Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II - Transgression 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 II - Transgression Blu-ray Movie Review

 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression is the second feature-film in the popular anime franchise. The second installment continues the tradition of the first theatrical feature of condensing material from the original anime and providing it to audiences in a feature-length form. Fans can anticipate seeing a shortened version of events with the feature and it bridges the events of the beginning installment Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation and leads into the events contained in the third installment, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification. The anime feature-film series was created to be a tie-in to the fourth entry, too – a new installment produced as Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection.

The Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression installment features original character designs by CLAMP (Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura). The feature-film comes from the story by Ichiro Okouchi and Goro Taniguchi.   Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression also features original animation by Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing).

Thus the trilogy continues with the second feature-film in the epic saga. Lelouch (Jun Fukuyama) returns. The stage is set for epic confrontation. Lelouch is still assuming the role of the mysterious rebel fighter, Zero. With danger afoot, Lelouch manages to gain support with the people of Area 11. Elevens are on the side of Zero and the mission to fight is clear.

Zero has become an easy target. The diabolical Britannia Army remains the threat facing the people of Area 11. Determined to be successful in the role of Zero, Lelouch decides it is his aim to not only protect the well-being of his sister but that he must somehow expand his alliances. Zero aims to convince Suzaku, his friend, to embark on the mission with him. Can Suzaku be convinced to join forces with Zero and fight for Area 11 and the Elevens?

The second installment of the Code Geass franchise continues the action-packed adventure with spectacular animation. The animation is one of the most important parts of the production. The film features character designs by Takahiro Kimura (Jungle Emperor Leo, Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up) and animation direction by Seiichi Nakatani (Mobile Suit Gundam 00,  Gundam Reconguista in G), Yuriko Chiba (Flower Witch Mary Bell, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096), Eiji Nakada (Turn A Gundam, Overman King Gainer), and Takahiro Kimura (Godannar, GUNxSWORD). The efforts of the animation team brings together something that is special and worthwhile – even in a condensed form. The animators provided a sense of creativity to the production.

The script continues to expand on the story and build with more excitement following the events of the first feature-film, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation. The screenplay bridges events that occur in the first film and lead up to the third entry in style. The story explores the work of Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi. The script might not be as drawn-out as the original anime series. However, as a condensed narrative, the film does offer some excitement.

Director Goro Taniguchi (Infinite Ryvius, Maria the Virgin Witch) brings a new viewing experience for fans by condensing the series into something shortform. The feature-film has plenty of action and it aims to please fans with a lot of adrenaline-packed sequences. The middle installment in the trilogy provides a nice interlude to the big finale in part three (capping off the original saga).

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II - Transgression Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation looks excellent and there is a lot to appreciate about the video quality. The transfer has great color reproduction and detail. The line art is well reproduced. The transfer handles the animation well. The encoding is solid and doesn't suffer from compression woes. Colors look great on the release.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II - Transgression Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features a lossless Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound presentation. The lossless 24-bit depth audio presentation provides an engaging experience. The lossless encoding capably handles sound effects and the soundtrack – the score being well re-produced. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand. The audio mix is well-done and the surrounds are active on the release.

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

The release includes no supplemental features.

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

 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression is a fun installment in the franchise. The second feature-film in the original trilogy condensing the anime series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression picks up the story where Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation left off. The Blu-ray release provides a solid high-definition presentation with excellent video and audio. Recommended.