Rating summary
| Movie |  | 5.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras |  | 3.0 |
| Overall |  | 4.5 |
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray Movie Review
One of the most important anime films of all time receives the deluxe steelbook treatment
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard June 23, 2020
One of the most heartbreaking war films ever made (animated or otherwise), Grave of the Fireflies is a masterpiece by acclaimed anime director Isao Takahata (Only Yesterday, My Neighbors the Yamadas). The filmmaking explores the harsh experiences of Japanese citizens during WWII and the struggles between a young boy and sister as the pair attempt to survive (with harsh living conditions such as imbalanced food rations). The story builds to a conclusion that is powerful and difficult to watch. Viewers are strongly encouraged to seek out this masterful film and explore it's themes. (As an interesting bit of cinema trivia, Grave of the Fireflies first screened in Japanese cinemas as part of a double feature alongside My Neighbor Totoro: with Totoro following the film as a way to bring joy to audiences after experiencing such a heart-wrenching war film).
A masterpiece of cinema. An essential.
For more information on the film please refer to the full length review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
For more information on the presentation please refer to the original review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
For more information on the presentation please refer to the original review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
NEW to the release is a limited edition steelbook with deluxe packaging. Steelbook collectors will absolutely want to add this stunning release to their Ghibli library. The release includes remarkable art on the front (and the back) and a vivid red color-scheme on the front. The steelbook is matte and while high-gloss is always preferable, it is a nice print quality with good quality resolution for the art work. The inside of the package also includes a collectible art card.
For more information on the extras please refer to the original review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Grave of the Fireflies is a masterpiece. There is something profound about the simplicity and the complexity of the filmmaking and the unique balance of filmmaking styles at hand. Takahata is remarkably gifted. The direction is exquisite and there is no missed opportunity in the film. An essential film deserves an essential edition and the collectors edition steelbook is the best release stateside to date. The packaging is stunning in hand and it makes this edition well worth a pick up. Highly recommended.
