Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie Review

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation is the first installment of a three-part film trilogy adapting the original anime series into a theatrical feature experience. The Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation feature film establishes the same story and concept of the original anime but in a condensed feature-length form. Though the filmmaking is condensed there are some slight alterations to give fans something new to experience.

The theatrical trilogy was created as a tie-in to build up to audiences seeing the fourth feature-film, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection. Featuring stunning animation produced by studio Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop). Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation features character designs by CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits). The story for Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation is by Ichiro Okouchi and Goro Taniguchi.

The Holy Empire of Britannia has done the impossible and managed to take over the entire world with a sense of power dominating the entire landscape. Japan must deal with the consequences of the newer rule of the land with the Holy Empire of Britannia. Because of the conquest, Japan is now known as simply “Area 11” and the people are treated not as individuals but as numbers: “Elevens” is the nickname.

Lelouch Lamperouge (Jun Fukuyama) begins in the bourgeoisie and yet his life changes in a profound manner when he is sent to live with the people of Area 11 by his father following the passing of his mother. Lelouch soon meets the mysterious girl C.C. (Yukana) and gains the special Geass abilities. The stakes have raised with Lelouch deciding to become a rebel fighter working under the alias of Zero. Can Lelouch fight for the people of Area 11 and emerge the victor?

The animation is one of the finest points of the production. The animation is simply stunning and there is a lot to appreciate about the visual style used for the feature. The animation direction is underseen from Eiji Nakada (Overman King Gainer, Turn A Gundam), Takahiro Kimura (Godannar, GUNxSWORD), Yuriko Chiba (Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096, Flower Witch Mary Bell), and Seiichi Nakatani (Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Gundam Reconguista in G), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation looks incredible. The team of animators involved with the production did spectacular work here and the bold creative strokes of the artwork enhances the visual splendor.

The feature-film also showcases well-done character designs by Takahiro Kimura (Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up,  Jungle Emperor Leo). These character designs add something special to the production. Excellent work by Kimura and the designs enhance the animation.

The story by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi adds to the experience. The script provides a cliff-notes version of the anime series with condensed footage and some new extra moments for fans. Established fans who want a condensed version of the story have found exactly what they were looking for.

Directed by Goro Taniguchi (Maria the Virgin Witch, Infinite Ryvius), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation is a solid start to the action-packed adventure. Fans who want an early introduction to the franchise have found it. The entire spectacle of the story begins here.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Funimation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation is pleasing overall and provides audiences with an absorbing, clear, and detail picture. The video quality is excellent on the release and the encode handles the action sequences. The transfer retains detail and compression is well-done. The animation looks great on the release and benefits from the high-definition presentation.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The lossless audio presentation on the release is provided in Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. The lossless 5.1 sound mix is provided with 24 bit high-resolution encoding. The lossless presentation provides a nice soundstage for the audio experience. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The track capably handles the sound design and sound effects. Music is reproduced well on the release.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release does not include any on-disc supplements.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation is a good beginning to the trilogy. The first film in the saga retelling the original anime series offers fans a thrilling experience with some action-packed fun established fans will enjoy. The Blu-ray release provides a worthwhile video and audio presentation. Recommended.