Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

InuYasha: Set 4 Blu-ray Movie Review

A thrilling action-anime series continues.

InuYasha is one of most successful anime series of all time and with good reason: the series is an entertaining thrill ride which takes audiences on an exciting journey with monsters and demons. InuYasha: Set 4 continues the epic action-packed fantasy- adventure saga. The set includes episodes 84-111.

The series is an adaptation of the beloved manga from creator Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma ½, Urusei Yatsura). The series comes from producers Michihiko Suwa (Detective Conan, City Hunter) and Hideyuki Tomioka (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Steamboy). The animation is produced by studio Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop). An epic for action-anime fans.

The epic journey of the brave half-demon InuYasha and the adventurous school-girl Kagome continues to unfold. The story is set against the backdrop of feudal era Japan (with new obstacles and missions on the journey to defeating the evil demon known as Naraku). The mission to gather up all of the missing shards of the Shikon jewel remains a vital essence to the goals of InuYasha and his friends.

Koga, from the wolf-demon clan, joins the mission. InuYasha is also joined by an elderly exorcist with a special skill and a group of magical monkey sprites. The adventures of InuYasha, Kagome, and friends continues with more high-octane action-packed fun. What new chapters will unfold next?

The series has a great cast of characters. One of the central components of the production which makes it such an entertaining success can be found in the leading characters. InuYasha is a superb protagonist and viewers will enjoy the journey of his character – a half-demon fighting to be a hero. Kagome is a character who is central to the storytelling as well. The supporting cast of characters are also great additions to InuYasha and help to imbue the production with a sense of wonder.

The epic journey of InuYasha.

The animation is mesmerizing. The series has beautiful animation in every regard: the background animation is detailed and complex while the character designs are effective in bringing the cast of characters to life. The series showcases the art direction of Shigemi Ikeda ( My Hero Academia) effectively. The entire animated landscape is phenomenal.

The saga continues to offer fans thrilling action sequences. There is something to be said about how impressive the fight scenes are on InuYasha. The staging is well laid out on the series and the stakes remain signifcantly higher than on an average anime production. InuYasha continues to find himself in new and dangerous scenarios – the battles waged are intense.

The original score composed by Kaoru Wada (Samurai 7) is an excellent addition to the anime. The music helps to establish the tone of the anime. The score breathes both life and energy in to the production. Wada is a gifted composer and the music on InuYasha fits the action scenes nicely. Everything comes together and the experience is elevated.

Screenwriter Katsuyuki Sumisawa (Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z) imbues InuYasha with creativity. InuYasha is an entertaining series and it does a solid job of adapting the manga series. The anime manages to find ways to be both faithful to the original material by Rumiko Takahashi and add something new to the equation at the same time.

Yasunao Aoki (Mobile Suite Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz) directs. InuYasha: Set 4 is another entertaining experience showcasing the series impeccable directing. This is a powerhouse production with great merit. The saga is just as thrilling as always and fans will undoubtedly want to check out the fourth collection.

InuYasha: Set 4 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from VIZ Media, InuYasha: Set 4 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The release has preserved the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 4:3 full frame. The release looks quite pleasing in the original television aspect ratio.

The release is an upconversion and as such doesn't look quite as impressive as a native high-definition presentation. However, despite the limitations on the release, the hand-drawn animation looks great – highlighting the exceptional artistry of the animators. Action scenes are engaging and the set does benefit from solid compression.

InuYasha: Set 4 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. The lossless, high resolution audio tracks sounds crisp and clear on the release. This is an excellent sounding presentation. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand on the release. The sound staging is exceptional and the stereo imaging does a solid job of enhancing the action sequences alongside the more quiet dramatic moments.

The music score is well reproduced on the release as well. The opening and ending theme songs also sound crisp and dynamic and are well preserved. The subtitle options provide fans with song/sings alongside standard translated subtitles.

InuYasha: Set 4 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Clean Opening & Endings:

Clean Opening: Grip! (HD, 2:00)

Clean Ending: Shinjitsu No Uta (HD, 1:36)

Clean Ending: Itazura Na Kiss (HD, 1:36)

Character Profiles:

#84: Hair Demon
#85: Exorcist
#86: Demon Head
#87: Mad Killer Rasetsu (Kansuke)
#88: Monkey Sprites
#89: Ayumi
#90: Hitomi
#91: Koume
#92: Kawaramaru & Enju
#93: Fake Miroku
#94: Izumo
#95: Gyu-Oh

"Who's In The Well?" includes sixteen click-through "well" murals with obscured puzzles – fans are supposed to guess which characters are showcased in each visual image. A mini-game bonus for the release.
More from VIZ (HD, 1:59)

InuYasha: Set 4 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

InuYasha: Set 4 is another worthwhile collection. The series remains one of the most cherished anime series due to the exceptional characters and world-building. The action set pieces are always amazing: easily pulling audiences in to the spectacle. The Blu-ray release has a strong video-audio presentation and a small but appreciable selection of extras. Highly recommended.