Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Tokyo Godfathers Blu-ray Movie Review

An anime masterpiece: a tale or redemption and hope.

A heartwarming fable which takes place across the streets of Tokyo, Japan on a cold night, the 2003 holiday gem Tokyo Godfathers is a unusual and magical comedy-drama that explores the strange circumstances of a fateful Christmas eve when three homeless allies unexpectedly discover an abandoned baby. Produced by Masao Maruyama (Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue), Tokyo Godfathers surpasses expectations as a unique and original example of independent spirit anime filmmaking. Featuring breathtaking visuals and a heartwarming vision, Tokyo Godfathers is an anime essential.

Attempting to survive through the cold night together, the story unfolds with a trio of unlikely allies on Christmas eve: the drunkard Gin (Tôru Emori), trans-woman Hana (Yoshiaki Umegaki), and a young teenage runaway, Miyuki (Aya Okamoto). The trio seem like an impossible team that would never connect under normal circumstances. Yet fate brings them together as the characters attempt to find a home for the abandoned newborn they find. As the film delves into the backstories of the characters, a tale of redemption and hope unfolds. Is the fateful night a Christmas miracle?

An extraordinary achievement, Tokyo Godfathers is such a well crafted slice of cinematic wonderment. The artistry of the production and its canvas can be felt in each sequence. There is a sense of passion in the production on every level. The animation is outstandingly detailed and the animation direction from Ken'ichi Konishi (The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Millennium Actress) gives nuance to the film that is otherwise lost: the character designs, the background layouts, and the serene movement of the is deeply felt and makes a firm impression. Anime fans can expect a top-notch production aesthetic with such a gifted team of animations behind-the-scenes.

"You only get two wishes. Do I look like a blue genie to you?"

The animation takes on a dream-like quality with the sublime serenity of the original music score. The music score was composed by Keiichi Suzuki (The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi, Outrage Coda) with contributions by Moonriders and the end results of the collaborations are breathtaking. The film is a zippy, fun, and free experience and the music adds to the flavor of the filmmaking tenfold. There is a great tempo to the score and it energizes the film on every level. When the film calls for more tender, dramatic moments, composer Suzuki similarly finds the perfect note between sentimentality and the essential rhythm the scene commands.

Keiko Nobumoto (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) and Satoshi Kon penned the screenplay together. The results of the collaboration proved fruitful. The script is surprisingly honest and sentimental without ever feeling overly-dramatic or schmaltzy. The story is about the way the characters seek redemption and hope for a new tomorrow as the homeless trio attempt to help save the abandoned child. As the storyline delves into these characters personal lives, the filmmaking reflects a clear pathos and respect for the three leads. The filmmaking is empathetic and the script is a huge part of the reason why the film works so well.

Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress) is one of the greatest anime directors in the history of the medium. Even decades from now, I find it impossible to imagine too many other anime filmmakers managing to make such a splash on the medium as Kon. Each and every tale from this master director demonstrates his outstanding vision and understanding of the craft of filmmaking. Tokyo Godfathers ranks as one of the auteur filmmakers best efforts (and unlike the majority of his films – which are often fantastical – the tone is more realistic here). Every frame of the picture seems to have a clear purpose and the evocative cinematography by Katsutoshi Sugai (Witch Hunter Robin, Paranoia Agent) gives the animation a vibrancy as rich as life itself. Tokyo Godfathers is an anime masterpiece: a truly vital, essential, and important work of art that is an example of why the medium is so important. Don't miss it.

Tokyo Godfathers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Gkids, Tokyo Godfathers arrives on Blu-ray for the first time in North America with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release is a stunning new 4K restoration. The presentation was scanned entirely in 4K and the end result is a colorful presentation which is impressive from beginning to end. The colors are faithfully reproduced.

The aesthetic is a bit neutral in appearance and sparse given the storyline. The colors, though rich, are often dark and somber. The print is extremely clean and there are no issues with print damage, dirt, or other detriments. The scan doesn't show any bothersome age or wear to the film elements. Though this scan is mostly an impressive one, the release does have a minor drawback: the encode has some DNR (digital noise reduction) which knocks detail back a notch.

The presentation would have been a little better with a more naturalistic grain structure intact, though the issue is subjective (some prefer the animation without grain). For the most part, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the 4K scan of Tokyo Godfathers: the film is a visually outstanding achievement in animation and the release rewards fans with the best presentation to date. Anime fans will certainly appreciate the uptick in quality this high-definition presentation offers.

Tokyo Godfathers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes two unique lossless audio options: the original Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and a brand new English dub option (as the previous DVD of Tokyo Godfathers was subtitled-only). The English dub is also presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The audio track is exceptional with outstanding fidelity and crisp vocals throughout the entire presentation. The clarity and depth of the track make an enormous impression on the experience. During scenes with more action and excitement, the track has some effective surround sound that integrates the sound effects into the experience well. Most of the film presentation is focused on dialogue (which is crisp and clear throughout) and on the music score. The lossless track is quite effective and sounds significantly better than the previous home-media release.

Optional English (or Spanish) subtitles are provided for the original language version. English SDH subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) are also provided.

Tokyo Godfathers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Introduction by K.F. Watanabe (HD, 2:06) features deputy director of film (for the Japan Society) in New York City as he discusses Tokyo Godfathers and its significance as an important anime that is an essential work of art.

Making of Tokyo Godfathers (SD, 22:10) features behind the scenes footage from the production of the film in Japan. Fans will no doubt be interested in seeing the footage and interviews as the extra delves into the making of the animated gem.

The Process of Animation (SD, 14:02) explores the animation process and the development of the artistry of Tokyo Godfathers.

The Unexpected Tours (SD, 25:57) showcases the real-life Tokyo locations utilized for developing background animation to set the scene for Tokyo Godfathers and its realistic scenery in animation.

Art Gallery (SD, 4:59)

Mixing for Surround Sound (SD, 6:45) explores the development of the surround sound track for Tokyo Godfathers.

An Interview with Shakina Nayfack (HD, 7:57) is accompanied be a prelude: the piece contains spoilers. (Don't watch until after a viewing of the film.) Nayfack discusses Tokyo Godfathers and diehard fans should take note.

Satoshi Kon Short Film: Ohayo (HD, 1:09) is a brief short from the master filmmaker behind Tokyo Godfathers.

Making of Ohayo (HD, 4:07) explores the behind- the-scenes production of the Satoshi Kon short film.

Trailers (HD, 2:14) for Tokyo Godfathers.

Tokyo Godfathers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

One of Satoshi Kon's greatest animated masterpieces, Tokyo Godfathers is an underrated and under- appreciated gem which proudly stands alongside Kon's Perfect Blue and Paprika as an exceptional anime film that explores the medium in an unexpected and refreshing way. The storyline is full of surprises and the empathetic tone of the filmmaking is sincere. The film has plenty of heart.

The animation in Tokyo Godfathers is downright stunning: Kon once again creates visuals that are unforgettable and which push the anime medium forward. Here is a film in which the homeless are the heroes of the story: the message of the film is important and the journey taken is one rarely seen or felt in animation. The Blu-ray release features a new 4K restoration and a selection of supplements help round out the package. Highly recommended for all anime enthusiasts. A must-own edition.