Sea Prince & Fire Child (Shiriusu no densetsu / Legend of Sirius) Review

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(More customer reviews)My mother, sister, and I all fell in love with this in the original japanese as the "Legend of Sirius" even though we couldn't understand it. We were shocked to find it in English in a local video rental store, but thrilled that we could finally hear the whole story.
It is just beautiful to watch, the music is lovely, and the characters are cute. I love the mythological take on Romeo and Juliet, and the ending is much easier to live with :-)
We still have our VHS copies in both English and Japanese, but this is one we really want on DVD.
I have read online that it had a limited release on DVD in Japan, but that it is nearly impossible to find. Please re-release it on DVD!

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Maze DVD Collection (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, only watch it in Japanese with English Subtitles. As a rule, I never watch the Dubbed version of Anime. Because the Japanese voice actors are almost ALWAYS way better than the American voice actors.
Second, don't take it seriously. If you are looking for a Cowboy Bepop/Trigun experience this isn't it. If you are looking for an intellectual experience like Lain, this also isn't it.
Third, If you are offended by off color sexual humor this is not for you. If anime like Slayers, Sorcerer Hunters, Golden Boy, and Excel Saga bother you, then you wouldn't enjoy Maze.
However...!!!...if you are looking to purchase a low cost, fun, WTF, kind of anime - I completely recommend this series. I picked it up b/c it was only 30.00$ and had 52 episodes. I figured it would be something to keep me entertained for a couple of days. Plus, how can you not buy an anime that describes itself on the cover by saying, "Maze is a college girl who one day lands on another planet, has amnesia and discovers she has super powers."
Overall, this anime is fun, fast-paced and completely wacky. And it is absolutely re-watchable. I wouldn't pay more than 40.00$ for it but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the wacky anime humor. BTW, I have all of the anime discussed in this review, to give you an idea of my taste.

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One Piece - Vol. 11 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Volume 11 of One Piece will stand as a significant milestone as it introduces for the very first time TWO major characters that will ultimately join Monkey D. Luffy in his quest for the One Piece. In the first episode of this DVD, our heroes and their new friend Vivi are making their escape from the town of Misty Peak and the dangerous agents of the Baroque Works organization when they meet a mysterious woman who has come aboard their ship. Vivi identifies her as none other than Miss Sunday, second in command of the BW. Although Luffy and the rest try to fight Miss Sunday, Miss Sunday tosses all of their weapons away without even seeming to touch them. What is Miss Sunday's secret, and what is the BW's master plan? I won't say too much more about Miss Sunday except that in the distant future we do learn her real name, her past, her dreams, and the reason why she is compelled to stow away once again on Luffy's ship, this time for good.
Soon after this, Nami contracts the Grand Line Fever and Luffy realizes that he ought to have a ship's doctor on board. But where to find one? An evil pirate captain named Wapol rules the next island and has forced all the doctors to work for him. Well almost all. A man named Dalton reports that a witch doctor named Kureha still lives on top of the highest mountain, so Luffy and Sanji begin the difficult climb with Nami in tow.
Once they reach the top, Kureha nurses everyone back to health (Luffy and Sanji get somewhat frostbitten). Luffy wants Kureha to join his crew, but Kureha refuses, saying that people need her here. However, Kureha offers the services of her apprentice, Tony Tony Chopper. It's a rocky first encounter to say the least. Luffy and Sanji think that Chopper (being a little reindeer) would make a better meal than a doctor. And Chopper really doesn't like most humans anyway. Nevertheless, having consumed the Human Human fruit, Chopper has taken on many human characteristics (intelligence, the ability to speak, and bipedal gait) and is therefore ostracized by the other reindeer, not to mention that Chopper has a blue nose instead of the usual red one (yes, an aside to Rudolph!) And that pink top hat with the white X on it? That's mighty weird too!
Volume 12 will be pretty much all about Chopper, his origins, how he got his medical training, how he invented the Rumble Balls to enhance his fighting skills against the bad guys, and at last, how Wapol and his crew are defeated and Chopper joins Luffy's crew as the ship's doctor. And Volume 12 is coming out right on CHRISTMAS DAY! How appropriate for a reindeer themed DVD!

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Pleasure Island Review

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(More customer reviews)The graphics are nice on this, but the plot feels like it's part 2 in a trilogy. Like they skipped the part (a few hints) of how or why they got stranded on the island, and leave it open for sequels. They do however include plenty of adult scenes to make up where the plot leaves off, but even those look a bit mechanical with loops. Spoiler- there's a tentacle monster for those who are into that sort of thing.

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Item Name: Pleasure Island; Studio:Adult Source Media

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Betterman - Anime Legends Complete Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)When I heard that my friend watched this a while ago, I decided to pick it up and see what it was about. I was reluctant at first, thinking it would be a cheezy knock-off of some anime I've already seen. But at the end of the first episode, I was practically begging for more, pushing the next button for the next episode.
The main plot is that a virus is spreading across the world, known as "Algernon". Akamatsu Industries at this time is trying to find a way to stop the virus before it contaminates the entire world (some symptoms you may not pick up on right away)! Keita, the protagonist, is dragged into this conflict by getting himself lost in the Bottom World, where he meets the Betterman, who takes on a form of a dragon after eating a mysterious seed.
I would flush out more of the plot, but then I would be spoiling most of the fun! But I must say, even though the animation was on par with Escaflowne, the storyline just about surpassed Neon Genesis Evangelion (in confusion, that is. Shoot, it sort of has the ending similar to "End of Evangelion"!). The characters are presented very nicely, the story is incredible, although sometimes confusing, and they don't overexaggerate on the action, which some anime tends to do unintentionally.
If you feel like sparing thirty or so dollars on a fun, cutesy anime with lots of over-sized women anatomies and simple things like that, this anime probably isn't for you. However, if you want to get involved in a story that may change your way of thinking for a couple of days, then I would definately recommend this.
NOTE: You may suffer brain exhaustion by watching this anime in one sitting, take it a couple of episodes at a time!

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Appleseed Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first review for Amazon. I've always felt that the reviews that I read were adequate to represent the movies and anime that I liked. Not this time.
I have an extensive collection of anime. Everything from the really silly stuff, filled with fan service, to the very serious classics that so many fans rave about. I'm not really into the mecha thing, though I do have a lot of it. It's the animation first that drives my interest, then its the story and the character development are close seconds.
Appleseed has all that I'm looking for in an anime, and in Spades. Great characters, a well crafted plot, and some of the best animation I have ever see. To say, as some reviewers have, that the movement in this version are unnatural,is more than unfair, it's just not true. All action is extremely lifelike, and the action scenes are the best I've ever seen. I actually found myself reversing the disc to rewatch some action repeatedly, something I never do.
I've owned this version of Appleseed a few weeks now, and I have watched it at least five times, and am looking forward to another veiwing soon.
I have relied on Amazon reveiws to decide whether or not to buy anime in the past, so I hope that this reveiw is helpful. There is a lot of good anime worth investing in, and this one is near the top of my list.

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Earth's last city Olympus arose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population.Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface.Human terrorists w/in the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces led by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine.Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret.

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Mermaid's Scar (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I saw this anime I was blown away,the story was wonderful, the art is very good (concidering it's age of corse) Overall I love this anime, I must have rented it over 7 times before I bought it. I wouldnt recomend this anime for any of the weak of heart though. It had a very high gore factor, (not as bad as Ninga Scroll) My only complaint is the voice of Mana, I think that Yuta did a very admirable job and so did Misa, but Mana...Well it makes up for the bad acting with the wonderful story. a must buy.

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Bastard - Complete Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)I first heard of the "Bastard!!" series back in the early 90's and recalled many fans at an anime convention talking about how cool the series was and how funny it was because of the main character's name (Dark Schneider) and the many references to popular US metal bands (from the 80's).
After watching all six episodes, I just fell in love with this series. There have been several "Bastard!!" video games available for the SNES and Sony Playstation and the series has yet to be "fully completed", although the six-OAV episode arc is just totally awesome!
The series is about an evil warlock named "Dark Schneider" who has been freed from imprisonment and fortunately, the evil warlock has been combined with a very good kid named Rushe which makes him somewhat a hero to aid the people of Meta-Rikana" and take on his old generals and army.
The storyline is just awesome but since this anime includes combat, humor and wizardry...the battles can be bloody and too violent for some people.
All in all, an awesome anime featuring awesome characters (and character designs) such as Ninja Master Gara, Thunder Empress Arshes Nei and more.
Check out this anime, you won't be disappointed.

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Death Note: Re-Light, Vol. 1 - Visions of a God (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)
...I was quite disappointed w/this DVD.
First, the good stuff: The animation of the new scenes is lovely; the colors & design are brighter and crisper than in the original anime. It's really the only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. The extra scenes are interesting, but don't add that much to the original series.
OK, now the bad stuff: This is basically a clip show, following just over halfway thru the anime (where a particularly lovable character dies). It's framed by Ryuk telling the story to another shinigami. But that's about it.
I'd had high hopes for this DVD (given the description), but, alas, they were dashed [siiiiigh].
I'd recommend this for (a) Death Note completists, or (b) someone who doesn't want to invest the time in watching the entire first half of the original anime.


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"See through the eyes of a shinigami…Light and L have battled to the bitter end over the Death Note—but what does the story look like from Ryuk's point of view?When rogue shinigami Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note in the human world out of boredom, he has no idea how far the human who picks it up will take his newfound power. With the Death Note in hand, brilliant high school student Light Yagami vows to rid the world of evil, and when criminals begin dropping dead one by one, genius detective L steps in to track down the elusive killer known as Kira. An epic battle of wits pitting one brilliant mind against another unfolds—with the very future of humanity at stake! Ryuk's not bored anymore…Go back to where it all began and watch the epic battle from a new perspective—through the eyes of the one who started it all! "

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One Piece: The Princess and the Pirates - Adventures in Alabasta Movie #8 Review

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(More customer reviews)How my ratings work:
5 - I really liked/loved it
4 - I liked it
3 - Could've been better/worth a look
2 - Just didn't live up to the potential
1 - Simply awful
I just saw this movie today with my friends. I've been a fan of One Piece for a good while. I've yet to read the manga, but I plant to read it some day. This movie has everything you could want: action, comedy, drama, intense battles. I don't need to go into the plot since it's mentioned above. The voice cast is outstanding, and it's cool to see it all uncut (I've mainly seen it on tv). If you love One Piece, you'll love this. If you're a fan of anime, movies, and pirates, you should love it in general.

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The island kingdom of Alabasta is about to erupt in civil war – a war engineered by Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and his criminal organization Baroque Works. Monkey D. Luffy, his Straw Hat pirates and Princess Vivi race to the island, where the strongest warriors of Baroque Works wait to stop them. Can Vivi and her friends stop an entire war? And how can Luffy fight Crocodile, when Crocodile can turn into sand?

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Queen's Blade Wandering Warrior: Beaten Path (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Queen's Blade is a series that is built upon its superb characters, and the second volume of the anime expands the cast past the introductory characters from the first volume. As the first season enters it's halfway point the foundation begins to establish itself by introducing more characters and expanding the characters of the existing ones. The action, character development, diverse vistas, and great music are all back in stronger form than in the first volume; sure to satisfy anyone who was not satisfied by the action in the first volume.
The fanservice is still in strong form in this volume, perhaps even stronger than the first, but, as always, the series executes it's fanservice with sophistication and toungue-in-cheek moments of humor. This is one of the main highlights of the series; how the fanservice in Queen's Blade never feels forced, unnecessary, or juvenile in it's execution. As a result, Queen's Blade comes across as a fanservice anime that one can respect for it's characters, story, humor, and action rather than one of those anime one hides under their bed.
With this volume, Queen's Blade is at the midway point of it's first season; however, the entire first season acts as a foundation for the simply stellar second season. This is why I give it 4 stars. The second season is definite 5 star material.

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My Neighbor Totoro Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not only one of my favorite childrens films, it's one of my favorite films period. This movie is truly magical. It achieves what Disney movies never do -- a wonderful story without the need to resort to evil villains or wise-cracking side kicks. In fact, two of the things I find most striking and refreshing about My Neighbor Totoro is the use of images rather than dialogue to propel the plot and the slower, almost contemplative, pacing of the action. (This is one children's movie that won't blare from your TV or yammer at your children!) The first time I saw this movie I watched a friend's pirated VHS tape in Japanese. I was instantly mesmerized and was completely able to follow the story, despite the fact that I did not understand a word the characters said.
And don't be put off because it is "japanese animation." This is not your father's japanese animation. The images of the tranquil countryside are sumptuous. Miazaki's attention to the little details of life, like a leaf floating in a stream or raindrops tapping an umbrella, evoke the simpler, purer times of childhood. The children's discovery of the totoro spirits in the old camphor tree recalls a time in every child's life when magic seems possible in the mundane world. As with other Miyazaki films, there is a thrilling flying sequence. However, this film is more appropriate for younger viewers than most of his other works, some of which are decidedly adult in nature despite the fact that they are animated.
As the mother of a toddler, I really appreciate the refusal to rely on cliche villians to keep the plot moving. However, I should warn other parents considering this video that the conflicts used to keep the plot moving -- the children's discovery of and search for the dust bunny and totoro spirits and Mei's desire to see her sick mother in the hospital which causes her to lose her way in the countryside -- might be upsetting to the littlest viewers without some parental company and discussion. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend this movie whether you're 2 or 200.

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Critically acclaimed as one of the most delightful and charming family films ever, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a stunning animated treat full of magical adventure from Hayao Miyazaki. Follow the adventures of Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro, who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters -- including a cat that doubles as a bus! -- and takes them on an incredible journey. Full of wonder and heart, this spectacular 2-disc set features the voice talents of Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a magical experience for the whole family! © 1988 Nibariki • G

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Pokemon the First Movie: Mewtwo vs. Mew (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)My review is purely from a parent's perspective:
I have twoboys, 9 and almost 11. They love Pokemon. They loved Ninja Turtles,Power Rangers, Star Wars, etc. so you know they are prone to being led by commercialism. Pokemon encourages nurturing, caring, and ideals like honesty, acceptance, and forgiveness. The good trainers protect and care for Pokemon. The bad guys exploit them and put their own selfish motives ahead of the Pokemon. The middle-can-be-turned-around characters learn from their mistakes and are forgiven by the main characters. Even Jessie and James occasionally show remorse and are treated with compassion.
Do Pokemon battle? Yes. Unlike Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and Star Wars, however, a Pokemon doesn't have to be hurt or killed to be defeated. Their weapons are inner strengths that they are born with. And no trainer worth his salt lets his Pokemon get injured. It's not hard to take the lessons from Pokemon and apply them to the reality of the child.
It's like Beanie Babies -- I know they're making a fortune leading our kids around by the nose. But it's relatively benign and I watch every video with them to make sure nothing changes. On a long trip in the truck, I let them play the two CD's -- the music is actually very enjoyable for me (and I'm 46!) and contains no bad language.
And I liked Pikachu's Vacation film much better than the actual Pokemon movie... but my boys loved both!

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This is the first movie of Pokemon and also includes the first battle between Mewtwo and Mew!

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Gunbuster vs. Diebuster: Aim for the Top - The Gattai Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm such a big fan of the "Gunbuster" and "Diebuster" OAV series. The original 1988 OAV series is among my personal favorites and the newer 2003 series was pretty cool and nicely tied with the first OAV series and both featured cool storylines and a lot of action.
In 2006, GAINAX went to create two film versions, which are more or less a condensed to 2-hour film from the episodes of the OAV series. And to celebrate the 20th Year Anniversary of "GUNBUSTER" in 2008, Bandai Visual/Honneamise released the "GUNBUSTER vs. DIEBUSTER - Aim for the Top! The GATTAI! MOVIE" DVD Box set which I reviewed back in August.
But when it was announced that a Blu-ray version of the box set was being released in Japan which would feature interviews, footage from the movie premieres and interviews galore, Gunbuster fans were salivating over this release.
And now it is released in the US and how does it stack up against the original DVD box set? The only word I can think of, after I watched the Blu-ray Limited Edition box set was "beautiful".
First, there is no difference in terms of the storyline of the films from the DVD box set and the Blu-ray box set BUT the quality differences is tremendous. Also, you get more for your money as the Blu-ray box set comes with special features, while the previous version came with nothing. But you did get postcards, booklets and a certification exam.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
The first thing I noticed when watching "GUNBUSTER the Movie" is that for a digitally remastered film, the high-definition version looked clean and the colors are much more vibrant. I was literally in awe that this film created in the 1980s, looked so beautiful today in Blu-ray. The video is featured in 1080p High Definition and the majority of the film is in 4:3 but once you get to the final segment of the film (when it goes black and white), the film is presented in 16:9.But the video just looked phenomenal.
As for audio, you get Dolby TrueHD (5.1 ch surround) and if you thought Bandai Visual didn't skimp on audio on their DVD releases, the same goes with the Blu-ray version.
It also helps that many of the original cast members returned back to re-record their lines and thus GAINAX and rework the audio for modern times. But all in all, "GUNBUSTER the Movie" looks and sounds incredible in this Blu-ray Box Set.
As for "DIEBUSTER the Movie", since this film is only five years old, it's a newer, digital film as opposed to the handdrawn original. But again, the colors are vibrant and everything looks quite beautiful in the Blu-ray release and the video is presented in 16:9 (1080p High Definition) and also the audio is featured in Dolby TrueHD (5.1ch Surround).
Also, I found the clarity of the special features on the bonus disc to be very cool. I mean, you can see the skin pores and makeup so much clearly on the Blu-ray disc. The majority of the bonus features are featured in 16:9 (1080i High Definition). Audio is presented in Linear PCM (2.0ch Stereo).
SPECIAL FEATURES:
This is where the Blu-ray blows out the original DVD box set. The special features include:
* The GATTAI!!! Movie - Stage Appearance by Cast and Staff. This is a 31-minute portion where the staff of both films meet with the lucky fans who got to see the movie and the staff. This was pretty fun to watch as you learn how both staff admire each other especially DIEBUSTER actress Yukari Fukui (Nono) of Noriko Hidaka (Noriko), especially when it came to the Lightning Kick scenes.
* GUNBUSTER: Interview on Re-recording session - This 26 min. featurette was very cool as the seiyuu had the chance to talk about re-recording their lines or preparing for the role.It was cool to see the actual footage during the recording of the original "GUNBUSTER" film.
* From DIEBUSTER to THE GATTAI! Movie - This 30 min. featurette featured the DIEBUSTER staff talking about how they decided to make the DIEBUSTER OAV series to the movie and what they hoped to accomplish. Also, some insight to the characters and how Nono was based off of Yukari Fukui.
* The GATTAI!! Movie Trailer - A 2-minute trailer of both films
* WEB MESSAGE CAMPAIGN - This section is only available if you select the Japanese menu on the beginning of the disc. This allows you to hear A LOT of audio clips, in almost like a radio drama (short audio segments) featuring the characters of the film.
Also, included are the booklets of the two films and a fold-out informative print piece that is like a primer.
Of course, I'm very biased towards the OAV series because there was more time to focus on the character development. But with the series as a film and having to condense and pretty much eliminating certain episodes, you do miss a lot of the emotional storylines and watching how these heroines got from point A to to point B in becoming talented pilots.
But the overall goal of the film is accomplished by showcasing two cool storylines and fans of the original to the new fans of the anime series can definitely enjoy. As mentioned in my review for the films on the DVD box set, I saw this as an additional compliment to the OAV series.
But focusing on the Blu-ray Limited Edition of "The GATTAI!! Movie", this literally blows away the regular DVD box set. Not only is the quality and audio much better but for fans that wanted interviews and any footage of the talent from the movie premieres or interviews with the staff, this box set has all that!
For me, just to see the original 80s staff was just remarkable and to hear and see Noriko Hidaka again was just awesome! So, for me, this is truly an awesome 20th Anniversary box set. Seeing the past and present on stage together was a sight to behold for fans of GUNBUSTER and DIEBUSTER but to see how lengthy the footage for each featurette was, this box set is pretty awesome! You definitely feel you get your money's worth.
If you are a GUNBUSTER or DIEBUSTER fan, this limited edition Blu-ray disc box set is worth it! Highly recommended!

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Studio: Infinity Resources IncRelease Date: 12/09/2008Run time: 124 minutesRating: R

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Halo Legends (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm going to try to give as spoiler-free of a review as possible.
I've been apprehensive of Halo Legends since it was announced, and was nervous with the crazy Japanese getting a hold of the franchise. When a few stories were put up on Waypoint, however, my concerns were diminished. Seeing that Frankie (Frank O'Connor) had control over what was being done in Legends, it led me to give credence to what I was once doubtful of. And I've read all novels, blogs, BWUs, and played each game so much that there is little I don't know.
Yes, there are quivering eyes, men with jaws too wide open, cheesy mid-action posing shots, and a couple other cliched anime items that slipped in, but if you look past these and accept them as artistic interpretation, you can see what is underneath and really appreciate the stories. Elite's losing a pair of mandibles and seeing a female elite in the context of 'the Duel' chuckling like a school girl was probably the worst moment of this entire DVD. With that said, this has given me MORE food to chew on than sinking feelings of Microsoft milking us all out of $20.
-The entire episode of Origins (Part 1 & 2) are pure gold. We get our first glimpse of Forerunners, and witness the true power of the Flood, not constricted by the hardware of the 360 and polygon counts. And they are scary. This is easily the best offering of the entire DVD, and all of Cortana's monologue was written by Frankie himself. Great stuff.
-Babysitter, Prototype, and Homecoming all feature similar-styled animation and actually decent storylines. There are a few canonical things that I am curious of, but I'm sure have explanations. One thing I am getting tired of is all of the suicide missions that these side stories keep telling. It's getting a little too predictable (same as in Halo Evolutions).
-The Duel is a tough one. I hated the animation style when I first put it on, but as it went along, I saw what the artists were going for and really appreciated it. A very dark tone was needed, and this conveyed it perfectly. Two things to note: elites without their top pair of mandibles in certain scenes is simply artistic interpretation, and the large hunters are entirely possible (as Frankie has said in response to this criticism).
-The Package is a unique one. The visuals are amazing. This is the first time we ever see Master Chief working with his Spartans as a team. Highly disappointed that you witness some Spartans (the GREATEST military minds on the battlefield) die to some pretty stupid reasons. Voice acting choice for the MC? Terrible. Overall very, very fun though.
-Odd One Out is just fun. Watch it and enjoy it. Reminds me of Dragonball Z, in a good way.
If you like Halo, buy it. My fiance is somewhat interested in the Halo Universe, but this gives her a chance to really appreciate what the writers of the Halo Universe have made, and we both could appreciate it.

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This 8 episode anthology of 10-15 minute length each, explores the origin and historical events of the HALO universe, and various characters inhabiting the world. Like Animatrix and Batman Gotham Knight, each of the 8 episodes will be created by a separate prominent Japanese anime producer.

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Dragon Ball Z - Broly - Second Coming (Uncut) (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)This has a really cool end fight, but overall weak story.
After Broly was defeated by Goku in the first movie, he managed to escape into a Sayin Space pod, only to crash on earth and be encased in a sheet of Ice. Flash forward seven years later, Goten, Trunks and Videl are searching for the Dragon Balls because Videl wants to see Shenron. They stumble across a village plauged by a demon. they volunteer to help only to unwittingly awaken Broly. Not understanding what they are up against they take him on only to be beaten badly until Gohan shows up. With the help of Krillan and a fallen hero they put an end to Broly.
This is overall an ok movie. The fight between Broly and Gohan was cool and the ending reminded me much of the Cell Games, but the fact that most of the movie is more comedic and revolves around Goten and Trunks, and Broly this time around is no longer the ruthless monster from the first, now he is an utterly insane beast who can only say the name Kakarot. Overall this one is good, but not the best.

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Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)Akira Kurosawa's dreams are better than mine. If this is what he saw when he closed his eyes, then I can understand how from that mind sprang the Seven Samurai and the rest.
"Dreams" is maybe the most personal, most "Japanese" of Kurosawa's films, and along with that it is perhaps the most difficult one for Western audiences to appreciate. This is saying nothing against Western audiences, but many of the themes and myths on display may not be familiar, and the imagery and metaphors may be lost without the appropriate background. I definitely appreciated it more after living in Japan, and becoming familiar with the countries folklore and literary story-telling style. Hina Dolls, the Yuki Onna, the mountain villiges like islands of tradition amongst concrete modern Japan...
"Dreams" is beautiful, on a purely visual level. The cinematography is exquisite and the colors and light are displayed with the eye of a painter. It is appropriate that Van Gogh plays a role in one of the many dreams. Like Van Gogh, the stories in "Dreams" are expressionistic and vivid, yet with the subdued emotions that is the hallmark of Japanese literature. This is not the wild, raw statement of a younger Kurosawa.
Story-wise, the dreams play with the themes of death and loss, both human and of nature. The displacement of Japanese forests, the lack of safety standards at nuclear power plants, the loss of traditional Japan, the pointless loss of lives in war...melancholy themes at best. Yet at the end, hope is offered, in a small nook and cranny, like a flower blooming amongst concrete.
The DVD itself is a small disappointment, and I would rather have this belong to the Criterion Collection, but better to have it than not have it.

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One of the most visionary, deeply personal works in the 60-year career of the master behind Rashomon, The Seven Samurai and Ran. Featuring eight episodes rich in imagery and insight (and casting MARTIN SCORSESE as a feisty Vincent Van Gogh), it explores the costs of war, the perils of nuclear power and especially humankind's need to harmonize with nature. You will be enchanted ... and enthralled.

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