Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End Blu-ray Movie Review

Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End is the first feature-film in the action-packed saga. The theatrical features in the Gurren Lagann universe adapt the original anime series. Exploring the first half, Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End focuses on the origins of the story and the first adventures of the mecha team. A blast of thrills, the first half capably condenses many of the best moments.

The story of Gurren Lagann begins when Simon (Tetsuya Kakihara) and Kamina (Katsuyuki Konishi) meet and become close friends. The characters live in a subterranean village which is under the rule of the Spiral King, Lordgenome. Earth is over-run with a host of enemies working alongside Lordgenome. Resistance leader, Yoko (Marina Inoue), enters the equation: bringing her feisty energy and wit to the team. Can the group of mecha-wielding warriors save the planet?

The animation is superb during Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End. There are so many intricate elements of the production. The first feature-film compiles a lot of the best moments from the first half of the series. There are many scenes that shine with suave animation and radiant style.

With compelling character designs by Atsushi Nishigori (Panty and Stocking in Sanitarybox, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time) and exceptional art direction by Yuka Hirama (Kase-san and Morning Glories, Magical Girl Ore), Gurren Lagann manages to showcase its animation with outstanding splendor. The animators bring their “A-game” to the table. An outstanding effort. The results are terrific.

Staying true to the roots of the anime series, the music score by Taku Iwasaki (Read or Die, Bungo Stray Dogs) is one of the most fun components of the production. The score has a cool vibe with electronic landscapes and a blend of hip-hop. The energetic beats are compelling and make the animated action scenes all the more engaging.

With a strong script by Kazuki Nakashima (Batman Ninja, Kill la Kill) and excellent direction from the brilliant Hiroyuki Imaishi (Kill la Kill, Dead Leaves), Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End is an entertaining condensation of the first half of the anime series. There are a few sequences including new footage but the majority of the film is comprised of re-used animation culled from the series. A compelling edit, Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End doesn't add much to the table but manages to be a nice cliff-notes version of events. Worth a watch.

Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Aniplex, Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The release has an exceptional transfer that manages to capably present the stylized animation. Colors are robust throughout the presentation. This is a impressive release and fans will certainly be pleased with the end-results.

Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound (with English subtitles) and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The surround sound track is especially impressive and manages to provide the presentation with a dynamic surround stage. The implementation was outstanding with both the music score and surrounds providing a crisp and dynamic presentation.

Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Non-Credit Ending (HD, 4:28)

Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End isn't as compelling as the anime series but it does manage to have some entertaining new footage. The film provides fans with a quality cliff-notes exploration of the first-half of the beloved anime series. The Blu-ray has a strong video- audio presentation. Recommended.