Tales From Earthsea – Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Tales From Earthsea Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

An epic animated adventure directed by Goro Miyazaki, “Tales From Earthsea” features the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin and Mariska Hargitay. Based on the classic “Earthsea” fantasy book series by Ursula K. Le Guin, “Tales From Earthsea” is set in a mythical world filled with magic and bewitchment. In the land of Earthsea, crops are dwindling, dragons have reappeared and humanity is giving way to chaos. Journey with Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a master wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, on a tale of redemption and self-discovery as they search for the force behind the mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy their world.

Specifications

  • Disney
  • 2006, Color, rated: PG-13, 1 hours 55 Minutes
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • 1080p
  • English DTS-HD MA 5.1
  • Starring: Mariska Hargitay, Willem Dafoe, Timothy Dalton, Cheech Marin
  • Directed by Goro Miyazaki

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: No

Commentary

Tales from Earthsea is based on several books from Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Tales From Earthsea” series, however the plot of the movie does not follow the collection of short stories of the same name. The film is directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki. Goro ended up with the gig after Le Guin gave the studio her blessing to create a movie based on her work and Hayao was tied up with Howl’s Moving Castle. The two did not talk during the making of the film as his father Hayao did not approve of the decision to allow his son to direct, saying he was not ready for the job. The two did reconcile after Hayao saw the final product.

The film has an epic feel with heavy concepts about life and death and the Balance of the two. A beautiful sweeping film score adds to the scale of the movie. The english voice acting is a cut above the rest, featuring excellent performances from Timothy Dalton and Willem Dafoe. This is not the usual Studio Ghibli release. It isn’t playful or cute, and it can feel cold at times. It is however still an interesting tale with some good action and it brought me back to the old Japanese RPG’s I used to play, such as Lunar: Silver Star. Recommended for fans of the genre.

Technical

Beautiful artistry is excellently represented in this Blu-ray release. The colors pop off the screen along with gleaming lighting effects to create a motion painting that feels alive. The image is noise free allowing a transparency between the view and the artistry.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is full, lush, and epic. The low frequency channel is utilized with just the right amount of constraint, allowing the scenes that need it to shine with an extra punch to the gut. Surround effects are affective and encompassing, but never overdone and distracting.

Extras

Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailers & TV Spots, the Birth of the Film Soundtrack, Origins of Earthsea