Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" on Shout! Factory’s Blu Ray edition marks a substantial improvement over its Disney predecessor, notably due to a new scan. This transfer retains the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. A critical element in this enhancement comes from the encoding and compression techniques employed, using an MPEG-4 AVC that markedly elevates the viewing experience. Previously, the Disney disc managed an average bitrate of 24100 kbps, culminating in a total bitrate of 32.54 Mbps. The Shout! Factory version, however, significantly ups the ante with an impressive 35000 kbps (total bitrate: 41.78 Mbps), leading to noticeable advancements in the clarity, color saturation, and detail of the film, as illustrated in screenshots 5 through 9.

This Blu Ray release is meticulously authored, with twenty-five chapters easily navigable either from the main menu or via the remote, enhancing user accessibility and viewing pleasure. Such technical details ensure an optimal viewing experience and demonstrate the care put into this edition.

In conclusion, this release not only respects but enhances the original vision of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" through its technical prowess. With significant improvements in video quality, marked by better color saturation, detail, and overall definition, this Shout! Factory edition stands as a definitive version for both collectors and new viewers alike. The attention to compression and authoring details cements its place as a superior choice for experiencing one of animation's most enduring classics.

In assessing the audio presentation of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" on Blu-ray, one is immediately struck by the richness and clarity provided across the multiple language options. The original Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix (1911 kbps, 24-bit), the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix (2013 kbps, 24-bit), and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo French dub (192 kbps) offer distinct listening experiences. The Japanese and English tracks, in particular, stand out for their superior balancing of pitch levels and the vividness with which they render environmental sounds, presenting a noticeable enhancement over previous uncompressed tracks, such as those found in Disney's release. This improved fidelity is a testament to the meticulous technical effort invested in these audio mixes.

It's worth noting the absence of a French DTS HD MA 2.0 dub, a choice that signifies a departure from previous offerings. This might be seen as a minor drawback for French-speaking audiences preferring high-definition audio tracks. However, the quality of the existing French Dolby Digital track should not be understated, providing a competent alternative that maintains the immersive experience.

Supplementing the primary audio experiences are the subtitle options, which cover English regular and SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing), alongside French subtitles for the main feature. The English SDH deserves special mention for its 'dubtitle' nature, offering a more enriched narrative description that surpasses the conventional subtitle track in detail. This feature may particularly appeal to those desiring a deeper textual accompaniment to the film's visuals and audio tracks.

The extras on the "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" Blu-ray present a comprehensive suite, bridging gaps between various global releases. Shout! Factory has meticulously collated a selection, importing the well-received commentary track from editions across Japan, the UK, Australia, and Germany. Notably, an exclusive audio commentary featuring Animator Hideaki Anno and Assistant Director Kazuyoshi Katayama adds significant scholarly value, presenting insights in Japanese, accompanied by English subtitles. Additionally, a new audio interview with legends Toshio Suzuki and Hideaki Anno enriches the offering. The inclusion of feature-length storyboards, multiple featurettes, and promotional materials, all meticulously restored, elevates the archival quality of this release. Particularly commendable is the attempt to upscale original content, ensuring a uniform viewing experience. This collection is an essential acquisition for enthusiasts eager to delve into the intricate world-building and production nuances of this Miyazaki masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Hideaki Anno and Kazuyoshi Katayama: An insightful Japanese commentary with English subtitles.
• Feature-Length Storyboards: Offers a unique glimpse into the preliminary stages of the film's development.
• Audio Interview with Toshio Suzuki and Hideaki Anno: Delve into the creative minds behind Nausicaä in this detailed discussion.
• Behind the Microphone: A featurette providing a behind-the-scenes look at the dubbing process.
• Creating Nausicaä: Explores the inspiration and effort behind the movie's creation.
• Original Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots: A collection of original promotions for the film.
• 12-page Booklet: Includes thoughtful reflections from the producer and director.

Shout! Factory's latest release of Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" on Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack marks a significant upgrade over its North American predecessors, particularly in the realms of audio-visual quality and packaging. This version showcases a new transfer that promises to elevate the viewing experience with enhanced clarity and pristine audio, catering meticulously to the audiophiles and cinephiles alike. The addition of substantial extras, which are making their debut in the North American market, further enriches this edition. Notably, the package comes thoughtfully presented with a slipcover and an Elite case, featuring distinctively different artwork on the slip and keep case covers compared to the U.S. version released earlier.

In technical detailing, the new transfer’s improved clarity is immediately noticeable, providing a fresh perspective on Miyazaki's mesmerizing world. This clarity, combined with clearer audio, ensures that every whisper of the wind and rustle of the Toxic Jungle is captured with an unparalleled depth, bringing viewers closer to the epic narrative than ever before. The preservation and enhancement of these audio-visual elements are paramount in experiencing "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" as intended, showcasing Shout! Factory’s commitment to quality.

These enhancements are not merely technical improvements but serve to immerse the viewer more deeply into the post-apocalyptic world Miyazaki has painstakingly crafted. Through its meticulous restoration and additional features, this release respects the original animation's artistic integrity while embracing modern advancements in media presentation. As such, Shout! Factory's reissue stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers receive the definitive experience of one of animation’s most revered stories.

Shout! Factory's release of the "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" Collector's Edition Blu-ray represents a significant upgrade from previous iterations, most notably the Disney version released six years prior. This edition boasts a new scan that enhances the viewing experience with its superior clarity and color fidelity. Additionally, audiophiles will appreciate the subtle yet discernible improvements made to the original soundtrack, ensuring a richer audio encounter with the film. The inclusion of extras such as the feature-length commentary and a forty-two-minute audio interview adds considerable value, making this package particularly enticing for both new viewers and those with earlier versions in their collections.

The meticulous attention to technical details in this release cannot be overstressed. Shout! Factory's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of this collector's edition, from the improved visual and auditory experience to the thoughtful inclusion of engaging bonus content. This ensures that fans of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" are not merely purchasing a film but an immersive experience that pays homage to Hayao Miyazaki's visionary work. For collectors and enthusiasts, the tangible improvements in this Blu-ray edition underscore its status as a definitive version and reaffirm its high recommendation.

In conclusion, Shout! Factory's Collector's Edition of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" stands out as an essential acquisition for both Miyazaki aficionados and Blu-ray collectors. Its superior scan and enhanced sound track elevate the film's presentation significantly, while the additional content provides further insight into its creation and enduring appeal. This release is not just recommended but considered indispensable for anyone looking to experience one of Miyazaki's masterpieces in the best possible quality.