Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

The conclusion of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood returns for the conclusion. The 2^nd set of the series includes the second-half of the epic anime production. The series is based on the original manga by Hiromu Arakawa (Silver Spoon, Stray Dog). Produced by Hiroo Maruyama (Penguindrum, Fullmetal Alchemist), Nobuyuki Kurashige (Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, Star Driver), Noritomo Yonai (Blast of Tempest, Classroom Crisis), and Ryo Oyama (Darker than Black, Noragami). Without a doubt, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a compelling adaptation with animation produced by BONES (Fullmetal Alchemist, Wolf's Rain). A must-see modern classic.

The journey to find the rare Philosopher's Stone continues. Alphonse Elric (Rie Kugimiya) and Edward Elric (Romi Park) further their search for a cure to restore their bodies to their former states following a failed transmutation attempt (in which the brothers sought to bring back their dearly departed mother). As Ed and Al continue their quest, a new enemy awaits: Father (Iemasa Kayumi), who created the homunculi, seeks to destroy all in his wake – the entire world in danger.

The stakes are raised as the entire fate of the planet could be in danger. Luckily for the Elric's, there is hope around the corner. The brothers gain a new ally, General Olivier Mira Armstrong (Yoko Soumi), who brings her steadfast troops with her to help save the day. Can Father be defeated before its too late?

As the second adaptation of the manga, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood irons out the kinks of the earlier adaptation. The original version was less faithful to the original manga. The new adaptation is more true to the source material and manga enthusiasts will appreciate this version for being more direct in its adaptation.

The action sequences continue to be first-rate. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a fantastic series with impeccable production values – and much of this can be felt in the fluidity of the action scenes (providing viewers with an experience that is gripping). The stakes are raised and the action is truly exceptional.

A must-own release for die-hard fans.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the most beautiful looking anime productions. The series features exceptional art direction by Takeshi Satou (Noein – to your other self, Birdy the Mighty: Decode). The team of animators brought the series to life with a creativity that is endearing to experience. The character designs are superb. The background art makes a solid impression.

The aesthetic of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is also enhanced by the evocative cinematography by Mayuko Furumoto (My Hero Academia, Bungo Stray Dogs) and Yoshiyuki Takei (Cowboy Bebop, Darker than Black). The series tonally balances both dark and light elements – the grim realities of series events and the light moments of hope that permeate the storytelling. The cinematography is exceptional at balancing these contrasting moments and the end results are superb.

The music score composed by Akira Senji (Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, Princess Arete) is one of the best components of the production. Senji delivers a first-rate score that is brimming with energy. The composer delivers a fantastic sonic landscape with a score that highlights the epic journey of Ed and Al.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is written by Hiroshi Ohnogi (Eureka Seven, RahXephon). As an adaptation, Ohnogi did a superb job of bringing the story home. The characters come first – and everything else is secondary. The approach makes the story more moving and heartfelt. A great storytelling experience that delivers in spades.

Yasuhiro Irie (Eden, Code: Breaker) brings Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to life in the director's chair. Irie never fails to find compelling ways to explore the epic odyssey of Ed and Al. The series is brimming with remarkable stylistic flourishes. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is undeniably great filmmaking (and an essential, as a result). No anime fan should forgo checking out this modern classic.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Aniplex, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The video quality is well improved: providing fan with a presentation that easily surpasses previous releases by Funimation Entertainment. The Aniplex releases includes much higher bit-rates and the episodes are also spread across more discs for better compression. Color reproduction is excellent and the series is faithfully reproduced.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles) and English uncompressed PCM. The lossless audio encoding is exceptional and provides a worthwhile auditory experience (to accompany the superb video presentation). Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout. The music score composed by Akira Senji is dynamic and benefits from the high fidelity audio encoding. A superb lossless presentation.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Bonus Disc:

OVA:

A Master's Tail (HD, 13:52)

Yet Another Man's Battlefield (HD, 17:48)

Fullmetal 4-Panel Comic Theater includes eight short animated comedy sketches. The second collection includes shorts #9-#16. Each short is a few minutes in length. (There is no 'play all' selection.)

Textless Opening/Ending:

Third Season Opening Theme: "Golden Time Lover" by Sukima Switch (HD, 1:32)

Third Season Ending Theme: "Tsunaida Te" by Lil' B (HD, 1:32)

Fourth Season Opening Theme: "Period" by Chemistry (HD, 1:32)

Fourth Season Ending Theme: "Shunkan Sentimental" by Scandal (HD, 1:32)

Fifth Season Opening Theme: "Rain" by Sid (HD, 1:32)

Fifth Season Ending Theme: "Ray of Light" by Shoko Nakagawa (HD, 1:32)

O.A. Ver Opening/Ending:

Episode 45: Ending O.A. Version (HD, 1:31)

Episode 54: Ending O.A. Version (HD, 2:21)

Episode 61: Opening O.A. Version (HD, 1:28)

Episode 63: Ending O.A. Version (HD, 1:32)

Episode 64: Ending O.A. Version (HD, 1:32)

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Box Set 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an essential anime. The series adapts the original manga by Hiromu Arakawa (Silver Spoon, Stray Dog) and brings the story to life. A much more faithful adaptation (in comparison to Fullmetal Alchemist), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a rewarding gem no anime enthusiast will want to miss. The animation is breathtaking and the filmmaking is superb. Aniplex presents the series with a new encoding that surpasses the previous Funimation Entertainment releases. Highly recommended.