Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie Review

A must see action anime series.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Part 1 is an action-packed extravaganza that hits all the right notes in its introductory set of episodes. The critically acclaimed and fan-favorite anime series airs on the popular Tokyo MX network in Japan. The series airs on Cartoon Network's Toonami action-anime block in North America. Adapted from the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is produced by Hikaru Kondo (Fate/Zero, The Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel) and is licensed by Funimation Entertainment (Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z).

Tanjiro Kamado (Natsuki Hanae) comes home one day to discover that a rampaging demon has killed almost his entire family – only leaving two sole survivors – himself and his younger sister, Nezuko (Akari Kito). Detemrined to fight demons from that day forward, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer: vowing revenge against the vile creatures who destroyed his family. Nezuko turns in to a demon because of the attack and yet her human soul remains – can Tanjiro find a cure for his sister? An exciting, action-packed adventure awaits.

Demon Slayer is one of the more intense action anime productions from the last several years. There is something remarkably engaging about the production and its first-rate fight scenes. The demons are vividly animated and downright horrific in appearance. The series is often downright shocking as demon beheading becomes a common occurrence on the series and the violent blood-baths of the demon slaying fight scenes are gruesome, intense, and overwhelming to watch. The stage is set from the get-go for an intense series and the action becomes even more intense> the further one gets in to the series run.

One of the most outstanding elements to the production is the exquisite art direction by the team of Masahiro Kimura and Masaru Yanaka. The animation is truly compelling and distinctive on many levels. As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba unfolds, I was blown away by the artistic style used. Background artwork was vivid and memorable. The outdoor scenery from ancient Japan was so engaging that I was easily drawn in to the canvas and world of the series with ease.

Time for some demon slayin'.

The character designs also stand out as compelling components within the DNA fabric of the series. The central protagonists have unique characteristics which impress on a visual-level and the demon characters are horrific in their otherworldly appearances. The efforts from the animation team can be felt throughout the entire set. The animators bring their A-game to the material and viewers are brought along for the ride. The animation is further enhanced by the cinematography by Yuichi Terao (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Tales of Zestiria the X) and the stylistic flourishes it delivers: an almost Noir-like atmosphere and a Gothic undertone that is scary, indeed.

Then there's the music score: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba features a superb soundtrack featuring music composed by Yuki Kajiura (Madlax, Noir) and Go Shiina (God Eater, Dimension W). Kajiura remains one of the most impressive composers in anime. The music manages to bring a sense of wonder to the table. The dramatic sequences manage to convey genuine emotion and the action sequences are more exciting with the score accompaniment.

Ufotable (Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train) is behind the screenplays for the mega-hit series. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba finds a solid voice as an anime. Unlike most other “M” rated anime series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba seems to walk a fine line between feeling like a TV-14 action-powerhouse and being a full-fledged horror anime (with all that entails). The demon-slaying element is always intense and gruesome – but the heart of the series is also golden.

Haruo Sotozaki (Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train, Tales of Zestiria the X) is a great director and the filmmaking is on a scale that feels cinematic. As head director for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Sotozaki manages to imbue the program with clever drama and compelling action. The introductory episode hits the ground running – establishing the premise with ease – and each subsequent episode continues to deliver (in spades). No action-anime fan should go without checking out Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation Entertainment, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – Part 1 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The series is one of the most visually impressive anime productions around: each episode showcasing the technical wizardry and exquisite skill of the animators. The action scenes are intense and fluid, with the encoding never suffering from any compression artifacts to distract from enjoying the experience. Every nuance and texture of the art work is brought to life in the video and looks absolutely stunning. The character designs and background art work are given ample breathing room. A first-rate presentation.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes two lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). This is a different encoding method than one can find on most other Funimation releases (which tend to be presented in Dolby TrueHD), and one can't help but wonder if the encoding is mandated by Aniplex for the Funimation release in North America. The audio quality is superbly crisp and manages to create an invigorating soundstage which highlights every detail and nuance in the program.

The original music sounds lush, serene, and engaging throughout the entire set. The action scenes are brought to life with a sense of wonder that manages to create an aura of intrigue during the demon slaying itself: the blade pierces through the demons (causing their beheading) with the sound stage feeling effective and intense. Regardless of viewing preference, the high resolution of the audio encoding is top-notch and will provide fans a outstanding listening experience throughout the action-packed set.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes an impressive o-card slipcover and an episode guide printed against the inner back art-work. There are no on disc supplemental features.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 1 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba is one of the most entertaining and exciting anime series to come out in years. The action scenes are worth the price of admission alone: there is something remarkably intense about these sequences. The anime features a compelling storyline that is easy to become absorbed by. There is simply something remarkable about the program – episode-to-episode, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba continues to find new ways to impress. The Blu-ray release from Funimation Entertainment features a top-notch video-audio presentation that makes the release well worth adding to the collection. Highly recommended.