Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.5

Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie Review

Expanding upon the storyline established in the original fan-favorite Tamako Market anime series, Tamako Love Story is a feature film continuation of the beloved anime series from Kyoto Animation (Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya). The feature-film sequel is produced by the duo of Riri Senami (Sound! Euphonium the Movie: May the Melody Reach You! , A Silent Voice: The Movie) and Shinichi Nakamura (Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions the Movie: Rikka Takanashi Revision, Beyond the Boundary Movie: I'll Be Here – Mirai-hen).

Picking up the storyline following the events of the series conclusion, Tamako Love Story brings back the main cast of characters (sans birdie) for a romantic-drama continuation designed to wrap-up the original story-threads remaining from the series. The heart of the feature-film continuation is about exploring the friendship and budding relationship between the teenage Tamako Kitashirakawa (Aya Suzaki) and Mochizō Ōji (Atsushi Tamaru). The two friends have grown even closer over time and romance is in the air. The story answers the question lingering on every viewers mind: Will Tamako and Mochizō be able to find true love with one another?

The animation is every bit as impressive as it was during the main series production. In some respects, the production has become even more elaborate and impressive. It often appears as though the team worked with an even larger budget. There are some sequences which seem even more elaborate in approach. Even so, the original tone and style of the series is kept intact.

A tale of young love.

The feature-film sequel brings back art director Ikuko Tamine. Tamine crafts a great foundation for the story to build on. Everything from the background art to the character designs rings true. The style of the series remains lushly animated (and the animators bring their best) yet the aesthetics seem even more classy and distinct with the bigger-budget production values. Kudos to the animators for their classy efforts.

The score by Tomoko Kataoka (Tamako Market) remains at the heart of it all. The score fits these characters like a glove and manages to find a way to bring the story to its heartfelt conclusion. I appreciated Kataoka's themes and the careful attention to detail given in the music. The score is sophisticated and serene.

Director Naoko Yamada (K-On!, A Silent Voice: The Movie) and screenwriter Reiko Yoshida (The Cat Returns, Climb Miss Kotera) return to round out the Tamako Market experience. The series finale did wrap up most of the dangling plot threads... except for one involving the romantic-drama between the two leading characters. The film answers that call. Yamada and Yoshida created the feature-film to answer the remaining questions involving the lead characters. Fans will appreciate the effort.

Tamako Love Story is more serious in tone than the series. Nonetheless, the feature-film sequel is entirely true to the original. The talking bird is gone from the feature (and some of the comedic elements are toned down) but the heart rings true. The story is even more involving and engaging. Ultimately, Tamako Love Story feels like a gift made for fans of the series (though newcomers may enjoy it). The experience is a heartfelt one. Yoshida wrote memorable moments for the characters and Yamada expertly directed the grand finale. What an experience. Tamako Love Story is a must-see finale for anyone who enjoyed the slice-of-life magic of Tamako Market.

Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Sentai Filmworks, Tamako Love Story is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The anime film features stunning animation which has been well presented by Sentai. Line art is extremely crisp throughout the entire film presentation and the animators efforts have been well preserved. The image is crisp and clear. I was blown away by the visuals on the Tamako Market series. Tamako Love Story continues to have impressive visuals and the video-quality manages to reflect these attributes. The feature-film looks just as robust and well-encoded. Everything from the background art to the character designs looks vivid and stunningly realized. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.

Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Either option will provide viewers with an exceptional stereo audio presentation. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The music score is well integrated throughout the feature-film. Even though the track is only 2.0 stereo, the sound effects were well implemented and manage to make the overall sound design far more effective and satisfactory. I certainly found it to be an impressive stereo mix and one that exceeded my modest expectations.

Please Note: English subtitles are provided when viewed in the original Japanese.

Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Short Film: Dera-chan of the Southern Island (HD, 5:53) is a surprisingly charming short which centers upon the sweet-talkin' bird from the Tamako Market anime. Though entirely absent from the feature-film continuation, the bird gets a moment to shine in the accompanying short-form story. The film is a silly send-up and one that is perfectly viewed before- or-after a viewing of the main feature. The animation is just as impressive as it is during the main series and the primary feature-film: this doesn't feel like a throwaway short. Rather, Dera-chan of the Southern Island is a chance for the supporting bird character to get some due. Comical, charming, and a nice tie-in, the short comes recommended.

Please Note: The Dera-chan of the Southern Island short is presented with DTS-HD Master Audio.

Clean Closing Animation (HD, 3:57)

Clean Opening Animation (HD, 1:49)

Dera-chan of the Southern Island Short Film Clean Closing Animation (HD, 00:21)

Japanese Promo Video (HD, 1:37)

The release also includes a selection of trailers showcasing other releases available on Blu-ray from distributor Sentai Filmworks: Non Non Biyori Vacation (HD, 1:07), Mysteria Friends (HD, 00:42), After the Rain (HD, 1:32), and Re: Stage! Dream Days (HD, 1:34).

Tamako Love Story Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something enormously satisfying about reaching the end of a beloved anime: the conclusion of Tamako Love Story is emotional in all the right ways. The film expands upon the original Tamako Market anime in all the right ways. Any lingering fan questions are answered (and then some). The production values are impressive and the storytelling is focused. The Blu-ray features an exceptional video-audio production that is sure to satisfy fans. Don't overlook Tamako Love Story. There is a sense of real magic here. Highly recommended.