Kill la Kill Vol.5 Limited Edition Blu-ray review

Hard to believe it’s already over. The final volume and conclusion to this legendary series contains what is perhaps the most tastefully ridiculous, over-the-top episodes of anime ever. What’s begun as a young woman’s journey for vengeance has turned into a spectacle worthy of universal acceptance and praise. Ryuko Matoi has been the most interesting antagonist of the past few years.

Kill la Kill is a series with an absolutely unique concept that may or may not have been implemented purposefully. The anime effectively hypnotizes viewers into fan service immunity. In earlier episodes, one can’t watch a few minutes without noticing excessive panty shots and butt-view angles that trigger is famous for. Interestingly enough, by the last episode, not only is the story and animation so captivating, but the excessive use of this technique readies watchers into acceptance.

Story (No Spoilers)

KILL la KILL is centered around a series of events at the prestigious Honouji Academy. But this isn’t some ordinary school (I know it sounds cliche so far, just bear with it). Honouji Academy is a school with super-powered humans who wear “Goku” uniforms which range in stars to signify their strength. The uniforms need to be earned, since they are the true source of strength.

Satsuki Kiryuin (my favorite female character of all time) is the headmistress, owner, and overlord of this peculiar establishment. Our heroine, Ryuko Matoi, while on the hunt for her father’s killer, has stepped into Satsuki’s realm. Insane battles, skimpy uniforms, and a plot deeper than any you’ve encountered will have you marathon-ing the series in one night.

Content and Price

SRP – $74.98

Store Price – $59.98 (Order Direct)

Disc Spec

Spoken Languages: Japanese & English

Subtitles: English & Spanish

Aspect ratio: 16:9 widescreen

Episodes: 20-24 & Episode 25 (OVA)

Number of Disc: 3 Discs (Blu-ray, DVD and Bonus DVD)

Total Run Time: Approx. 150 min.

Rating: 16 UP

Bonus Contents

KILL la KILL Digest –Naked Memories by Aikuro Mikisugi–

Textless Openings & Endings

Web Version Previews

Bonus Materials & Special Package

Bonus DVD “KILL la KILL VOICES” Staff Interviews

Postcards

Double-sided Poster

Bushiroad’s Weiss Schwarz Exclusive Collectible Card Included!

(while supplies last)

Video

As per usual, watching fast-paced anime in higher quality does have its advantages. While the difference in quality isn’t significantly noticeable, those with higher-end displays will notice the interesting frame-skip technique that was used in the production of Kill la Kill. Somewhat of a double-edged sword, frame skip can make animation seem more cartoony, overcompensating for quality.

The show contains a plethora of vibrant, flashy scenes that make this a great candidate for Blu-ray release. As mentioned before, a Blu-ray player such as the PS4 makes this experience absolutely divine. The extra OVA episode 25 is also included with this disc set, providing the complete Kill la Kill experience we were meant to have.

Audio

Turn that surround sound on, boys and girls, since the action scenes in these last few episodes are among the best in the series. We have the thundering roar of swords clashing, along with just about everything around them exploding in magnificent Dolby 5.1. Box set # 3 and #1 are the ones containing the amazing soundtrack to this series, so if that’s what you expect, you may want to pick those up as well.

English and Japanese audio is standard for Kill la Kill disc sets, with subtitles also available in Spanish. Surprisingly, this is one of those few unicorns where English subtitles don’t dilute the emotion portrayed by characters. If you’ve never given English dub a chance with Kill la Kill, then just take our word for it, they’re pretty damn good.

Final Reaction

For the boxed set, it’s a bit disappointing to see the finale so under-embellished. The “making of” documentary included on the second disc is rather dry and monotone, featuring a few hours of pure dialogue interviews. While some fans may find the animation techniques and anime deadlines fascinating, most tend to just skip through it to the voice actors.

As a series, I wouldn’t give Kill la Kill anything under a solid 5/5. Trigger hasn’t captured me this much as a studio since the first release of Gurren Lagann. The similarities shared between these two fan favorites go on for days as you’ll see subtle hints of story culmination to be somewhat of a satire on puberty. While Gurren Lagann was the story of Simon’s own coming to fruition through the trials and tribulations of male puberty (bigger drill and such), Kill la Kill is the female equivalent coming of age story (Senketsu literally translates to “first blood”) for Ryuko Matoi. Without giving away too much, the satirical writing of Kazuki Nakashima makes characters both relocatable and likable while setting the scale to such epic proportions that sci-fi doesn’t begin to describe it. It’s been a wild ride, one that most will thoroughly enjoy. Those that don’t, who the hell do you think you are?

4/5 Atoms