Pom Poko – Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Stephen Hornbrook

Synopsis

Studio Ghibli presents a film about the clash between modern civilization and the natural world from acclaimed director Isao Takahata. The tanuki, or raccoons in the US transaltion, of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans. In often hilarious ways, the raccoons use their powers to try to scare off the advance of civilization. They call on the elder master transformers to help them scare off the humans, but will it be enough? Or will the raccoons learn how to live in balance with the modern world?

Commentary

To the average American viewer, Pom Poko is going to seem a bit strange and perverse, but a quick read on Wikipedia about the Japanese tradition of tanuki explains much of the movie’s premise. In the US release of Pom Poko, the tanuki are referred to as raccoons, which they may look similar to, but they are a separate species. In Japan tanuki translates to raccoon dog and they are technically there own species and not the same as the raccoons we are used to running over here in the states. In Pom Poko the male tanuki are easily identified by their large testicles which will seem strange and perverted to most US viewers, but a normal tradition in Japan. The fact that these strange animals can also transform into any shape might also lead the uneducated viewer to believe they might have been slipped some drugs. The movie presents itself in a documentary format, with narration accompanying much of the film.

Embrace the Japanese traditions of tanuki and enjoy this wonderful tale because it does have an important message. Sure the message is slammed in your face, but it is one that might be apparent but is still completely ignored. The human race is taking over the planet and transforming it for their own selfish needs. Destroying the land and homes of countless animal species.

Pom Poko is different, charming, and thoughtful. Fans of the movie should not hesitate to pick up this new Blu-ray and I encourage others to check it out as well!

Technical

The image quality of Disney’s Studio Ghibli releases continues here with Pom Poko. An absolutely pristine picture leaves nothing between the viewer and artists. The detail of the hand painted backdrops and animated characters are perfectly captured on this Blu-ray release.

The soundtrack is limited to a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, but it suits the movie just fine. The dialog is clear and balanced throughout and the soundtrack is presented well across the front three channels.

Overall, given the source materials available, this Blu-ray representation of Pom Poko is probably the finest we will ever get.

Extras

Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailers