THE FIRST SLAM DUNK [Blu-ray]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a basketball anime film, but the way Ryota’s backstory in Okinawa is woven into the game’s frantic pace really hooked me. The Blu-ray’s picture is crisp and the colors pop during the fast-break sequences, which makes the court feel alive. It’s a solid edition for an

The pacing of the Blu-ray is perfect for rewatching the fast-break sequences—the animation feels even sharper on my home setup than it did in theaters. The extra features aren't extensive, but the behind-the-scenes on Ryota's Okinawa backstory adds layers to his on-court calm.

The mental focus scenes with Ryota are edited so sharply you really feel his split-second decisions land. Picture and subtitle sync were flawless on my setup, so nothing pulled me out of the drama. This is how a sports anime should hit on Blu-ray.