Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Promare Blu-ray Movie Review

An action-packed visual extravaganza from the team behind Gurren Lagann

An action-packed sci-fi mecha anime, Promare is a non-stop adrenaline rush from the same creative team behind the mega-hit anime series Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. The film marks the first full length standalone film from animation studio TRIGGER. The production was overseen by creative producer Hiromi Wakabayashi (Darling in the Franxx).

Set in the distant future, the story of Promare explores an epic battle of good versus evil. An evil force known as the Burnish destroyed half of the entire world's population 30 years ago. Flash forward and events are becoming “heated” once more: there is a new group that are calling themselves the “Mad Burnish” and they are seeking to pick things up where Burnish left off.

Mad Burnish leader Lio Fotia goes up against the brash young hero Galo Thymos, a knuckle-headed but brave muscle- man who is part of the Burning Rescue: a fire-fighters like organization which aims to stop new events from the Mad Burnish. Things are tense as epic fights for mankind go underway with some giant mecha suits at play. Which side will be victorious?

Fight fire with mecha.

The animation is the showstopping highlight of the entire film. The visuals are outstanding and certainly make a big impression. The art work looks fluid from scene to scene with action scenes that truly pack a big punch. The intensity of the visuals is impressive: Promare is like a roller-coaster ride bursting on overload and which never wants to slow down for more than a few seconds.

The creative animation reflects that energy in spades. Anyone who is looking to simply zone out and enjoy in some spectacular visuals should look no further. The art direction by Tomotaka Kubo (Mary and the Witch's Flower) brings an epic scope to the entire production that is astonishing.

There were many compelling elements on display in the film: the energetic, engaging, and fun score composed by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill) fits the high-octane animation as well as a glove. Given the involvement of the team behind Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, anime super-fans know to expect a action- packed experience. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi did a solid job directing and the experience is a non-stop rush of energy that doesn't disappoint visually. Unfortunately, the screenplay by Kazuki Nakashima is another matter: the script brings down the entire experience a few notches. The characters are paper-thin and the plot-line is convoluted and confusing to follow. Promare works as a visually exciting experience but it's also a bit paper-thin (like a Michael Bay movie). The end result might be a fun film but it's far from deserving a classic status.

Promare Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Shout Factory and Gkids, Promare has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. Featuring stunning animation throughout the entire presentation, the hyper-kinetic Promare looks gorgeous on Blu-ray and fans of the anime studio involved in the production will be thrilled to see the level of attention and care which has been given to presenting the film in the best quality.

A visual feast for the eyes, Promare has rich colors with deep hues. The colors seem to pop off of the screen and almost give the presentation a 3D-like quality. The encode quality is terrific and there were no detrimental issues with banding or macroblocking to report. The image looks consistently stable and the release has a healthy bit-rate that handles the animation well. Fans will not be disappointed.

Promare Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has multiple high-resolution audio options available: Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 5.1 DTS- HD Master Audio. Either option will provide fans with a bombastic surround sound presentation that is sure to please in spades. The English dub quality is superb and the voice-actors do terrific work in their respective parts while the lossless audio track is entirely capable of presenting these recordings with the upmost clarity. Dialogue is always crisp and easy to understand. Sound effects similarly sound impressively detailed and the action-scenes have a ferocity to them that makes the action more intense and absorbing. There is a decent degree of bass and depth to the audio track. The music score is crisp and engaging. A first-rate 24 bit high-resolution lossless mix.

Subtitles are available in English for the original language version), English (for the deaf and hard of hearing), Spanish, and French.

Promare Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes packaged in a Blu-ray & DVD combo pack. The release includes a slipcover for the first pressing. (Fans may also wish to know that separate steelbook and collectors edition releases are available.)

On disc supplements include the following:

Promare T railers (HD, 5:46) includes the Japanese trailer (subtitled), U.S. trailer (subtitled), U.S. trailer (dubbed), and U.S. trailer (45 sec. spotlight on dub cast).

Side: Galo (HD, 10:26) is the first of two prequel short films set within the Promare universe.

Side: Lio (HD, 10:08) is the second of two prequel short films connected to the main film.

Studio Trigger Roundtable (HD, 7:30) is a creative discussion features Promare creative director Hiromi Wakabayashi, character designer Shigeto Koyama, designer Superlog, and director Hiroyuki Imaishi. These enthusiastic filmmakers discuss the style of art from Studio Trigger, the production of Promare, the themes of Promare, and the music of Promare.

Interview with Director Hiroyuki Imaishi (HD, 2:27) features the filmmaker discussing the story of the film, the goal of the production team to make Promare into an exciting and action packed film, the cool references in the film (including to Kill la Kill), and more.

Behind the Scenes with the English Cast (HD, 10:34) features interviews with dub voice cast members including Billy Kametz (Galo Thymos), Johnny Yong Bosch (Lio Fotia), Neil Kaplan (Vulcan), Erica Lindbeck (Heris Ardebit), Yuri Lowenthal (Meis), and Matthew Mercer (Gueira). During the interviews the voice-actors are asked about what drew them to being involved in Promare, what scenes were their favorites to voice, and what their favorite kind of pizza is (because of the pizza scene). The behind the scenes footage also showcases some footage from inside of the recording booths as the voices are brought to life by the cast.

Promare Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Promare is an entertaining and action-packed thrill ride. The visuals are stunning: the film has great animation. The downside is that as much fun as it is, the truth is that the script is weak and the film ultimately feels a bit shallow and convoluted. Even despite the narrative shortcomings, Promare deserves to be seen as a stunning hyper-stylized anime. It's worth a watch. Recommended.