Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie Review

Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is an anime feature from acclaimed animation studio Madhouse (Cardcaptor Sakura, Okko's Inn). Created by Iou Kuroda, Nasu – Summer in Andalusia features theme song performances by Kiyoshirō Imawano. The first anime theatrical feature to compete in competition during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is the debut directorial film from animation director Kitaro Kosaka (who did the animation direction for both Spirited Away and The Wind Rises). Executive produced by Yasushi Shiina (Paranoia Agent, Tekkonkinkreet), Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is well worthwhile. Featuring production by Masao Maruyama (Doomed Megalopolis, Unico in the Island of Magic), Nasu – Summer in Andalusia features the voices of Yō Ōizumi, Eiko Koike, and Minoru Hirano.

Andalusia is a beautiful locale and the people love the gorgeous scenery. The lush landscape is one that brings a lot of joy to the people of Andalusia. Even so, the weather outside is sweltering hot and the people are overheated in the summer season.

Despite the intense heat, the people of Andalusia somehow find themselves enjoying the epic bicycling. Every summer the bicyclists race in the coveted La Vuelta competition. The race is on to see who can emerge the victor and beloved racer in the cycling world.

Andalusia native Pepe Benegeli (Yō Ōizumi) is considered one of the least likely racers to win the huge competition. Pepe is not only a low- ranking racer but someone with an unpopular, third-rate sponsorship. Despite the odds being stacked overwhelming against Pepe, Pepe is determined to try his best and race anyway. Pepe might have everyone racing ahead of him but the final leg of the race might find some unexpected turns in the road. Can Pepe overcome all the odds and race to the winning finish line?

Pepe Benegeli is a compelling lead protagonist. Benegeli is a good central character for the storyline. Benegeli has a determination to do well and to be the best he can be. As Benegeli aims to finish the competition in first place despite all of the odds stacked against him, Benegeli pushes forward.

The character designs by Kitarō Kōsaka (Whisper of the Heart, The Wind Rises) are well-done and make a solid impression throughout the feature film. Kōsaka created compelling designs for both the lead and supporting characters. The artistry of the designs adds nuance and beauty to the filmmaking.

Nasu – Summer in Andalusia features compelling production values throughout. Nasu – Summer in Andalusia has stunning animation and it is one of the highlights of the feature-film. Nasu – Summer in Andalusia features art direction by Naoya Tanaka (Ocean Waves, My Neighbors the Yamadas) and animation direction by Kitarō Kōsaka (Whisper of the Heart, The Wind Rises). The animation is an incredible part of the production. The art style is stunning and the animators brought a sense of wonder to the feature.

Featuring a score composed by Toshiyuki Honda (Metropolis, Tokyo Babylon), Nasu – Summer in Andalusia has impressive music. The score adds so much warmth to the film. The music has an incredible sense of emotional gravitas. The compositions work well for the storytelling.

The cinematography by Hisao Shirai (Cardcaptor Sakura, Galaxy Express 999) and Katsuyoshi Kishi (Chobits, Rozen Maiden) is lush and compelling. The visuals breathtaking and sublime. The great cinematographic style adds a lot to the nostalgic sense of filmmaking.

Written and directed by Kitarō Kōsaka (Okko's Inn, Clover), Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is a well-done anime feature-film. Kōsaka made a charming and delightful film. Kōsaka has a creative sensibility and passion for filmmaking that is wonderful. Kōsaka did something special with Nasu – Summer in Andalusia and there is a clear sense of passion for the story and the characters.  

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by AnimEigo, Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The transfer is beautiful throughout. The animation is robust and colorful looking on the release.

The art is beautifully reproduced. The encoding is impressive on the release and showcases the excellent effort of distributor AnimEigo. The quality encoding makes a nice difference in the presentation quality.

One aspect of physical media that impresses is the encoding quality. Streaming video services can sometimes have issues with streaming service plan tiers, internet speeds, data caps, number of connected users, weather issues, internet outages, and more. Physical media provides something dependable and that users don't need to worry about working. The physical format has noteworthy gains.

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. English subtitles are provided. The release capably preserves the sound direction by Masafumi Mima (Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura).

The surround sound is an engaging option on the release. The surrounds are beautifully reproduced and actively utilized during the presentation. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The sound staging excellent on the release. The score is well integrated into the surround sound mix, too. In many respects, the score is one of the biggest highlights of the release. The music is enveloping and the engaging score provides a sense of more whimsy to the storytelling. The beautiful music is essential to the presentation. The lossless audio certainly plays a meaningful role in highlighting the score during the film.

One of the benefits of the Blu-ray disc format is the lossless audio encoding. Blu-ray provides an immersive audio experience. Streaming video services only provide lossy (non-lossless) audio presentation quality. For home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles, the physical media format provides an advantage over streaming services. The presentation quality is improved and the soundstage is more enjoyable for enthusiasts.

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

AnimEigo provides an exclusive slipcover option on the webstore exclusive. Other retail stores do not include the slipcover option. For slipcover collectors, the webstore exclusive might be a good option. Slipcovers can add an extra element of collectability. Slipcovers are great for collectable fans and manage to add even more fun to a physical media release.

On disc supplements:

Teaser (SD, 1:37) provides an early look at the theatrical feature.

Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1:36) promotes the theatrical release.

US Blu-ray Trailer (HD, 00:57) provides promotion for the physical media release.

TV Promos (SD, 1:19) showcase television promos made to generate interest in the release.

Interview with Director Kitaro Kosako (2003) (SD, 6:17) features discussion by filmmaker Kosako about the production.

Director/Voice Cast Interview (2003) (SD, 16:22) includes interviews with both the filmmaker and cast of the production.

Premiere Event Footage (SD, 10:32) features special footage from the premiere of Nasu – Summer in Andalusia.

Full Feature Storyboards (SD, 45:46) provide the production storyboards for the entire presentation.

Retrospective Interview with Kitaro Kosaka (2023) (HD, 26:04) delves into the production of Nasu – Summer in Andalusia with Kosaka.

Also Available from MediaOCD (HD, 12:39) highlights other releases available by MediaOCD.

Distributor AnimEigo assembled an impressive bonus features collection. The supplements add a lot of extra value to the package. The release certainly succeeds in providing more for fans with interviews, storyboards, event footage, and much more. AnimEigo certainly went the extra mile to win the race. These extras will entice fans with worthwhile supplemental content. For enthusiasts, the bonuses absolutely can make a release all the more enticing.

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is a beautiful and moving theatrical feature. The anime gem comes from acclaimed writer- director Kitarō Kōsaka (Okko's Inn). The animation is gorgeous and the production impresses in spades. Fans of slice-of-life anime will appreciate this underdog story and its thrills. A anime film recalling the brilliance of Peter Yates's masterpiece Breaking Away, Nasu – Summer in Andalusia is an incredible anime feature.

The Blu-ray release provides an excellent high-definition transfer and lossless audio presentation. The release also includes an outstanding supplemental package. Fans and collectors alike will cherish the bonus features. The release includes a plethora of extras including interviews, storyboards, event footage, and much more. Highly recommended.