Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory Blu-ray Movie Review

A new dawn has arrived.

Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is the next chapter in the acclaimed mecha anime franchise. Created by Shoji Gatoh, Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory brings back the beloved characters of the original. Established fans and newcomers alike should find something to appreciate in the sequel.

Executive produced by Asuka Yamazaki, Daiji Horiuchi, Fumihiko Shinozaki, Hiroyasu Oyama, Kazunori Goka. Shunji Inoue, Tomonori Furusako, Tsuneo Takechi, and Yukinao Shimoji, Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is an invigorating example of mecha anime done well. The series features animation produced by Xebec (Pilot Candidate, Shaman King). Ready for a new journey? Fans can suit up.

Sousuke Sagara (Tomokazu Seki) wishes for nothing more than to protect Kaname Chidori (Satsuki Yukino). Hoping to keep Chidori out of harms way no matter the cost, Sousuke inadvertently makes things that much more dangerous for the both of them. New dangers await Sousuke and Chidori with Amalgam making the stakes that much higher than ever before. Can Sousuke protect Chidori until the end?

There is no doubt that the characters of Full Metal Panic are the primary reason for the longstanding success of the mecha franchise. While one might assume it is the mecha robots themselves that are front-and-center, the lead characters are compelling and make the story more unique for the genre. Invisible Victory is a more serious chapter in the saga (compared to, say, Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu). Expanding on the original, Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory continues to highlight the characters that made the series a success in the first place.

The animation on Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is top-level artistry. The animation direction by Osamu Horiuchi (Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture - Prince of Darkness, Bodacious Space Pirates The Movie: Abyss of Hyperspace), who also handles the character designs for the anime series, works on many levels. From the original character designs by Shikidouji to the mecha designs by Kanetake Ebikawa (Blue Submarine No.6, Burst Angel) and Toshiaki Ihara (Full Metal Panic!, Gate Keepers 21), Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory finds an artistic balance between the dramatic moments and the mecha roots.

The next epic chapter in the Full Metal Panic franchise.

CG direction by Shōsuke Uechi (Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest, Modest Heroes) is surprisingly excellent. The CG is more organic looking and fits in alongside the other elements of the animation well. The mecha suits are one of the primary arenas in which one can notice the use of enhanced CG. The results are surprisingly impressive.

The cinematography by Hiroshi Inoue (Sound of the Sky, Hunter × Hunter) makes Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory look beautiful to behold. The visual element of the production is showcased so wonderfully by the cinematographic style. The lighting of the visuals are wonderful and the series certainly has a interesting color spectrum.

The score composed by Toshihiko Sahashi (Digimon Adventure, The Big O) might be the most valuable component of the series. The music is bold, exciting, and fun. Sahashi is a great anime composer and arguably one of the best working in the industry. The music is a great fit for the action-adventure of Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory.

Written by Shoji Gatoh (Full Metal Panic!, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu), Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory continues the winning combination of character-driven storytelling and fantastic action to make the production worthwhile. The storytelling takes the series in a bold new direction and crafts a new chapter. Fans of this franchise will find the scripting by Gatoh commendable.

Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is capably directed by Katsuichi Nakayama (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time, The Good Witch of the West). The spectacle is high and the director understands that the stakes need to be raised. The action is well choreographed and the tension created by Nakayama can certainly be felt. Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory continues to explore the winning formula that the original series began.

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation, Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The series animation is superb. The colors are exceptionally beautiful and bold. The cinematography is well showcased. The action scenes are capably handled by the encoding. The transfer looks excellent: providing fans with a worthwhile high-definition presentation of the series.

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound (with English subtitles) and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. The lossless, high-resolution, 24 bit audio sounds crisp. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The dynamics of the audio presentation work well for the mecha sequences. The action is more intense with a deeper, richer, and more rewarding soundstage.

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1:

Episode 01 Audio Commentary

Episode 4.5 – Intermission (HD, 24:07)

Disc 2:

Episode 12 Audio Commentary

Episode 8.5 – Intermission 2 (HD, 24:07)

Disc 3:

Episode 4 Video Commentary (HD, 24:26)

Location Scouting 01 (HD, 20:10)

Location Scouting 02 (HD, 22:59)

Location Scouting 03 (HD, 15:37)

Making of Music (HD, 15:04)

"Even…if" Music Video (HD, 4:23)

Promo Video (HD, 1:39)

Textless Opening Song "Even…if" –

Version 1 (HD, 1:32)

Version 2 (HD, 1:32)

Version 3 (HD, 1:32)

Textless Closing Song "yes" (HD, 1:30)

Trailers (HD, 4:49)

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Full Metal Panic: Invisible Victory is an entertaining action-adventure. Fans of the beloved anime franchise will find the new chapter another entry worth seeking out. The animation is superbly presented. The artistry is phenomenal. The Blu-ray release features a strong presentation and surprisingly includes an abundance of bonus materials (even with an extra bonus disc with more features). Fans won't be able to resist. Recommended.