Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 review: Has Pierrot Films set a new standard for the series?

Produced by Pierrot Films, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 marked an exciting beginning to arguably one of the most anticipated sequels of Fall 2024. Released on October 5, 2024, the episode has set a new benchmark for the series, with incredible animation and production quality.

Studio Pierrot's new subsidiary studio, Pierrot Films, had promised to deliver a movie-like experience to the audience. They wanted to create a platform, where the staff could revolutionize the way anime is made. Rightly so, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 proved exactly what they meant.

Helmed by Hikaru Murata, the episode's production reflects the ideals of Pierrot's new subsidiary studio, showcasing an expert usage of CGI and modern animation technology to elevate the iconic moments from the manga. Besides that, the episode captured Tite Kubo's vision as an author, with newly added anime original scenes.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1.

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 review: How Pierrot Film's production elevates the narrative and visual experience

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Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 was a sublime visual experience, delivered by outstanding production. While announcing the establishment of its new subsidiary studio, Studio Pierrot's producer, Yoshihiro Tominaga, in an interview with Men's Non-no Magazine, emphasized the importance of producing high-quality anime in a short time.

The anime producer analyzed the current environment of the industry and realized fans are more keen to watch shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, where animation quality is given the top priority. As such, the company created Pierrot Films, with the sole objective of creating high-quality anime that can offer a movie-like experience.

Prior to releasing Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1, Pierrot Films had produced Senna Rin's Reaper song to tease what the production quality would be like in the future. Rightly so, the first episode ticked all the boxes in terms of the studio's vision. The studio reimagined Tite Kubo's manga and ornated the episode with pristine animation quality.

Yhwach's Almighty (Image via Pierrot Films)

Interestingly, series director Hikaru Murata had mentioned that the production studio would focus on implementing more CGI in part 3 than the previous installment. Some fans had doubts over the decision because CGi can often ruin the viewing experience.

However, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 masterfully demonstrated what the new animation technology can offer if done rightly. From Uryu vs. Senjumaru's battle to the modified version of Ichibe Hyosube's Futen Taisatsuryo to Yhwach's iconic walk to the Soul King's palace, every moment had stunning CGI effects and animation.

Interestingly, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 was embedded with multiple frames, more than what a general anime episode should have. No matter where a fan would pause the episode, the art quality didn't diminish in the slightest. It's only possible when the production team emphasizes creating more frames.

Uryu Ishida in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

One of the best examples of this would be Uryu's battle against Senjumaru Shutara. The aerial portion, where Uryu evades the Great Weave Guard's fabrics and countries with his Licht Reigen was chef's kiss, with not a single frame drop. Likewise, the CGI's usage in the background elevated the overall viewing experience for fans.

From a production standpoint, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 has already surpassed the production of the previous installment. The staff realized their mistakes, not only in terms of the narrative adaptation, but also the animation production.

Yhwach and Ichibe (Image via Pierrot Films)

Hikaru Murata has also done justice to Tite Kubo's manga, with his flawless storyboarding and direction. Likewise, Sayoko Ozawa, Tomoko Hayashi, Yamauichi, and Cindy H—the animation directors for Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1—ensured the audience would be seated in their chairs and enjoy the episode's stunning animation.

Toru Hasegawa, the chief animation director's contribution to the episode was noteworthy, as the esteemed director supervised the production. Likewise, Shiro Sagisu's grand music composition further elevated the episode's overall appeal.

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 review: Exploring Tite Kubo's vision with the anime original scenes

Uryu Ishida fights against Senjumaru (Image via Pierrot Films)

It was evident that Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 would incorporate many anime original moments. One of the significant original scenes was the battle between Uryu Ishida and Senjumaru Shutara, which Kubo couldn't add to the manga. The renowned mangaka, who is heavily invested in cour 3's production, had the scope to expand on his ideas.

It was necessary to showcase how the Zero Squad members were defeated and most importantly, give Uryu Ishida his moment to shine. Although Uryu killing a Soul Reaper could be seen as an ultimate betrayal to Ichigo Kurosaki and others, Quincy's act added complexity to his character.

Senjumaru gets captured (Image via Pierrot Films)

The anime original scene in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1, featuring Uryu Ishida and Senjumaru Shutara, was complemented by stunning animation. Tite Kubo helped the staff with the scene's storyboards, which the staff might share with fans later. The original sequences, where Uryu fights an aerial battle to counter Senjumaru's fabrics, deserve applause.

The direction, the storyboard, and the execution—every aspect was top-notch. Moreover, the subtle teaser to Uryu Ishida's Schrift was one of the highlights of the scene, since that's how he defeated Senjumaru Shutara.

Ichibe's Futen Taisatsuryo (Image via Pierrot Films)

Aside from Uryu's battle against Senjumaru, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 featured a modified version of Ichibe Hyosube's ultimate move, Futen Taisatsuryo, against the Quincy King, Yhwach. The hymn that Ichibe sings to erect the tombstone was composed by Tite Kubo and the music was composed by Shiro Sagisu.

Undoubtedly, the song was destined for greatness, with two stalwarts working on it. The hymn created a foreboding note to the entire scene, elevating the scene altogether. Besides that, Kubo reimagined how Futen Taisatsuryo looked from the manga.

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During a chat with the Krew BeInside program held by Shonen Jump, Kubo revealed that he couldn't illustrate his vision for Ichibe's move on the manga pages. As such, he roughly drew the storyboards for the scene, which Hikaru Murata and other staff members worked on to deliver a spellbinding experience to the audience.

Additionally, Yhwach's walk to the Spirit King's chamber was chef's kiss, a highlight of the episode. The way Yhwach's each footstep created a reishi stair, was a mesmerizing sight to behold. The production team implemented CGI to create the particle effects and enhanced the scene's visual appeal. Undoubtedly, these scenes added a different flavor to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1's experience.

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 review: Exploring the recap section and why it was necessary

Ichigo Kurosaki, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Last but not least, Pierrot Film's decision to add a roughly seven-minute-long recap from the previous season's finale to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 needs an explanation. The final episode of cour 2 had ended quite abruptly, without highlighting the impact of Yhwach's fall.

As such, adding the recap, featuring the moments from the previous installment's finale was a necessary bridge between parts 2 and 3. Yet, the recap doesn't take away the overall experience the episode had to offer. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 has truly set the stage for the rest of the season, with incredible animation and direction.

Conclusion

Yhwach's Almighty powers (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 1 was a stunning experience for every fan, who wanted the series to showcase the events in a movie-like quality. The episode was almost flawless, since some fans may dislike the recap portion, as it used up almost seven minutes.

That said, Pierrot Film's revolutionary animation and production quality for the episode overwhelmed fans so much that the recap portion can be overlooked. Most importantly, the episode has already set a new standard for the series in general. As such, it remains to be seen whether the esteemed studio can keep up the production quality in the next episodes.