Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie Review

Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken continues the odyssey of Boruto and the rest of the ninja heroes. The popular anime franchise returns for more fun for the core fandom. The series comes from original creators Masashi Kishimoto, Ukyō Kodachi, and Mikie Ikemoto.

Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations features animation produced by animation studio Pierrot (Naruto Shippūden, Black Clover). The spin-off of Naruto, Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations continues with The Otsutsuki Awaken box-set containing episodes 211-231. The series was broadcast on Japanese television on TV Tokyo. The series was licensed for home release in North America by VIZ Media.

The terrifying horror of the Otsutsuki Clan brings more adventure and action-packed mayhem to the world of Boruto. Despite the fact that Kaguya became banished a long time ago, the villainous and gluttonous terrors of the Otsutsuki Clan haven’t yet come to a close. The vile Isshiki has helped in making sure the evil terror of Kaguya is not forgotten.

Naruto is joined by Sasuke is fighting for the defense and ultimate protection of the Leaf Village. Boruto isn’t far behind as he also helps join in the fight. Boruto seeks to help in any way he can and he manages to pull the villainous Isshiki into a new dimension altogether! The stakes are higher than ever as the fight for the Leaf Village unfolds.

Naruto might be tasked with having to make one of his biggest decisions yet – a decision that may require Naruto to make a sacrifice that he cannot ever rewind. Can Naruto save the Leaf Village and be the steadfast hero of the story before it is too late? Can Boruto help to save the day with his own skills? Epic action-packed adventure unfolds.

The Otsutsuki Awaken finds success by continuing the legacy of the original Naruto program. Fans of the original series are surely thrilled to find that the spin-off series has managed to bring back some of the original cast of characters. These characters are back for more new adventures in the spin-off series.

Boruto is joined by Naruto and other ninja friends. These moments of nostalgia intertwined with new adventure brings an element to the set that will fulfill fan dreams for the core original fanbase. These elements are certainly part of the success of the spin-off.

Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations features excellent animation. The series animation is one of the key strengths of the series. The production certain benefits by having a talented group of animators involved on the series. The animation is fluid and highlights the action scenes well. The animation certainly is colorful and engaging. The animation showcases the talents of the animation team.

The character designs by Tetsuya Nishio (Naruto, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG) and Hirofumi Suzuki (Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, Naruto Shippūden: The Lost Tower) are impressive and add to the quality of the series production. The designs continue to showcase the characters with compelling art. The designs feel true to the characters – including character designs for the legacy characters.

The cinematography by Nobuo Kimura (Boruto: Naruto the Movie, Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow) is an essential part of the production. The cinematography helps to highlight the series animation. The lighting and visual tones of the cinematography enhance the series aesthetic. With outstanding cinematography, Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken is an impressive effort.

One of the other key aspects of Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken to keep fans entertained is the action. The action scenes are tense and thrilling. These ninja fight scenes are compelling for series fans and provide the kind of ninja battles established fans want to see. These action beats certainly amp up the energy.

The score composed by -yaiba- (Naruto Shippūden, New Fist of the North Star) and Yasuharu Takanashi (Naruto Shippūden, Fairy Tail) works well with the production. The music is upbeat, thrilling, and fun. Providing the right notes for success, the score highlights the action and adventure of Boruto. The thrilling music is a good backdrop for the adrenaline-packed punch the series provides.

Written by chief screenwriter Makoto Uezu (KonoSuba – God's blessing on this wonderful world!!, Assassination Classroom), Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken excels with the action beats and the drama. The dialogue is well done and the characters continue to go on their epic quest. Adventure awaits along the journey. The scripting by Uezu works well for series fans.

Director Masayuki Kouda handles chief filmmaking duties. Kouda is no stranger to the world of Boruto. Kouda certainly remembers the key ingredients of the series to keep fans coming back for more. The series provides action, comedy, and drama. These elements are intact with the filmmaking style by Kouda. The director has fun with visual cues and the action-packed series continues to offer huge franchise fans something to enjoy.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray from VIZ Media, Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation provides excellent color reproduction and the animation looks spectacular on the release. The animation certainly impresses with quality line art and background detail.

The release provides a healthy bit-rate and quality encoding by VIZ Media. The presentation is occasionally a bit soft looking in certain spots and this appears to be source-related. A slight detractor but not something most viewers will notice. The overall encode quality remains quite pleasing.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles). The lossless audio quality on the set provides a worthwhile sound presentation. Dialogue is crisp and clear on the release. The encode provides a good bit-rate with lossless audio offering audiophiles a more satisfying experience. A good audio encode from VIZ Media.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an o-card slipcover.

On disc supplements: 

Disc 3:

Interview with Todd Haberkorn – English Voice of Shikadai (HD, 7:55)

Storyboards:

Episode 216 Sacrifice includes 5 pages of storyboards.

Episode 218 Partner includes 5 pages of storyboards.

Art Gallery includes 9 pages of sketches.

Clean Openings (HD, 4:33)

Clean Endings (HD, 4:33)

More from VIZ Media (HD, 1:34)

Unfortunately, the release does not provide an even more robust supplemental package. The set could have benefited from some behind-the- scenes featurettes and audio commentaries. The release provides more than a barebones supplemental package but it still could have been more well- rounded. Fans will have to consider this average-at-best supplemental package in their purchasing decisions. 

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations: Set 15 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken continues the adventures of Boruto, Naruto, and other ninja friends. The journey continues with more action-packed mayhem. With an abundance of returning foes and epic stakes, Boruto is put to the test. Can Boruto be the hero that everyone needs? Boruto – Naruto the Next Generations: The Otsutsuki Awaken provides episodes 211-231 of the series. While the set might not be the best entryway point for newcomers to jump in, the fanbase following along with the series will want to continue the epic adventure.

The Blu-ray release provides an impressive video and audio presentation of the series. The release includes lossless audio in English and Japanese. The set also provides a selection of bonus features – including a video interview with Todd Haberkorn (who voices Shikadai for the English dub). The set could have used some additional bonus features but the interview should appeal to fans of the English dub. Fans of the series may wish to consider picking up the release for their collection. Recommended.