The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 23, 2019

2015’s “The Case of Hana & Alice” is actually a prequel to 2004’s “Hana and Alice,” which tracked the developing friendship between the titular characters as they experience love, obsession, deception, and ballet. Aiming to revisit the pair from a slightly earlier time in their lives, director Shunji Iwai elects to combat the ravages of time by turning to animation, more specifically rotoscoping, which works as a time machine of sorts, permitting stars Anne Suzuki and Yu Aoi a chance to return to their youthful roles without revealing how many years have passed between installments.

“The Case of Hana & Alice” delves deeper into personal relationships, acting as a sort of origin story for the pair, who come together to deal with a possible supernatural awakening at the local school. There’s some “Nancy Drew” in the mix, but Iwai isn’t really concerned with the central mystery, electing to hang with the characters as they develop a bond, exposing vulnerabilities and personalities as they make their way around the community, interacting with others and developing their own interplay.

The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers a sharp and bright viewing experience for "The Case of Hana & Alice," with the picture's interesting look brought to Blu-ray with care. The rotoscoped visuals retain their special appearance, delivering design details that make it easy to survey the frame, spotting decorative additions and performance nuances. Colors are wonderful, securing the effort's communicative palette, which delivers a rainbow of hues to best capture the beauty of the setting and the artistry of the animation. Primaries are potent, with water color-like reds and blues. Delineation is satisfactory.

The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is highly detailed, working with Iwai's use of natural sound to best bring out environments and performances. Room tones are exceptional, getting a feel for wood floors and intimate spaces, while outdoor events deliver a sense of open air movement. Dialogue exchanges are exact, with sharp emotionality. Scoring is exceptional, moving from deep orchestral strings to crisper piano movements, while volume is balanced with care. Atmospherics offer some surround activity, feeling out the expanse of a few locations, and community bustle is pleasingly circular. Low-end isn't challenged, but weight is felt from time to time, especially with automobile-based action.

The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (30:01, HD) reunites actresses Yu Aoi and Anne Suzuki, who are joined by the director of "The Case of Hana & Alice," Shunji Iwai. Topics include preparation, changes encountered over the last decade since the release of the original movie, the switch to animation and all the challenges and freedom such artistry offers, reaction to the initial trailer, memories of the previous production, ballet experience, and the feature's personal meaning.

• Film Completion Press Conference (11:48, HD) returns to Iwai, Suzuki, and Aoi, who cover the basics of "The Case of Hana & Alice" in front of a premiere audience.

• Film Premiere Stage Greeting (12:00, HD) brings out Iwai, Suzuki, and Aoi again to discuss the making of "The Case of Hana & Alice."

• Interview (37:53, HD) is a proper sit-down with Iwai, who examines the process of animation and the journey of his material over a decade between pictures. There's talk of rotoscoping, favorite scenes, and his work as a director, and Iwai also discusses the differences between live-action and animation.

• "Message from Makoto Shinkai" (26:22, HD) is actually an interview with the animator, who details the creative process, influences, his work with Iwai, and character design.

• T.V. Spot (:24, HD) offers a Japanese commercial for "The Case of Hana & Alice."

• And a U.S. Trailer (1:10, HD), Japanese Trailer (1:10, HD), and a Japanese Teaser (:50, HD) are included.

The Case of Hana & Alice Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While it's a prequel, "The Case of Hana & Alice" doesn't carry too much narrative baggage, allowing newcomers to enjoy the central dynamic. Animation is also gorgeous, with Iwai often pausing the movie to offer pure artistry and performance, as the lead actresses are charming and emotive. Clues and suspects aren't nearly as interesting as time spent with color and character, making "The Case of Hana & Alice" a pleasingly simple viewing experience with plenty of quirks and camaraderie to sustain interest.