Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Children of the Sea Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 31, 2020

While “Children of the Sea” initially promises to be a coming-of-age adventure for a young girl introduced to magical oceanic elements, the picture gradually takes the story in a different direction, aiming to offer a “2001”-style viewing experience instead of something more grounded. An adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi’s manga, “Children of the Sea” is an incredibly ambitious tale of human connection to earthly wonders and life, with director Ayumu Watanabe aiming to respect what the author is trying to communicate and give the feature a cosmic life of its own.

The story follows Ruka, a young girl struggling with personal responsibility and disconnection who decides to spend her summer break with her father, who runs a local aquarium. Also arriving at the facility are siblings Umi and Sora, two boys raised by dugongs, with their oceanic life stirring something deep within Ruka, who begins to understand something profound happening to the planet’s sea life, identified as “The Festival.”

“Children of the Sea” hints at a more mundane tale of adolescence in its early scenes, with Ruka challenged by a sporting rival, taking violent action to even the score. The character feels lost and isolated, struggling with her troubled mother and busy father. However, instead of tracking angst, “Children of the Sea” develops into more of a fantasy involving Umi and Sora, two human boys raised by sea creatures, brought in for study as scientists begin to sense that something major is developing underwater and in the stars, with unusual humpback whale activity one of the clues that an event is coming.

What The Festival is makes up the mystery of the movie, permitting the helmer to build suspense and indulge animation artistry as Ruka explores the depths of the ocean. “Children of the Sea” is an insanely beautiful film, using a mix of CGI and traditional animation to showcase life underwater and activity in the sky. Colors are vibrant and character designs are distinct, making for a rich viewing event. It’s the narrative that tends to get buried under the sound and light show, with story points perhaps best appreciated by admirers of the original manga. Drama is limited here, with the effort soon turned into a purely cinematic experience.

Children of the Sea Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures the feature's incredible use of color, which is a vital component of the viewing experience. On land, there's beautiful greenery and deep blues for aquarium visits, also capturing the red blaze of sunsets. Under the ocean, fish bring out distinct primaries and aquatic splendor. Character designs are also brightly decorated, with eye and hair color vivid, along with sporting and casual outfits. The movie's explosive ending also carries power, with gold and silver cosmic explosions arresting. Detail retains much of the animation artistry, identifying CGI and traditional achievements as they share the frame, and textures on creatures give them life. Decorative additions are equally appreciable as the story moves around boats and workspaces. Artifacting is persistent throughout "Children of the Sea," with banding a common sight. Delineation is acceptable.

Children of the Sea Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix favors the original Japanese language track, which emerges with great authority, providing a crisp understanding of elements. Dialogue exchanges are warm and expressive, and dramatic escalation is comfortable. Scoring offers precise instrumentation, with defined strings and piano contributing to the movie's cinematic journey. Atmospherics are immersive, with plenty of oceanic and coastline activity, with water a common presence in the surrounds. Aquarium bustle and outdoor activities are also active. Some directional movement is detected. Low-end adds weight with whale breaches. The English dub track is slightly less powerful, with a more muted presence, emphasizing voices over atmospherics.

Children of the Sea Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Voice Cast (10:24, HD) pays a visit to the talent as they record their voices for "Children of the Sea." Actors Sumiko Fuki, Hiiro Ishibashi, Win Morisaki, and Seishu Uragami are interviewed, touching on their connection to the material and their shaping of characters, working with director Ayumu Watanabe to provide the perfect sounds for the feature.

• "Turep: Looking for the Children of the Sea" (80:52, HD) is a lengthy exploration of artist Daisuke Igarashi as told by his sister, who sets out to find her sibling when she comes into contact with videotapes he left with their mother. Also included are extensive philosophical and biological discussions about human connection to the sea. This isn't a making-of, but more of a personal and scientific look at the artist and his subject matter.

• Storyboards (34:42) offer an extensive understanding of the feature's early designs.

• Art Gallery (16:22) collects character designs, environments, and storyboards.

• "Directing 'Children of the Sea'" (12:46, HD) is an interview with director Ayumu Wantanabe and CGI director Kenichiro Akimoto. Topics include "Adapting the Manga," "Traditional and CGI Animation," "Technical Challenges," and "Central Themes."

• "Poster Making" (2:13, HD) studies artist Shinji Kimura as he creates one-sheet art for "Children of the Sea."

• "Studio 4C Makes a Meal" (4:30, HD) follows the production team as they visit a grocery store to collect ingredients, returning to the studio space to prepare an elaborate meal for the crew, inspired by the film.

• Interview (4:00, HD) features composer Joe Hisaishi, who discusses his approach to the music of "Children of the Sea," and cameras capture his work inside the studio, conducting an orchestra.

• Animation Breakdown (3:48, HD) highlights different techniques used to bring the feature to life.

• Animation is Film Festival (2:04, HD) is a brief post-screening discussion with directors Watanabe and Akimoto.

• Trailers (all HD) include: U.S. (2:00), U.S. Teaser #1 (:50), U.S. Teaser #2 (:40), Original Trailer #1 (1:05), Original Trailer #2 (1:00), and Original Teaser (:22).

Children of the Sea Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Children of the Sea" has ideas to share on the importance of nature and the essentiality of the oceans, with an interconnective experience vital to all. It's an admirable message, sold with outstanding animation, tender scoring from composer Joe Hisaishi, and sensitive voice work. Storytelling gets lost along the way, which can be frustrating, but the overall reach of "Children of the Sea" is impressive.