Pompo is a talented and gutsy producer in “Nyallywood,” the movie-making capital of the world. Although she’s known for B-movies, one day Pompo tells her movie-loving but apprehensive assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented artistic genius starring the legendary and Brando-esque actor Martin Braddock and a young actress seeking her first break. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?
Pompo the Cinephile is a rollicking, exuberant ode to the power of the movies and the joys and heartbreak of the creative process as a new director and his team devote their lives to the pursuit of a “masterpiece.”
For in-depth thoughts on Pompo the Cinephile, please see my colleague AJ Fairnot’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
Pompo the Cinephile comes to Blu-Ray from Shout! Factory with a sumptuous 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. One of the aspects of traditional hand drawn animation we really love is the fluidity of the character designs. The transfer handles every quick movement and environment change with impeccable stability including no jagged lines or color bleeding. The animators add numerous subtle touches to each character that make them distinct and memorable. The level of detail put into each location will blow you away, especially as you catch some fun easter eggs in the background.
The colors present in this transfer are practically burning a hole through the screen with vibrant hues making a big impression alongside the deeper, more reserved colors. The textures in the character designs and the environments are a wonder as they give the film a real sense of depth. This is a gift from this animation style, which does not go for the same crispness and precision as other studios in favor of character. Black levels are incredibly strong with no hint of compression artifacts or digital anomalies of the sort. You could not ask for better from this transfer.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track presented here in its original Japanese and dubbed English with optional English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles. The track provides a wonderful listening experience that brings the movie to life exactly as intended. This film has a palpable sense of urgency from the very opening moments which this track conveys quite well. The track employs some forceful activity in the low end when the moment calls for it. There are some really creative panning effects in the rear channels that add a nice layer to the story. Dialogue comes through perfectly at all times without being overshadowed by any of the intense in-movie sounds or the score. This music is precise in its placement throughout the room as it envelops the audience. There is also a substantial amount of sonic detail in the surround channels as the sound of various locations creates a world fully realized. Shout! Factory has shown off their skills with this one.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Takayuki Hirao, unit director Kenji Imura and editor Tsuyoshi Imai gather to discuss the development and creation of this film including the difference between the storyboards and the final version, the decision to go with certain vocal performers, the homages to different cinematic works such as Martin Scorsese, developing a young female character, the adjusting of the coloring and so much more than animation nerds like myself will eat up.
- Feature Length Storyboards: An option to watch the film in early storyboard form with no sound which is a very different, fun experience.
- Trailers & Spots: This disc includes six minutes of trailers and TV spots which cheekily promote the film.
- Character Design Gallery: An option to toggle through 39 early sketches of characters.
Final Thoughts
Pompo the Cinephile is a truly terrific feature film which functions as a love letter to the power of cinema. Of course, this is a subject very near and dear to our hearts, but you do not have to be a hardcore movie buff to appreciate this one. Anyone who has ever had a passion for anything will understand the drive that inspires our lead characters in fun and hilarious ways. The animation style is very detailed and textured in a way that warms your heart. This one is not created by a creative force known worldwide (yet), but it deserves all the eyeballs for how well it tells its story. Shout! Factory has released a Blu-Ray with an A+ audio/visual presentation and a decent slate of special features. If you are an anime fan or film buff, do not miss out on this. Highly Recommended
Pompo the Cinephile will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Pack on July 12, 2022.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shout! Factory and GKIDS have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.