Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

My Hero Academia: Season Four: Part One Blu-ray Movie Review

A great set of episodes in the My Hero Academia mythology

My Hero Academia: Season 4, Part 1 is another action-packed batch of episodes from the bestselling anime series. Based on the original manga by creator Kôhei Horikoshi (My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising), the anime adaptation comes from acclaimed powerhouse Studio Bones (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood). The anime series airs on the fan-favorite Cartoon Network Toonami action-animation block in North America. The latest set from Funimation Entertainment includes episodes 64 through 76.

Events take a surprising turn in Season Four of My Hero Academia as the danger amps up. When the beloved superhero All Might starts to recede from his spotlight in to the background, it is up to the students of the academy to show off their powers and put their strengths to the test! As a brand new drug is being developed to destroy the superheroes Quirks (which give them their super-powers), the students face their biggest foe yet in the diabolical gang of villains determined to take down all of the students from U.A. Can Izuku and the rest of his classmates defeat their foes and protect their Quirks from annihilation?

The first half of season four is another entertaining blast of action-packed adventure. These episodes are some of the best in the entire series run to date. Season four is shaping up to be the best season since season one. The storyline is intense and there are some surprising twists and turns that were completely unexpected. The shift from focusing on All Might is something some fans will find shocking but the way the storyline in this set unfolds is intense. The idea of the Quirks fully disappearing was an effective plot device. One can't help but want to start set two immediately.

Farewell, All Might.

The animation remains one of the most impressive elements of My Hero Academia. The animators involved in the series production manage to deliver exceptional character designs, background art, and intense action-adventure in to each and every episode. The visual element of the series is one of the key reasons audiences keep coming back for more. A remarkable achievement.

One of my favorite elements to My Hero Academia is the fun music score composed by Yuki Hayashi (Run with the Wind, Here Comes the Morning). There is a grand scope to the music which feels quite engaging. The action is even more intense because of the strong musical compositions by Hayashi.

Director Kenji Nagasaki (My Hero Academia: Two Heroes) and screenwriter Yôsuke Kuroda (Honey and Clover) manage to pack a mighty punch in to each and every episode in the first half of season four. The storyline is much darker than previous seasons (with a greater focus on the villains) but this is something that has upped the ante for the super-heroes. The stakes are raised. Another must-see collection. Don't miss it.

My Hero Academia: Season Four: Part One Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation Entertainment, My Hero Academia: Season 4, Part 1 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. My Hero Academia continues to be a gorgeous looking anime production that demands to be seen in high-definition. This set features another visually stunning batch of episodes.

The remarkable animation looks crisp, vibrant, and beautifully detailed throughout the entire set of episodes. The art work looks amazing. Action scenes are spectacularly detailed and the encoding presents the video without any jarring compression woes. The only minor nit-pick is occasional banding. There is nothing too distracting to report. My Hero Academia looks great on Blu-ray.

My Hero Academia: Season Four: Part One Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes two impressive lossless audio options: Dolby TrueHD English 5.1 surround sound and Dolby TrueHD Japanese 2.0 (with English subtitles). The English dub is especially impressive. The surround sound speakers are actively engaged throughout the intense action sequences. Though the audio tracks aren't bass heavy, the rich dynamics of the presentation are enormously pleasing to listen to. The English dub audio sounds terrific and will leave fans satisfied. The music score also sounds remarkably crisp and dynamic. Regardless of viewer-preference for English or Japanese, the lossless audio provides the best experience.

My Hero Academia: Season Four: Part One Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes an attractive o-card slipcover and an inner art full-color print in the style of a comic book.

On disc extras include:

My Hero Academia: Justin and Kellen Talk Season 4 (HD, 13:39) features Justin Briner (Deku) and Kellen Goff (Overhaul) discussing the series and its fourth season. Fans of the English dub will be particularly interested in hearing the thoughts of some of the dub voice-actors. Featuring clips from season four and special behind-the-scenes interview footage.

Inside the Episode: Episode 64 (HD, 6:39) features ADR director Colleen Clickenbeard and Justin Briner (voice of Izuku) discussing the episode.

Inside the Episode: Episode 67 (HD, 5:14) features Kellen Goff (voice of Overhaul) and Emily Neves (voice of Eri) discussing the episode.

Inside the Episode: Episode 70 (HD, 10:54) features Ricco Fajardo (voice of Mirio Togata) and Justin Cook (voice of Eijiro Kirishima) discussing the episode.

Inside the Episode: Episode 75 (HD, 6:48) features Brandon McInnis (voice of Sir Nighteye) and Ricco Fajardo (voice of Mirio Togata) discussing the episode. There is even some behind-the-scenes footage from the recording booth sessions.

My Hero Academia Promo Videos (HD, 1:50)

My Hero Academia Textless Opening Song (HD, 1:32)

My Hero Academia Textless Closing Song (HD, 1:32)

My Hero Academia: Season Four: Part One Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

My Hero Academia: Season 4, Part 1 contains some of the best episodes in the series run to date. The action is intense (if bloodier than usual) while the storyline has some interesting twists. This is a darker set of episodes in comparison to the previous season arc but the stakes are raised. With All Might out of the equation (for now, at least), fans will want to see what direction the series will take next. The Blu-ray release from Funimation features a strong video-audio presentation and comes highly recommended.