Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie Review

A feature-film sequel which aired on Japanese television as a made-for-television production, Non Non Biyori Vacation is a charming follow-up to the beloved anime series from acclaimed animation studio Silver Link (Mitsuboshi Colors, Wise Man's Grandchild). Based on the original manga by Atto (High School Fleet), Non Non Biyori centers upon a group of middle school girls who are part of the same school: the country-life splendor of the Asahigaoka Branch School. Non Non Biyori Vacation has a good time extending the fun of the series for devoted fans.

Summer is a season for having a good time and the students of Asahigaoka know this even better than most: the group of school girls embark on a new and exciting adventure when Suguru turns out to be the lucky winner of a vacation destination: a trip to the beautiful Okinawa! Excited for a blissful and carefree trip, Suguru embarks to Okinawa (along with her friends) and fun is had in abundance. The breezy conclusion to the summer is one that each girl in the group will remember for many years to come. A new ally is also also encountered along the way: the kind-spirited Aoi, who helps them out with their vacation fun. Bon Voyage, boredom!

One of the most impressive elements of the film is the breathtaking animation. For starters, there is certainly a lot of opportunities for great visuals with a vacation-themed film. The concept plays up everything fans of the series might hope for with regards to a summer-break extravaganza. With a colorful and vibrant aesthetic, the animators bring a joyful approach to the material and the world explored. The art direction by Anna Akasaka is wonderfully textured and it is clear that the team assembled for the animation duties were inspired in their approach to handing the material. The animation would not have been able to be so splendid and detailed without the cinematography by Atsushi Satou (The Girl in Twilight, Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, So I'll Max Out My Defense) providing a sense of inspired visuals.

"My art teacher gave me five gold stars."

Blending in with the animation with ease is the splendid music composed by the gifted Hiromi Mizutani (Jump Force, Deadly Premonition). The music score is a perfect match to the visuals. Throughout Non Non Biyori Vacation, the music explores these characters and their world with charisma. Several pieces throughout seem to have theme music which gives the film a fun energy which will have audiences brimming with smiles.

The storytelling is light, breezy, and entertaining fare. The screenplay by Reiko Yoshida (The Cat Returns, A Silent Voice: The Movie) jumps in to the summer vacation fun with ease. The script is certainly unconcerned with introducing newcomers to the world of these characters (yet viewers unaccustomed to the world at play will find it easy to delve into the storytelling nonetheless). A charming script, each central character is given an opportunity to shine. The story flows from one entertaining vacation-destination to another without ever feeling repetitive or uninspired.

Shin'ya Kawatsura (Madlax, Noir) directs the film with a style that is unmistakably well-crafted and polished. Kawatsura is an ace-director with a clear understanding of the craft: while his brilliant Noir anime is vastly different from the world of Non Non Biyori Vacation, the exceptional level of creative energy can be seen throughout both productions. Scenes are never over-long or overcooked. Rather, the filmmaking feels jazzy and exciting in the slice-of-life anime realm. Non Non Biyori Vacation is a fun animated effort and one that will delight viewers (both established fans and viewers new to the fold).

Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Sentai Filmworks, Non Non Biyori Vacation is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. This is a truly fantastic high definition presentation which is extremely colorful and robust from start to finish. The line art looks fluid and the background art is simply breathtaking to behold. As the storyline unfolds surrounding the events of the characters being on vacation, there is a lot of beautiful scenery. From waterfalls to sandy beaches, the vacation world is one that viewers will want to experience. The animation is bright and colorful and looks truly superb on the release. The encode quality is also commendable and capably renders the art. There were no egregious issues with banding and other detrimental anomalies to report.

Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in the original Japanese language with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track. The clarity of the audio on the release is superb and sounds highly detailed. There are so many enticing environmental sound effects which are well utilized in the engaging surround design. The naturalistic sounds of the outdoors and brought to life with clear vitality. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The Japanese audio is accompanied by non-removable English subtitles. No English dub is included.

Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Japanese Promos (HD, 3:03)

Japanese TV Spots (HD, 1:17)

Also Available from Sentai: Tamako Market (HD, 1:34), Senryu Girl (HD, 1:02), Re:Stage! Dream Days (HD, 1:34), and The Demon Girl Next Door (HD, 1:31).

Non Non Biyori: Vacation - The Movie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A fun, light, and breezy animated diversion that delivers a fun time (in spades), Non Non Biyori Vacation is a wonderful experience which anime fans should seek out. The characters are quite charming and the storytelling is heartfelt. The animation is outstanding and the vacation theme certainly offered the animators a lot of fun locations to bring to life in high-style. The Blu-ray is similarly impressive with a quality high-definition presentation and an effective lossless audio soundtrack. Highly recommended.