Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie Review

Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is an action-adventure comedy continuing the fun of the Project A-ko franchise. Produced by Kazufumi Nomura (Robot Carnival, Vampire Princess Miyu) and based on the original story by Katsuhiko Nishijima, Kazumi Shirasaka, and Yuji Moriyama, Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody features an excellent voice cast including Miki Itō, Emi Shinohara, and Michie Tomizawa. A feature-film featuring animation production by Studio Fantasia (Kirameki Project, Rumbling Hearts), Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is a must-see for franchise devotees.

The season has changed and new adventures await the Ko girls. Eiko "A-ko" Magami (Miki Itō) remains the perfect redhead and she sees the change in season as an opportunity for spring love. Could it be time for some romance? Things become confrontational between A-Ko and Shiko "C- ko" Kotobuki (Michie Tomizawa) while shopping. Finding the perfect outfit isn’t as easy as it sometimes seems. Running away from the argument, C-ko runs into a handsome man, Kei. Kei is also a motorcyclist. However, C-ko has been more in the mood for spring adventures and hasn’t been looking for a boyfriend.

After C-ko runs into Kei, A-ko also runs in to him after pursuing her friend following the confrontation. Only a single glass slipper is left behind. Will love ever spring forth from the unexpected encounter? Meanwhile, Biko "B-ko" Daitokuji (Emi Shinohara) is getting in to more mischief than she should and is looking to ruin any and all plans by A-ko. Romance and comedic surprises are in store – sometimes even while at A-ko’s part time job. What will happen next?

The Project A-ko anime franchise features an incredible cast of characters. The characters are a huge part of the charm of the series and why the films have become such wonderful classics beloved by devotees of classic anime. A-ko, B-ko, and C-ko are all outstanding characters and it is great fun spending time with them. The characters help usher in the fun and add an abundance of charm. Featuring character designs by Yuji Moriyama (All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Maison Ikkoku), Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody does a great job of showcasing these designs – the character design work adding a lot to the viewing experience.

The mecha designs by Koichi Ohata (Ninja Robots, Black Lion) are impressive and this is one of the most enjoyable elements of the animation. The mecha elements certainly are a compelling component of the action-adventure aspect of the filmmaking – adding some fine detail to the animation and to the experience. A good production effort by Ohata.

The animation is exceptional and breathtaking. The animation is where the filmmaking shines most of all. Featuring superb animation direction by the great Yuji Moriyama (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honnêamise), Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is an incredible accomplishment as an animated production. Animation director Moriyama has also provided the film with the storyboards.  The third feature in the franchise also has noteworthy art direction by Satoshi Matsudaira (Alice in Wonderland, Dark Cat).

Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody manages to reach the same outstanding heights of the original feature and its vibrant animation. The third installment continues to showcase creative animation, colorful aesthetics, and breathtaking action. The animators delivered their absolute best with this production and the results are extremely satisfying. A great animated effort all around.

The cinematography by Norihide Kubota (Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honnêamise, Wonder Beat Scramble) is outstanding and one of the best elements of the production. Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is a stunning looking feature and the colorful aesthetic is brought to life triumphantly by cinematographer Kubota. Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody stacks up against the other entries.

The score composed by Hiromoto Tobisawa (Captain Tsubasa, Kaiketsu Zorro) is energetic fun: the upbeat music adding so much to the experience. The score certainly provides a lot of charm to the experience. Tobisawa provides a breezy and charming score that fits the tone of the filmmaking exceptionally well. The score aids both the comedic tone and the action-adventure elements.

Written by Tomoko Kawasaki (Project A-ko, Project A-ko 4: Final), Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody manages to expand on the first two feature-films with another entertaining and charming entry in the film franchise. Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody has a strong script and the characters are just as charming as in the first two entries. Incredible – a script that capably provides great dialogue and energy.

From directors Yuji Moriyama (Project A-ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group, Project A-ko 4: Final) and Shōichi Masuo O (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Submarine 707R), Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody doesn’t disappoint as an experience. The filmmakers understand the language of the medium and use breathtaking animation to help the story unfold. Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody has such a great sense of style and the filmmakers hone all of these creative elements to create another compelling work of art in the Project A-ko film series. Fans of the Project A-ko series won’t be able to resist the charms of third energetic third entry.

Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The encode is exceptional and another excellent showcase for the fine work from distributor Discotek Media. A beautiful looking presentation and one that capably preserves the cell-based animation. This is a wonderful restoration effort. The film was scanned from the original film negatives. The high bit-rate encoding helps to preserve the fine detail in the animation.

Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The high-resolution 24-bit depth presentation is incredible and one of the best aspects of the encoding. The release preserves the excellent sound direction by Yasunori Honda (Record of Lodoss War, Tenchi Muyo!) and is crisp, satisfying, and engaging. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score composed by Hiromoto Tobisawa is well reproduced and adds a great deal to the audio experience as well. A strong effort by Discotek Media.

Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an attractive looking o-card slipcover and the art-work underneath the slipcover features reversible art (so you can get additional art-work after taking the slipcover off). A nice design touch by Discotek.

On disc supplements include:

Archival Material:

"Love and Robots" Trailer (SD, 1:38)

Vintage Credits (SD, 4:21)

Music Videos:

Get a Chance (Vintage Version) (SD, 4:33)

Get a Chance (Enhanced Version) (HD, 4:33)

Otakon 2022 Teaser (HD, 1:58)

Production Art Galleries:

Key Art includes 12 click-through slides.

Home Video and Merchandise includes 128 click-through slides.

Liner Notes:

Trivia and Notes includes 13 click-through slides.

Mischief Gallery includes 28 click-through slides.

Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is an entertaining action-packed adventure and the classic anime feature has plenty of comedic elements too. The filmmaking is excellent and manages to hold its own alongside the previous entries in the anime franchise. Project A- ko fans won't be able to resist this excellent installment in the series. One of the most charming anime franchises of the 80s, Project A-ko 3 – Cinderella Rhapsody is a must-see.

The Blu-ray release from Discotek Media is a first-rate release with an excellent video presentation (restored from the original film negatives), high- resolution 24-bit lossless audio, and a plethora of supplements. A must-own release for Project A-ko fans. Highly recommended.