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Ocean Waves Blu-ray Review
Ocean Waves is an anime drama
based upon the novel by Saeko Himuro. The film is produced by Nozomu
Takahashi (The Cat Returns). Ocean Waves was the first
television animated film produced by acclaimed anime company Studio
Ghibli. It was the first feature from the studio that was not helmed by
director Isao Takahata or Hayao Miyazaki.
This film was a departure from the standard Ghibli production at the
time. Studio Ghibli was primarily known for producing the animated
films directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. This film
immediately differs from that with a new, young director Tomomi
Mochizuki at the helm. The idea was to have some of the younger staff
members of Studio Ghibli (including animation director Katsuya Kondo,
who would do the animation direction and key animation for several
other Ghibli films) have a project to do without the direct involvement
of either Miyazaki or Takahata.
The project was suggested by famed Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, who
thought Ghibli's young staff would appreciate an opportunity to make a
film based on the novel by Himuro. Conceived of as a special television
event, Ocean Waves was one of Ghibli's first drama projects. It also
remains as one of the studio's best dramas.
Taku, a young college student in Japan, reflects upon the time he spent
in high school and the fond memories he holds dear of his experiences
with his friends at school. Taku and his close friend from school,
Yutaka both admired and had feelings for a girl from their school,
Rikako. Rikako is a lot different from the generally quiet and reserved
Taku. She's active in sports and school events. She's outspoken and
some view her as being arrogant. Yet both Taku and Yutaka become
enamored with her.
Told via flashbacks, the story of Taku meeting Rikako and falling in
love with her is explored over the course of the school year. This is a
romantic and moving tale of young love. During a school trip to Hawaii,
Taku helps Rikako out by lending her some of his own money after she
loses some of her own and winds up in a desperate situation. Taku
doesn't ask for or expect for Rikako to repay him.
The pair slowly become entwined in each others lives. Even though a
love triangle starts to form, it becomes clear that Taku holds a dear
affection for Rikako. The film builds to a beautifully serene ending
which will stay in the minds of audiences long after the closing
credits roll.
The animation style in Ocean Waves to something special to behold.
Animation director Katsuya Kondo (Ponyo),
who also served as the film's lead character designer, imbues the film
with a sensibility that cannot be overlooked. The film has a unique
visual style that will enchant audiences. The artwork still holds up
well to this day.
The film has a nostalgic style which suits Ghibli's artistic approach.
While the influence on the younger staff by mentors Miyazaki and
Takahata is unquestionably felt, the young staff bring their own unique
sensibilities to the project. The film is notably different from the
works of either Takahata or Miyazaki. The film is one of Ghibli's most
naturalistic looking efforts. It certainly achieved a specific desired
look because of the dedication the production team took when
researching local locations in Japan.
The staff took photographs of different locations in Japan and learned
how to naturalistically draw and animate scenes that reflected modern
Japan. The team also have a keen sense of the beauty of the outdoors
with impressive outdoor sequences that showcase the beautiful greenery
of Japan's land. The silhouetted beauty of the natural sun and the
impressive shadows that reside with Japan's scenic views pierce the
film with radiance.
As the story is about a group of young students, Toshio Suzuki felt the
younger staff at Ghibli would understand how to approach this material
better than either Miyazaki or Takahata given their own ages and
experiences. The call was correct. Though the film went over-budget and
took longer to complete than originally anticipated, the final film has
held up as an important part of the studio's unique legacy.
Though Ocean Waves isn't on
the same level of Miyazaki or Takahata's best productions, Studio
Ghibli still delivered an excellent film that is remarkably well-made
and that is worth discovery. The film is undoubtedly different from
what most Ghibli fans are accustomed to. It's a slow-key drama which
doesn't take a fantastical route in telling it's story. It's told with
a grace and style which reflects the quality and approach of those at
Ghibli.
Music is an important part of any film. Ghibli is well aware of that
element of filmmaking. With masters like Joe Hisaishi continually
offering sublime scores to the works of Miyazaki, Ocean Waves had to deliver
something special. It did just that as the music composed by Shigeru
Nagata (Here Is Greenwood) is
both melancholic and serene. It reflects the nostalgic aspect of the
storyline and the romantic undercurrent of the filmmaking.
The screenplay was written by Kaori Nakamura (The Secret World of Arrietty, When Marnie Was There). Though many
might question why this project was done in animation instead of
live-action, Nakamura tells the story in a way that translates
well to animation. The material is perfectly suited for Ghibli with its
focus on characters and unique storytelling. The focus on the
characters aids the filmmaking.
Tomomi Mochizuki, who was 34 at the time of production, directed the
feature. Mochizuki and the other staff members were largely in their
20's and 30's when the production occurred. Though Mochizuki had
previously directed for anime series (including Ranma 1/2) Ocean Waves was his feature film
debut. Mochizuki makes the transition seamlessly as he does a stellar
job of telling the story. Ocean Waves
is a moving, heartfelt, and memorable effort by Ghibli's younger staff
and it holds up as an essential work in the pantheon of the studio's
legacy.
The Blu-ray:
Video:
Ocean Waves arrives on Blu-ray
from GKids with a stellar 1080p high definition presentation in the
original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. This is a
beautiful 4K restoration effort which preserves the wonderful art and
style of the film. The film has a high bit-rate encode. It looks
pristine with no noticeable print flaws or damage. This is a remarkable
effort which will satisfy all fans of Ghibli's exquisite art style.
Audio:
The film is presented with a lossless audio 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio
presentation. The audio is crisp, clear, and well defined. The audio
fidelity is exceptional. This is a great sounding audio presentation.
The English subtitles are also quite impressive. While dub fans will be
a little disappointed Ocean Waves
did not receive a dub for its North America debut, GKids has certainly
still delivered an exceptional quality release that should not be
overlooked.
Extras:
Please
Note: This is a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack release.
Ghiblies: Episode 2 (24 min.,
HD) is a short feature (a sequel to Ghiblies:
Episode 1, which aired on television with a TV special). This
production continues and expands on the adventures of the Ghibli
animation staff as they bring to life stories from their animation
team. The special was produced for and attached to The Cat Returns theatrically in
Japan but it is now making its North American debut on this release.
It's a charming and entertaining short that is essential viewing for
Ghibli fans.
Looking Back: Staff Reunion (50
min., SD) is one of the most enjoyable supplements I have ever seen on
a Studio Ghibli release. It features a sit-down reunion and discussion
between director Tomomi Mochizuki, screenwriter Kaori Nakamura,
animation director Katsuya Kondo, and other animators involved as key
members of the Ocean Waves
young production team. The insights into Ghibli and the production of
this film are essential. This is a must-see special.
Feature-Length Layouts (HD)
are offered for the film. The layouts offered give insight into the
early development of Ocean Waves.
The art is shown in sequence (much like viewing early storyboards) and
is only occasionally interrupted with brief black-and-white footage of
the feature film when layout transitions are missing.
Trailer for Ocean Waves
Final Thoughts:
Though Ocean Waves was not
previously available in North America, it doesn't make it any less
important or essential as a Studio Ghibli film. Audiences in America
can finally see this gem of storytelling and animation. GKids has
delivered a first-rate presentation which won't leave anyone
disappointed. The film's 4K restoration is a perfect representation of
the film. The supplemental package is terrific and should not be missed
by any Ghibli fan.
Highly Recommended.
Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema, and a student who aspires to make movies. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas. |
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