Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.0 |
| Video |  | 4.5 |
| Audio | | 4.5 |
| Extras | | 4.0 |
| Overall | | 4.0 |
Napping Princess Blu-ray Movie Review
A first-rate anime production with outstanding animation and a compelling story
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard December 22, 2019
A fantastical action-adventure anime film (with elements of fantasy and science-fiction thrown into the mix), Napping Princess is a spirited experience which fans of the genre will want to explore. The film was created by animation studio Signal.MD (Colorful Ninja Iromaki, Cyborg 009: Call of Justice). In exploring the story, director Kenji Kamiyama (Eden of the East, Blood: The Last Vampire) crafted an engaging vision which stands apart as something uniquely compelling.
Kokone Mirokawa (Mitsuki Takahata) is an adventurous high-school girl with spunk who has a habit of falling asleep for long naps. When her eyelids fall, she enters into a fantasy world. As she daydreams in her otherworldly naps, Kokone becomes a young girl named Ancien (the daughter of the world's king). The girl closely resembles Kokone as a young child. With enormous energy and a freewheeling style, Ancien builds a number of magical objects (such as giant robots) while blazing down city-streets in a fast-and-furious two-seat motor-bike.
The dream world seems to be in danger of destruction at the hands of sky-looming monsters. Can it be saved by Kokone as she takes naps? In the real world, Kokone reconnects with her old-friend Morio Sawatari (Shinnosuke Mitsushima).Though the pair might not have officially declared each other as boyfriend-girlfriend, the close duo start to go on adventures together and the lines between reality and fantasy start to blur.
"I'm ready for Mario Kart!"
There is something downright fantastic about the vivid animation on display in this creative anime production. The animators utilized real-locations in Japan for inspiration in illustrating the world explored while adding in plenty of fantasy for the unique blend. The character designs are highly engaging while the distinctive creature designs crafted by Kurisutofu Ferera (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Lupin the Third: Blood Seal – Eternal Mermaid) make the action scenes more engaging and intense. With regards to the remarkable visuals on display, the cinematography by Hiroshi Tanaka (Bunny Drop, Sakura Wars) accompanies the animation with beautiful lighting which highlights the best elements of the animation.
In considering the otherworldly designs on display in Kokone's dreaming, the animators successfully crafted a variety of fantastical images which make the filmmaking more awe-inspiring to experience. Matched with the exciting music score composed by Yôko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts, Xenoblade Chronicles), there is a real energy to the music landscape. Although Shimomura is typically a video-game composer, Napping Princess proves to be a perfect match for his style. The music blends into both the story and action with aplomb synchronicity.
Not to be missed, Kenji Kamiyama's film is a reaffirming example of why anime is such a wonderful medium for storytelling. The script and direction are uniformly distinctive and the surprising twists within the storyline help the experience remain a constantly evolving one that audiences shouldn't overlook. There is simply something magical about the filmmaking that cannot be denied. Napping Princess deserves recognition and anime fans should seek out this under-the-radar gem: a fantasy which is fantastically fun and a must-see.
Napping Princess Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Napping Princess arrives on Blu-ray from Gkids with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation in the original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The quality of the presentation is fantastic and the visuals are extraordinary. Highly detailed, crisp, and excellent color reproduction throughout. The image looks fantastic. This is a gorgeous presentation of the film which delivers viewers a visually engaging experience. There are a few brief spots of minor banding on the image but for the most part, it's a fantastic viewing experience that is nearly-flawless. Fans will be pleased.
Napping Princess Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The release includes two audio options: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. The lossless surround sound track is exceptional and engages the senses. The track has excellent fidelity and overall depth. The track utilizes the surround channels on a frequent basis and the action-scenes are highly exciting and offer fans a enthralling auditory experience with exceptional auditory detail. The track is crystal clear and features some tight bass reproduction to immerse one in the fantasy elements.
The release also includes a French 5.1 Dolby Digital track. Subtitle options include English subs (for the original language version), French, and optional English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing).
Napping Princess Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
Interview with Kenji Kamiyama (HD, 15:02) is a fascinating interview with the filmmaker behind the film. He delves into his inspiration for the production and his views on the magical world the story explores. The piece is engaging and the director's thoughts are highly detailed. A worthwhile, must see piece for fans of the film.
Introduction at Japanese Premiere (HD, 20:17) is an extended introduction to Napping Princess as it premiered in Japan. The director, producer, and voice-actor cast all appear to introduce the film and give their own thoughts on the production. The piece also contains a somewhat baffling "personality test" which is conducted to appoint every production member with their own personality types. It's somewhat awkward watching the various actors getting embarrassed or shocked by their assigned personality traits (which includes "masochist" and "narcissistic"). Worth a watch.
Greeting at Japanese Release (HD, 17:51) is an engaging stage interview with the cast and the production crew. This piece is more engaging than the Japanese premiere introduction and has a stronger focus in delving into the views that the actors have regarding their respective characters.
Okayama Scenery (HD, 3:24) showcases the real-life scenery which was used by the production crew for inspiration for the background art-work. The piece flashes back and forth between showing the animated layouts and the original film footage used to inspire the animators involved in the film's production.
Special Interview with Cast (HD, 7:19) is a charming sit-down interview with the three primary voice-actors involved in the production of Napping Princess. This I an extremely laid-back discussion which goes into territories that are surprisingly comical. The three make a lot of entertaining jokes and its clear they had a great time simply discussing the film and their involvement.
Special TV Program (HD, 22:04) is a thoughtful discussion with the same three voice-actors and a television host who engages them with some humorous questions (and some interesting comments showcasing his enthusiasm for Blu-ray as well).
Trailers and TV Spots (HD, 3:57) includes the theatrical trailer, teaser trailer, TV Spot 1, TV Spot 2, and TV Spot (Special Version).
A short animated film connected to the same universe (entitled "Ancien and the Magic Tablet: Another Princess") is not included. Though the release is jam-packed with enticing extras, the short would have certainly been a welcome addition and is unfortunately not on the release. Nonetheless, this release has a worthwhile and impressive supplemental package fans won't want to miss.
Napping Princess Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
A fun and charming fantasy-adventure, Napping Princess is a exciting trip into an otherworldly place that viewers will want to dive into. Featuring outstanding visuals and unique animation, anime fans should consider it worth a watch. The script and direction are focused and the voice-acting is also impressive. The Blu-ray features a quality presentation of the film and a selection of highly engaging extras. Worth a watch.
