Brave Story is the second feature length animè film from Gonzo (the studio that bought us the likes of 'Full Metal Panic', 'Last Exile', 'Samurai Seven' and 'Afro Samurai' amongst many other properties), their first being 'Origin: Spirits Of The Past'.
Brave Story delivers first-rate animation and art work, though nothing that will revolutionize the medium. The same can be said / written about the storyline and characterizations. There is absolutely nothing in Brave Story that is original or unique. Indeed, in every department they're is another title (be it animè or otherwise) that does things better than this film. However, that doesn't mean this is a bad piece of animè.
As I already mentioned, the animation and art work is of good quality and even though the plot and characters don't possess any originality they are still pretty solid. There are some nice creature designs and some of the back story is quite dark, taking into account this is a more family orientated animè movie. Just because something is family orientated, that doesn't mean it can't touch upon darker, more "real" aspects of human nature (despite the progression in the West, the likes of Disney, Dreamworks and the like still can't achieve the balance an animè can in areas like this).
As for the DVD release itself, the picture quality is very good and the audio comes in Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 & 5.1 (with English subtitles) as well as English dubbed Dolby Digital 2.0. There are two extra features that include a 'Making-of...' and a substantial look at the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Considering the relatively unknown nature of the film (even in animè cycles) this release is pretty good for what it represents.
Overall Brave Story is a solid animè fantasy film that does nothing new or distinct but offers an entertaining experience. Those in their late late preteens and / or early teens should find this a good starting point into mainstream animè and probably make a nice change from the usual Disney & Dreamworks animated features (not that I think there is anything wrong with them mind you). Also, I don't believe Brave Story is a patch on 'Origins: Spirits Of The Past' (even if the latter itself isn't original or unique). The former lacks the consistent high production values the latter possessed and is certainly not as visually striking. Thought I'd add that!
Anyway, Brave Story gets a resepectful three out of five stars.