Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 11, 2021

Director Raya Martin tries to reconnect with his past in “Death of Nintendo.” It’s a coming-of-age dramedy, and a particularly soft one at that, with Martin and screenwriter Valerie Castillo Martinez delivering a minor adventure through adolescence with characters craving different experiences. The gaming of the title is present for the ‘90s time period, giving viewers a few chances to fondly recall lost afternoons of console competition, but “Death of Nintendo” aims to be as human as possible when dealing with the tender emotions and universal experiences of childhood.

“Death of Nintendo” essentially follows Paolo (Noel Comia Jr.), a young teen growing up in the Philippines who pals around with his two friends, doing his best to avoid triggering his God-fearing, overprotective mother. The writing takes Paolo and his friends on an episodic adventure through days of distractions, with the trio consumed with the idea of girls and the glory of video games, including their recent acquisition, “The Legend of Zelda.” Paolo has a crush on a classmate he doesn’t quite know what to do with, and he’s careful around his parent, who’s trying to raise a proper man, struggling with the pressures of faith and domestic sanity. And there’s also a quest of sorts concerning circumcision, with the kids looking for help in all the wrong places.

Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers excellent detail throughout the viewing experience, capturing textures on skin and household decoration. Town visits are also dimensional. Colors are vibrant, with the sunlit adventures of the picture offering a warmer palette, and greenery is exact. Clothing brings out distinct primaries, and skintones are natural. Also registering as intended are gaming hues, adding a bit of punch to the nostalgia efforts of the feature. Delineation is satisfactory.

Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix supports the feature's mild moods, offering crisp dialogue exchanges throughout. Scoring cues support emotional moments with clear instrumentation, and soundtrack selections add some pop music beats, joining volcanic activity in providing mild low-end response. Atmospherics are appreciable with community bustle and outdoor travel, but this is largely a frontal listening event.

Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (:53, HD) is included.

Death of Nintendo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Death of Nintendo" isn't overwhelmingly dramatic or comedic, but it carries an easy charm and surprisingly compelling performances from the young cast. The production has its fun with weird ideas, but it's primarily looking to tap into areas of heartbreak and excitement that define these wonder years, doing so with support from recognizable soundtrack selections and gaming imagery. "Death of Nintendo" gets by on charm, offering a tale that's easy on the senses, looking to inspire thoughts of long ago and emotions that remain just as potent today.