“Akira,” the legendary japanimation film, has recently been released on DVD after a million dollar restoration.
The restoration for image enhancement includes new film interpositives and high-definition mastering utilizing the latest digital technology. The new audio has THX certification sound as well as the audio components remixed to Dolby Digital Surround Sound.
Pioneer Entertainment, the company that released the video, used one of the world’s largest high-definition video’s restoration companies, International Video Conversions Inc., to enrich the film.
“Restoring the extraordinary film will enable Pioneer Entertainment to re-introduce “Akira” to a new generation and seal its place as the benchmark anime film,” said Pioneer Entertainment President Yosuke Kobayashi. “Akira” jump-started the anime industry with its ground-breaking animation and has achieved a cult status with anime fans around the world.”
IVC’s high definition colorist Mark Nakamine, who helped re-create the movie, commented on how impressive the quality of the restoration is.
“Akira” is dramatic cell animation at its best, making use of vibrant color, high and low contrast, fine detail and an extreme range of light and dark scenes,” he said. ” I used the very latest in high definition processing to create the digital master which will convey all the visual nuances intended.”
The new improvements not only enhance all of the audio and visual aspects, but they make the movie more enjoyable and entertaining.
The story begins in Neo-Tokyo, the remains and reconstruction of Tokyo after World War III. Inhabitants of the city, in which chaos and havoc rank supreme, are angry and unsatisfied with what has become of their home and what the future may hold.
The plot revolves around two parallel stories collide and create massive destruction. The primary feature is of a biker gang whose friend is kidnapped and how they attempt to bring him back. The secondary feature is of the military trying to accomplish an unclear goal that doesn’t become distinct until the story progresses.
The two stories come together around the hour mark of the film, and that is when the viewer should prepare to be blown away.
