It's always nice to know that Gail's not dead sometimes. Just sayin'. Anyway, she reviewed some more stuff for you guys to check out...
October DVD Reviews
In our Review Round-Up we checked out a few new releases from both FUNimation, Anchor Bay and Manga Entertainment to give you the heads up on what they are about. Did you love the DVD and want everyone to check it out? Hate it and want to make sure no one suffers through watching it? Let's hear it! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments on this review and let other Otakuites hear your opinions!
Shin Chan, Season One Part Two: Adult Swim's favorite dysfunctional anime family is back with thirteen more deranged, off color yet humorous episodes. Shin Chan may be feature a kid but it is not for the kids. Some of the humor and situations may be offensive to some viewers so it is best viewed by those who aren't easily offended. This series doesn't toe the line of political correctness but instead takes a flying leap over it. Shin Chan Season One contains 13 episodes on a two disc set. Released September 16th, it is Rated MA. This series runs 300 minutes and contains the English and Japanese surround sound with English subtitles. Extras include "From the Bowels of the Booth", Episode 17 Commentary and Trailers. MSRP $39.98 Rate: 2.5/5
One Piece, Season One Second Voyage: Prepare for adventures on the high seas once again as Luffy and his growing crew sets sail. Containing uncut and unedited episodes 14 through 26 on a two disc set, One Piece Season One was released on September 23rd and is Rated TV14. This release is true to the original Japanese release and is not edited and altered like first time the series was introduced here in the States. Second Voyage continues on with more against-the-odds battles, interesting new friends and foes as well as a couple new crew members for The Going Merry. The series runs 320 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and Japanese with English Subtitles. Extras include Marathon Play Special Feature and Staff Commentary. MSRP $49.98 Rate: 3.5/5
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: A Tragic Illusion, Volume 8: Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: A Tragic Illusion, Volume 8 contains episodes 32 through 36. The journey takes the group to the tragic world of star crossed lovers, a missing memory feather and more familiar faces. Meanwhile, Syaoran's observers begin plotting as Yuko's powers become more obvious to them. Plenty of drama and action along with moments of levity fill the five episodes included on this disc.Released September 30th A Tragic Illusion is Rated PG. The series runs 125 minutes and contains both the English and Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include Character Guide, World Guide, Textless Songs and Trailers. MSRP $29.98 Rate: 4/5
Devil May Cry, Volume 3: Inspired by the Capcom game,Devil May Cry Volume 3 continues to bring the adventure to the anime world. Dirty dealings, devious deceptions and a deadly decision to destroy Dante the Devil hunter. Sid's power continues to grow and he and his minions plot to kill Dante, but luckily for the devil hunter he's got an ace up his sleeve. Devil May Cry: The Animated Series Volume 3 contains 4 action packed episodes. Released October 7th and Rated MA, the series is well animated with excellent character design which brings the dark story to life. This series runs 100 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles.Extras include the anime clean opening and closing animations and previews as well as exclusive DMC 4 game cut scenes and DMC4 Final 2007 and 2008 Footage. MSRP $29.98 Rate: 3.5/5
Ghost Hunt: The Complete Series, Part 1: Ghost Hunters gone anime. Ghost Hunt: The Complete Series Part 1 contains 13 episodes on 2 DVDs. The series follows Shibuya Psychic Research, a group of professionals in the world of the occult as they investigate reported hauntings. Using technology as well as spiritualism, the team works each haunting case, finding the root of the problem. Released October 7th and Rated TV14, Ghost Hunt has a fun blend of comedy,drama and action. This series runs 310 minutes and contains the English and Japanese with English subtitles audio options. If you love ghost stories or those haunting investigation shows, this is the anime version you've been waiting for. Extras include Ghost Hunt manga pages, Character Case Files, Ghost Sightings, Textless Opening and Trailers. MSRP $49.98 Rate: 4/5
Jyu-Oh-Sei (Planet of the Beast King) - The Complete Series: In the stylings of Escaflowne, Jyu-Oh-Sei (Planet of the Beast King) - The Complete Series is a sci-fi adventure. Their parents murdered, twin boys are mysteriously dropped off on a harsh planet filled with hardened criminals and even more deadly plants.Learning the ways of the new land and conquering all is the only way to become the ultimate leader, the Beast King, and find escape.Containing 11 episodes on two discs the series is filled with plenty of action and adventure. Released October 7th and Rated TV14. This series runs 255 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include Staff Commentary, Original Commercials, Textless Songs and Trailers. MSRP $39.98 Rate: 4/5
Strait Jacket: Strait Jacket blends magic, horror,spirituality and technology together. The story follows those who hunt demons spawned by the overuse of sorcery. In particular a rogue unlicensed sorcerist and the by-the-book government representative who is trying to get him licensed. Strait Jacket was released October 7th by Manga Entertainment and is Not Rated. It's best viewed by a mature audience who isn't disturbed by graphic violence and gore. The animation and voice work is excellent with many voices anime fans will recognize. This film runs 76 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and Japanese stereo with English subtitles. MSRP $19.97 Rate: 3/5
Kanon, Volume 6: The final dramatic volume of Kanon takes Yuichi through a whirlwind of memories of the past while an accident sends things into a tailspin. Mysteries of the past unravel as Yuichi searches his memories as well as for the missing Ayu. Past and present collide as the series drama reaches it's zenith. Rated PG, Kanon Volume 6 contains episodes 21-24 and is scheduled for release October 14th. This series runs approximately 100 minutes and moves at a very deliberate pace. Containing the English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include Kanon: A Close Look at an Anime Production House, Part 8 and the clean opening and closing animations. MSRP $29.98 Rate: 2.5/5
Claymore: The Burden of the Blade - Volume 1: Helping those who hate them, Claymores are caught between the world of the demon-like Yoma and Humans. With their distinct appearance the half human, half Yoma warriors are the only protection humans have against the Yoma who threaten them. Claymore: The Burden of the Blade follows the story of Clare, one of the Claymore as she befriends a boy orphaned by the Yoma and makes her way through a violent, lonely world. Scheduled for release on October 14th, Claymore Volume 1 contains 5 episodes and is Rated MA. Claymore Volume 1 runs 115 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include Episode 1 commentary, trailers, cast auditions and textless songs. MSRP $29.98 or $39.98 for Volume 1 w/Starter. Rate: 4.5/5
Negima!? Magister Negi Magi Spring and Summer Specials: If you are looking for fan service with very little story, look no further than this release. Negima contains two cheesecake filled OVA episodes with barely a sliver of the solid storytelling fans saw in the series. The first being the beach episode filled with plenty of barely dressed bodies posed provocatively while the second is the bath house episode for even more skin. The animation is excellent but unfortunately the story line is not at the same standard. Scheduled for release on October 14th and Rated MA, this release doesn't go a minute without delivering eye candy for fanboys.This OVA runs 50 minutes and contains the English and Japanese with English subtitles. Extras include Schoolgirl Commentary, TextlessSongs and Trailers. MSRP $19.98 Rate: 1/5
xxxHOLiC, Volume 6: Our wish has been granted with the latest release of xxxHOLiC Volume 6, lucky the only price we have to pay is a few dollars. Scheduled for release October 21st and Rated PG, the DVD contains four interesting and entertaining episodes. Watanuki is taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions from the guilt he feels after befriending a lonely woman to fond memories of a childhood friend and the love from his current group of friends. Creepy ghostly arms, life-threatening illness and decisions must be made in xxxHOLiC Volume 6. The series runs 100 minutes and includes the English 5.1 and Japanese with English subtitles. Extras with this release include Image Gallery, Textless Songs and Trailers. MSRP $39.98 Rate: 4.5/5
Dead Space: Downfall: Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment, Dead Space: Downfall provides the story line between the Image comics series and the next generation video game by Electronic Arts. The film follows the events befalling the crew of the USG Ishimura as the artifact they discovered unleashes a terror upon their ranks. Scheduled for release on October 28th on both DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Dead Space: Downfall contains the feature length horror/sci-fi prequel to the game and is Not Rated. The film runs 74 minutes and contains the English 5.1 and English with Spanish subtitles as well as the subtitles for the hearing impaired. Produced and animated by Film Roman (The Simpsons, King of the Hill) the series has an American character design and detailed CG backgrounds. Extras include deleted scenes, movie trailer, game trailer, photo gallery,isolated soundtrack, cheat codes and previews for other releases by Anchor Bay. MSRP DVD $26.97 Blue-ray $34.97 Rate: 3/5
