DVD Corner

Grave Of The Fireflies Blu-ray Review

“Grave Of The Fireflies” is one of the best Japanese animated films ever made. 

Based on the short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka, “Grave Of The Fireflies” takes place at the tail end of the Pacific War in 1945. The story begins with an air raid in the city of Kobe. Siblings Setsuko and her big brother Seita survive the devastation, but they lose their mother. The whereabouts of their Navy Captain father remain unknown. The two move in with their aunt who is cold and disgruntled by their presence to the point where Seita and Setsuko decide to try and survive on their own in an abandoned bomb shelter. While they try to enjoy the simple pleasures of life from fruit drops to the visual sights of fireflies, things take a dark turn when Setsuko’s health begins to wane. 

Written and directed by Isao Takahata, “Grave Of The Fireflies” is a haunting Studio Ghibli war film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Admittedly, it’s a tough watch as the story navigates the harsh realities of war and the effects that war has on families and communities. There’s no happy ending to be found here. Instead, Takahata tells a heartbreaking story of survival, loss, pride, and the bond between siblings. The opening scenes show where the story is tragically headed, but the journey to that point is even more devastating. 

On the subject of the film’s emotional arcs, Studio Ghibli’s ‘Grave’ shows what an animated film can be. It showed the world (and film buffs) that animated films aren’t all just cutesy talking animals or mech robots. Animated films can be deep, layered, and artistic cinematic experiences. Every frame of ‘Grave’ is a true work of art. From the ash ridden fallout of the attack on Kobe to the funeral of a character, Ghibli gave the film an authentic and emotional weight.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a sharp hi-def transfer of this 1988 animated classic.  

Audio Track: Japanese and 2012 English 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 2012 English dub is serviceable (the 1998 English 2.0 DTS-HD MA dub is also included), but the crisp original language Japanese track is the clear option to go with. 

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Promo video
* Feature length storyboards.
* 2 deleted scene storyboards
* Background art, background designs, behind the scenes, character/color design, concept art, image boards, and location scouting image galleries.
* 2 teasers and 1 trailer
* Interview with the late film critic Roger Ebert.
* Interview with director Isao Takahata.

July 5, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Animated Film, Anime, Grave Of The Fireflies Blu-ray Review, Studio Ghibli, War Film