In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie Review

A compelling anime production told with compassion

An impressive directorial effort which explores a difficult subject, In This Corner of the World is an anime production exploring the devastation of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima in the vein of Grave of the Fireflies. Based on the original manga by Fumiyo Kono (Yunagi City, Sakura Country), the film is produced by Tarô Maki (Tokyo Godfathers, Millennium Actress) and Masao Maruyama (Perfect Blue, Summer Wars) and released by animation studio MAPPA (Kids on the Slope, Yuri on Ice).

Set against the backdrop of Japan (before the dropping of the atomic bombs), the story revolves around the lives of Japanese youth living out their daily lives in Hiroshima before and after the devastation of the bombing in Hiroshima. As the bombings crippled the community and also wiped out the lives of countless innocents, the story explores the trauma as well as the events leading up to these moments. The story begins by showcasing moments of tranquil beauty before delving into the devastation to follow.

Suzu Hojo (Rena Nōnen) is a young girl with ambitions of being a painter (and she spends her time practicing her craft and the intricacies of the art). Suzu is eventually approached and courted by the brash Shusaku Hojo (Yoshimasa Hosoya), a young man who works in the Navy and wishes to find a wife. Their journey together is only beginning.

In addition to the focus on the atomic bombings, the film showcases other important issues circa the time-period in Japan. The developing shortages of needed foods (which were rationed out to citizens via the Japanese Government is something explored with detail). During one scene, Suzu attempts to obtain sugar and experiences the harsh realities of the black market for food items (as she is charged through-the-roof for a small amount of the item).

An intelligent, well-animated, and compelling anime from director Sunao Katabuchi (Mai Mai Miracle, Black Lagoon)

Kosuke Hayashi (Giovanni's Island) art directs the film with a minimalist style that allows room for the animation to breathe. The character designs and layouts are often somewhat simplistic in approach (and a far cry from the detailed scope of Grave of the Fireflies) but the artistry is still compelling as it slowly unfolds with an eye for breathtaking visuals. The color palette is certainly unique and with compelling cinematography by Yûya Kumazawa (Penguin Highway, The Eden of Grisaia), viewers are brought closer to the story.

In This Corner of the World features a music score composed by Kotringo (I Have to Buy New Shoes, My Roommate Is a Cat) which finds moments of beauty in the first half of the film and sorrow in the aftermath of Hiroshima. The score is moving and something special for viewers to encounter as the filmmaking unfolds in its rhythmic development.

Featuring a well-crafted screenplay written by director Sunao Katabuchi and co-screenwriter Chie Uratani, there is much to appreciate and explore with regards to the efforts which were taken to treat the story with the seriousness necessary. Though the screenplay is not entirely biographical (as it is not based on the life of distinct individuals), the storyline is inspired by the real events which unfolded due to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The characters and their stories are treated with care.

Sunao Katabuchi (Mai Mai Miracle, Black Lagoon) directs the film with compassion for the victims of the bombings and a keen understanding of the significance of this film. While In This Corner of the World never quite manages to match the masterful brilliance of Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies, the film is still a compelling exploration of these historical events and one which anime fans should make sure to see.

In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

In This Corner of the World features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. This is a strong presentation on the whole. With a fantastic clarity throughout and impressive reproduction of the animation, the film's visuals are quite extraordinary on the release. The animation style seems inherently soft at times but the encoding is remarkable with no serious detriments to report. Other than some brief banding, the film looks so beautiful that viewers should make it a must-see.

In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The releases features two different audio options: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Both are lossless audio options which are minimalistic in approach but which expand LFE and dynamics during the dramatic conclusion (as the atomic bombs are dropped). During these sequences, the sound design is much more complex and the details within the surrounds engage. An impressive audio presentation. English subtitles (for the original language version) and optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release is a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The pack also includes a digital copy code redeemable with Shout Factory. Inside of the package, viewers will find a 15 page booklet (featuring a special excerpt from the manga).

On disc supplements include:

Interview with Sunao Katabuchi (SD, 41:50) features the director of the film discussing the research and development done in preparation for the film as well as the responses he received from audience members following its debut theatrical run in Japan. This is an entertaining and engaging interview spotlighting a lot of the filmmaker's thoughts on the subject matter and why he treated it with such gravity. Katabuchi also discusses it's contrast (in comparison to some of his other works).

Interview with Masao Maruyama (SD, 12:47) is a fascinating interview with the producer of the film. The frequent collaborator of Satoshi Kon, Maruyama delves into his own process behind the scenes. There are interesting insights into his thoughts on the story and its historical significance.

Hiroshima & Kure: Then & Now (HD, 15:09) showcases clips from the final feature-film and the real-world settings. The clip starts out almost like a music-video excerpt before it becomes a piece comparing the scenery and settings (in both the transcendent elements and the tragic devastation following the aftermath of the atomic bomb droppings).

U.S. Tour Highlights (HD, 15:23) is an interview with The Japan Foundation and the filmmakers behind the film (including the director). The piece features a PowerPoint-style look behind the production with details given about project development for the production and planning. This is comparatively dry (when the other interviews are taken into consideration) but its still an engaging supplement fans will consider worth checking out for information about the development of In This Corner of the World.

Theatrical Trailers (HD, 5:05)

TV Spot (HD, 00:33)

In This Corner of the World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In This Corner of the World features impressive animation and a compelling screenplay that tells a story of ordinary Japanese citizens impacted by the horrors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima. Outstanding direction and an impressive score help to make it a worthwhile experience. With the impressive presentation (and the absorbing collection of supplemental materials), the Blu-ray is certainly worth adding to the collection. Anime fans should consider this quiet gem a worthwhile experience.