Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

An action-packed science-fiction anime.

Mushibugyo returns with new adventures. The science-fiction action-anime is based on the manga by creator Hiroshi Fukuda. Produced by Shin Furukawa (Captain Earth, Attack on Titan) and Makoto Hijikata ( Dragon Collection, Twin Star Exorcists), the series is a creative spin on the age old classic alien-invasion concept. The series animation is produced by animation studio Seven Arcs Pictures (Idol Memories, Dances with the Dragons).

The Mushibugyo ninjas must continue to fight giant and otherworldly alien bugs. Can the evil aliens be defeated by pest control? The Mushibugyo are powerful ninja warriors on a mission to save humanity at any cost. The clan work together on a perilous quest and seek out these bug menaces whenever possible. Armed with swords and working as one unit, Jinbee Tsukishima (Kenn) and the other Mushibugyo push forward and fight to the bitter end. Can the bugs be exterminated?

The alien invasion is no easy task for Jinbee Tsukishima. The OVA episodes continue to explore the central protagonist and his quest to fight these alien creatures (with their strange and ominous bug bodies). Jinbee is a bold and brave fighter who continues to aim to be a better ninja than the rest. Competition is fierce but Jinbee sets out to be the best ninja around.

The aliens are a constant threat to humanity and therein lies the danger of the creatures. The invaders are strong and fierce bug monsters. Japan just isn't the same with these creatures causing havoc and chaos. The Mushibugyo anime explores this component well – with worthwhile action-packed fun. Sequences showcase the intense action and combat. These elements are of great importance to exploring the ninjas and their mission to defeat the alien intruders.

The hero's journey remains a pivotal component of the production. The question the series poses is one about the role each person takes in pursuing heroism. Can anyone be a hero and help humanity? This certainly is a question at the backdrop of the production. Mushibugyo focuses on the journey of the hero at the forefront of the odyssey: Jinbee.

One of the most impressive components of the production is the original animation. The series has an excellent animation style. The animators did a solid job of exploring the world of the Mushibugyo production and the ninjas. The art direction is by Toshiko Kaizu (Yatterman Night, Asura Cryin'). Focusing on the otherworldly elements of the aliens, Kaizu focuses on making these creatures as mysterious and menacing looking as possible. The art style fits the tone of the production well.

The invasion continues.

The animation direction also contributed to the success of the production. Animation director Akiharu Ishii (Blue Seed ) imbues the series with a more ambitious production scale. The series aims for sci-fi fun and delivers it. The animators help bring the action scenes to life. Ishii does a solid job with the creative approach. One standout element is the use of color on Mushibugyo .

Mushibugyo features solid character designs by Yoshimitsu Yamashita (Blade of the Immortal, Samurai Flamenco). The designs are especially worthwhile for the central characters of the series. Yamashita delivers a solid leading protagonist character design with Jinbee Tsukishima. The effort helps the production to be more well-rounded. The strong design efforts extend to the creatures as well.

The cinematography by Tadashi Kitaoka (Dog Days, Burst Angel) imbues the production with a sense of style that fits the tone of the anime. The aesthetic is colorful and bright. These colorful elements match the energetic nature of the program. Despite being a program with alien invaders, Mushibugyo has an aesthetic which remains “light” in tone.

The original score composed by Tetsuro Oda (Armored Trooper Votoms: Alone Again, Dr. Ramune: Mysterious Disease Specialist) isn't one of the best elements of the series. The score is a reasonably engaging background score but the music doesn't make a huge impression. The music fits the action scenes but there seems to be a lack of depth to the compositions. The music doesn't add much to the storytelling.

Writer Yoichi Kato (Yo-kai Watch, Space Brothers) explores the concept in a fun way (even if the series retreads on familiar territory for the anime genre). Despite the concept being similar to an onslaught of other anime series, Mushibugyo still mixes things up a bit. The story is entertaining without being revolutionary. A solid effort by Kato.

Mushibugyo brings an action-heavy approach to the story while under the creative direction of filmmaker Takayuki Hamana (Sorcerous Stabber Orphen, The Prince of Tennis). Mushibugyo ultimately focuses on adding some action-packed fun to the sci-fi anime genre without ever approaching the concept in too-dark a style. Hamana delivers on the action sequences. For fans of action-anime, the Mushibugyo OVA is worth a watch.

Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, the Mushibugyo OVA release is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The animation is presented in native high-definition (and is not simply an upscale). Colorful animation is showcased. The presentation is crisp and dynamic in appearance. This is a worthwhile encode. The action scenes are well presented. The aesthetic of the series is preserved.

Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo audio track (with English subtitles). The release doesn't include an English dub option – which is a bit unfortunate (and will undoubtedly disappoint dub fans) but is not surprising as there was no English dub on the series release, either). The score by Tetsuro Oda is well integrated in to the stereo audio mix. Dialogue remains clear and easy to understand. The release has solid audio fidelity. A strong effort from Sentai Filmworks.

Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from Sentai Filmworks: 7Seeds (HD, 1:37), Alice in Borderland (HD, 1:32), High School of the Dead (HD, 00:34), and Nana (HD, 1:27).

Mushibugyo: Complete OVA Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The journey of Jinbee Tsukishima continues. The action-packed adventure explores the battle against the alien bugs. The anime series explores the heroics of the Ninja warriors and their quest to stop a campaign against humanity. The Blu-ray release features a solid video-audio presentation. The set doesn't include much in the supplemental department. Nonetheless, series fans will be pleased to encounter the new OVA episodes. Recommended.