Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Beyond the Boundary The Movie: I'll Be Here - The Past Blu-ray Movie Review

A re-telling of the anime television series.

Beyond the Boundary: Movie 1 - I'll Be Here: Past is the first feature-film in the two part animated narrative. The film is based on the story created by Nagomu Torii. I'll Be Here: Past is a adaptation of the original series. The animation is produced by Kyoto Animation (Clannad, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya).

Akihito (Kenn) is gifted with healing powers that few have in the world: an ability to heal in rapid time (which provides him with super- heroic strength). The half-human and half yomu spirit stumbles upon a girl named Mirai (Risa Taneda) who looks like she is about to commit suicide: determined to save her, Akihito comes to the rescue and the rest is history.

Mirai has special powers of her own (including an ability to harness her own blood in the form of a blade to fight demons). Mirai, kick-ass and full of wit, helps battle the baddies. The journey is just beginning as the pair become acquainted with each other and set out on brand new adventures that bring them closer together (as the duo fight down evil spirits along the way).

The battle begins.

The animation remains one of the high points of Beyond the Boundary in the feature-film. The first film uses the same animation from the television series but re-cuts it for a new telling of the story. Featuring impressive character designs by the talented Miku Kadowaki (Beyond the Boundary, Amagi Brilliant Park, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid), the art work is extremely fluid and engaging. Despite the production re-using old animation, the art work here blends together well with the editing and is effective from beginning to end.

The screenplay by Jukki Hanada (Chobits, K-ON!) has some fun with the original series concept and execution. Some of the opening scenes of the film are from episodes which came much later in the series run. The change in editing makes the story unfold in a new and refreshing way (even with everything being re-used). The film is a somewhat better re-telling of an anime series than most (despite the obvious redundancies).

Taichi Ishidate (Beyond the Boundary, K-ON!) directs Beyond the Boundary: Movie 1 - I'll Be Here: Past as a bridge between the television series and the sequel film. Though the film won't likely win new audiences over (who are unfamiliar with the franchise), the production offers established fans something interesting to chew on: a re-telling of the series saga meant to refresh viewers before the sequel film experience. Ishidate did a solid job assembling the cut.

Beyond the Boundary The Movie: I'll Be Here - The Past Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, Beyond the Boundary: Movie 1 - I'll Be Here: Past is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The encode is sharp and engaging throughout the presentation. The animation looks lively throughout. The encode never struggles to preserve the details in the art work. There were no significant issues to report in regards to compression woes or the like.

Beyond the Boundary The Movie: I'll Be Here - The Past Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound (with English subtitles provided). The audio quality on the release is worthwhile and satisfactory. The English dub is splendid and the voice-actors bring a lot of pizzazz to each of the respective roles. The track is clear and doesn't struggle with the mix of music, dialogue, and sound- effects.

Beyond the Boundary The Movie: I'll Be Here - The Past Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the following supplemental features:

Japanese Trailer (HD, 1:35)

Japanese Promos (HD, 2:38)

"Future Star" Dance Music Video (HD, 4:49)

Dance Music Video: Clean Closing Animation (HD, 00:38)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Sentai Filmworks: Clannad (HD, 1:32), Vampire Hunter D (HD, 1:30), No Game, No Life (HD, 1:32), ef – a tale of memories and melodies (HD, 1:32).

Beyond the Boundary The Movie: I'll Be Here - The Past Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Beyond the Boundary: Movie 1 - I'll Be Here: Past is an entertaining re-telling of the complete anime series. The re-cut has a new pace and rhythm which is compelling enough to make it worth seeing. Though the film isn't as creative as the original series is (with so much missing footage), the film nonetheless entertains. Newcomers won't want to start with the re-telling and should start with the original anime series. Established fans will want to check out Beyond the Boundary: Movie 1 - I'll Be Here: Past before experiencing the sequel. Recommended.