DVD Corner

The Colors Within Blu-ray Review

“The Colors Within” is a heartfelt character piece that feels a bit underplayed.  

Written by Reiko Yoshida, “The Colors Within” is an anime film that revolves around Totsuko- a teen that attends a Catholic boarding school. Totsuko sees the world in a different way. She sees color auras around people and feels colors (AKA synesthesia). She becomes intrigued by a classmate (Kimi) who abruptly quits school. Totsuko finds her working at a used bookstore and also meets a customer (Rui). In the blink of an eye, the three decide to form a band with Kimi playing the guitar, Rui on theremin, and Totsuko taking on piano duties. As the three bond and create music together, they also deal with issues in their own lives all while prepping for their first gig at the St. Valentine’s Fest.

Directed by Naoko Yamada (best known for helming one of the very best anime films “A Silent Voice”), “The Colors Within” is an understated coming-of-age story. Yoshida’s script certainly tackles a lot of themes about friendship, religion, secrets, and music, but it’s a bit too restrained for its own good. There is something to appreciate about Yamada’s style as it allows for scenes and characters to breathe. We (as an audience) are so used to exaggerated emotions and or big character moments. This movie sidesteps those elements completely and provides a more intimate and gentle character story. At the same time, the lack of drama or conflict keeps the story from ever really taking off. Even the ending feels supremely abrupt. You’re left wanting more from not only from the story but the characters themselves as they navigate their lives (and approach adulthood). It all feels like a bit of a missed opportunity even after the climactic music performance (which is both moving and cathartic).

The animation work by Science Saru is exquisite. The character models and the attention to detail on the flowers, auras, fountain water drops, bookstore, and snow is nothing short of exquisite. It’s a real visual treat to be sure. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The animation looks sharp in hi-def.

Audio Track: Japanese and English 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? The English dub is respectable, but the crisp original language Japanese track is the way to watch the film.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* 4 trailers
* 3 scene breakdowns for “The Candlelit Church Sequence,” “The Final Performance,” and “Totsuko’s Flashback sequence” by Naoko Yamada.
* “Starting A Band With Kensuke Ushio”- An interview with the composer.
* “Live Talk And Drawing With Naoko Yamada”- A 38 minute GKids U.S. Q&A/drawing event with the director.
* “Photowalk With Naoko Yamada” (Naoko takes pictures around L.A.) and “Crate Digging With Naoko Yamada” (Naoko goes record shopping)
* “Garden Of Remembrance”- A nearly 18 minute animated short by Naoko Yamada
*”Color Palette Featurettes”- 3 separate interviews (one with Naoko Yamada, one with music composer Kensuke Ushio and one with the cast members Sayu Suzukawa, Taisei Kido and Akari Takaishi) and a “Behind The Scenes With The Cast” video.

May 25, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Anime, Anime Film, Naoko Yamada, The Colors Within Blu-ray Review