Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie Review

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is the fourth feature-film in the popular anime franchise. The production marks the first “sequel” film. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection follows the events of the end of the series and the end of the trilogy feature-films re-telling the series in a condensed form with Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation,  Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression, and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification.

Released theatrically in Japan on February 9^th, 2019, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection also received a limited engagement theatrical release in North America on May 5, 2019. The feature-film highlights original mecha designs by Akira Yasuda, character designs by CLAMP, and animation produced by Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop, Gundam Wing). Featuring voice performances by Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, and Yukana.

The story takes place a year following the exciting events of the last feature-film, Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion: Glorification. Zero Requiem has passed. The evil plans of the emperor are no more. Yet the adventure continues with new danger awaiting Lelouch’s closest allies. With peace having been reached because of the perilous fight of Lelouch vi Britannia (Jun Fukuyama) things finally started looking up for everyone.

Yet Lelouch vi Britannia might have to rise from the dead – and everything could become tricky from there. Bringing back the dead isn’t easy and it doesn’t always go down as planned. What will the outcome of the resurrection be? Can these heroes save the day once more?

The production highlights some compelling design efforts by character designer Takahiro Kimura (GaoGaiGar: King of the Braves, Jungle Emperor Leo) and mecha designs by Eiji Nakada (Gear Fighter Dendoh, Mars Daybreak) and Kenji Teraoka (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Generator Gawl). The character designs stay true to the previous installments. The mecha designs add some new layers to the production. The efforts enhance the aesthetic of the film and work well for both the characters and the mecha elements.

The animation is a constant highlight of the production. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection features superb art and this fundamental strength of the film is one of the best reasons to see it. Audiences can expect first-rate art direction by Yoshinori Hishinuma (Scrapped Princess, Gakuen Alice) alongside chief animation direction by Eiji Nakada (Turn A Gundam, Gear Fighter Dendoh), Seiichi Nakatani (Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, Brave King GaoGaiGar Final Grand Glorious Gathering), Takahiro Kimura (Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up, GUNxSWORD), and Yuriko Chiba (Brave Story, Maria the Virgin Witch). The artistry of the animation team helps the entire production to soar to heights that otherwise would not be achievable.

The cinematography by Hiroyuki Chiba (Weathering With You, Suzume) is stunning and the visual splendor added to the production cannot be understated. Chiba is one of the finest working cinematographers in Japanese animation and as a result the cinematography on display in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is some of the best seen in the anime franchise. A great effort by Chiba.

The score composed by Kotaro Nakagawa (Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Classroom For Heroes) provides a balance between highlighting action-packed adrenaline and quieter character-moments in the film. The score is engaging and evocative. The music is one of the best ingredients of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection.

Written by Ichiro Okouchi (Lupin the Third: Part 5, Turn A Gundam), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is an intriguing sequel. The fourth film acts as a sequel to the feature trilogy adapting the original anime series. Unlike the other anime films, the fourth film can be viewed as a direct sequel to the films and not as a follow-up to the anime series itself if one wishes to consider the original ending definitive – or one can choose to look at this film as the new definitive ending, instead. Viewers can choose their own adventure, so to speak, and that sets it apart from some sequels.

Storyboarded and directed by Goro Taniguchi (One Piece Film Red, Jungle Emperor Leo), Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a compelling send-off for audiences seeking a new installment in the franchise. Extending the life of the franchise and adding some new surprises for fans, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is worth a watch for audiences following the feature- film retellings. Perfection? No, but Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a clever and worthwhile sequel.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Funimation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high- definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. Funimation has done an admirable job with the presentation of the feature-film. Colors look outstanding. Detail is excellent on the release. The encoding capably handles the action scenes.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented with a selection of lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (with English subtitles). The sound direction by Motoi Izawa (Case Closed, Ragnarok The Animation), Yasuo Uragami (After War Gundam X, Brain Powered), and Yasuyuki Urakami (Case Closed, The World Is Still Beautiful) is preserved well with the encoding. The lossless audio sounds great with the Japanese audio track providing wonderful depth and detail. Dialogue is well reproduced. The score sounds clear and engaging during the presentation.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection: A Casual Conversation with Donald Shults & Elizabeth Maxwell (HD, 11:09)

Visual Commentary (HD, 3:32)

Commercials (HD, 2:18)

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is an exciting sequel to the Code Geass trilogy of features adapting the original anime series. Fans can choose to look at it as a direct-sequel to the trilogy of feature-films if one wishes to separate it from the original anime series. Regardless, the film has an abundance of action and some intriguing surprises in store for fans. The Blu-ray release provides an impressive video and audio presentation and a selection of exclusive supplemental features, including a conversation between Donald Shults and Elizabeth Maxwell. Recommended.