic hand-drawn animation (available on film).

The CG animation of the era was more limited in picture quality and simply cannot be as crisp or detailed as classic or modern anime. The result is a video presentation with some source-inherent drawbacks that Deaf Crocodile was unable to correct. It certainly isn't surprising given the era of Japanese anime circa the production but it is still notable anyway.

The video has some jaggies and other line-art discrepancies that are visual distractions. The video looks a bit soft at times. A decent high-definition encode but not something resembling a new 4K master or the like (and it wouldn't have one, anyway – the source is obviously limited and could not benefit from 4K). Deaf Crocodile provides an accurate presentation with inherited source flaws.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles). The 24 bit-depth high-resolution audio sounds crisp and clear on the release. Dialogue is well reproduced and the sound effects and soundtrack are capably presented by Deaf Crocodile. The English subtitles are well done on the release and are free from any problematic spelling or grammatical errors.

The release does not include an English dubbed option. The lack of an English dub does not seem to be any big loss for anime fans who prefer the original language audio versions. Some anime fans might be somewhat disappointed by the lack of an English dub, but the release still capably provides a strong presentation for enthusiasts.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition version of the Blu-ray release (available exclusively to the Deaf Crocodile web store) features a deluxe chipboard art box and extensive booklet. The artwork and packaging on the deluxe edition is a thing of beauty and will look stunning in hand and on the shelf of any serious collector. The release is amazing and there is something enormously special about the limited edition versions produced. The additional art-work makes the set feel even more special in hand and it is so easy to appreciate the key artwork and how it elevates the premium stature of the collectors edition. The standard edition also features a nice clear case and cover-art. The standard edition is tucked inside of the limited edition version alongside the chip- board art box and booklet.

Deaf Crocodile releases include an inserted QR code card. The QR code card provides a link to additional transcribed bonus content for each release. Once you follow the QR code with your smartphone or smart device, the device will provide you with a link to more transcribed bonus content.

Audio Commentary by Samm Deighan

Tamala Shorts:

Tamala On Parade (HD, 24:28)

Tamala's Wild Party (HD, 16:20)

New Interview with co-director K of t.o.L. (HD, 59:50) is an exclusive and in-depth interview conducted by Deaf Crocodile's Dennis Bartok. The interview also included translation aid by Christian Storms. The exclusive interview was done by Deaf Crocodile. The K of t.o.L. interview was filmed on June 29^th, 2024.

"Doesn't She Ever Die?" – The Punkification of Late Capitalism (HD, 14:55) is an exclusive visual essay about the film. The visual essay is from Ryan Verrill and Dr. Will Dodson.

New Tamala Film Teaser (HD, 1:02) provides a short preview of a Tamala film.

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is terrific fun and it makes a great addition to the Deaf Crocodile catalog. Deaf Crocodile is proving itself time-and-time-again to be one of the best of all boutique labels, providing an eclectic array of animated films and offerings from across the globe. Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space is a perfect pick for the label. It is wonderful to see Japanese anime recognized by the fine folk at Deaf Crocodile. The release comes with a nice selection of extras and is well worth owning. Highly recommended.