Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Joker Game is an action-drama set against the backdrop of a world of international spies in a pre-WWII era. The series comes from executive producer Daijō Kudō (Konohana Kitan) and Rui Kuroki (Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations). Created by Kōji Yanagi, Joker Game features original character designs by Shirow Miwa. The series was originally broadcast on Tokyo MX. Joker Game features animation produced by Production I.G (Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex). Fans of dark and gritty period anime series will find it worth checking out.

Miyoshi (Hiro Shimono), Lieutenant Colonel Yūki (Kenyuu Horiuchi), and Lieutenant Sakuma (Tomokazu Seki) are a part of the ‘Joker Game’ as the world rages on at war. The era was before the beginning of World War II. Japan was forming a spy agency known as “D-Agency” and the art of playing a spy was something that was never easy. Pushed to the brink with vigorous training, the spy agents find the challenging tasks ahead of them are full of complications.

Can these agents succeed at being top of the class spys while living double lives? The stakes are high are some of the spy agents end up facing torture, capture, and other high-stakes obstacles. No one wants their cover blown before the mysteries at hand can be solved. Yet there is no easy path with the chance of death rising higher and higher in this tough spy-break game.

The focus of the series is on the spy-game elements and the characters are essential to these plot-lines. The characters face dark and thrilling spy games. The spy elements are integral to their journeys. Can these characters live to see another day? Or will the spies be tortured to death by their enemies? A element essential to the series, the characterizations help to exude the darkness that is within. The character designs by Toshiyuki Yahagi (Case File nº221: Kabukicho, Persona 5 the Animation -The Day Breakers) are excellent and expressive for the central cast. The designs are certainly designed to look more fitting for the time-period and it gives the series an aesthetic that is perhaps a bit less modern than some might have expected.

For a spy series, the emphasis on the unique animation allows for plenty of creative elements with the costumes and character designs. These attributes extend to the mecha designs by Shinobu Tsuneki (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Psycho-Pass). The chief animation direction by Toshiyuki Yahagi (Guilty Crown, Case File nº221: Kabukicho) is excellent as well and makes an impression.

The art is brimming with creativity for a period-drama with spy elements. A solid effort from the animators and the production team. Under the art direction of Yoshio Tanioka (Listeners, Night Raid 1931), the animators delivered even more impressive elements to the production and helped to pave the production forward.

The score composed by Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Maison Ikkoku) is a chief highlight of the entire production. Kawai is certainly one of the most gifted composers working in Japanese animation. The composer has one of the most cherished filmographies when it comes to anime compositions. The composer has a clear understanding of the contrasting styles of the series and forms music that is appropriate for the spy genre while also offering some dramatic depth to the production as well.

The cinematography by Hiroshi Tanaka (Eden of the East, Moriarty the Patriot) and Kōji Tanaka (Maria the Virgin Witch, Real Drive) is another highlight for the production. The cinematographic approach is commendable with good use of color and depth. The visuals are darker than average compared to some series and this is understandable given the spy roots of the production. Cinematographer Tanaka has a grasp on what makes the time-period explored in the program work well.

Written by Taku Kishimoto (Magi: Adventure of Sinbad, Moriarty the Patriot), Joker Game might not be as intelligent as one might hope for in a spy series, but the script still offers decent dialogue and some interesting characterizations. Kishimoto has fun with the concept and exploring the landscape of the dangerous spy world. The characterizations help to reflect the spy-element of the series as well.

Directed by Kazuya Nomura (Moriarty the Patriot, Run with the Wind), Joker Game might not be perfection, but it does have some nice artistic elements. The animation is excellent and fits the undeniably dark aesthetic elements inherit in the spy genre. Director Nomura has fun playing in the genre and making a period-drama at the same time. Fans of costume dramas and spy features might wish to check it out.

Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation, Joker Game is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation is excellent on the release. The encoding capably handles the animation. Color reproduction is excellent and showcases the dark and monotone like aesthetics. The encoding capably handles the material and the spy-world action. There are some moments of occasional banding on the video but otherwise the transfer looks good.

Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The release has excellent lossless audio options. Dialogue remains as crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The score is well integrated in to the sound mix. The English dubbing provides some extra ambiance with the surround sound fields. While the Japanese audio version lacks a 5.1 sound mix, the presentation should still satisfy devotees wanting the original audio presentation option. There is something for everyone with regards to the audio selections on the release.

Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Adventures of Night, the Black Cat (Part 1) (HD, 4:46)

The Adventures of Night, the Black Cat (Part 2) (HD, 5:35)

Textless Opening Song "Reason Triangle" (HD, 1:31)

Textless Closing Song "Double" (HD, 1:32)

Trailers (HD, 4:49)

Joker Game: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Joker Game is a spy drama with some thrills and surprises. The series focuses on the world of spies and the dangers spies encounter during their missions. The spies risk their lives and face the possibility of death. The Blu-ray release features a strong video and audio presentation alongside a selection of exclusive bonus features. Fans of the series will find it well worth picking up. Recommended.