The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie Review

A masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away)

Hayao Miyazaki's The Wind Rises was announced as the filmmaker's final outing around the time of its release in 2013. The beloved filmmaker has since announced a new project is on the way: a feature-film entitled “How Do You Live?” Fans of the filmmaker can rejoice in the news of an upcoming production. Despite a new film on the horizon (as of this writing), The Wind Rises still feels like a strong concluding statement from the master storyteller – even if it isn't one.

The Wind Rises explores the complex role of a Japanese fighter plane designer named Jiro Horikoshi (Hideaki Anno) as he works on developing planes during World War II years. (The film was partially inspired by the story of his actual parents – including the role Miyazaki's father, Katsuji, who ran an aviation company in real-life.) The filmmaking is powerful and sometimes overwhelming. Another masterpiece by the gifted Miyazaki.

"We must live."

For more information on the film, please refer to the review by Blu-ray.com writer Kenneth Brown.

The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Gkids and Shout Factory, The Wind Rises is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The scan appears to be identical to the one used for the earlier release in North America from Walt Disney Pictures (as well as the original Japanese disc presentation). The encode quality is similar and is satisfactory for the presentation of the feature- film. The bit-rate is sufficient and the stunning art appears entirely organic and mesmerizing. The beautiful animation has such a rich tapestry of color throughout the story that is well presented in high-definition.

The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio appears to be the same as what was provided on the Walt Disney Blu-ray edition. For more information on the audio quality for The Wind Rises, please refer to the review by Blu- ray.com writer Kenneth Brown.

The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NEW to the Gkids edition of The Wind Rises is a documentary featuring the maestro behind the magic of Ghibli.

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki (HD, 49:32) brings viewers behind-the-scenes to see Miyazaki in office (as he toils away on his award-winning animated productions). The documentary features extensive footage which should appeal to die-hard devotees of the filmmaker. This is akin to a companion piece to the Hayao Miyazaki feature-length documentary released by Gkids.

The release also includes a NEW booklet featuring translated notes by Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki.

The release retains all of the original supplemental features found on the Disney release. For more information on these supplemental features, please refer to the Blu-ray.com review for the release.

The Wind Rises Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something profound about The Wind Rises. The storytelling is deeply personal. This is perhaps the most personal of all of Miyazaki's feature-films. Despite being a filmmaker known for creating whimsical and fantastical stories throughout his remarkable career (with gems like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro), The Wind Rises is closer in spirit to the realism of Miyazaki's Ghibli comrade, the late Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies). Though the film has some elements that play with fantasy – The Wind Rises is a film that feels grounded in reality. An essential masterpiece. Highly recommended.