Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.5

Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Classroom of the Elite is a dramatic thriller with elements of suspense being a big part of the equation. Classroom of the Elite features animation produced by Lerche (Unbreakable Machine-Doll, Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls). Created by Syougo Kinugasa, Classroom of the Elite features original character designs by Shunsaku Tomose.

Produced by Aya Iizuka (Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest), Harutaka Ashitate (Katana Maidens: Toji no Miko, A Place Further Than the Universe), Hideo Ito, Masahito Ikemoto (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, The Asterisk War: The Academy City on the Water), Mieko Tsuruta (Made in Abyss, Hakumei and Mikochi), Mitsuhiro Ogata (Bloom Into You, Mitsuboshi Colors), Shō Tanaka (Lord Marksman and Vanadis, Tada Never Falls in Love), and Yuta Kashiwabara (Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest, Pastel Memories), Classroom of the Elite features theme song performances by ZAQ (opening) and Minami (ending). Featurng voice-performances by Shōya Chiba, Akari Kitō, and Yurika Kubo. Fans of thrillers will be particularly drawn to Classroom of the Elite.

Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Shōya Chiba) begins a new adventure as a student at the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. The elite high school only allows top students. Anyone else is forbidden from the premises.

Japan has established the elite school as a way to bring out the top students and develop them for the future of the country. The students are given a chance at freedom as well – given a huge deposit on day one and the ability to spend the money freely however the students desire. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is quiet and modest compared to some of his more brash and outgoing fellow students.

Kiyotaka meets and befriends students Suzune Horikita (Akari Kitō) and Kikyō Kushida (Yurika Kubo) while at the school. Yet there might be some tricks up the sleeve of the school. Could everything be more complicated than first meets the eye? The students must earn top grades, be great within each field, and surpass other students in order to even survive. The students lives depend on it.

Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is a compelling lead. There is something impressive about the character and his role in the series. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is a bit of an outsider and a loner but he still has a place within the school. Kiyotaka Ayanokōji can tell that something doesn’t feel right about the school and things become more complex for him from there.

The character designs by Kazuaki Morita (Assassination Classroom, Kamisama Dolls) are a notable part of the production. The character aesthetics are well done. The thriller component of the series is well highlighted by the somewhat more unique and grounded character designs.

The animation on Classroom of the Elite is compelling. Classroom of the Elite features solid art direction by Hirofune Hane (Monster Strike: Rain of Memories, Magical Girl Raising Project). Classroom of the Elite also features chief animation direction by Ayano Fujita (Magical Girl Raising Project, Vinland Saga) and Miho Ichikawa (Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle, Moriarty the Patriot).

The score composed by Ryō Takahashi (Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest, Sing a Bit of Harmony) aids the production. The music is a nice backdrop for the series aesthetic. The score fits the thriller and drama elements of the series well.  

The cinematography by Ryūji Hirakawa (Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World-, Assassination Classroom) is well- done. The cinematography certainly highlights the darker and grittier aesthetic of the series animation. Cinematographer Hirakawa did a solid job with the series.

Written by Aoi Akashiro (KonoSuba – God’s blessing on this wonderful world!!, Kemono Michi: Rise Up), Classroom of the Elite is a compelling concept. Classroom of the Elite will entertain audiences wanting thrills and intrigue. The suspense is a big part of the script and therein lies some of the fun.

Directed by Hiroyuki Hashimoto (Slow Start, Laidbackers) and Seiji Kishi (Assassination Classroom, Yuki Yuna Is a Hero), Classroom of the Elite explores the darker terrain of a suspense anime and the style is darker than many anime series are. The darker aesthetic of director Hashimoto helps Classroom of the Elite find its footing. Classroom of the Elite is well worth checking out for suspense-thriller fans.

Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Funimation (now Crunchyroll), Classroom of the Elite is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high- definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The release features a solid high-definition presentation. Colors are impressive. Outstanding clarity on the presentation – detail is well done. The encode quality is solid.

Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 (with English subtitles). The sound direction by Satoki Iida (Action Heroine Cheer Fruits, Tokyo Revengers) is well reproduced. The soundstage on the Blu-ray release is excellent on the whole. The English dub option expands the surrounds with 5.1 surround audio. The Japanese audio will be preferred by those wanting the most authentic experience. Subtitles are well-done and are free from any egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Textless Opening Song (HD, 1:32)

Trailers (HD, 4:56)

Classroom of the Elite: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Classroom of the Elite is an interesting and creative thriller with plenty of suspense. Fans of darker and more mature anime series will appreciate the dark tone and concept. The series writing is compelling. The animation on Classroom of the Elite is well done. The Blu-ray release provides a solid high-definition presentation and lossless audio. Supplements are unfortunately sparse. Fans of Classroom of the Elite may want to consider adding the release to their collection. Recommended.