Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie Review

An anime masterpiece with stunning animation which casts an unforgettable spell

An anime masterpiece which demands to be seen by animation enthusiasts the world over, Millennium Actress is a remarkable achievement and a true work of art which remains one of the best films the anime industry has seen produced to date. A surrealistic and visionary film by master filmmaker Satoshi Kon (director of Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers), the journey taken in Millennium Actress is one which will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

The story follows the journey of the beloved actress Chiyoko Fujiwara as she remembers key moments which occurred throughout her successful career (from youth to her elderly years) with the help of an ecstatic interviewer. Learning that the studio which turned Chiyoko into a star is soon to disappear, television news-reporter Genya Tachibana makes it his mission to interview the long out-of-the-spotlight actress Chiyoko about her legendary career in film and the rest is history (brought vividly to life).

As the interview unfolds, Genya and his bumbling cameraman become completely absorbed in listening to her great stories of her filmmaking days as the style of Millennium Actress becomes surrealistic and brings the characters directly into her memories (with Genya and his cameraman tagging along for the vivid flashbacks the entire way). An amazing concept with brilliantly realized execution, Millennium Actress takes surrealist anime to a whole new level.

A journey of past and future.

Featuring outstanding animation which showcases the artistry of acclaimed animation directors Shôgo Furuya (key animator on Spirited Away and The Wind Rises), Hideki Hamazu (key animator on Ponyo and Spirited Away), Takeshi Honda (key animator on Tokyo Godfathers and From Up on Poppy Hill), and Toshiyuki Inoue (key animator on Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence and Wolf Children), Millennium Actress astonishes with the remarkable background layouts and vivid characterizations. The animation is so beautiful that one becomes completely absorbed in the world of the story with ease. An amazing achievement that stands as one of the best animated-features around.

As one of the forefront anime directors in Japan (until his untimely passing in 2010), director Satoshi Kon (Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue, Paprika) crafted a true masterclass film. The storytelling is emotionally rewarding and utterly mesmerizing. The screenplay by director Satoshi Kon with co-screenwriter Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue, Steamboy) takes viewers on a fantastic journey that becomes unforgettable. There is real magic in the story.

Millennium Actress is one of those films that needs to be shared with the world. (As an aside, I once gave away several copies of the film on DVD in a contest because of how much I love the film and wished others to see it). An anime gem that has truly withstood the test of time, Millennium Actress is required viewing for anime fans. Don't miss this majestic work of art. It will stay with viewers in both heart and mind.

Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Fans of Satoshi Kon can rejoice with the arrival of Millennium Actress on Blu-ray from Shout Factory and Eleven Arts Anime Studio. The film has become something of a cult favorite with it's gorgeous animation and the newly restored Blu-ray release captures the magic of the production in all of its glory. The 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation is in the original 1.85:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio.

The film has received a robust new 4K restoration which is downright stunning to behold. The leap in quality from the comparatively-mediocre DVD is a tremendous one with the rich colors giving each frame in the film an added boost. The film has breathtaking art from start to finish and there are many moments where a single still can seem as impeccable as a piece of art worthy of framing. The filmic presentation will bring viewers even closer to the story.

Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is nothing ordinary about the lossless audio mix on this top-notch release. The film has received a stunning 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound presentation (provided in both the original Japanese language version and with an English dubbed production). The 24 bit audio is superb. It features stunning clarity and detail. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional. The music score is as evocative as one would hope to find. The amazingly detailed and highly immersive sound design utilizes all of the speakers to great effect. There is something to be said about a high-end sound mix. Millennium Actress can proudly stand besides the likes of Akira as a first-rate sound design for a anime film.

Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a selection of interesting and insightful interviews regarding the film and its new re-release.

Interview with Abby Trott (HD, 7:46) features the voice-actress of young Chiyoko for the English-language dub adaptation. There are a number of questions asked of her during the interview, such as what drew her to the film, how she would describe the character of Chiyoko, what she enjoys about the character, her interpretation of what the key represents for Chiyoko, her view on the witch's curse, what she does in preparation for voice-acting in a film, films that helped inspire her as a child, actors who provided inspiration, and what her family thinks of her voice-acting career. These and other questions are raised during the engaging interview. Trott proves herself to be a charming interviewee and she is clearly a passionate fan of the film and of anime as well.

Interview with Laura Post (HD, 20:07) features the voice-actress for Eiko in the English language dub version. Post is asked about how she would define her character in the film, what she finds most compelling about Eiko, what she views as significant about the character, how she personally relates to the character, what her views are on the story behind Millennium Actress, what she found unique about Millennium Actress, which scene was most important to her, her views on the curse in the story, what films inspired her, and much more. This is another engaging and informative interview which was a breeze to watch as the charming voice-actress is someone full of insights fans of the English dub for Millennium Actress will appreciate.

Interview with producer Masao Maruyama (HD, 32:28) is the best interview on the release and one which should be considered mandatory-viewing for fans of the film. Maruyama delves into so much detail about the production that it's easy to become absorbed in the discussion. He discusses thoughts regarding the re-release of the film (including its special North America theatrical engagement), his memories of working on the film (and what working with director Satoshi Kon on this and other projects was like for him), what the concept was originally, what he found unique about director Satoshi Kon (before his untimely passing), and more.

Maruyama even provides a message for fans of the director (with much more detailed discussion regarding their great collaborations over time) while sharing memories of working on Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers with the director. Great discussion is also had regarding the shift in the animation industry towards CG art and what he feels this means for the industry at large. There's so much to chew on with this interview and it makes the experience of viewing the film again even more rewarding.

Interview with producer Taro Maki (HD, 8:32) is another engaging piece which delves into noting the restoration of the film (including its 4K scan), his memories of working on Millennium Actress, how was the storyline was created, what continues to make the film special and why it appeals to so many anime fans, how he feels the film should be experienced, the development of 3D animation in anime productions, advice to inspiring producers, and the brilliance of director Kon. Maki offers his memories and insights into the development of the film and the interview reminds one why the film remains such a vital classic after all these years. Worth a look.

Millennium Actress Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Produced by Tarô Maki (Tokyo Godfathers), Millennium Actress is one of the best anime films ever made (not directed by Hayao Miyazaki). A masterpiece which is undeniably compelling and enormously creative, Millennium Actress is undoubtedly one of the most unique anime films I have ever seen. With an impeccable music score composed by Susumu Hirasawa (Paprika, Paranoia Agent) and animation as beautiful as framed-art, animation fans owe it to themselves to experience this gem. Millennium Actress deserves my highest recommendation: a masterpiece.