6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
During the winter of 1942, the Red Army valiantly resists the Nazi invasion. Nadya, a Russian adolescent, has the ability to foresee the "Moment of Truth"- the crucial point where all powers converge and where only one person can change the course of the battle. This ability becomes indispensable to the ultra-secret 6th Division of Russian Military Intelligence that is waging war against "Ahnenerbe," an occult order within the SS. This organization then calls up Baron von Wolff from the kingdom of the dead. In order to confront this super-power from the Darkness, Nadya must also call upon beings from the hereafter.
Director: Yoshiharu Ashino, Aljosha Klimov, Misha Shprits, Alex von DavidForeign | 100% |
Anime | 99% |
Action | 34% |
War | 1% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
Russian: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Russian: Dolby Digital 2.0
Japanese: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2.0
Japanese tracks included with Short version only.
English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Dead versus living? My money’s on the dead.
Many historians will argue that World War II was truly a war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, with other fronts and combatants merely
battling on the conflict's second tier. It's hard to argue the point, considering the ferocity of the fighting, the turning point that was Stalingrad, and the
vast resources used by the Nazis that might have, used elsewhere, overwhelmed the Western allies and led to the eventual fall of England, amongst
other nations.
First Squad: The Moment of Truth is a 2009 animated film that explores the mythical -- or real? -- side of the critical Russian front and the
occult
and
supernatural powers employed by both sides in an effort to turn the tide of battle one way or the other. First Squad is a fun, fast, and smart
little feature; it's a bit short, even in its "long" version, but Directors Yoshiharu Ashino, Aljosha Klimov, Misha Shprits, and company have managed to
create a full, rich story in a relatively small window. It won't redefine anyone's perception of the war's Eastern front or the supposed advances into
the supernatural on either side -- particularly the German side -- but it will entertain audiences who enjoy the time period and wish to see it from a
somewhat unique perspective.
Ready for battle.
First Squad: The Moment of Truth features a strong 1080p Blu-ray transfer. The film's opening titles look quite good, as distorted, distressed, and gritty as they may be. They're also the most colorful element in the film to be sure; the bulk of First Squad features deliberately drab earthen colors that reflect the despair of the time. Even the brightest shades sport a dim, faded look next to the pale tans, greens, browns, blacks, and white snowy backdrops. The animation isn't super-detailed by its very nature, but it's stable and crisp, the 1080p transfer proving more than capable of offering a steady image that holds up well even on large displays. Clarity is quite good, too, while blacks appear accurate. Slight banding is occasionally evident. The interspersed live action interview clips hold their own, with average detailing and coloring on the subjects themselves; they're surrounded by darkness, generally, with only a harsh red blob of light in either upper left- or right-hand corner of the screen that itself has trouble with color gradations. Overall, however, and mostly judging the animation, this is a quality transfer from Anchor Bay.
First Squad: The Moment of Truth's myriad of soundtracks are highlighted by a trio of losses options; each Dolby TrueHD 5.1 presentation is proficient and exciting whether the English, Russian, or Japanese varieties. The opening title music is nothing short of thunderous; it's excellently spaced and defined by a strong surround support element. Clarity, here, is strong, as it is throughout. The track is defined by various levels of sonic immersion and power. Rumbling military hardware is clean and accurate. Gunfire and explosions are a great strength, playing authentically and often seamlessly all over the stage. Ambience, likewise, is a strength, whether applause and chatter early on at Nadya's "talent show" or in other natural atmospherics that often do well to set the stage, sonically, from scene to scene, notably in the evident and chilling sense of realism when Nadya is transported to the land of the dead. This is an effective, immersive, entertaining track that suits the material nicely.
This Blu-ray release of First Squad: The Moment of Truth contains two versions of the film: a "short" version (1:00:28) and a "long" version (1:12:53). Supplements include only trailers for Redline and Battle Royale.
First Squad: The Moment of Truth is an entertaining and fairly unique little slice of animation-meets-World War II. It's a cross of several different genres but with a uniqueness all its own at the same time. It's plot- and character-driven first and foremost, with its action seamlessly incorporated into the final product, rather than the final product worked around some studio-mandated quota of action scenes. The film is well paced, even if it takes its time introducing the entire scope of the story. First Squad should have broad appeal to many different fans of various genres, from Superhero to War, from Anime to History, for it incorporates all into one tidy, entertaining, and sometimes even enthralling little package. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of First Squad: The Moment of Truth features standout video and audio, but no supplements. Still, it comes recommended as a purchase on a decent sale, and it's definitely worth a more immediate rental.
2009-2010
劇場版 機動戦士ガンダム00 -A Wakening of the Trailblazer-
2010
レドライン
2009
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2011
Gekijouban Bureiku bureido Daiyonshou: Sanka no chi
2010
Gekijouban Bureiku bureido Daisanshou: Kyoujin no kizu
2010
Gekijouban Bureiku bureido Daiisshou: Kakusei no koku
2010
Anime Classics
2007
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1988
トップをねらえ! 劇場版
2006
ジョバンニの島 / Jobanni no Shima
2014
機動戦士ガンダムUC / Kidō Senshi Gundam Unicorn
2010-2014
2009
新機動戦記ガンダムW / New Mobile Report Gundam Wing
1995-1996
新機動戦記ガンダムW Endless Waltz / Includes Movie & OVA versions as well as "Operation Meteor"
1998
1992
火垂るの墓 | Hotaru no Haka | Remastered Edition
1988
機動戦士ガンダムF91
1991
機動戦士ガンダム
1979
To aru hikoushi e no tsuioku
2011