Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see anime.

An outstanding achievement in animation that deserves great accolades, the smash hit anime, Violet Evergarden, is a modern classic based on the beloved series of light novels featuring illustrations by Akiko Takase and written by Kana Akatsuki. Produced by Kyoto Animation (K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Beyond the Boundary), the series is distributed on home media in North America by Funimation Entertainment. An exploration of humanity through the eyes of a curious robot – and a fascinating science-fiction mind-trip that rewards patience.

In the aftermath of a violent war, Violet Evergarden (Yui Ishikawa) must attempt to start a new. Having been used as a violent weapon of war, the Auto Memory Doll robotic woman finds work with the CH Postal Company. Violet begins to work with the writers agency and helps deliver letters to people across the countryside. Can Violet come to terms with the horrors of the war? As Violet travels, everything changes – and she starts to learn the meaning of the phrase “I love you” as said to her by Major Gilbert (Daisuke Namikawa).

The series features outstanding animation that grips hold and never lets go. The art work is exquisite and hypnotizing. Featuring first-rate art direction by Mikiko Watanabe (Beyond the Boundary, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid), the team of talented animators manage to bring forth some of their best efforts with this beautifully animated gem. The creative character designs are distinctive and the background artwork is detailed. There is a lot to appreciate about the simple whimsy of the program and its artistic endeavors within the medium.

Board the train.

The cinematography by Kohei Funamoto (Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll, Violet Evergarden: The Movie) enhances the visual aesthetic as well. The lighting is one of the elements which was consistently compelling. Some of the animation has a nostalgic tint and color timing which gives the experience a tone unlike most other anime programs. The post-war scenes are similarly beautiful – and showcase the vivid countryside in a manner that is decidedly memorable. The efforts of Funamoto are distinctive and engaging.

The original music score composed by Evan Call (Tokyo ESP, Violet Evergarden: The Movie) is also exceptional. The score adds a great flavor to the program that is impossible to ignore. The music has heart, gusto, and energy. The composer manages to find the perfect moments to highlight the drama: enhancing the nostalgic underpinnings of the storytelling at every turn. The score lifts one up and carries one through the story. This is a first-rate effort by Call that no anime fan should ignore.

The storytelling is one of the reasons the show has garnered a reputation in many circles as an instant classic of the medium. The scripts by Reiko Yoshida (The Cat Returns, Tokyo Mew Mew) are well written and find a good balance between character development and storytelling drama. The series explores deep themes – the very nature of humanity – and finds moments of quiet majesty. This is certainly one of the greatest strengths of the program.

Directed by Haruka Fujita (Sound! Euphonium, Myriad Colors Phantom World) and Taichi Ishidate (My Ordinary Life, Beyond the Boundary), Violet Evergarden is worth a watch for any anime fan looking to experience something uniquely compelling. The series is a visually rewarding gem that excels in most arenas. Fujita is a sharp filmmaker and someone who has a clear understanding of the craft. There is no doubt that the efforts of the filmmaker enhanced the experience greatly. Featuring the pitch-perfect editing by Kengo Shigemura (A Silent Voice: The Movie, Liz and the Blue Bird), Violet Evergarden manages to find magic in the most unexpected of places. Don't miss it.

Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation Entertainment, Violet Evergarden is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation quality is exceptional throughout the entire run of episodes. This is one of the most serene visual experiences the anime medium has seen in recent years. The quality of the art work is terrific to see and the encoding manages to present the efforts of the animators in their best quality. Colors are terrific – and enhance the experience. There are few issues to report in regards to the presentation. Occasional minor banding proves to be a minor distraction but is fleeting. Action sequences are extremely solid and never seem to suffer from compression artifacts. The end result is satisfying.

Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English Dolby TrueHD 2.0 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 (with English subtitles). Either option will provide fans with an exceptional lossless presentation that demonstrates every nuance of the music score and the sound design. Despite the absence of a surround sound presentation, the stereo audio is dynamic and engaging throughout the episodes. The results are sublime: crystal clear dialogue and crisp detail in the subtleties of the audio tracks. A slam-dunk from Funimation Entertainment.

Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes packaged with an attractive o-card slipcover. The set is a Blu-ray + Funimation Digital combo pack edition.

Textless Opening (HD, 1:31)

Textless Closing (HD, 1:31)

Japanese Trailer (HD, 2:32)

English Trailer (HD, 1:29)

Lastly, the release includes a selection of promotional trailers (HD, 1:21) promoting other releases available from distributor Funimation Entertainment.

Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Violet Evergarden is an impressive anime with exquisite animation, compelling direction, and first-rate storytelling. It is easy to see why so many regard the program as an instant classic. This is a worthwhile series that any fan of the anime art form should consider checking out. The Blu-ray video-audio presentation is exquisite. Fans of the series are strongly encouraged to pick up Violet Evergarden.