Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie Review

Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is the fifth feature-film in the beloved anime film franchise. Distributed by TOHO, Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter was released in Japanese cinemas on February 15, 1986. Based on the original manga created by Rumiko Takahashi, Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is executive produced by Hidenori Taga (Maison Ikkoku, Urusei Yatsura: Only You).

Produced by Yoko Matsushita (Maison Ikkoku, Ranma ½), Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter features a theme song performance by Hanako Asada. With animation produced by Kitty Films (Maison Ikkoku, Ranma ½), Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter was originally conceived of as a series conclusion. Even though the film was later followed with some additional film/OVA specials, Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is what some would still argue is the series finale.

The film combines elements of the beginning of the series with a major plot point revolving around the entire series. The film explores whether or not this element will come to fruition by the conclusion of the feature-film. The feature-film highlights vocal performances by Fumi Hirano, Toshio Furukawa, Akira Kamiya, Ichirō Nagai, Kaneto Shiozawa, Kazuko Sugiyama, Kenichi Ogata, Machiko Washio, Saeko Shimazu, and You Inoue.

Lum (Fumi Hirano) and Ataru Moroboshi (Toshio Furukawa) can’t seem to step away from a world of adventure. A new and epic battle in Tomobiki awaits them. Lum finds that her own grandfather was somehow trapped inside a storage unit. Lum discovers that her grandfather made a preemptive and unexpected move to promise her own hand in marriage to someone else years ago – something that could happen without the worlds she most wants to hear: I love you.

Lum becomes whisked away with a new potential match and Ataru now has to fight for her. Lum won’t allow Ataru to be with her without those magic words: I love you – which Lum expects from Ataru. Ataru is still wondering about being a ladies man. Will Ataru wise up and finally utter words of love to Lum or could this be the end of the romance between Lum and Ataru forever?

The characters have always been the essential heart of the series (both the television series and the anime film series). The journey of Lum and Ataru is where the fun of the program resides. They are wonderful lead characters and there is a lot of charm from their journey. The voice actors for the protagonists do great work, too. The voices add a lot of warmth to the filmmaking.

Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter also provides an abundance of good supporting parts and gives time for these supporting voice actors to shine, too: Akira Kamiya as Shuutarou Mendou, Ichirō Nagai as Cherry, Kaneto Shiozawa as Rupa, Kazuko Sugiyama as Ten, Kenichi Ogata as Upa, Machiko Washio as Sakura, Saeko Shimazu as Shinobu Miyake, and You Inoue as Carla. The ensemble voices featured on the series add to the experience. A good effort from the voice team.

The animation is outstanding. The animation adds plenty of charm to the entire film. The film features character designs by Setsuko Shibuichi (Tracing the Gray Summer, Wonder Beat Scramble). The anime character designs are true to the manga designs. The work of Rumiko Takahashi is not forgotten. The film also features stunning art direction by Torao Arai (Ranma ½: Nihao My Concubine, Space Warrior Baldios) and animation direction by Yukari Kobayashi (Case Closed, Hamtaro). The animation team did outstanding work in bringing this tale to life. The animators worked well utilizing the top-notch anime storyboards by Setsuko Shibuichi (Les Misérables - Shōjo Cosette, Shūkan Storyland). The series anime also highlights the mecha designs by Kenichi Maejima (Grey: Digital Target). The entire team brought energy and enthusiasm to the film.

The cinematography by Akitarō Daichi (Guyver: Out of Control, Crystal Triangle) is beautiful and there are a lot of visual elements to appreciate. Daichi is a compelling cinematographer with a love for the world of the anime and the cinematic landscape of the film series. The film has compelling visuals enhanced by the exceptional cinematography.

Written by Tomoko Konparu (Blue Spring Ride, Kimi ni Todoke - From Me to You), Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is one of the best entries in the entire film series. Konparu has a lot of fun with the installment. The script is good and the journey is one that audiences will be thrilled by. The script finds a nice balance of comedy and romance. Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is all the better for it.

Directed by Satoshi Dezaki (Wonder Beat Scramble, A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose), Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is a must-see entry in the film franchise. The film has great storytelling and the filmmaker behind the scenes made the film a total blast as director. This is an essential installment. Fans of the Urusei Yatsura film franchise won’t want to miss it.

Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Discotek Media, Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The presentation on the release is excellent and there are a lot of great qualities to appreciate with the presentation. The video quality is crisp, clear, and engaging. The transfer capably showcases fine detail in the animation.

The line art and background animation are well showcased with a naturally cinematic presentation. The transfer does a great job highlighting the hand drawn animation style and the cell-based visuals add so much to the experience. The print is free from egregious issues with dirt, debris, and scratches. Though it is not a pristine print it is generally in excellent shape. A great effort by Discotek Media.

Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo, Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (as a stereo remix), and Japanese uncompressed PCM 1.0 mono (as the original theatrical mono track). The lossless audio quality sounds great on the release. Dialogue is crisp and clear. The score is well reproduced and adds to the charms of the soundstage. The sound direction by Shigeharu Shiba (Castle in the Sky, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) is preserved. A wonderful lossless encode by Discotek Media.

Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with a beautiful o-card slipcover.

Theatrical Teaser (HD, 00:32)

Urusei Yatsura Movie 5: The Final Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Urusei Yatsura – Movie 5 – The Final Chapter is a great installment in the film franchise. The film was created as the intended end to the series and film franchise. The film does tie up some loose threads. The filmmaking is entertaining and charming. The Blu-ray provides excellent video and audio quality. The release also provides a nice o-card slipcover. Highly recommended.