Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie Review

A fun action-packed anime feature in the Gundam series.

Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition is an action-packed anime feature-film set within the massive and beloved Gundam franchise. The anime film is produced by Naohiro Ogata (Mobile Suit Gundam UC, InuYasha: The Final Act). Created by Hajime Yatate (Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam) and Yoshiyuki Tomino (Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing), the film is entertaining action-packed fun for series enthusiasts.

Following the action-packed events of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, the Laplace's box was unearthed and the epic Laplace incident unfolded. As Newtypes started to become acknowledged as being part of the equation, Neo Zeon Sleeves struggle to survive a collapse. Gundam Unicorns are now at bay: kept away from civilization because of the sheer power of the mobile suits. Yet a mysterious Gundam re-appears, nick-named “Phenex” – and more mystery unfolds as the action amps up.

The animation is one of the highlights of the film. The art direction by Yoshimi Mineda (This Art Club Has a Problem! , Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle) and Yukiko Maruyama (My Hero Academia, One Punch Man) is effective and the Gundam mechas are impressive. The character designs by Se Jun Kim ( Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight Axis, Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight Axis: Akaki Zan'ei) are also an impressive element of the production and fit the lore of the franchise well. The background animation by Kumiko Watanabe (Wagnaria!!, The Future Diary) is awesome – with a super cool outer-space back drop adding a sci-fi element that fits the material.

Time to suit up.

The cinematography by Yoshiyuki Anzai (One Piece: Heart of Gold, Dragon Ball Super: Broly) is outstanding throughout. The visuals are key to the storytelling and the action-packed fun of the feature. The efforts are effective and give the outer-space drama an epic backdrop.

The score composed by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill) is entertaining. The music is well done. The score helps to highlight the action sequences and make them all the more effective. A strong effort by Sawano.

The screenplay by Harutoshi Fukui (Harlock: Space Pirate, Star Blazers 2202) is unfortunately the weakest element of the film. The storytelling for Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition is rather confusing at times. The story is complex and often convoluted. This drags down the film a bit.

On a more positive note, the direction of Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition by Shunichi Yoshizawa (Fairy Tail, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt) is effective and entertaining throughout the production. The action scenes are fun. The film is well-edited by Daisuke Imai (One Week Friends, Love Live! Sunshine!!) and the pace is good overall. Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition is well worth a watch for Gundam fans.

Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sunrise, Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. A great presentation, the native high-definition encode is top-notch throughout. Colors "pop" and show outstanding detail. The picture-quality is sharp and detailed. A strong effort that will please. Outstanding.

Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of a lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with English subtitles), English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles). The surround sound track is engaging and action-packed – with the surrounds actively engaged throughout. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The music is well integrated in to the sound mix. An excellent lossless audio mix.

The release also includes two subtitle track options: dialogue only and dialogue with lyrics.

Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Reversible cover-art sleeve with alternate art-work is included with the release. The release comes with an attractive o-card slipcover and a 70 page booklet as well. The booklet includes character art work, Gundam illustrations, background art, and interviews with production team members (director, screenwriter, and voice-actors).

On disc supplements include:

Japanese Premiere Event (HD, 37:35)

Interview with Writer, Director, and Producer (HD, 25:07)

Zoltan Breaks Down the Universal Century in 3 Minutes (HD, 3:02)

North American Trailer (HD, 1:37)

L.A. Premiere Event (HD, 17:06)

Hathaway's Flash Promotional Video (HD, 1:13)

Commercials (HD, 1:05)

Short Promotional Video (HD, 1:00)

Teaser Trailer (HD, 00:32)

Japanese Trailer (HD, 1:32)

Preview (HD, 1:02)

Mobile Suit Gundam: NT Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gundam NT Narrative: Special Edition is an entertaining and action-packed entry in the Gundam franchise. Fans of the anime series will want to check it out for its high-octane action scenes. A worthwhile entry in the beloved anime franchise. The Blu-ray release features a strong video-audio presentation and a nice selection of bonus features – including a 70 page booklet with art work and interviews. Recommended.