Black Butler Book of Murder Review
By: KaylaTheRiveraConsidering I've never watched Black Butler, jumping into Black Butler the Book of Murder was an interesting introduction to the fandom. My thoughts? Well, let's see...
Blu-Ray/DVD Box Set Review
The FUNimation extras were average at best. Besides the trailer extras (does anyone consider those bonus material? I can look them up on social media, I mean really), there was nothing but cast commentary—on part II. What happened to part I? I’m just saying, if all I’m getting is commentary on this two part movie, shouldn’t I at least get both parts?That befuddling fact aside, I was actually impressed with the box set artwork. Each disk’s cover art was beautiful, and the pictures beneath the disks revealed haunting portraits of both Sebastian and Ciel. For a moment, it was like staring into artwork I’d likely see hanging up around Phantomhive manor—a nice immersive touch. After viewing the movie itself, I found the artwork itself was a clue to a couple key plot points within the story, and that just completely won me over. Including me in on a game of Black Butler Clue? Heck yes.
Movie Review
Summary
Black Butler: The Book of Murder begins with a carefully veiled threat hand delivered to Ciel, head of the aristocratic Phantomhive family, by Queen Victoria’s personal butlers. Ciel is to create a party for a guest of honor and invite suitable guests. Though with a title like “Book of Murder," I suppose you can guess what happens? That’s right. This dark and storm night, The Book of Murder provides a very lovely and intricate Black Butler version of Clue.The game is afoot. Who is the murderer, and who the next victim?
Story/Approachability
In particular, The Book of Murder’s best choice narrative-wise was starring Arthur Conan Doyle as its protagonist/point-of-view character. From his perspective, new-comers to the Black Butler series don’t feel alienated. We learn about Ciel’s dark past and Sebastian’s otherworldly mysteries from his eyes, slowly, but not too slowly. The perspective won’t distance long-time lovers of the series either because Doyle’s perspective only adds a fresh view into a familiar world. Is there anything better than seeing beloved characters through someone else’s eyes? Only one—and that’s this movie’s beautiful execution of it.Doyle’s perspective is also a great genre choice, since his presence provides unique historical tie-in. They had me hook, line, and sinker the moment I connected “Doctor Arthur” with the beloved author of Sherlock Holmes, and so much of this movie pays tribute to the classic mystery series. With a delightful homage to the mystery genre paid, this movie did a great job of providing not one, but two mysteries to unravel.Fortunately, the first mystery reveal had just enough tension and suspicion in it that careful viewers realize another one is soon on its way. Contrary to the first, however, the second was far more hilarious. This made for an enjoyable peek into the past, although it did info-dump more than I’d hoped. The rush to patch up and explain previously withheld information wasn’t my favorite technique, but it wasn't entirely unsuccessful either. I’d just hoped for more elegance from the narrative than that, considering how well it had done so far. Nevertheless, it doesn’t diminish my love of it too much.Honestly, the only thing that truly disappointed me was the tacked-on reveal of Snake at the end. The Book of Murder had done such a splendid job of keeping unfamiliar audiences incorporated in the story that the sudden, unexplained backstory and history with Snake was jarring at best and alienating at worst. It wasn't the best choice for this movie, and furthermore, I'm not sure how I liked the random storyline butting its way into such a sharp, self-inclusive tale. Still, if this is my only hang up, we're doing pretty good.
Animation
I don’t know what else to say besides I wish I could marry this animation. Elegant, beautiful, careful, fluid, and totally without awkward CGI. I’m sure there were moments with CGI incorporation, but I didn’t notice it, and that’s how I know good modern animation. Glorious! Not only did it execute gorgeous scenery and tonal dissonance, but it didn’t forget to incorporate humor into the animation itself either. The moments were subtle, but when a character pulled a classic anime face or slapstick hijinks for comic relief, it was perfectly there, perfectly funny, and all without needing to be over the top.
What more can I say? I just loved the animation. So much, in fact, that I’m going to pick up the series. That’s right, guys! Black Butler the Book of Murder officially converted me to the Black Butler series. Now that’s how you know you’ve developed a great movie.