Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie Review

Isekai Quartet is a parody of a smorgasbord of popular anime productions and characters. Created by Carlo Zen  (Saga of Tanya the Evil), Kugane Maruyama (Overlord), Tappei Nagatsuki (Re:Zero), and Natsume Akatsuki (KonoSuba), Isekai Quartet brings a Chibi tale to life. The series features original character designs by Kurone Mishima (KonoSuba), Shinichirō Ōtsuka (Re:Zero), so-bin (Overlord), and Shinobu Shinotsuki (Saga of Tanya the Evil). The production features animation by Studio Puyukai (Lord Marksman and Vanadis, Ple Ple Pleiades).

The series parodied include Saga of Tanya the Evil, Overlord, Re:Zero, and KonoSuba. Executive produced by Daiji Horiuchi (Anti-Magic Academy: The 35th Test Platoon, Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory), Isekai Quartet is aimed at fans of the original series. Featuring production by Yukiko Ishibashi, Isekai Quartet features voice-work by Aoi Yūki, Jun Fukushima, Rie Takahashi, Saori Hayami, Satoshi Hino, Sora Amamiya, Yumi Hara, and Yūsuke Kobayashi.

A mysterious button appears as if out of thin air. The button is pushed and things are forever changed. The characters of Saga of Tanya the Evil, Overlord, Re:Zero, and KonoSuba are now in Chibi form and everything about them is adorably cute. The characters previous appearances have been “cuteified” significantly and everyone is stuck together in a strange world inhabiting all of their characters from across series and genres. What’s everyone to do? Comical mischief ensues as the characters find that sometimes time flies while having fun – chibi style!

The cast of anime characters parodied in Isekai Quartet include Tanya Degurechaff (Aoi Yūki), Kazuma Satō (Jun Fukushima), Emilia (Rie Takahashi), Viktoriya Ivanovna "Visha" Serebryakov (Saori Hayami), Momonga/Ains Ooal Gown (Satoshi Hino), Aqua (Sora Amamiya), Albedo (Yumi Hara), and Subaru Natsuki (Yūsuke Kobayashi). The Chibi versions of the characters do remind one of the original production versions. The character designs by Minoru Takehara (Lord Marksman and Vanadis, Ple Ple Pleiades) stay true to the originals in many respects – simply offering a “chibi”-ifed version of these characters – tiny and cute. The designs work well for the parody.

The animation featured in Isekai Quartet is a highlight of the production. The series features art direction by Natsuko Tosugi (The Magic of Chocolate, One Piece) and chief animation direction by Minoru Takehara (Nights with a Cat, Agriculture Angel Baraki). The animation team did an outstanding job adapting the original series characters and production aesthetics for a “cuter” production version – parodying the original with charm and comedy. The animators have fun exploring the parody universe.

The cinematography by Jun'ichi Ōkubo (Rainbow Days, Snack Basue) is effective and aids the series style in spades. Ōkubo is a gifted cinematographer who understands the series is a parody of the original anime productions. As a result, Isekai Quartet highlights colorful animation and bright visuals – the cinematographer brings a lighter aesthetic to the table.

The score composed by Ruka Kawada (If Her Flag Breaks, Is the order a rabbit?) is charming and fun. The score is a nice highlight for the comedic backdrop of the anime. Kawada is a gifted composer who has some fun with the parody elements.

Written and directed by Minoru Ashina (Nights with a Cat, Agriculture Angel Baraki), Isekai Quartet is a series that enjoys the parody element. The series revels in the fact it is a comedy and the director has some fun with the concept. The fast-paced riffs of the comedy make this short-form anime one that audiences will enjoy – especially if familiar with the original anime series being parodied.

Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Funimation (now Crunchyroll), Isekai Quartet is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The series looks great in high-definition. The release showcases bright and colorful animation. The line art is crisp and clear on the release. Detail is excellent on the presentation. The encode is engaging and free of egregious issues with artifacts.

Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 (with English subtitles). The sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (The Heroic Legend of Arslan, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) is well preserved on the release. The nice sounding audio presentation capably preserves the soundstage. Dialogue is clear on the release. The subtitles are well-done.

Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Episode 9 Audio Commentary

Promo Video & Commercial Collection (HD, 8:07)

Textless Opening Song (HD, 1:32)

Textless Closing Song (HD, 1:32)

Isekai Quartet: Season One Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Isekai Quartet is a charming anime spoof and parody of Saga of Tanya the Evil, Overlord, Re:Zero, and KonoSuba. Isekai Quartet is aimed at fans of the original series looking for some comedic fun and an enjoyable diversion. Isekai Quartet delivers that kind of comedy in spades. The Blu-ray release has a pleasing presentation and lossless audio. Fans of the series being parodied will especially enjoy the production. Recommended.