Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Ride Your Wave Blu-ray Movie Review

Ride Your Wave is an utterly delightful slice-of-life fantasy-romance from executive producer Yoshihiko Taneda (One Piece: Z, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods). The unique film is another remarkable production by acclaimed filmmaker Masaaki Yuasa (The Tatami Galaxy, Mind Game). Filled to the brim with breathtaking animation and a heartfelt storyline, Ride Your Wave is another must-see gem from the acclaimed filmmaker.

The beautiful 19 year old Hinako Mukaimizu (Rina Kawaei) decides to set out on a quest to fulfill her life dreams: surfing the waves. Moving to an quaint ocean-side community, Hinako meets the brave firefighter Minato Hinageshi (Ryota Katayose). The pair quickly hit it off and start a relationship. Exploring surfing together, Minato ups his game in learning how to surf. Alas, Minato dies a tragic young death while at sea. Yet the relationship continues... as Minato returns as a ghostly spirit in the waters (who will never leave her side). What does the future hold in store for Hinako and Minato?

One of the most impressive elements of Ride Your Wave is the stunning animation. Ride Your Wave is a remarkable accomplishment in regards to the animation. The character designs are exquisite and feel distinctly original in style. There is something magical about the art work. The background art is refreshing and gorgeous to take in. The creative animation feels right at home in the filmography of Yuasa while managing to feel distinctive all on its own. Ride Your Wave succeeds in most areas and the stellar animation is one of its greatest strengths. The animators deserve tremendous accolades for their accomplishments.

Ride Your Wave is also accompanied by a tremendously engaging music score composed by Michiru Oshima (Lost Paradise, Memories of Tomorrow). The score adds to the enchanting element of Ride Your Wave. The music adds to the experience and gives a heartbeat to the dramatic events which manage to unfold throughout the story. The characters seem to have distinctive thematic pieces throughout the score. A tremendous effort by Oshima.

Director Masaaki Yuasa is one of the most gifted filmmakers working in the medium today. A modern marvel of the craft, Yuasa once again delights with his unique creativity and original voice. Working with an exceptional screenplay by Reiko Yoshida (A Silent Voice: The Movie, The Cat Returns), Yuasa manages to make the story one that is enormously impressive on a production level (with outstanding animation, music, and editing) without forgetting the characters and heart at the core of the story. It is the ability of Yuasa to perfect so many components of filmmaking in each of his own cinematic stories that makes the filmmaker so distinctive.

Ride Your Wave is a special work of art that proudly stands alongside the other works from this talented creative genius. From beginning to end, I found the experience an enriching and rewarding one. Fans of the filmmaker (and newcomers alike) would do well to check out this under-the-radar anime gem. A must-see experience.

Ride Your Wave Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Gkids, Ride Your Wave is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. This is a stunning presentation. The entire encode is top-notch: crisp, clear, and downright pristine. The animation is beautiful and seeing it so well preserved on this release is a real treat. The encode preserves the bright colors and robust animation with ease. Fans won't be left disappointed with this one: Ride Your Wave looks truly amazing.

Ride Your Wave Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two unique lossless audio tracks. Ride Your Wave is presented in both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and the original Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. Throughout either presentation, audiences will be gifted with a wonderfully impressive experience.

The audio is crystal clear, dynamic, and well-integrated. The surrounds are realistically utilized and one can hear the sounds of the ocean, the ambiance of the natural outdoors, and the terrain of rushing water with precise clarity and detail. The sweeping score is also extremely well implemented in to the sound design and the end result is a fantastic audio experience. English subtitles are provided for the original Japanese language version.

The Blu-ray disc also includes optional Spanish, French, and English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing).

Ride Your Wave Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with a booklet featuring a director statement, production credits, and character profiles (featuring art work from Ride Your Wave).

On disc supplements include the following:

Interview with producer Eunyoung Choi (HD, 8:43) exploring the production of Ride Your Wave.

Animatics (HD, 3:48) showcasing the development of the animation (followed by a brief clip of the final animation) during a few key moments from the feature-film.

Art Gallery uses the navigational arrows on a remote-control to look over a series of illustrations and character sketches for the production of Ride Your Wave.

Ride Your Wave Trailers and TV Spots (HD, 4:31) showcases promotional spots for the release.

Ride Your Wave Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Ride Your Wave is an utterly delightful cinematic confection. The animation is exquisite and truly unique in style. The storytelling is first-rate and pulls at the heart-strings in all the right ways. Ride Your Wave continually manages to surprise (again and again) until it reaches its heartfelt conclusion. Director Masaaki Yuasa (Lu Over the Wall, The Tatami Galaxy) has managed to prove himself as a filmmaker once more.

There is something special about the works of Yuasa and Ride Your Wave is another exceptional film from the gifted filmmaker. Anyone who considers themselves a serious anime fan should seek out a viewing of the film and other efforts within Yuasa's body of work. The Blu-ray release of Ride Your Wave features an exceptional video-audio presentation and has plenty of extras to keep fans entertained. Highly recommended.