The new theatrical anime film in the popular anime series "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," titled "Puella Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgis Night," was released on August 28th. This is the first new theatrical anime film in approximately 13 years since " Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion," released in October 2013, and features the return of a star-studded staff including director Akiyuki Shinbo, screenwriter Gen Urobuchi, character designer Ume Aoki, and composer Yuki Kajiura. Yota Tsuruoka, who has served as sound director since the 2011 TV series, is also an indispensable member of the "Madoka Magica" staff and has showcased his skills in this new film as well. We spoke with Mr. Tsuruoka about the sound and voice acting in "Walpurgis Night."
◇ Aiming for sound quality that can withstand global and Asian standards.
"Puella Magi Madoka Magica" is an original anime depicting the lives of magical girls burdened with harsh destinies. Approximately 13 years have passed since the release of "Rebellion Story" in 2013, and the landscape surrounding Japanese anime has changed dramatically. With the spread of streaming services, Japanese anime has become beloved worldwide.
"Walpurgis Night is a quintessential entertainment film. Since it will be screened in theaters alongside major Hollywood blockbusters, we needed to create a sound design that could hold its own against them. Nowadays, Japanese anime is watched not only in Japan but all over the world. Theaters in various Asian countries are also putting a lot of effort into their sound systems. We had to make sure that it met the standards of Asia and the world. Although the anime production environment is tight in terms of time, we made careful selections and focused on the essentials to create a sound system that could withstand global and Asian standards."
"Walpurgis Revolving Heaven" offers action scenes and other moments with powerful sound reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters. The approach has been changed from the TV series and "Rebellion Story."
"The TV series emphasized contrasts like 'front and back' and 'light and shadow.' 'Rebellion Story' is not just about 'front and back,' but rather a structure where 'the entire film is the dark side.' It's an inward-looking work, like a European film, and that's partly why we created the sound. 'Walpurgis Night' is a complete contrast; it allows for a Hollywood-style approach. Recent Hollywood films are also increasingly adopting slightly unconventional approaches rather than simply following the beaten path. That's what we aimed for, and we consciously made it a solid entertainment film. It doesn't end with a simply inward-looking sinking conclusion, but rather a finish that evokes various emotions depending on the perspective presented. That's why it has a unique lingering feeling that isn't just heavy and somber. 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' may seem very difficult to understand at first glance, but if you unravel the story's structure, it's extremely logical. It only appears difficult to understand because of its logical structure, which is why viewers can keep up and deeply consider it."
◇The weight of the theme song and the strength of its message
One of the major elements that color the world of "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" is the music by Yuki Kajiura. Her profound and fantastical music elevates the sophistication of the work.
"This time, I requested two things: 'comprehensiveness as a final culmination' and 'completely new elements.' I asked for a thorough coverage of everything that's happened in 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' up until now, while also exploring new characters and mysteries. What's amazing about Ms. Kajiura's score is her sense of arranging motifs in film scoring. Because she writes all the music herself, her grasp of the overall motifs of the work is overwhelming, and she arranges them with superb sense. The beauty of Ms. Kajiura's unique choral work is truly breathtaking. From the opening to the ending theme song, the sound is created with a strong awareness of the resonance of deep bass and the expansiveness of space. I really want you to experience it in the best possible environment."
Yuki Kajiura's solo project "FictionJunction" was in charge of the theme song, "Kanata".
"Actually, it's rare in the history of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' to have no insert songs. Precisely because there are no insert songs, the meaning and presence of the theme song that plays at the end are very strong. The message I received from the theme song was so powerful that I even changed some of the final lines because of the weight of that theme. It's a song that has the power to truly be called a theme song!"
◇ Aoi Yuki completely fused with the work
Directing the voice actors' performances during recording sessions is also an important part of the sound director's job.
"Regarding the regular cast, even though it's been 13 years, they have built up a strong relationship of trust over many years, so there's really no need for me to say anything more. However, precisely because of the time gap, I asked them to approach this project with the stance of 'returning to basics and approaching it with a fresh perspective.' On the other hand, my focus was on directing the new cast members who will be playing the new characters."
The voice actors for the new characters include Shion Wakayama as Shichika, Tomoyo Kurosawa as Selma Therese, and Maaya Sakamoto as the unnamed upperclassman/Was.
"In a one-shot production like a theatrical film, we absolutely had to deliver results. Because these are talented actors, I tried to explore which of their various approaches and styles best fit the framework of the film, and I focused on directing them in a way that allowed them to perform with confidence. Selma is like a trickster. She doesn't have a fixed form, and how she behaves in each situation is what matters. By deliberately giving her 'freedom,' she was able to deliver a wonderful performance without becoming rigid. Murasaki Choka is not allowed to let loose and must firmly adhere to the framework. Wakayama has the ability to brilliantly respond to such orders and constraints. The nameless senior student/Was is a challenging role that, more than anything, requires the audience to be convinced by her very existence. Sakamoto made the character work with overwhelming persuasiveness."
Aoi Yuki, who voiced the main character Madoka Kaname, was a teenager when she recorded the TV series.
"I've known her since she was a child actress, so back then I felt like I was watching over her, thinking, 'She's grown up so well,' and 'She's doing a great job.' But now, it's a given that she's good. From the beginning, Yuuki has had a strong sense of artistic expression, constructing a story for each role within herself before acting. Now, that has completely merged with the work 'Madoka Magica' itself, to the point where it's not 'Aoi Aoi Yuki as Madoka,' but 'Aoi Aoi Yuki is 'Madoka Magica.' She has a deep understanding of the work and the role, of course, but she also has the power to create the atmosphere on set. She is a truly unwavering leader, and if there's anything you don't understand, you can just say, 'Ask Yuuki' (laughs). She's someone you can entrust things to with complete confidence."
The overwhelming music by Yuki Kajiura and the superb voice acting of the cast contribute greatly to the exceptional sound design of "Walpurgis Kaiten," thanks in large part to Tsuruoka's skill. "While 'Walpurgis Kaiten' is a culmination of everything I've done so far, it also has a completely new perspective and depth. I hope you will immerse yourselves in it with the best possible sound," he says, and it is sure to show its true value in theaters. (Manami Anima/MANTANWEB)
