Animanga Nation

Bleach, Season Four Box Set (Part Two) – DVD Review November 29, 2010

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Review by: Brenda Gregson

Publisher: VIZ Media
MSRP: $49.95 US
Running Time: 300 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

The final battle against the Bounts is also one of Ichigo’s finest moments.

The Bount story arc certainly proved that the Bleach series not only knows how to make good filler episodes but that they can also be entertaining, compelling and loads of fun to watch. Season Four of Bleach managed to start off good enough but Part Two is not only a fitting end but a thrilling 12-episodes that will keep Bleach fans thrilled to be along for the ride.

A lot happened in Part One of this fourth season as Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends find themselves going up against a new kind of foe that makes vampires look like complete posers. Led by a Bount named Kariya, the rest follow their leader draining the spirit energy of the living so, naturally, Ichigo has to stop them. Of course, their presence has also gotten the attention of the Soul Society that already sent the likes of Renji Abarai, Rukia Kuchiki and even a non-combatant such as Hanataro Yamada.

In Part Two, however, the Bounts are gathering their forces to finally put a stop to those who stand in their way. With Ichigo and his friends preparing themselves in the safety of Uruhara’s store and Uryu mourning the death of the female Bount named Yoshino who he befriended, the Soul Society continues its investigation of the Bounts.

Meanwhile, Uruhara thinks its best to prepare for another assault so everyone – with the exception of Uryu – pairs up. Since Ichigo has the aid of the Mod Soul named Lirin, he attempts to find a way to track the Bounts. In a cute and comical episodes, the three Mod Souls (as well as Kon) set up some homemade traps in Ichigo’s house that all seem to backfire.

Unfortunately, the Bounts strike first using a created scourge of giant mosquito-like creatures called Bittos that drain the souls out of the living and deliver the liquefied soul essence in vials that make up their bodies. One of their victims is Ichigo’s friend Keigo Asano. It becomes clear to Ichigo that he must hurry or his friend will die but the Bounts send Go Koga and his dangerous doll that now seems twice as deadly as before. The truth is that all of Kariya’s followers drank the liquefied human soul extract and gained the benefits of more power.

On the other side of Karakura Town, however, Orihime, Rukia and Noba go up against a female Bount named Yoshi who is equally super powered but the real threat comes from her companion – Mabashi – who uses a doll that spiritually drills itself into Rukia and turning her into a human puppet for the Bount to control. In a great scene, Orihime gathers what strength and power she can muster and uses it to save Rukia.

In the meantime, Chad, Renji and Uruhara’s little employee – Ururu – fight the elderly Bount who unleashes a strange ability that has him manipulate wood and turn it into a massive wooden whale that swallows up Ururu. Thankfully, Rangiku Matsumoto shows up to lend a hand and the Soul Society sends other Soul Reapers that finally get some time to show their stuff like Lieutenants Izura Kira and Shuhei Hisagi.

With everyone locked in battle, we do get another glimpse of Kariya and Go Koga’s past that reveal the secrets of their dolls. The flashback reveals a young Bount that Go once mentored who was so determined to create a doll that he goes about it without supervision and – as a result – ends up suffering a fate that affects both Go and Kariya.

In the final act, however, the Soul Society discovers that an intruder has entered as Ichigo and his companions discover Kariya’s true intentions as he finally faces off against him in an ultimate battle. Even Uryu joins the final battle as he makes use of a Quincy accessory to help his friends and avenge the death of Yoshino.

Part Two of Season Four of Bleach might not end this filler story arc but it is still a satisfyingly entertaining chapter true to the series. There’s not only a good dose of action, drama and comedy but the story actually makes for a memorable 12-episodes well worth watching. There’s no doubt why this series has such a loyal following even when they stray off the main story.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
The real battle against the Bounts is just beginning as Ichigo and his friends as well as the Soul Society prepare for the worst. However, when the enemy unleashes a new weapon on the World of the Living. As Ichigo and Soul Reaper alike come face-to-face with the deadly Bounts, Kariya’s true intentions are finally revealed as he takes the fight to the most unexpected place.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
No matter how good it looked on TV, the best way to watch Bleach is on DVD and the episodes certainly look great that way. Plus, the episodes include the short but funny “

AUDIO QUALITY: A+
Once again, the voice acting is great if you prefer the English dub voices or the original Japanese cast that are even more amazing. The music is still good and so is the opening and closing theme songs, especially “Tonight Tonight Tonight” by Beat Crusaders.

EXTRAS: B
Each disc contains some great Production Art still as well as the clean opening and closing theme songs as well but the real juicy stuff comes with the last disc that includes the bonus Behind the Scenes of Bleach extra. The behind the scenes feature includes interviews with voice actors Troy Baker (Kariya), Sam Regal (Ichinose), Richard Epcar (Koga) and Julie Ann Taylor (Lirin) just to name a few.

OVERALL: B+
With the finale to this excellent filler story arc coming up, Part Two of Season Four of Bleach is still a satisfying collection of episodes thanks to great storytelling and villains that aren’t just dreamt up to waste time before the series got back to business. Overall, it’s been a great story and this last part is just too good to pass up.

Review copy provided by VIZ Media

One Piece, Season Three Third Voyage – DVD Review November 28, 2010

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Review by: Faith McAdams

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

The rage of a God and the defiance of a people will make this heaven burn.

Any One Piece fan will tell you that when a One Piece story arc starts rolling it rolls with the momentum of a runaway train and your eyes will be glued to the screen until the very end of said story arc. Just look at the way the Alabasta story had fans hooked. Well, the same can be said about the Skypiea story arc that, with the Third Voyage of Season Three, has reached it’s top speed and heading for yet another unforgettable thrill ride.

As the story arc set up the conflict between a people called the Shandians and Skypiea’s so-called God, the Straw Hats have decided to do what a good pirate crew would normally do … look for treasure. However, having split the crew into two parties, the Straw Hats have no choice but to get involved in the uprising of the Shandian warriors and the twisted game that the God Eneru has set up.

Meanwhile, Wyper and his fellow Shandian warriors’ second assault is a more successful one as they manage to take down one of Eneru’s “priests.” Having been the man that brought down said priest, however, Wyper turns his attention on a lost Luffy who was separated from Zoro, Robin Nico and Tony Tony Chopper. Despite the fact that Luffy much rather continue on towards his goal, Wyper makes it clear that he will not let Luffy stroll around their sacred land so he attacks. The fight is impressive, exciting and cool but the outcome leads Luffy to become even more lost.

While Robin encounters her own trouble and Zoro comes face-to-face with a Shandian gunman named Braham, Chopper runs into the hilarious oddball priest named Gedatsu. It’s because he’s an oddball that Chopper gets to continue on his quest with a victory under his belt. Zoro’s battle, on the other hand, is bloody and stylish as he pits his swords against Braham’s guns. Even Robin shows her fighting prowess in order to protect the ruins she finds precious.

On board the Going Merry, however, Eneru shows up and fries both Sanji and Usopp … nearly killing them both. A terrified Nami is to scared to do anything but Gan For, the Sky Knight, steps in and it is clear that the two have a history together. It’s also clear that Eneru now wants to participate in his own game as well and his entry causes many deaths. Poor Nami is left to fight two new enemies, twins who happen to be the brothers of the balloon-shaped priest named Satori that Luffy and the others defeated.

Making it to the Upper Yard as well, Conis and her father manage to reach the Going Merry but not before saving a little Shandian girl by the name of Aisa. It is Aisa who has the power to feel or “hear” the other Shandians and is worried about Wyper and the female warrior named Laki. Traveling with Nami, Aisa leads her to her friends. Meanwhile, Conis and her father encounters a dying Heavenly warrior who reveals to them Eneru’s true plan. Unfortunately, Eneru s God-like ability strikes the warrior dead as well as taking the life of the person standing next to him.

Chopper is the first to reach the temple ruins only to run into the last real priest by the name of Ohm who fights alongside a giant dog. While Chopper managed to breeze through his last fight with a priest, Ohm unleashes his ability that soon leads to Chopper’s unfortunate defeat. Soon, Zoro, Robin, Wyper and Gan Fall arrive as well and becomes the final four that will take on Eneru. While Nami and Aisa find themselves in a most unusual predicament that leads them to run into Luffy, the others begin their battle against a man who considers himself a God in a battle that is nothing short of breathtaking.

What happens after that is even more intriguing as Nami accepts Eneru’s offer to join him. His master plan, while having been revealed, is explained further and it becomes clear to Nami that his plan may very well destroy all of Skypiea in the process.

The Third Voyage of Season Three is One Piece’s finer moments as well as an epic portion of yet another spectacular story arc. Sure, all the battles are more than amazing and the craziness you’d expect from One Piece is even more crazier but it’s the events that transpire in this collection that will keep your interest down to the very last episode. If this doesn’t make you a One Piece fan then I don’t know what will.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A+
Moving deeper into the Upper Yard, the Straw Hat pirates, the Shandian warriors and God Eneru’s priests fight a massive battle. However, as Eneru steps into the battlefield, he reveals his dastardly plan that puts all of Skypiea in danger. As friends and foes alike fall in battle, the remaining survivors face off against Eneru in the fight of their lives.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
The action heats up in these episodes and lead to some shockingly brutal battles with casualties on all sides and then there are the great visual effects and characters such as the massive serpent that shows up. I can just imagine how amazing this would look on Blu-ray.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
By now you may already know what to expect from the voice acting in this series for both the Japanese and English dub side and it is still great work … although Cherami Leigh as Aisa definitely works so much better. The opening and closing songs keep getting better and the new ones for the Third Voyage are simply awesome.

EXTRAS: C
Marathon Play still makes for a great feature and yes you can find some trailers as well as the clean opening and closing theme songs. However, there’s a fun audio commentary track for Episode 171 featuring ADR Director/voice actor Mike McFarland and the voice of Usopp, Sonny Strait. Speaking of Sonny Strait, he reveals that he’s a huge fan of Oda-Sensei’s manga version of One Piece.

OVERALL: A+
Simply put: the Third Voyage of Season Three of One Piece is a riveting, edge-of-your seat and powerfully dramatic chapter in this series. Filled to the brim with action-packed moments that are nothing short of monumental, these episodes will make you glad you stuck with this series from the very beginning. Count this one as yet another Must Have for all One Piece fans.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Initial D, First Stage Part 2 – DVD Review November 22, 2010

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Review by: Eduardo Zacarias

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $29.98 US
Running Time: 300 minutes
Genre: Drama/Sports
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

This is how legends are born.

Having followed the Initial D series for a long time now, I’m certainly grateful to FUNimation for rescuing the series and releasing every series including the first one that actually turned out even more exciting and fun than the seasons after it. Do you want proof? Just pick up Part 2 of the First Stage of Initial D and you will see exactly what I mean. Oh yeah, it’s just that good.

In the first part of the first season we are introduced to Takumi Fujiwara … a High School student who suddenly becomes famous around the Akina area and thus earning the nickname “the Ghost of Akina.” Since then, Takumi has taken on challengers from various racing groups. One of them makes his presence known by bumping Takumi’s friend, Itsuki, nearly off the road in his Eight-Five. Before that, however, the Night Kids’ racer named Shingo issued Takumi a Gum Tape Deathmatch race.

After seeing Itsuki in his hospital, though, Takumi decides to accept the challenge despite the fact that he still considers himself new to the racing scene. Still, it’s clear that it is not in him to turn down a challenge and on the day of the race he finds himself in one of the most dangerous races of his life. With his hand taped to the wheel, it becomes difficult to turn the wheel during sharp turns and – to add to the difficulty – his opponent plays dirty.

Oh but Takumi proves himself once again and thus continuing his winning streak as well as increasing his fame. Word quickly spreads that Takumi not only beat the Night Kids’ best drivers but survived a Gum Tape Deathmatch with only a few bumps and scrapes on his Eight-Six.

Meanwhile, Takumi’s other friend, Iketani, meets a cute girl named Mako who is struggling with her car’s engine. He lends a hand and gets her number as a result but being an insecure and awkward young man, Iketani just doesn’t know how to handle something as simple as a date. Then the girl drops a bomb on him. You see, she’s a street racer who – along with her partner – is well known outside of Akina as one of the best female racers and she wants her last race to be against Takumi.

Never mind that that poor guy feels used, Iketani is the type of guy who still cares and talks his friend into racing the girl of his dreams and would you believe that Takumi accepts. As it turns out, however, Mako and her partner sitting in the passenger seat, are formidable opponents. In fact, they are his best opponents who really push his talents to the limit. It became clear in Part 1 that Takumi could do wonders with the Eight-Six despite its limitations.

Like the first part of the first season, there is plenty of drama and comedy outside the racing action and it comes in the form of the relationships between Iketani and Mako as well as Takumi and Natsuki. In an interesting turn of events, Takumi finally makes a confession to Natsuki and her response is actually a positive one. As for Iketani, just watching the way he handles his relationship with Mako is quite painful. It’s also one of the many highlights of Part 2.

Then again, the more dramatic part comes in the form of Ryosuke Takahashi who finally wants to test Takumi’s skills himself. Having watching him in action, Ryosuke puts his reputation on the line by issuing the challenge but it is clear that of all of Takumi’s opponents so far, Ryosuke is a true gentleman. Before his race with Ryosuke, however, he is challenged by another racer in the Takahashi brother’s team. This race seals the deal between Takumi and Ryosuke and the main event is absolutely breathtaking and edge-of-your-seat racing action.

As I said, Part 2 of the First Stage of Initial D is one of the more exciting episodes of season one and a true classic for loyal fans of the series. Not only are there a number of intense and unforgettable races in Part 2 but the drama outside the streets adds to the overall enjoyment of one of the best moments of this series. Initial D fans, this is the one you will not forget anytime soon.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A
Upset over what happened to his friend, Takumi decides to accept the duct tape death match race from an opponent who is accustomed to using dirty tactics. On the heels of his victory, Takumi fame continues to grow as he accepts more difficult challenges until he gets the ultimate challenge from a Ryosuke Takahashi himself.

VIDEO QUALITY: B-
This being the first season of this series, the CG cars look dated but still good enough to tell what kind of cars are racing. The characters are still true to the manga, which is a good thing for fans of the manga but you won’t care thanks to the cool racing action on display.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The voice acting has always been great for this series for both the Japanese language track or the English dub and it remains so for Part 2. While the acting is one of the highlights of the sound, the real audio treat comes in the form of the amazing soundtrack and the opening and closing theme songs.

EXTRAS: D
Besides the textless opening and closing theme songs and a collection of trailers, there’s no real extras to be found here. Once again, I wish they includes the music videos for the first closing theme song from M.O.V.E.

OVERALL: A
If you thought Part 1 of the First Stage of Initial D was exciting, Part 2 blows it away with an even more thrilling second half that pushes Takumi’s driving skills to the limit. Simply put: the First Stage has everything you can ask for in a racing series and Part 2 will remain as one of the more exhilarating moments for this series and one Initial D fans should not miss.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Dirty Pair, Part One – DVD Review November 19, 2010

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Review by: Clive Owen

Publisher: RightStuf!/Nozomi Entertainment
MSRP: $49.99 US
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Rating: 13+
Release Date: Available Now

These Lovely Angels will solve your problem … even if it means destroying everything in their path.

This might not be the best way to begin a review but I would like to thank the masterminds who invented DVDs. It is thanks them that anime fans everywhere can experience anime series that we were far too young to catch the first time around or not at all depending on where you live. Among the many mid-1980s anime series I had always wanted to watch was the Dirty Pair and – thanks also to RightStuf!/Nozomi Entertainment – we get to do just that with the release of Part One of the Dirty Pair.

The series introduces us to the fiery redhead named Kei and her dark-haired partner named Yuri who are Trouble Consultants for a group calling themselves the World Welfare Works Association (the 3WA for short) in a 22nd century city. It was 20 years after warp drive was invented that humans create advanced computer technology capable of sustaining life within it so entire colonies can be found throughout various planets.

Eleanor City, however, is the home of Kei and Yuri who solve any problem the 3WA throws their way in their own unique style that almost always ends destructively to the point that these girls who want to be known as the Lovely Angels are more famously known as the Dirty Pair. When we first meet them, they are tasked with stopping the city’s main computer, known as Brain, from malfunctioning further. They solve the problem, alright, but not after blasting every security defense robot and causing an explosion that tilts the city’s main tower to one side … permanently.

Oh yeah, don’t let their appearances fool you. They may be attractive, charming and totally girly but these young women earn their Dirty Pair nickname. They also get the job done with enough time to think about dates with good-looking men, all the shopping they’ll do with their bonuses as well as talking their boss into giving them week-long vacations. Along with the aid of their giant mutant cat-like creature called Mughi and their egg-shaped robot called Nanmo, the girls take on a number of cases that put the girls in some fun and action-packed situations.

In one case, they are ordered to look into series of luxury ship bombings that might be directly connected to a rival company so the girls go undercover to flush out the culprits aboard one of the luxury ships. Then there’s a mission that has the girls going to Planet Vega to obtain an unusually lucky gambling chip called the Golem Chip before a cat burglar gets his hands on it. The trouble is that the owner is the wealthy casino owner who has some impressive and deadly security measures installed. Plus, could it be that Kei actually finds love during this mission?

Then there’s the case where the girls try to track down a cat who was the subject of an experiment. There’s even a case where the girls are attacked by computer-controlled sentries and ships that come from a waste disposal vessel with a mastermind that might actually be targeting the Dirty Pair for a reason. It’s actually a hairy situation that ends up in an interesting way. One of my favorite cases involves the pair helping transport a rare and priceless mineral and protect it from pirates … one of which might even by Kei’s childhood friend.

Another favorite is news that Yuri’s own childhood friend that swore to marry her finds himself in a hostage crisis as a group of terrorists are demanding that a rocket be made. The outcome is actually bitter sweet and surprising, which shows just how good the writing and animation in this series is and still holds up beautifully today.

Meanwhile, the girls take on even tougher missions such as the time they’re shot down and left on a planet resembling the Wild West with each girl joining a gang that’s at war with each another. They even play bodyguards for the heir to a royal family that is being targeted by the same assassins that killed the King or clean the city’s sewer from a mutated creature. There’s a case where the girls find themselves involved in kidnapping that might actually be a rich kid and a female thief running off together and another where an experimental smart mouse stages a coup. Another story involves the girls being mistaken for a Bonnie and Clyde-like pair of bank robbers.

As I said, the writing and animation in the series holds up well and RightStuf!/Nozomi does right by the series on DVD so even if you’ve seen the series before you will be very impressed with how the series looks. I’ve watched more than enough classic anime series on DVD and this is certainly the right way to bring back the classics.

It’s collections like Dirty Pair, Part One, that need to be in your growing library of anime. An exciting, fun and completely enjoyable series, Dirty Pair was an instant classic back then and it certainly remains that way now thanks to the charming characters and exciting episodes that make this such a joy to watch. We are so looking forward to Part Two of this amazing series.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A+
Although the prefer to be known as the Lovely Angels, Trouble Consultants Kei and Yuri are better known as the Dirty Pair who solve problems across the galaxy in their own destructive manner. Whether they’re guarding the heir to a royal family, looking for a missing experimental rodent or protecting a shipment from space pirates, these girls do it their way … even if they end up destroying an entire planet.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
For a series that was released in the mid-80s, the episodes look great on DVD with a crisp transfer that makes this the best way to watch Dirty Pair. While the animation might come off as dated for most tastes, I personally think it still impresses.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The original Japanese voices are intact and that’s a good thing because Kyoko Tongu and Saeko Shimazu are awesome as Rei and Yuki. The music in the series is definitely 1980s and so are the opening and closing theme song but they actually work well for the series even now.

EXTRAS: C
There are some Trailers and the clean opening and closing theme songs and nothing else but considering how great the series the lack of extras is forgivable.

OVERALL: A+
Dirty Pair is a true anime classic in every sense and the first half of this DVD set is proof of that. An entertaining, no-nonsense good time, Part One of Dirty Pair is just one of those anime series that will have you watching from start to finish with a smile on your face. Whatever you do, do not miss this collection.

Review copy provided by RightStuf!/Nozomi Entertainment

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings, The Complete 1st Season – Blu-ray Review November 15, 2010

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Review by: Clive Owen

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: Blu-ray: $59.98 US; DVD: $49.98 US
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

The unusual case of an anime being better than the video game.

Yeah, I know what you’re going to say. Just like big screen adaptations of video game franchises, there hasn’t been a decent video game-inspired anime. It’s not that they didn’t try (Devil May Cry came close to being really good) but somehow the there’s no series that really comes close to capturing the feel of the game. The Complete 1st Season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings might not be perfect but it’s actually a good start in the right direction and ten times more entertaining than the recent game.

Based on the Capcom hack-and-slash action games of the same name (called Devil Kings on our side of the pond), Sengoku Basara takes place during the Warring States period (otherwise known as the Sengoku period) as the forces of numerous clans are at war. In the center of it all is Oda Nobunaga (better known as the Devil King), a vicious and cruel warlord of extreme power that is determined to sweep across the states to rule over all of Japan by using any means necessary.

It is in one of the many battles of this period that we meet a warrior clan in blue armor leading his men into battle. He is Lord Masamune and he is about to clash with the warriors of Clan Takeda, most particularly their best warrior named Sanada Yukimura. The battle between these two warriors is epic and while there is no winner it is clear that they gain mutual respect for each another. While Lord Masamune sees the conflict as a good excuse to find great battles, Sanada fights only to serve his master, Lord Shingen. One running gag in the series is Lord Shingen and Sanada pumping each another with Sanada sounding like a smitten school girl.

Lord Shingen sees it as a good idea to attack the land of Lord Kenshin who is protected by a rogue ninja babe who is in love with the good-looking Lord who seems to have his heart in the right place. Unlike the other Lords, Kenshin wants to protect his people and the land. Lord Shingen sends Sanada to lock blades with the young Lord Kenshin only to find himself facing off against Masamune again.

Meanwhile, Oda Nobunaga gathers his troops and allies to his side, sometimes even by force such as when he has his brother-in-law, Azai Nagamasa, join him in battle but also attack his own land. He also convinces a young Lord by the name of Takechiyo who has with him an armored monstrosity called Tadakatsu that looks like a half cyborg and half mech hybrid. The “Battle of Nagashino and Shitaragahara” becomes a memorable moment in this series as Nobunaga betrays Azai and Takechiyo in the frontlines. In fact, the fate that befalls Azai makes his wife, Nobunaga’s own sister, realize that her bother is a twisted fiend.

What the battles also does is make the other clans realize that the real threat is Nobunaga and it takes a vagabond who happens to be a member of a royal clan that all the clans must unite to destroy Nobunaga. So begins an alliance between the clans. This cooperation, however, doesn’t sit well with the Devil King who sends his murderous wife to eliminate Lords that have united to stop him. On top of that, there’s Nobunaga’s white-haired devil known as Mitsuhide who seems to have his own twisted agenda.

As alliances are made between the most unlikely people and new allies lost to Nobunaga’s agents, both sides still continue their battle and Sanada and Lord Masamune join together as comrades to take the battle straight to Nobunaga’s castle. The result is a massive battle that has plenty of surprising twists and turns as well as a confrontation between the Devil King himself. Interestingly enough, the first season ends with a meeting between the Maeda Clan and another less friendly clan.

Unfortunately, the series is far from perfect and most of the characters can come off as two-dimensional with the exception of a few standout characters like the female ninja, Kasuga, who seems to go into ecstasy each time Lord Kenshin gives her a compliment. Worst yet, the story takes a backseat to the action that is the highlight of this series. Leave it to Production I.G. to make the animation and action sequences look amazing. On top of that, the voice acting is topnotch for both the Japanese and English dub.

The Complete 1st Season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings does have its many exciting moments and that is thanks to the impressive battle sequences. The problem is that there’s not much room for character development or a deeply involving story that will hold your interest. It’s like a historical-fantasy series for viewers with short-attention spans and a hankering for action rather than historical intrigue. As far as anime-series-based-on-a-video-game, Sengoku Basara is proof that it can be done and done good.

BLU-RAY REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B-
In the Warring States period, the villainous Oda Nobunaga has taken it upon himself to sweep across Japan on a mission of conquest. As other states and clans fight, they all realize that Nobunaga is a much bigger threat and band together to face off against the monster. In the meantime, they must survive encounters with Nobunaga’s subordinates that are equally dangerous.

VIDEO QUALITY: A+
The animation for this series is gorgeous and the battles look epic in ways that outclasses even the game. If there’s a series that deserves the Blu-ray treatment it is this series.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
There’s some great voice acting in this series for both the original Japanese and the English dub side that includes Johnny Yong Bosch and Stephanie Sheh (both known for their roles in Bleach) as well as Michael Sinterniklass. The music is ripe with cheesy heavy guitar riffs like the video game but the opening and closing theme song rock from awesome artists like Abingdon Boys School and Dustz.

EXTRAS: C+
The usual assortment of goodies are on the Blu-ray disc including clean opening and closing animations plus a few trailers. The feature that really stands out is the Sengoku Basara Chosokabe Motochika-Kun and Mori-Kun three-episode anime shorts that features two of the characters in chibi formand its actually funny as Mori and Motochika hang out together. Why wasn’t there some game footage included here?

OVERALL: B-
If you’ve been looking for an anime that is all about the battles and spares viewers a deep story about this era then Sengoku Basara is an anime series for you. Filled to the brim with impressive, visually stylish battles and gorgeous animation, this series has it but don’t expect fleshed out characters you will come to love or a story that will knock your socks.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Persona: Trinity Soul, Volume Two Premium Edition – DVD Review November 11, 2010

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Review by: Brenda Gregson

Publisher: NIS America
MSRP: $59.98 US
Running Time: 307 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/Mystery
Rating: Teen
Release Date: Available Now

The whale’s feathers will fall one last time as the truth about Personas is finally revealed.

Persona: Trinity Soul is one of those complex, cerebral and deeply involving anime series that – as we saw from Volume 1 – just kept getting better and better with each episode. As complex as it is, though, you just can’t help but get swept up by the story and even more so in Volume 2 of the Premium Edition of Persona: Trinity Soul. In this final chapter of the story, things get exciting and stranger at the same time.

In the last episode of Volume 1, Ryo Kanzato had followed a lead out in the snow with his childhood sweetheart only to end up missing and said childhood sweetheart dead. It doesn’t take authorities long to finger Ryo for the crime and since he’s missing they can’t find out what really happened. His brother Shin and Jun continue to watch for their missing trouble and Shin often visit’s the police department to see if they found out anything about Ryo.

When Shin runs into the mysterious boy named Sataro, it becomes clear to Shin that Marebito is determined to carry out their plan to bring back their fallen father-figure and continue their cycle of violence using their Personas. When one of them attacks a person out in the street where Shin’s friends are witnesses to Marebito’s path of destruction, the Persona that puts an end to the menace looks to be Ryo himself!

Determined to have their brother come back home, Shin and Jun are approached by a white-haired stranger named Sanada Akihiko who knows all about Personas, the “reverse” cases and a lot about their brother, Ryo. In fact, he tells them the secret about Personas as well as an interesting tidbit about their users, which explains why their brother as well as other members of Marebito have been taking a mysterious drug … thus the group’s connection to a pharmaceutical company.

Interestingly enough, Sanada also makes a most unusual request for a law enforcement officer. He asks Shin and his friends to use their Personas to stop Marebito from carrying out their mission. Even more interesting is the fact that neither Megumi, Takura or Kanaru agree with helping but Shin does make a commitment to help Sanada. In the end, they all join Shin anyway out of loyalty and friendship.

Speaking of friendship, the series continues to flesh out the secondary characters like Shin’s friends. After Jun is badly injured during a battle with members of Marebito, they head to Megumi’s parents’ home only for the others to realize that Megumi and his stepmother don’t get along as their situation brings them together. In another episode, Takura encounters an attractive woman who claims she is his father! Could this be connected to the “reverse” cases as missing people keep showing up in different bodies? The result is an emotional meeting between Takura and his father.

Meanwhile, the girl in red (AKA Ayane) seems to be appearing more frequently and targets Jun who – as we seen in the first volume – has a spiritual connection to his dead twin sister. Of course, Shin doesn’t like that Ayane keeps appearing before Jun and tries to put an end to her visits only to be shown an alternate realm where his parents are still alive and his brother forgetting about Personas. When she reveals her true colors by kidnapping Jun, Shin and his friends finally set out to defeat Marebito once and for all.

The battle is intense and shocking as an enemy reveals herself and there are casualties on both ends. In fact, one final farewell of one character is heartbreaking as Shin finally makes a stand against Ayane’s true self. While the ending can be a bit complicated, it’s a fitting finale for a series like this. Saying more would ruin the many surprises.

The Premium Edition of Volume 2 of Persona: Trinity Soul is a compelling and riveting finale as secrets are revealed and battles are waged. As a whole, the series is complex and the ending might be a tad confusing in places but it works and believe me when I say that you will find yourself loving Volume 2 for keeping its viewers on the edge of their seats.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
Ryo’s sudden disappearance and the murder of their friend have Shin and Jun worried enough to look into his brother’s case. Meanwhile, the group known as Marebito is making their move as Shin and his friends band together to meet the threat head-on as the identity of the girl in red is finally revealed.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
The animation is excellent with the Personas standing out in this series but the best visual treat comes in the form of the dream-like visions Shin and his brother have throughout the series.

AUDIO QUALITY: A+
Once again, the great voice acting is one of the highlights of the audio as well as the hauntingly gorgeous score. The opening theme song, “Word of the Voice” by FLOW is simply awesome and the closing song is beautiful.

EXTRAS: A
The second disc comes with clean opening and closing theme songs as well as a look at all of Persona: Trinity Soul’s mysteries with the producer of the animation studio A-1 Pictures, Omatsu Yutaka, that is interesting to watch. Of course, the hardcover book is a wonderful addition complete with production art and interesting character tidbits as well as the fun four-panel comics.

OVERALL: B+
A strange and utterly intriguing final chapter, Volume 2’s Premium Edition of Persona: Trinity Soul is an absorbing second part that will not fail to grab your attention. If you thought the last episodes of Volume 1 were interesting, Volume 2 will surely keep you interested up until the very end. This is still an anime series well worth checking out.

Review copy provided by NIS America

One Piece, Season Three Second Voyage – DVD Review November 8, 2010

Posted by psfrontline in Anime Reviews.
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Review by: Faith McAdams

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

The revolution begins now but this time the enemy is a God.

Leave it to Luffy D. Monkey and the rest of the Straw Hat pirates to get involved in something as major as a coup to overthrow a villainous dictator that is regarded as a God in the sky island known as Skypiea. The first part of Season Three began excitedly enough but the Second Voyage of One Piece’s third season is the voyage that shouldn’t be missed, One Piece fans.

It was quite a journey to get to the island in the sky but once in Skypiea the Straw Hats already find themselves in trouble, and, as we can see from the first episode of the Second Voyage, the trouble comes in the form of Skypiea’s law enforcement officials called the White Berets. Accused of entering Skypiea illegally, the Straw Hats confront the police and, as a result, are now classified as second degree criminals. Then, while Nami, Robin, Chopper and Zoro are aboard the Going Merry, a giant lobster takes the ship and the four aboard to the Upper Yard’s sacrificial alter.

So begins the Luffy, Sanji and Usopp’s quest to find their friends and travel into the forbidden forest of the Upper Yard. With Conis leading them to a boat, it becomes clear that the person who had called the authorities that took the Going Merry and their friends was right there with them. Worst yet, the confession of said person brings down a destructive blast that seems to have come from the Heavens itself. Could this be the God Eneru’s power?

Not afraid, Luffy, Sanji and Usopp take the boat down the milky river to the Upper Yard where they discover that to go farther into the forbidden forest they must accept pick one of four challenges set up by the God Eneru’s “priests” who are powerful vassals who dish out Eneru’s punishments. They pick the Ball Challenge because Luffy thinks it sounds fun but what they encounter is a priest name Satori who uses balls filled with various dangerous objects. As it turns out, Satori’s demented attacks prove to be too much for the trio but together the manage to give Satori a real challenge.

Meanwhile, the others find the Upper Yard a most unusual place as they leave Chopper alone aboard the Going Merry. It is Nami, Robin and Zoro that make a most interesting discovery about the Upper Yard while Chopper – in one of his finest moments – takes on a priest named Shura who damages the Going Merry and then calls the Sky Knight who locks lances with Shura in the skies. However, the battle doesn’t end in Chopper and Sky Knight’s favor.

Meanwhile, we finally get to meet the guerillas that showed up when the Straw Hats finally reached the island in the sky. They are the Shandians, a people who have once lived peacefully in the Upper Yard when the God Eneru took over the area from the previous God who was removed from power. Having heard of what happened to Satori as well as the Sky Knight, the Shandians – led by a warrior named Wyper – decide to stage a coup.

A battle between the Shandians and God Eneru’s priests and Heavenly warriors breaks out and we finally get to meet Eneru himself as the self-proclaimed deity sees this revolution as a game. Meanwhile, the Straw Hats are reunited and take what they learned about the Upper Yard to look for the legendary gold Noland the Liar had wrote about in his journal. However, with two forces at war it will be difficult to simply stroll deeper into the forest to find the gold. With Shura and two other powerful priests, the Straw Hats will have their hands full but there’s also Wyper and the Shandians who find the Straw Hats’ presence a nuisance as all three forces clash. Oh yeah, this is going to be a huge conflict.

The revolution is in full swing and the Straw Hats are once again in the middle of it in the Second Voyage of Season Three of One Piece. While we’ve found Luffy and his crew in situations like this before but Skypiea is an interesting place and now the situation has gotten a lot more action-packed as the revolution begins. Anime action shows like this just don’t get any better than One Piece.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A
Now declared dangerous outlaws by the Skypiea authorities, the Straw Hats are forced to go to the sky island’s Upper Yard where a vicious “God” figure and his powerful “priests” reside. Separated from each another, the Straw Hats not only face off against the priests but also make a startling discovery about the Upper Yard. Meanwhile, the Shandian people see the Straw Hat’s presence in the area as a good chance to stage a coup against the God called Eneru.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
The battles are more stylized in this story arc thanks to the unique appearance of the Shandians and the Kami’s strange “priests.” Skypiea’s Upper Yard is also a very strange place visually, which makes the episodes fun to watch.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The voice acting is still excellent for a series like this whether you like the Japanese voices of the English dub with great voice acting all around. The music is still great as well and the new opening and closing theme songs are even better then last season’s themes.

EXTRAS: C
The usual assortment of trailers and the clean opening and closing theme songs are present and Marathon Play is a wonderful option to have but the best extra is the audio commentary track for Episode 166 with ADR Director Mike McFarland and voice actors Stephanie Young (Robin) and Luci Christian (Nami).

OVERALL: A
As it was with the Alabasta story arc, the Second Voyage of Season Three of One Piece reminds us of what made us One Piece fans in the first place. Filled with massive battles, interesting foes and yet another impressive storyline that places the Straw Hats in the middle of another conflict, Season Three is off to a really good start.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment