Certified Copy – The Criterion Collection #612 (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

If you are a cineaste who enjoys films that incorporate intelligent conversation, you will be captivated by “Certified Copy”.   A film that showcases Abbas Kiarostami’s beautiful direction and fascinating screenplay, plus fantastic performance by Juliette Binoche and William Shimell… “Certified Copy” is highly recommended!

Image courtesy of © MK2-Bibi Films – France 3 Cinema – Artemis Productions. The Criterion Collection. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Certified Copy – The Criterion Collection #612 (Copie Conforme)

MOVIE RELEASE: 2010

DURATION: 106 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Color, 1:85:1 Aspect Ratio, 5.1 Surround in English, French and Italian with English Subtitles

COMPANY: Sundance Selects/The Criterion Collection

RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2012

Directed and Written by Abbas Kiarostami

Produced by Angelo Barbagallo, Charles Gillibert, Marin Karmitz, Nathanael Karmitz, Abbas Kiarostami

Executive PRoducer: Clair Dornoy, Marin Karmitz

Line Producer: Gaetano Daniele

Cinematography by Luca Bigazzi

Edited by Bahman Kiarostami

Production Design by Giancarlo Basili, Ludovica Ferrario

Starring:

Juliette Binoche as Elle

William Shimell as James Miller

Adrian Moore as Le Fils

Jean-Claude Carriere as L’homme de la place

Agathe Natanson as La femme de la place

Gianna Giachetti as a patronne du cafe

Angelo Barbagallo as Le traducteur

Andre Laurenzi as Le guide

Filippo Trojano as Le marie

The great Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami travels to Tuscany for a luminous and provocative romance in which nothing is as it appears. What seems at first to be a straightforward tale of two people—played by Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche and opera singer William Shimell—getting to know each other over the course of an afternoon gradually reveals itself as something richer, stranger, and trickier: a mind-bending reflection on authenticity, in art as well as in relationships. Both cerebrally and emotionally engaging, Certified Copy reminds us that love itself is an enigma.

The multi-talented filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami is known for his films, documentaries, poetry, paintings and graphic designs.  Considered as one of the most influential filmmakers to come from the Middle East and known for his films such as the “Koker Trilogy”, “Taste of Cherry”, “The Wind Will Carry Us” and “Close Up”, in 2010, Kiarostami would reunite with his “Shirin” actress, Juliette Binoche for the film “Certified Copy” (Copie Conforme).

Written and directed by Abbas Kiarostami and shot in Tuscany, “Certified Copy” would feature Juliette Binoche (“Thee Colors: Blue”, “The English Patient”, “Cache”) and opera singer William Shimell (“Hercules”, “Love”).  The film would be Kiarostami’s first film shot and produced outside of Iran, it would also be the first film of Kiarostami in creating European cinema.  And sure enough, the film would receive rave reviews from critics and audiences worldwide and the film would also earn Juliette Binoche the “Best Actress Award” at the Cannes Film Festival.

And now “Certified Copy” will be released on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of the Criterion Collection.  Also, included with this release is Abbas Kiarostami’s first feature film, “The Report” (1977).

“Certified Copy” begins with people who have attended a lecture and are anxiously waiting for British writer and art historian, James Miller (played by William Shimell), to talk about his new book “Certified Copy”.  The book argues that authenticity is irrelevant and that reproduction is original, as the original is a copy of another form.

Among those attending the lecture is a French antique dealer (played by Juliette Binoche), a woman who is awaiting to get her book signed by Miller.  But because her 11-year-old son (played by Adrian Moore) is getting a bit antsy and is very hungry, she has to leave not long after the lecture has begun.   Not wanting to miss the opportunity to get an autograph from James Miller, the antique dealer (without a name) leaves her phone number with Miller’s translator in hopes that he can sign her books.

The following day, James Miller arrives at the French antique dealer’s shop and while he compliments her choices of art, she tells him they are only reproductions and it begins their conversation about original art vs. reproductions and in the process, because the dealer has issues with his book “Certified Copy”, she wants to take him out to the countryside and let him see things with his own eyes.

While James signs the books, the dealer talks about the issues she has with the books and then they end up discussing situations about her rebellious son, more about reproductions and sooner or later, these two get into a conversation that tests both of their patience.

As they go into a cafe, a woman who runs the cafe, thinks that the two are a couple and the next thing you know, the two begin to pretend as if they are a married couple.

But the conversations change as if they are or were a real life couple who have been married for 15-years and both get into an argument as if they were a real couple.   Do these two know each other?  Are they a real couple?  Are they acting out their own relationships towards each other.  Or is this a dream? Or is it reality?

VIDEO:

“Certified Copy” is presented in 1080p High Definition (1:85:1 aspect ratio) and there is no doubt that Kiarostami’s use of the Red digital camera brought a lot of detail to his latest film.   The colors are vibrant, detail and clarity look magnificent and  I detected no video-related problems, no artifacts, banding, edge enhancement…nothing.  “Certified Copy” looks absolutely magnificent on Blu-ray!

According to the Criterion Collection, the film was shot in 4K RAW using a RED digital camera and the entire production was completed in a fully digital workflow.  The color grading and digital interpositive were approved by director Abbas Kiarostami and director of photography Luca Bigazzi.  The final color corrected DPX files were output to Rec. 709 high-definition color space for BD and DVD release.

As for “The Report”, the Criterion Collection presents the 1977 film in the best quality available to them.  While the film looks good for its age.  While there is some film damage with occasional green lines that can be seen and some other damage.  But most visible towards the beginning of the film.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Certified Copy” is presented in English, French and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (note: one audio track, with all three languages used in the film).  Dialogue is crystal clear and the film features good use of atmospheric ambiance.  From the sounds of Tuscany, the birds and vehicles and more.  The lossless track is primarily dialogue-driven through the front and center channels but the audio quality is great and I detected no audio problems.  Optional Subtitles are included.

According to the Criterion Collection, the original 5.1 lossless soundtrack was mastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master using Pro Tools HD.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Certified Copy – The Criterion Collection #612″ on Blu-ray comes with the following special features:

• The Report – (1:49:28) A civil servant is a hard worker but is often not there for his wife and child.  But when he is accused of bribery, his life starts to change and his marriage also begins to suffer.
• Abbas Kiarostami - (16:02) Featuring an interview with Abbas Kiarostami who talks about the film, what inspired the film and finding the cast members for the film.
• Let’s See “Copia Conforme” – (52:05) A documentary by Irene Bufo featuring the making of the film and interviews with Kiarostami, the cast and crew.
• Theatrical trailer - (2:14) Theatrical trailer for “Certified Copy”.
  

EXTRAS:

“Certified Copy – The Criterion Collection #612″ comes with a 24-page booklet featuring the essay “At Home and Abroad” by Godfrey Chesire.

 When it comes to films that are verbose, cerebral and dialogue-driven, more often, they can be too much for a viewer.  But when executed perfectly, you know you have something special.

May it be a film like Eric Rohmer’s “My Night at Maud’s” where characters spend a long time in discussion, but these they talk about aren’t banal, these are intelligent discussions by two individuals about life, art, reproduction.  But then you get this little twist that is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Antonioni’s “L’Avventura” or Alain Resnais “Last Year At Marienbad” where the characters may appear to have known each other or perhaps have been in a relationship before, because their intelligent discussion leads to an argument that couples experience.

And that is one thing that is rather fascinating about “Certified Copy”, unlike Resnais “Last Year at Marienbad” which surrealism and visual filmmaking come together in a rather complex fashion, Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy” gives us no clues that the two are a couple, a former couple or two people trying to act out an experiment of relationships.  Or perhaps it is a dream… or is it reality?

Nothing is explained but it allows the viewer to give their own interpretation.  And this is important because the film’s original topic was about the concept of art and reproduction.  When we look at art, we have a response toward it. But that response can be different.  The same with this relationship, we have our own interpretation if these two characters.  In my mind, almost like painting that I spend a lot of time watching in a museum… you have these ideas of what is the intention of the artwork, what is the history and was the painting influenced by another.

With the characters of James Miller and the antique dealer, my mind was already dead set that these two individuals knew each other long ago, were in love and this visit was a way for them to escape reality and re-enact a moment of what if they were a couple.

Now I go back to the common argument of the film, art vs. reproduction and how the character of James Miller felt that reproductions were originals, as the original was also inspired or a copy of something else.  And when you start to think of the film and analyze it, what if that was the initial thought.  Using art as a symbol, but featuring cinema.  Cinema like art can be original but yet others  may feel it’s a copy or inspired by another film.

And then you wonder if its life imitating art.  Abbas Kiarostami once told actress Juliette Binoche that the film was based on his life, then changed his story that it was based on his life and then tells media that it s a story that incorporates Juliette’s life.  In other words, the message is that art, cinema and everything created can be original but yet can be inspired by something else.  So, what others will think of “Certified Copy” as original, others may point to Resnais “Last Year at Marienbad”, Antonioni’s “L’Avventura” or Wong Kar-Wai’s “In the Mood for Love”, and think that the film was inspired by those or other similar, dream-like type of films.

But do we need an explanation of why Kiarostami created the film?  I don’t think so, and that’s what makes “Certified Copy” so enjoyable to watch.  It’s a film that YOU interpret on your own.  And if everyone comes up with a different answer, then so be it, I’m sure filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami would be pleased.

Another reason why I enjoyed “Certified Copy” is how Kiarostami handles relationships.  He goes into more detail about this in the special feature but it’s the concept of the conflicts that are experienced between a man and woman in a relationship.  The more we understand each other, the worse things get.   And it’s a concept that many married couples or those who have been in long time relationships can understand.  When things go bad, we look to others who make things look as they are going so great but are they?  We have two characters who are somewhat soul searching and through each other, may it be through this playful interaction or may they be true emotions that are coming out, it’s that sense of the unpredictable that captivates us.  There is more going on with these two that is explained but yet, these conflicts can be understood, because many of us have experienced these uncertainties as well.

As for the performance, Juliette Binoche was absolutely fantastic in this film and for a first time major role for opera singer William Shimell, to have him memorize his line, including the long dialogue (which surprised Binoche who didn’t memorize everything, and utilized improvisation to coincide with Shimell’s performance) and literally be prepared for his role, I was impressed by his performance.  But both talents did a wonderful job.

As for the Blu-ray release, “Certified Copy” looks amazing on Blu-ray and cineaste who are fans of Kiarostami’s work should be pleased as there are no video or audio-related problems that I could find with this release.  And as far as special features go, it’s one thing that you get a documentary on the making-of the film and an interview with Kiarostami but the fact that the Criterion Collection also included his first feature film “The Report” (1977) with this release is fantastic!

Overall, if you are a cinema fan who loves films that incorporate intelligent conversation but also a film that incorporates Abbas Kiarostami’s brilliant direction and fascinating screenplay, which also further compliments the performance by Juliette Binoche and William Shimell, “Certified Copy” is highly recommended!

 

Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 10 – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

“Naruto Shippuden” vol. 10 features episodes featuring Sasuke plus the history of how Kakashi received the power of Sharingan is revealed!  This is one DVD release that Naruto fans will not want to miss!  Highly recommended!

Image courtesy of © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2008 Shippuden. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 9 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 113-126 + 2 bonus episodes (350 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 2.0 Stereo Surround Sound, Bilingual (Japanese & English), English Subtitles

COMPANY: Shonen Jump/Viz Media

RATED: Rated T for Older Teen

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Originally created by Masashi Kishimoto

Series Directed by Hayato Date

Produced by Tomoko Gushima, Ken Hagino

Series Coordinator by Junki Takegami, Satoru Nishizono

Character Design by Tetsuya Nishio, Hirofumi Suzuki

Music by Yasuharu Takanishi, Yaiba

Music Production by Aniplex

Anime Production by TV Tokyo, Pierrot

Featuring the following voice talent:

Junko Takeuchi/Maile Flanagan as Naruto Uzumaki

Chie Nakamura/Kate Higgins as Sakura Haruno

Noriaki Sugiyama/Yuri Lowenthal as Sasuke Uchiha

Akira Ishida/Liam O’Brien as Sabaku no Gaara (Gaara of the Desert)

Hideo Ishikawa/Crispin Freeman as Itachi Uchiha

Houchu Ohtsuka/David Lodge as Jiraiya

Kazuhiko Inoue/Dave Wittenberg as Hatake Kakashi

Kentarou Itou/Robbie Rist as Chouji Akimichi

Kenyuu Horiuchi/Troy Baker as Pain

Kouichi Toochika/Steve Staley as Neji Hyuuga

Kousuke Toriumi/Kyle Hebert as Kiba Inuzuka

Kujira/Steven Blum as Orochimaru

Masako Katsuki/Debi Mae West as Tsunade/Fifth Hokage

Nana Mizuki/Stephanie Sheh as Hinata Hyuuga

Nobutoshi Canna/Henry Dittman as Kabuto Yakushi

Rikiya Koyama/Troy Baker as Yamato

Romi Paku/Tara Platt as Temari

Ryoka Yuzuki/Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Ino Yamanaka

Satoshi Hino/Ben Diskin as Sai

Shinji Kawada/Derek Stephen Prince as Shino Aburame

Yasuyuki Kase/Michael Lindsay as Kankurou

Yoichi Masukawa/Brian Donovan as Rock Lee

Sasuke’s future hangs in the balance as Orochimaru prepares for reanimation. It’s been three years since Sasuke left the Leaf Village seeking the power Orochimaru promised him. Now it’s time to face his mentor. Who will master whom in the battle for their very existence?

Plus, take a step back in time to a turning point in the young Kakashi’s life, as he fights alongside his teammates under the guidance of the Fourth Hokage!

“Naruto Shippuden” vol. 10 features episodes featuring Sasuke plus the history of how Kakashi received the power of Sharingan is revealed!  This is one DVD release that Naruto fans will not want to miss! Highly recommended!

Since 1999, “Naruto” created by Masashi Kishimoto (“Karakuri”) has been one of the most popular anime and manga series in Japan and has easily become a favorite best selling anime/manga series among fans all over the world.

For the anime series, since 2002, “Naruto” lasted until 2007 with a total of 220 episodes. The series would follow the adventures of a boy named Naruto Uzamaki, who may not be the brightest ninja from the Konoha Village but he makes it up with heart and also tremendous power as the killer beast known as the nine-tailed fox has been sealed within him.

Earlier in the series, the anime series focused on Naruto and his team members Sasuke Uchida and Sakura Haruno as they would go on adventures and learn to become a team and also honing their ninja abilities. The series would then begin to introduce other young ninjas from the village who Naruto would be paired up with and the young ninjas would take on rival clans to helping people in need. But somehow as the series continued, Sasuke Uchida would then go off on his own personal mission to stop his brother Itaki Uchida, who murdered the whole Uchida clan and his family, only leaving Sasuke alive.

Within those six years, we have seen Naruto and his friends grow as friends and also in their abilities. For Naruto, all he has wanted is to become the next Hokage (the leader of the village) when he grows older and to help his friends accomplish missions. He knows that to be a good leader, he will need to get stronger so he can protect the village once he grows older. Of course, there is so much involved in the “Naruto” anime series and what makes its special is its humor, its action but also how well the series integrates so many characters but yet features a good number of character driven episodes that makes the viewer appreciate many of the characters in the series.

“Naruto”, the first series ended with the young ninja leaving to train with Jiraiya for two-and-a-half years.

In “Naruto Shippuden”, the storyline now features everyone a little grown up but the stakes are much higher. We learn that the Akatsuki including Orochimaru are looking for those who possess a jinchuriki. With this power, this will give too much power to evil and this can lead to the death of many people and the destruction of many villages.

In the past few volumes, the Leaf Village along with other villages have managed to defeat the Akatsuki, unfortunately the price paid was the death of Asuma and a few other members of the Leaf and Sand Ninja.

Now, Orochimaru using Kabuto, have their sites set on capturing the other jinchuriki, as do the Akatsuki who have been after Naruto.

In volume 10, featuring episodes 113-126 (which kicked off season 6 in Japan), we learn how Orochimaru became interested in “reanimation” and the “Sharingan” but leads to a fight to the death between Sasuke and Orochimaru.  We then get to learn more about the new team that Sasuke is putting together.  A team that will lead an assault on the Akatsuki and literally give Sasuke the revenge on his brother, Itachi (it was revealed in earlier episodes that Itachi was responsible for the Uchiha clan’s demise and the only person he kept alive was Sasuke), that he has been wanting for so long.

Sasuke is on a mission to find the following people to join his team: Suigetsu Hozuki (a former test subject of Orochimaru and has the power to turn into liquid form), Karin (Orochimaru’s former assistant and specializes in tracking) and the homicidal maniac, Jugo.

Meanwhile, as word gets around about Sasuke’s growing power and his new team, Lady Tsunade organizes a team from the leaf village (which includes Team Kakashi and Team Kurenai) to capture Itachi before Sasuke can get to him.  The Akatsuki send out Deidara and Tobi to go after Sasuke.

And just when you think these Sasuke episodes are awesome, included in this latest volume are the two “Kakashi Chronicles” episodes which reveals how Kakashi was able to obtain the power of the Sharingan.

All this and more in “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 10 – Original & Uncut”!

VIDEO:

One thing I noticed when it came to “Naruto” is that the series has had its share of well-animated and well-painted artistic backgrounds but then for some of the filler episodes, has had a decrease in quality. Fortunately, “Naruto Shippuden” continues to look awesome. I really like how the characters look much older and the emotions on the character’s faces. For this volume, it does go back to a bit of monotonous landscapes. A lot of trees, a lake, underwater and mountains. Not much of the action is taken place anywhere else. But the storyline focuses on the action than location and as far as picture quality goes, it is good and what one can expect from DVD.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 10″ is pretty much Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 Bilingual (Japanese and English). Similar to a series like “Dragon Ball Z”, with “Naruto”, I have always enjoyed the voice acting of the English dub series. It’s well done and the voices fit the characters very well.

Especially Maile Flanagan’s Naruto Uzumaki. Personally, I didn’t think there would be a voice actor that could capture Junko Takeuchi’s Naruto vocals and sure enough, Flanagan does a great job. But I have watched the series in Japanese and English and for the most part, voice acting for both soundtracks are well-done.

Since the series is front channel driven, for those with a modern home theater receiver probably will enjoy a more immersive soundscape by selecting stereo on all channels.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 10 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features on disc 3:

• More from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Clean Openings
• Clean Endings
• Kakashi Chronicles Trailer – (:31) The original trailer promoting “Kakashi Chronicles”.
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through ten pages of artwork.
• Omake – (6:05) All the omake ending portions (after the credits) from the episodes featured in DVD Set 10 of “Naruto Shippuden”.
• English Credits

After the last filler DVD volume of “Naruto Shippuden”, the storyline around Sasuke and the Akatsuki returns as this time, fans who have been wondering about Sasuke, finally get their wish with DVD set 10, as this this set is primarily about Sasuke.

From the previous episodes and the “Naruto Shippuden: Bonds” movie, we know that Sasuke has grown powerful.  More powerful than anyone can think of!

And you get to see his power in action as he takes on Orochimaru and also Deidara.  These are two powerhouses that even the leaf ninja have had problems fighting and sure enough, Sasuke is not afraid to go one-on-one against them.  And the results of each battle, it was a bit of a shocker!

Also, we get to see the formation of Sasuke’s new team and it’ll be interesting to see how these three new characters, Suigetsu, Karin and Jugo come into play in the upcoming episodes, especially since their main goal is to take down Itachi Uchiha.  And also, we get to see a little of the Akatsuki leader named Pain, who will be the primary antagonist for many episodes to come.

While, we see a lot of Sasuke, these episodes also feature Naruto and friends.  But possibly the most groundbreaking episodes  (outside of the Sasuke episodes) revolve around Kakashi.  The two episodes known as “Kakashi Chronices” are very important as we learn how Kakashi received the Sharingan power.  While only two episodes, it does give us insight to Kakashi’s past and as a Naruto fan, these two episodes, in fact, the entire episode in this season alone are worth watching.

As for the DVD set, you get a total of 13 episodes and a few special features such as storyboard, production art and the ending omake for each episode.

Overall, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 10 – Original & Uncut” is a fantastic DVD volume that I highly recommend for Naruto fans, especially those who have put in so much time watching these episodes for so long.  The history of Kakashi to the battles between Sasuke and Orochimaru and Sasuke vs. Deidara are fantastic!  These are episodes that you don’t want to miss out on!

 

G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1 (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

It’s an animation made for a new generation of G.I. Joe fans.  This time, members of the G.I. Joe team are fugitives and are wanted by the US Govt.  Featuring a re-imagining of popular G.I. Joe and Cobra characters and a series filled with action, I really enjoyed the writing and overall style of “G.I. Joe: Renegades”. If you are a Joe fan and are open to a newer series, definitely give this DVD a try!

Images courtesy of © 2012 Hasbro Studios. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1

DURATION: 13 Episodes (+/- 5 Hours)

DVD INFO: Widescreen (1:78:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0

COMPANY: Hasbro/Shout! Factory

RATED: General Audiences

RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2012

Directed by Randy Myers, Kevin Altieri, Scott Bern, nathan Chew, Scooter Tidwell

Written by Henry Gilroy, Marty Isenberg, Greg Johnson, Greg Johnson, Stan Berkowitz, Eugene Son, Dean Stefan, Alexx Van Dyne

Executive Producer: Stephen Davis, Jeff Kline

Line Producer: Phil S. Crain

Consulting Producer Therese Trujillo

Music by Jeff Eden Fair, Starr Parodi

Starring:

Jason Marsden as Duke

Matthew Yang King as Tunnel Rat

Kevin Michael Richardson as Roadblock

Natalia Cigliuti as Scarlett

David Kaye as Narrator

Tatyana Yassukovich as Baroness

Charles Adler as Cobra Commander

Charlie Schlatter as Dr. Mindbender

Nika Futterman as Lady Jaye

Johnny Messner as Flint

Khary Payton as Ripcord

Andrew Kishino as Storm Shadow

Clancy Brown as Destro

Kim Mai Guest as Jinx

Danny Cooksey as Young Snake Eyes

Keone Young as Hard Master

Brian Bloom as Zartan

Lee Majors as General Abernathy

Andre Sogliuzzo as Major Bludd

Stephen Stanton as Tomax

Greg Ellis as Breaker

When a spy mission against Cobra Industries goes awry, a group of young G.I. JOE team members is forced to hit the road as fugitives. Now the team members — DUKE, SCARLETT, ROADBLOCK, TUNNEL RAT, RIPCORD, BREAKER and SNAKE EYES — must use their wits and elite training to prove their innocence to the world before being caught by the authorities, the COBRA organization or, worse yet, another elite military team called the Falcons.

With exciting, action-packed storytelling, spectacular animation, G.I. JOE Renegades, produced by Hasbro Studios, boasts an incredible voice cast, including Charlie Adler (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Lee Majors (Six Million Dollar Man), Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redemption), Jason Marsden (Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Johnny Messner (Tears of the Sun) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Batman).

“G.I. Joe: Renegades” is the latest action series from Hasbro Studios.

And similar to their successful “Transformers” series which features the main characters in different storylines with each series release, Hasbro Studios follows a similar trend after the TV series “G.I. Joe: Sigma Six” and the more adult-themed series “G.I. Joe: Resolute”.

While G.I. Joe has been a successful toyline since 1964 with its 12 -inch figure lineup, it wasn’t until the “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” 3.75 action figures were released that many children would flock to the toys and purchase the action figures, vehicles and playsets, thanks in part to the Marvel Comics comic-book series and the animated series which would begin in 1985.

Possibly the most unique aspect of G.I. Joe, unlike it’s Hasbro counterpart with “Transformers and “Star Wars” is that, while those series continues to attract a demographic of all ages, “G.I. Joe” is one of the most unique series where its collectors are adults who grew up with the “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” toys from its 1982 release or its re-appearance in the ’90s.

And while those who grown up with the toyline have introduced it to their children, many adults continue to show their passion for the toys and the animated series on forums and even a convention dedicate to G.I. Joe fans.

And with the second live action movie, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” about to make its release (including the toyline), what better time than to get the children acquainted with the series and also get excited for the movie by releasing “G.I. Joe: Renegades” on DVD.  Shout! Factory will be releasing the first half of episodes “G.I. Joe: Renegades: Season 1, Volume 1″ in June 2012.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades” is possibly the most unique G.I. Joe storyline so far.  Mainly because the series begins with the Cobra Industries being seen as the good guys, while a small group of military officers from The Falcons form “G.I. Joe” which is led by Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara (previous series had featured Duke as the main leader of the team) and when things go wrong with an explosion at Cobra Industries, G.I. Joe is blamed for it.

The group is now wanted by the government and are being pursued not only by Cobra Industries but also by the Falcons.  The series focuses on the group as they visit different areas while they are on the run and trying to clear their names.

Only 26-episodes were created in the series and season 1, volume 1 features the first 13 episodes.

G.I. Joe: Resolute focuses on the adventures of the following members:

• Duke (Sgt. Conrad Hauser) – A military officer who puts his teams safety first and is always willing to help people.  While Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is the high ranking officer in charge of the group, because of his experience and many respect him, Duke is the team’s de facto leader.
• Snake Eyes – A ninja who has a mysterious connection with Scarlett.  He wears a mask and does not speak, due to the severe injuries he received after an altercation with ninja, Storm Shadow and a situation that happened in his past.
• Scarlett (Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara) – A military intelligence officer and the high ranking officer responsible for G.I. Joe.  She is excellent with computers and has a mysterious connection to Snake Eyes.  She was also trained by Snake Eyes.  She feels responsible for G.I. Joe becoming fugitives.
• Roadblock (Cpl. Marvin Hinton) – Known for his expertise in heavy artillery, he loves heavy metal and singing loud.
• Tunnel Rat (Private First Class Nicky Lee) – The team medic and EOD (bomb disposal) specialist.  Loves crawling in tunnels and sewers and is familiar with soil, insects and plants.  A Chinese-American who is very sarcastic.
• Ripcord (Private Wallace Weems) – Smart mouthed paratrooper who runs into major trouble in the first episode of the series.

Here is a brief spoiler-less summary of each episode of “G.I. Joe: Resolute – Season 1, Volume 1″:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 1 – The Descent, Part 1 – A new group consisting of military officers of the Falcons are on a mission and are known as G.I. Joe, their job…to investigate Cobra Pharmaceuticals.
• EPISODE 2 – The Descenet, Part 2 - After an explosion at Cobra Pharmaceuticals, the media has branded G.I. Joe as renegades and are now fugitives that must be captured.  Meanwhile, Flint, the leader of the Falcons is in charge of capturing G.I. Joe.
• EPISODE 3 – Rage – Tunnel Rat is kidnapped by Cobra Industries Scrap-Iron and is being used for testing on a suit made for James McCullen and M.A.R.S. Industries.
• EPISODE 4 – Dreadnoks Rising – G.I. Joe are now in a Kansas town where people are being terrorized by Zartan and the Dreadnoks.  The group try to help the locals.
• EPISODE 5 – The Package - The Baroness wants mercenary Major Bludd to assassinate a former Cobra employee, a man who goes by the name of “Breaker”.
• EPISODE 6 – Return of the Arashikage, Part 1 – The group stays at Snake Eyes dojo where they meet his first apprentice Jinx and learn about his connection to Storm Shadow.
• EPISODE 7 – Return of the Arashikage, Part 2- Snake Eyes and G.I. Joe go after Storm Shadow who has kidnapped Jinx.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 8 – Busted - Duke is wrongfully imprisoned and G.I. Joe must break him out of prison.
• EPISODE 9 – The Enemy of My Enemy – The Joes infiltrate a Cobra stronghold, meanwhile Cobra unveils Cobra Commander and Destro.
• EPISODE 10 – Fire Fight – Cobra gives orders to Firefly to burn a resort town, meanwhile G.I. Joe and a firefighter named Barbecue try to stop him.
• EPISODE 11 – Homecoming, Part 1 – Duke’s family is being targeted by Cobra and we learn about the past between Duke and Flint.
• EPISODE 12 – Homecoming, Part 2 – With a few of the Joes captured by Flint, the remaining Joes have been branded “Springfield Four”.  Meanwhile, Storm Shadow returns.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1″ is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1:78:1) and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo.

I have to admit that I was not exactly captivated by the new look of G.I. Joe in “Renegades” as it was a major departure compared to the original and also “Sigma 6″ and “Renegades”.  In some way, it reminded me of a Japanese anime style used in the series “Hakkenden” but then I started to appreciate the look because it was different.  I figured with a storyline that was so different from any other storyline in the series, why not have a new look to differentiate it from other G.I. Joe lines and if that was case, the company succeeded.

The fact that “G.I. Joe: Renegades” has its own style, it’s starting to grown on me and love the fact there are many characters introduced but also seeing these new character designs for characters (both G.I. Joe and Cobra) that I grew up with and collected.  And I have to say that Hasbro also pulled off the animation to action figure very well (especially with the Storm Shadow action figure from “Renegades”).   Overall, video quality was good, but I do wish that Shout! Factory considered a Blu-ray release for “G.I. Joe: Renegades” as well.

As for the audio, I love the fact that “G.I. Joe: Renegades” utilizes the surround channels for the action sequences.  I didn’t really catch it before when the series aired on the Hub but obviously there was more dynamic range with the series on DVD and the audio sounds great!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features on this DVD.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades”, a series for a new generation of G.I. Joe fans but also a series that is unique in the G.I. Joe universe as the storyline is outside of the American Hero canon, but yet paying homage to the original characters that older fans are familiar with.

While I know the look and style of the series will always be debated among G.I. Joe fans, especially older fans used to the original Sunbow series, I figured whether it was “Transformers” or “Star Wars”, there has been a look that went along with each series release and it’s a reality that G.I. Joe fans have to get used to. There will always be a new look for G.I. Joe with each television series release and it also supports the new toyline.

Part of the challenge that Hasbro has always had when it came to the look of G.I. Joe is that the hardcore fans want the remake of the original ’80s line using today’s newer technology, while trying to please these fans, they then release the toyline based on the animated series and it’s always debated online (ever since “Sigma 6″) between fans who like or dislike the new look.

With that being said, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” does utilize a different look that Joe fans will love or hate.  As much as I love G.I. Joe, I also realize that these animated series, while many adults watch them, Hasbro also needs to cater to a new generation of fans and I’m quite supportive of that.

I’m among those adults who still continues to collect G.I. Joes, but this time around, it’s a hobby that I share with my son.  I I have purchased the newer lines inspired from the animated series such as the “Sigma 6″ line, the “Resolute” line and also the “Renegades” line.

And with that being said, I’m always open for something new.  As much as I know there are G.I. Joe fans that want an extension of what they grew up with back in the ’80s and ’90s, I don’t know if we’ll ever that ever happening.  Things have changed so much with G.I. Joe that there is a need to bring in a new generation of audience, as well as toy collectors.

I enjoyed “Sigma 6″ but people felt it was too much like anime (which is interesting because the older ’80s Sunbow series was created in Japan) and the toyline was not the 3 3/4 that collectors were used to.  The “Resolute” line was a more adult version where characters die and while appreciated by fans, the timing of the animated release was right before live-action film and thus, “Resolute” was a quick transition and was never meant to be a long animated series to begin with.

So, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is a new storyline not focusing on the past but using characters from the popular line and bringing them into a storyline that revolves around the G.I. Joe team being pursued by the U.S. Govt. and Cobra.  What I enjoyed about this series is the re-imagining of many characters, their new look to coincide with the series and this storyline with Cobra now part of society through it’s products, with G.I. Joe blamed for an explosion, you would never expect these guys of being the team “wanted” by the American government and also pursued by their fellow soldiers from the Falcon unit.

It’s an entertaining storyline and this first DVD release features the first half of the series and I look forward to the second half as Duke, Scarlett and the others try to show that Cobra is an evil organization and they are not guilty for the crimes that they are accused of.

Also, since the ’80s and early ’90s G.I. Joe animated cartoons, there really hasn’t been a series that tried to bring back characters from the past.  With Renegades, we have Flint and Mary J, Breaker, Law & Order, Steeler, Doc, Stalker, Tripwire, Barbecue  and even Major Bludd, Serpentor, Tomax and Xamot  appear in the first half of the series.  How cool is that!? And even more characters show up in the second half of the series and if anything, while a different storyline, at least Hasbro Studios have made the effort of bringing these characters back.

As much as I enjoyed the series, many including myself are wondering if there will be a second season. Internet reports say there will be, another said the series is done.  Unfortunately, unlike “Transformers” or “Star Wars” (which Hasbro is responsible for the toyline) in which different toylines, unfortunately with G.I. Joe, this is not the case.

Also, the “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is also facing a similar situation that “G.I. Joe: Resolute” had faced, and that is a second live action film (“G.I. Joe: Retribution”) being released and the “Renegades” toyline was either put on hold or ended completely as Hasbro focuses on the release of the movie-line figures.   So, is “Renegades” a series that is over?  Unfortunately, we won’t know until after this summer when the movie is over, to find out if Hasbro Studios has a new type of G.I. Joe series in the works or if “Renegades” is coming back or not.

And another possibly problem that the animated series had faced unlike the previous animated series which were seen on regular television, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” only aired on the digital/satellite channel, The Hub, and not everyone has access to it.

With that being said, I can only hope that older fans and newer fans will support all G.I. Joe animated releases.  “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is not the same series that many people grew up with back in the ’80s and ’90s but still, it’s a valiant effort for Hasbro Studios to continue the G.I. Joe line for a new generation, unlike myself and many others who had the comic books, animated series and toyline all at the same time.   And possibly the biggest difference is the price of toys today, G.I. Joes are nowhere near the price of what they were offered back in the ’80s or ’90s, or even 2009.   It’s a shame because the “Renegades” animates series not only was exciting for fans, the toys that coincided with the series was awesome and the Storm Shadow Renegades was one of the best G.I. Joe figures ever released.  So, for now… all I can only hope that with the many characters featured in the series, that Hasbro allows a second season to continue, so the toyline can continue as well.

As for parents, the series, for the most part, is safe.  These shows were on the Hub and there is a bit of violence as can expected (like the old series) with fighting and people shooting at each other. But nothing visually violent to the point where people are being killed and you see blood.  But parents may not want to show this to younger children who may enact what they see on television.

Overall, as a fan who grew up with the original series, comic books and 3 3/4 toyline, I welcome this new storyline but most of all, hoping that Hasbro can continue a series which a new generation of fans can watch and grow up with as well.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1″ is recommended for past and present G.I. Joe fans!

 

Bleach Vol. 40 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

It’s the battle that many have been waiting for… Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Ulquiorra Cifer in the battle to the death.  Who will live and who will die?  The battle begins in “Bleach” vol. 40.  Recommended for “Bleach” fans!

© 2001 Tite Kubo. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 40

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保 宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2012

While the Soul Reaper captains deal with Aizen’s forces in Karakura Town, Ichigo faces Ulquiorra in Hueco Mundo. To match the powerful Espada, Ichigo will have to rely on his hollow powers. But will the darkness overwhelm him…?

For the past few volumes, we have read in awe as the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars have clashed in a magnificent battle of might, power and skill.  With renegade Soul Reaper Aizen sending how his army of Arrancars to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura, the Soul Reapers have stood in battle, ready to fight and win.

There have been casualties on both sides, and while the focus has been primarily on the Soul Reapers and not Ichigo and friends, there has been a build up between this upcoming battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra.

And now, the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer begins in “Bleach” vol. 40.

For those who are not so familiar with “Bleach”, “Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach” is a story about a guy named Ichigo Kurasaki who has a gift in which he can see spirits. One day, he saw a Soul Reaper (one who can govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife) named Rukia Kukichiki who has come to find a Hollow (a lost soul). She ends up being wounded in battle when she tried to defend Ichigo and so she illegally transfers her reiatsu (spiritual pressure) to him, so that he can defeat the Hollow. But during the process, he nearly takes all of her energy and becomes a Soul Reaper himself and defeats the Hollow quite easily. So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

The second storyline arc of “Bleach” features the Soul Society wanting to sentence Rukia to death for transferring her powers to Ichigo. His friends also begin to develop special abilities. His childhood friend, Orihime Inoue, is given special abilities courtesy of her loving brother who has turned into a Hollow. Yasutora “Chad” Sato is Ichigo’s tall friend (who is half Japanese/half Mexican) who suddenly becomes aware of spirits and develops an ability to have a special armored right arm that has special abilities. And Ichigo’s rival/friend, Uryu Ishida, who is a desendant of a hollow hunting group known as the Quincy and are enemies of the Soul Reapers.

Through various chapters, the Soul Reapers learn that one of their own, Sosuke Aizen, is a traitor. It was learned that Aizen has been creating Visoreds, Soul Reapers who have obtained hollow powers (Hollowfication) and are known for their hollow masks (which look like skulls on a human’s face) and Arrancars, a stronger form of hollow which has acquired human form.

It is learned that Ichigo has a Visored that is manifesting within him that has great power. During a fight, this visored tries to take over Ichigo’s body but Ichigo is trying his best to control it and using this power wisely.

Together, Ichigo and his friends continue to increase and enhance their abilities overtime and to take on tough enemies which leads us to the Visored/Arrancar arc.

The Current Storyline

Ichigo and friends are now on a mission to stop the traitorous soul reaper, Sosuke Aizen who along with his army of Arrancars are preparing their plan to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in order to protect Ichigo and her friends, Orihime willingly stays with Aizen’s group but Ichigo and friends will do all they can to save her. Meanwhile, the Thirteen Court Guard Companies head to Karakura.

In volume 38 & 39, the Soul Reapers go into battle against the Arrancars, and there are casualties on both sides.

In “Bleach” vol. 40, it is now Ichigo Kurosaki’s turn to take on an Arrancar, the deadly Ulquiorra Cifer.  A powerful Arrancar with a second stage, not many know of the extent of his true power but Ulquiorra will do whatever he can to destroy Ichigo.  But no matter what happens, Ichigo is determined to never give up.

For many readers who follow the “Bleach” manga series, there is no doubt that Tite Kubo has been trying to show viewers how massive this war between the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars is.  Featuring so many characters engaged in battle, and many well-known characters suffering major injuries, many wondered “when will we see Ichigo and friends engaged in battle?”.

And with volume 40, it happens now.  And this is an all-action manga volume featuring Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra and we also see Uryu and Orihime involved as well.  But because the storyline focuses so much on this battle, I can’t really say too much without spoiling the series, but I will say that characters will suffer major injuries in this volume alone.  And if anything, make you crave for what is to come in vol. 41.

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic but for those who prefer more story versus all-action, it’s a no-brainer that this war against the Arrancars will be more action-driven.  The story is still good, that is if you care about the character’s special abilities and the fight that takes place.

But I can say that starting with this issue, the game will change from here on in for Ichigo and friends and Ichigo will not be the same after this battle.  So, “Bleach” vol. 40 should not be missed.  Recommended!

 

The Girl on a Motorcycle (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

“The Girl on a Motorcycle” is a film that is sexually-charged and for its time, considered dangerous and too sexy for audiences.  But for today’s audience, one may see it more of a film that is a product of its time.  Sexual repression, masochistic and sexual urges, all coming from a single woman sporting a skintight body suit and riding a motorcycle. Overall, a titillating, psychedelic, sexual film of the late ’60s!

Images courtesy of © 1968 Mid Atlantic Film (Holdings) Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 2012 Kino Lorber, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: The Girl on a Motorcycle

YEAR OF RELEASE: 1968

DURATION: 88 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (1:66:1), Monaural, Color

COMPANY: Jezebel/Kino Lorber

RATED: R

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Directed by Jack Cardiff

Based on the novel “La Motocyclette” by Andre Pieyre de Mandiargues

Screenplay by Ronald Duncan

Adaptation by Jack Cardiff

Produced by William Sassoon

Executive Producer: Ronan O’Rahilly

Associate Producer: Sacha Kamenka

Music by Les Reed

Cinematography by Jack Cardiff and Rene Guissart Jr.

Edited by Peter Musgrave

Art Direction by Jean d’Eaubonne and Russell Hagg

Starring:

Alain Delon as Daniel

Marianne Faithfull as Rebecca

Roger Mutton as Raymond

Marius Goring as Rebecca’s Father

Catherine Jourdan as Catherin

Jean Leduc as Jean

A wildly sexy time capsule from the swinging sixties, THE GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE (1968) stars Alain Delon (Le samouraï) and Marianne Faithfull—two actors at the height of their impressive cool—as lovers with a taste for the open road.

Faithfull stars as Rebecca, a bored housewife who bolts from her home in the French countryside to visit her lover, Daniel (Delon), in Germany. Wearing nothing but a form-fitting black leather suit (the film was re-released in the U.S. as Naked Under Leather), the lusty Rebecca races across the country, and in flashback remembers the start of their affair. She recalls the initial, furtive glances in her father’s bookstore, her elaborate sexual fantasies and their long-awaited consummation. Most important of all is the motorcycle itself, a gift from Daniel that seems to give her more pleasure than any man could deliver.

Directed by legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes) in pulsating psychedelic hues, THE GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE has emerged from obscurity to become more than a cult favorite; it is a touchstone film of 1960s Euro youth culture.

Jack Cardiff, one of the world’s most talented cinematographers (“The Red Shoes”, “The African Queen”, “Pandora and the Flying Dutchmen”, “Black Narcissus”) was a multi-talented individual when it comes to cinema.  Editor, actor, visual effects and even director.

While hi films “Sons and Lovers” and mystery films “Intent to Kill” and “Web of Evidence” were successful, in the late ’60s, Cardiff would work on a British-French film titled “The Girl on a Motorcycle”, an adaptation of the novella “La Motocyclette” by Andre Pieyre de Mandiargues.

A film that would star popular French actor Alain Delon (“Le Samourai”, “Le Cercle Rouge”, “L’Eclisse”, “Rocco and His Brothers”) and singer/songwriter/actres Marianne Faithful (best known in the late ’60s as being the girlfriend of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and her wild lifestyle).

While the film would feature Alain Delon as a headliner, the film is mostly connected to Marianne Faithful, as the film would be known for the skin tight body suit that she wore in the film, and heighten her popularity as a sexy, wild diva.

And now “The Girl on a Motorcycle” receives its HD release on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber as part of their “Jezebel” line.

“The Girl on a Motorcycle” is about a young woman named Rebecca (played by Marianne Faithfull).  A young woman who recently married a school teacher named Raymond (played by Roger Mutton).

One night, while the newlyweds are sleeping, Rebecca starts to have sexual, masochistic dreams of a man named Daniel (played by Alain Delon).   She dreams of Daniel whipping her at a circus and each whip, an article of clothing is removed to later reveal her naked body.

Excited and turned on by her dream, she looks at her husband and decides to leave him.  She takes nothing but her keys and wearing nothing but her biking clothing…a skin tight body suit and boots and she looks at her motorcycle almost like a sexual object.

She then drives off, disenchanted by her life, the city she lives in and most of all her life with her husband Raymond.  And while riding her motorcycle, she leaves the country to ride towards Germany but during her adventures, we learn why Rebecca is disenchanted with life.

We learn that her husband Raymond is a goodie two shoes.  Never argues, never demands anything, despite Rebecca wanting him to be more authoritative towards her.   In fact, he’s too much of a nice guy that his students mock him during class.

As Rebecca explores her past and how she dated Raymond, we learn how she met Daniel at her father’s bookstore, three weeks before she was to marry.  She meets him again, while she, Raymond and her friends were at a ski trip.

One night, as she was expecting to make love to her boyfriend Raymond, Raymond comes to her room but doesn’t make a move on her.  She realizes that he is too much of a nice guy, but she wants to live a bit dangerously.  That same night, Daniel crawls up the window to her room and immediately starts to have sex with her and she doesn’t fight it.  She likes Daniel’s style of living dangerously.

And sure enough, during the time she was engaged with Raymond, Daniel and Rebecca were making mad passionate love, while he taught her the thrill of riding a motorcycle and the risks.  The two would have sex anywhere they wanted and both lived dangerously, with no attachments.

But although it’s what she loves, dreams about and is constantly needing, she can’t get that same treatment with Raymond and she starts to feel it’s the city and those around her.  Everything seems dreary and nothing like Daniel.

The more she the urge for having sex with Daniel, it starts to consume every thought.  How will this affect Rebecca?

VIDEO:

Jack Cardiff is known for his use of color, especially for Technicolor films and experimentation of film throughout his career.  With “The Girl on a Motorcycle”, Jack Cardiff was not only the director but also the cinematographer and there is no doubt that this film was a sign of the times, in this case…the hippie driven late ’60s.  While I’m not sure if Cardiff partaken in any of the drugs that ran rampant at the time, there is no doubt that he was in touch with the psychedelic colors and wild cinematography experimented with at the time.

Suffice to say, “The Girl on a Motorcycle” can be described in one word… “Trippy”.  From intriguing color selections and colors, I have no doubt if this film was a cult-classic among those who experimented with narcotics (similar to how Disney’s “Fantasia” was a popular among LSD and acid-freaks at the time).  And these “trippy” images are a product of Rebecca’s wild dreams and thoughts of her being seduced or sexually ravaged by Daniel.

As for video quality, Kino Lorber is known for not messing around with original negative and going through expensive restoration.  The film’s grain is quite evident, there are some specks but no doubt this film is probably the definitive version to own of the film at this time due to it being in HD and having better clarity.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“The Girl on the Motorcycle” is presented in monaural but via a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track.  While much better than a straight on monaural track from the center channel, the film does sport a soundtrack with music of the time and also clear dialogue.  As well as emphasizing the motorcycle sounds as well.  While not immersive, it’s pretty much on spot with a lot of the audio of films of that era, but sounds much better in lossless.

Unfortunately, there are no subtitles.

SPECIAL FEATURES

“The Girl on a Motorcycle” comes with the following special features:

• Audio Commentary – An audio commentary featuring the late Jack Cardiff.  Jack talks about the making of “The Girl on the Motorcycle” and also the cinematography choices he made during the film.
• Theatrical Trailer - (:50) The theatrical trailer for “The Girl on a Motorcycle”.
• Gallery – Featuring nearly two dozen stills and posters from “The Girl on a Motorcycle”.

“The Girl on a Motorcycle” is a fascinating film that was no doubt a sign of the time.  During the hippie era, where sexual exploration was the norm, Marianne Faithfull was truly a sex symbol of the time and also a product of that group of people who loved having sex.

Faithfull was never shy about talking about this, similar to her character Rebecca, Faithfull left her husband and made it a goal to have sexual relations with a Rolling Stone member and in fact, she had sexual relations with three of them and ended up choosing Mick Jagger.

While Faithfull is no doubt a sexy symbol and the strong sexual urges that she has within the entire film is the primary part of the storyline, Faithfull is probably one of those actresses that many loved to look at and not too concerned of how she acted.  Based on her acting in this film, suffice to say, it wasn’t that good.  But it’s almost compared to a lot of sex symbols on films today, does anyone really watch them on film for their acting?

If anything, watching Faithfull daydream on her motorcycle while getting turned on by her sexual thoughts of Daniel, you wonder if this is a dreamstate (because the last thing anyone wants to do is daydream for long stretches of time while riding quickly on a highway).

But “The Girl on a Motorcycle” was not exactly a film that was going to celebrate Marianne Faithfull’s acting, it was a film showcasing her sexiness.  It was a film that would showcase Alain Delon, not as a gun toting action star but a man who lived dangerously by showing Rebecca pleasures that she had never known.  And of course, that is where director and cinematographer Jack Cardiff comes in, to work his magic in making sure these dreams and thoughts were wild, trippy but suitable for that era in time.  And who best to experiment on psychedelic colors and dreams than Jack Cardiff.

While the film is not great by any means, it is a fascinating film about sexuality in the late ’60s and this is probably the best film I have seen Marianne Faithful, although I did enjoy her brief appearance on Jean-Luc Godard’s 1966 film “Made in U.S.A.” and also her appearance on the BBC series “Absolutely Fabulous”, her role in “The Girl on a Motorcycle” is primarily about her and it is no doubt a titillating film.

As for Alain Delon, he is no doubt a great actor, but compared to the many wonderful films that he starred in his entire career, this relationship between his character, Daniel and Rebecca was quite intriguing, especially compared to his other films with relationships such as “L’Eclisse” or “Le Samourai”. Also, it’s a film where Delon is not the primary character in the film.

Some people may have been turned off by this back in the ’60s, especially since Delon gets top billing but I suppose this film wanted to give Marianne Faithfull that big break as an actress.

Once again, this film could have been terrible but I feel that Jack Cardiff’s cinematography experience and editing skills made this film a bit better because of his involvement and experimentation.  It’s not a great film but it is enjoyable to a point and to tell you the truth, with all the daydreaming she goes through while riding her motorcycle, when I first watched it, all that went in my mind was…”this young woman is going to die if she doesn’t pay attention to the road”.  It’s not a a groundbreaking film, so one shouldn’t have any high hopes of expecting a deep storyline.

As for the Blu-ray release, this is the definitive version of this film to own.  The video quality is much better and as far as DVD releases, the previous version only had a trailer and stills gallery as this current Kino Lorber Blu-ray release, but it makes up for better picture quality and lossless audio.  Also, this is the full version.  A lot of nudity, sexual scenes and adult content which led to the film receiving an “X” rating for that time, is quite mild for today’s films.

Overall, “The Girl on a Motorcycle” is a film that is sexually-charged and for its time, considered dangerous and too sexy for audiences.  But for today’s audience, one may see it more of a film that is a product of its time.  Sexual repression, masochistic and sexual urges, all coming from a single woman in a skintight body suit.  If you are looking for a sexual film from the late ’60s, “The Girl on a Motorcycle” is for you!

 

 

James Patterson Women’s Murder Club – Twice in a Blue Moon (as part of the James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection) (a J!-ENT Video Game Review)

The third video game in the “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club” video game series takes the good from the first two games and gives us the best game of the series yet!  Challenging hidden objects games, puzzles and more in “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club – Twice in a Blue Moon”

VIDEO GAME TITLE: James Patterson Women’s Murder Club – A Darker Shade of Grey (as part of the James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection)

YEAR OF INITIAL RELEASE: 2010

VIDEO GAME GENRE: Hidden Objects/Interactive Hidden Objects

PUBLISHER: I-Play

MEDIA: PC CD-Rom

MEDIUM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP, Vista, Pentium 1.0 GHz processor or faster, 256 MB of RAM, 89 MB Hard Drive space, DirectX 9.0, Keyboard, Mouse

RATINGS: T for Teen

RELEASE DATE: March 15, 2010

VIDEO GAME HIGHLIGHTS:

Typically, when developers release a game based on a series that same year, two things come to mind.  One is two different development teams and the second would be a rushed video game series.

With the release of the third “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club” game titled “Twice in a Blue Moon”, what we get is the best in gameplay of the first two games, spoken dialogue and graphics which are much better than the previous two games.

So, what is “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club”?

In 2002, James Patterson released his first “Women’s Murder Club” novel “1st to Die” and since then created a total of eleven novels as of 2012.  The novels feature homicide cases and four women who have a group known as “Women’s Murder Club” who work together to solve each murder mystery.

The main protagonist is Inspector Lindsay Boxer who investigates various homicide cases and is aided by her friends Deputy District Attorney Jill Bernhardt (who tries to keep Lindsay within the law and issues the search warrants), Dr. Claire Washburn (who works in the forensics lab) and Cindy Thomas, a journalist at the San Francisco Bee.

In 2008, a ten episode drama series based on the characters aired on ABC and with the popularity of the novels and drama series, hidden objects games were released on the PC/Mac and the Nintendo DS.

For the PC and Mac, a trio of hidden objects games were released: “Death in Scarlet” (2008), “Darker Shade of Grey” (2009) and “Twice in the Blue Moon” (2009) and each were collected in a triple pack titled “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection” in 2010.

Also attracting people to the “Women’s Murder Club” games was the fact that “Gabriel Knight” creator Jane Jensen was involved as a designer and director for the trilogy.

While each game revolves around homicide cases, what makes the third game much more interesting is the adversary.  What we have is a serial killer who is committing homicides copied from serial murderers such as  Jack the Ripper, H.H. Holmes, etc.

But this time, the killer is toying with the police, Inspector Lindsay Boxer and journalist Cindy Thomas.  Giving them clues before he commits the murderer, but for some reason, they are also receiving distressed letters from another person in connection with the serial killer.

This is Lindsay’s biggest challenge yet.  Will she be able to find the serial killer before he kills more victims?

INSTALLATION:

The “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection” was easy to install and had no problems with installation whatsoever. There is one icon that is installed onto your desktop and when selecting the icon, you have a choice to click either of the three games. You can not install each game separately.

GAMEPLAY

“James Patterson Women’s Murder Club – Twice in a Blue Moon” is  major improvement over the past two games.  Where the first game was primarily hidden objects with puzzle elements and the second game focusing a lot more on the puzzles than the hidden objects, perhaps there were many complaints with “A Darker Shade of Grey” or a different developer because things are much different this time around.

First, the list of hidden objects to find makes its return to the “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club” game.  When “A Darker Shade of Grey” ditched it, I was upset, but the developers wanted to make sure that there was balance by incorporating the list of hidden objects of the first game to find pieces of a main hidden object of the second game, that it made it a much more enjoyable game.

As for the hidden objects, if one is easy, three is average and five is difficult, I give this game a three.  I found it average in terms of finding hidden objects.  They were not too small or too difficult to find, but there were some that were very challenging and even made me use a hint at times.  But for most of them, I didn’t need to utilize a hint, but that was fine with me.  No frustrating or hard to find (or transparent) hidden objects, they are there…but it’s up to you to find them.  I will say that there were a few that required precise mouse clicking on an object (primarily in one hidden object scenewhich featured a ripped letter sent by the serial killer that had gone astray all over the office).

As for the puzzles, the second game was challenging because it required some major mouse clicking.  The same can be said with this third game BUT I found these games much more easier on a laptop (mouse pad), where the second game…you literally needed to attach a mouse because time and timing was an issue.  This time, it was much easier than before.

With that being said, there were puzzles that were difficult and I had to click on “Solve”.  These were challenging and frustrating but would benefit those who wanted more of a challenge.  One featured journalist Cindy Thomas at a law school library and the object is to find books in shelves broken down by year.  But there are other students zipping away trying to get books and the object is not to crash into them.  I was literally playing about 20 times but kept losing at the end and had to hit solve.

The final game also features something bit similar but these two games are the ones that made me hit solve.  The others are not so bad, such as, putting a puzzle together or decoding a letter from the serial killer or a distressed mysterious person.

It’s important to note that Dr. Claire’s brown bottles of organization from “Death in Scarlet” returns in this third game and fortunately, it is not redundant and not too difficult.

A reminder that the game only gives you five hints per chapter for hidden objects and you always get a “solve” during the puzzles.  In terms of gameplay, I would say that this game will take anywhere between 4-6 hours, depending on one’s experience with hidden objects and puzzle games.

Overall, the gameplay was much more enjoyable for this third game and it’s something that developers can definitely build upon for future Women’s Murder Club games.

GRAPHICS:

The graphics for “Twice in a Blue Moon” is a major improvement.  The cut scenes are still in comic book style format, but instead of hand-drawn characters that are colored or characters that are slightly painted, this time they are all painted and the graphics for each scene look very good, beautifully detailed for a game made back in 2009.

AUDIO:

The music for “Twice in a Blue Moon” uses the same style of music as the previous two games but the biggest difference is the fact that there is dialogue.  Unfortunately, the dialogue is only at the beginning cut-scene of the game.  Not sure why they didn’t do it for the complete game but the intro cut scene has dialogue and in another scene which features someone calling out Lindsay’s name.  Other than that, audio was good and the spoken dialogue was a major improvement.

REPLAY VALUE:

No replay value.  Once you beat it, you’re done.  Unless, you want to beat the game without using a hint or solve, then I can see one wanting to replay the game.

I have to admit that the first two “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club” were games that I enjoyed its story, but felt the games had things that were good and bad, while the second game was much more frustrating despite the more entertaining storyline.  The good news is that “Twice in a Blue Moon” takes the good from the first two games in terms of hidden objects and puzzles, and with better graphics, audio and a really dark mystery storyline, it makes this game the best of the first three games.

“James Patterson Women’s Murder Club – Twice in a Blue Moon” was such a major improvement in gameplay but the storyline of trying to capture this serial killer, it’s what made this game so dark.  Especially how the game tries to incorporate the creepy mindset that the killer uses from previous homicide cases of major serial killers such as Jack the Ripper, H.H. Holmes to name a few.  And where the last games had suspects, these suspects have more to do with the storyline than how the other games have utilized them before.  In the previous two games, it was formulaic and you can literally tell who was responsible for the crime.  For “Twice in a Blue Moon”, it literally kept me glued to this game as I wanted to know who was responsible.

But there is no doubt that this third game is the best in this trilogy so far.   And with the price of the triple pack at under $10, for three games that last quite awhile and are not too easy or too difficult, it’s definitely worth purchasing “the James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection” for that low of a price.

Overall, I recommend the purchase of “Twice in a Blue Moon” but moreso, the purchase of “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club Collection” because you get three games for the price of one.  So, if you are wanting to give these “Women’s Murder Club” games a try, I highly recommend purchasing the “James Patterson Women’s Murder Club collection” rather than purchasing them individually.

For “Twice in a Blue Moon”, I give it a RATING: A-

 

Q&A Interview with Shaun Parkes of “The River” (for the DVD release of “The River – The Complete First Season”) (J!-ENT Interviews and Articles)

The horror/drama series known as “The River” is coming out on DVD via “The River – The Complete First Season” on May 22nd.

“The River” was created by horror filmmaker/writer Oren Peli (“Paranormal Activity” films, “Chernobyl Diaries”, “Area 51″),veteran TV writer Michael R. Perry (“Millennium”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “The Guardian”) and veteran TV writer Michael Green (“Smallville”, “Heroes”, “Everwood”, “Green Lantern”). The series also features Steven Spielberg as the executive producer.

With the upcoming DVD release of “The River – The Complete First Season”, J!-ENT will be featuring media Q&A’s with the several cast members of “The River”. We kicked things off with actor Bruce Greenwood, actress Elois Mumford and Joe Anderson, this time, we feature Shaun Parkes, who plays the role of Andreus Jude “A.J.” Poulaine.

Shaun Parkes is known for his roles in various films such as “The Mummy Returns”, “Notes on a Scandal” and TV series such as “Identity”, “Moses Jones” and “Harley Street”.  In “The River”, Parkes character of A.J. Poulaine is a cameraman who can rub people the wrong way with his sarcastic humor, but also his unwillingness to help people when they are in need.  He’s getting paid to film and he feels he doesn’t need to be involved whenever the others are in trouble.  And sure enough, people don’t take kindly to him when he behaves that way.

But like everyone on the crew in search of Dr. Emmet Cole, he also experiences the paranormal and begins to wonder if he should get the heck out of there.

Through this media Q&A we learn of how actor Shaun Parkes feels about working on “The River” and his thoughts on being part of paranormal thriller:

How would you describe your character in The River?

Shaun Parkes: AJ is a cameraman. He’s been brought to the Amazon solely to do that: to film people. He’s a top dude, but he’s not there to help or save other people, he just films whatever happens. He is like a news cameraman in a war-torn country where you see footage taken with a shaky camera. He’s one of those guys who’s been there and done everything. He’s not that scared, either. He knows it’s all about the shot. That’s who AJ is.

 

There are a lot of tense action scenes in The River. Was shooting the show as physically arduous as it looks on screen?

Yes, it was. For the most part, I have to do everything with a camera on my arm, which was very different to anything I’d ever done before. It was a real camera on my arm and it was filming everything, so I became an actor and a cameraman for The River. I had people coming up to me going: “Did you get that shot?” It takes on a whole different intensity for me.

 

The River is a paranormal thriller. How would you describe the supernatural element to the show?

Shaun Parkes:  There’s a lot of Amazonian folklore mentioned in the show. There’s a lot of mysticism and mystery. There are things out there that these characters don’t know anything about – and this group of people are confronting it and filming it at the same time. The producers didn’t want to create a show that was dependent on the look of monsters, so there’s a real psychological feel to the story. This isn’t Cloverfield or Super 8. The River is about a group of people reacting to what’s around them.

 

If you lived in AJ’s shoes and you saw all of these strange events happening around you in the Amazon – how far would you personally go before deciding the job wasn’t worth it?

I think I would have left right away! No, I’m joking. To be honest, I think I’d be interested for a while, but then I would have left. I can take quite a lot because I’m aware that there are things out there that I have seen and heard about that I couldn’t explain – but I find things like that incredibly interesting. I’ve also been in absolute panic when I was caught up in a riot, so I know what it feels like to be scared. I stood there and watched everyone else lose their mind, so I know that I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to panic too much. However, I don’t think I could stick around and carry on filming while a friend is being attacked or dying, which is what happens on The River.

 

Did anything scare you on the set of the show?

Shaun Parkes:  I will admit that a few things came very close to scaring me, but it wasn’t anything that was physically on set. It was the idea of the history of the location. We filmed in a haunted, old children’s asylum, which was located next to a cemetery and that was definitely creepy. There were lots of stories of abuse and how the nurses maybe killed a guy who was mistreating the kids. We were working with a local crew who refused to come into the asylum because of the stories from the past. There were people asking you: “Are you going in?” And I’d reply: “Yeah.” But then you watch your local colleagues standing next to you saying: “I refuse to go anywhere near that building.” That’s when it got scary. People really believed the stories. It was very creepy indeed.

 

How does a British actor end up on television in the USA?

Shaun Parkes:  I left drama school in London in 1994 and I worked in the UK for many years, doing various films, television and theater. And then a couple of years ago I decided to come to Los Angeles to give it a go. I love American TV and it all worked out well for me. I couldn’t be happier.

 

What do you like about American TV?

Shaun Parkes:  I love so much American television. I think one of the best TV shows ever made was The Wire. It absolutely blew my mind. And then you’ve got shows like Dexter and Weeds, too. I could go on mentioning loads more shows, but I’ll stop there. Obviously, The River is also one of my favorites. This whole project has been amazing to be involved with.

 

Is it rare for a British actor to find success in Hollywood?

Shaun Parkes:  To be honest, I know quite a few Londoners who have come over to the USA and are doing very well with various parts in TV shows and movies. We’ve all grown up together in the business over in London. Matthew Rhys, who was in Brothers And Sisters, and Andrew Lincoln, who appears in The Walking Dead, are both really good friends of mine. We were all in the same year at drama college, so we’ve known each other for half our lives. And then there’s Marianne Jean-Baptiste, too.

 

Was their success an inspiration for you?

Shaun Parkes:  Their success helped my brain realize that it can be done over here. If not an inspiration exactly, seeing these people come here and do something that they love to do within three or four years… Why wouldn’t I want a piece of that?

 

Have you moved to LA permanently now?

Shaun Parkes: No, I haven’t done that yet because it’s difficult to know what’s going to happen with my career. I’ve got a place in London that I call home, so I haven’t fully made the move to the States. We shot The River in Hawaii and I spent a lot of time traveling from London to Hawaii for the film shoot – but it wasn’t too much fuss. I’ll probably continue to travel like that for a while longer.

 

Is there a television production infrastructure in Hawaii that’s similar to shooting in London or in LA?

Shaun Parkes:  Lost was shot in Hawaii and that didn’t finish filming too long ago. We used the sound stages they used and we also used the same crew, too. It is fortunate for us to have the same people working The River who worked on Lost as they really know what they’re doing and they bring an element of professionalism that is very impressive.

 

Was there any discussion about where you should adopt an American accent for The River?

Shaun Parkes: I went in for three or four different auditions for two different roles – and I had to do two different accents for each of the roles. Essentially, they opted for the English accent because they wanted an element of realism and naturalism. They wanted the actors to be able to do things off the cuff. Sometimes with an accent, if it’s not your natural accent, it can be difficult to riff and improvise. However, they cast a British documentary crew with the British actor Paul Blackthorne (who plays AJ’s boss Clark Quietly) and a British cameraman, so it all makes sense.

 

Does your character get along with his boss?

Shaun Parkes: I guess it’s a fairly typical boss/worker relationship. Getting documentary footage is not similar to work in a creative film industry where you need to like the people around you; it’s an industry where you get the best people for the job. And in those situations, there can be problems with ego and there can be problems if you make desperate moves and you make desperate choices. At the end of the day, I don’t think AJ and Clark particularly love each other. I just think they respect each other for the jobs that they do – and that’s it. It certainly adds a fun dimension to their relationship.

 

“The River – The Complete First Season” will be released on DVD on May 22nd.

Images courtesy of ABC Studios.

(Note: The Q&A’s were conducted before the recent announcement that ABC had canceled the series.)

 

Naruto volume 56 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

The Great Ninja war continues and more and more of the greatest ninjas have been resurrected by the evil Kabuto.  Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must fight their former leader, Asuma, who has been resurrected and they must fight to the death.   Another action-packed volume that is highly recommended!

© 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 56

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本 斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012

Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces battle Kabuto’s hordes of reanimated ninja soldiers. In the process, they come face-to-face with old friends brought back from the dead… plus enemies and weapons more fearsome than any they could have imagined!

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

The manga by Masashi Kishimoto is about a young ninja named Naruto Uzamaki, a ninja of the Konoha leaf village who grew up facing prejudiced within his fellow ninjas because the evil nine-tailed fox was sealed inside him. But throughout the series, we have seen how Naruto is a kind-hearted boy who has worked hard in protecting his friends and staying true to his word with the goal of someday becoming the next Hokage of the village.

In the beginning, Naruto was part of Team Kakashi, alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno and as a team, have grown up together taking on missions and also, joining with other teams of Team Konoha as well as other villages in taking on other major missions as well.

But now years have passed since those earlier years of Team Kakashi and Naruto and his friends are much older and his teammate Sasuke has left the village to pursue his brother Itachi for revenge of killing everyone of the Uchiha clan but worst of all, Sasuke is in search of the traitor of the Konoha village, the evil Orochimaru, in order to obtain more power.

During Naruto’s last confrontation with Sasuke, it appears that a black evil curse has consumed him. But as a promise to his teammate Sakura, Naruto will do what it takes to bring Sasuke back despite whether or not Sasuke has become evil.

In the previous volume of the “Naruto” manga series features the beginning of the Great War as the ninja villages have united to take on the dead, past Gokage and deceased Akatsuki members as well as the revival of deadly ninjas by Kabuto.

The dead know they have been revived but are not able to control their bodies (which is being controlled by Kabuto). The goal of capturing Naruto for his nine-tail powers continues, but the ninja villages were able to hide Naruto in a moving island. Meanwhile, Naruto is unaware of what is going on the outside world, as the Gokage have him fighting in an enclosed  space and being trained from Killer Bee.

Meanwhile, as ninja units have been assembled on both sides, it’s a battle to the death as the ninjas of other villages must take on the ninjas that have been revived.

In volume 56, the Kage have been resurrected and Darui must take on the most dreaded ninja brothers of all time, Ginkaku and Kinkau a.k.a. The Gold & Silver Brothers.  Two brothers who are not only powerful but having been eaten by the nine tails (and escaping it) and living within it’s belly and feeding off the Nine Tails inside, they were let out of the Jinchuriki’s body because of the harm they have caused and because they fed on the nine tails, they now have his chakra inside them.  And Naruto is beginning to feel that something is wrong (and sensing his chakra on the outside).

Meanwhile, Mifune must take on the resurrected second Tsuchikage, Hanzo and also Asuma has been resurrected and now Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must fight their former master to to the death.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 55″:

• Number 525 – The Kage Resurrected!! – Kabuto resurrects the Kage!
• Number 526 – D Unit’s Battle Challenge!! – Darui’s team must take on the resurrected Gold and Silver Brothers.
• Number 527 – Forbidden Words – When Samui and Atsui take on the Gold and Silver Brothers, the brothers have a surprise awaiting them.
• Number 528 – Transcendent Drab - The Gold and Silver Brothers now have their eyes on capturing Darui.
• Number 539 – Golden Bonds – The ninja’s must work together in order to beat the Gold and Silver Brothers Jinchuriki transformation.
• Number 530 – Choji’s Decision - Shikimaru, Choji and Ino must fight their resurrected leader, Asuma but can they kill him?
• Number 531 – Team Asuma, Reunited! – The team must work together to fight the resurrected Jinchuriki.
• Number 522 – Mifune vs. Hanzo, Decided!! – Mifune goes one-on-one with the resurrected Hanzo.
• Number 523 – A Time for Oaths – Mifune reminds Hanzo of the words he once taught him.
• Number 524 – Farewell, Ino-Shika-Cho  – Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must work together in order to defeat their former leader.

“Naruto” vol .56 is a continuation of the Great Ninja War and one can expect plenty of action in these latest chapters.

And despite all ninja villages banding together for the war, Kabuto has revived legendary ninjas, swordsmen and former leaders of ninja villages, including the Akatsuki and he has complete control over them. No matter how hard the dead try to fight Kabuto’s control, they are unable to break it and must fight against their former rivals, family members and friends.

This volume focuses on Darui’s fight against the Silver & Gold Brothers, Mifune’s battle with Hanzo and Shikamaru, Choji and Ino’s fight against their resurrected leader Asuma.

While most readers will probably be familiar with the relationship between Shikamaru, Choji and Ino with Asuma and no doubt that their battle with their former leader will be emotional, the other two fights are quite exciting as Darui is put to the test against the Gold and Silver Brothers and it becomes a battle of wit and strategy.  Mifune and Hanzo’s battle is also quite interesting because both follow a samurai code and both have fought for peace, but now these two must fight each other to the death.

And the manga ends with Naruto which will definitely set things up for volume 57.

Needless to say, this latest volume of “Naruto” is once again an intense, all-action fight-fes! And the war is captured amazing well in this latest volume as Masashi Kishimoto tries to capture the essence of battle between the ninjas as the village may have the numbers, but also the fear that hits all of the current ninjas with the resurrection of the greatest ninjas of the past.  Resurrected ninjas who literally have no control over their bodies and also the resurrection of the Akatsuki. Strategy comes to play and who will win and who will lose but so far, this latest volume has been exciting and can’t wait to see how things go with the Great War in volume 57.

Overall, “Naruto” is an awesome manga series and for those who have appreciated the anime series first, I have no doubt that they will also enjoy the manga series as well. Once again, another thrilling, action-packed volume of “Naruto” the manga series. Highly recommended!

 

Shiki: Part Two (A J!-ENT Anime Blu-ray Disc Review)

The second half of “Shiki”, the roles are reversed as the humans fight back against the vampires.  But which side will you be more sympathetic towards?  Overall, “Shiki” has turned out to be an enjoyable, dark and violent series that fans of that genre will enjoy.  Recommended!

Images courtesy of ©2012 FUNimation Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Shiki: Part Two

DURATION: Episodes 13-22 (300 Minutes)

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition 16×9 HD Native, Dolby TrueHD English 5.1 and Dolby TrueHD Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

RATED: TV MA

COMPANY: Aniplex/FUNimation Entertainment

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2012

Originally Created by Fuyumi Ono

Directed by Tetsuro Amino

Series Composition by Kenji Sugihara

Music by Yasuharu Takanashi

Created by Fuyumi Ono

Manga by Ryu Fujisaki

Character Design by Shinji Ochi

Art Director: Ichirou Tatsuta

Anime Production by Daume

Featuring the voices of:

Kazuyuki Okitsu/John Burgmeier as Seishin Muroi

Kouki Uchiyama/Jerry Jewell as Natsuno Yūki

Toru Ohkawa/David Wald as Toshio Ozaki

Ai Orikasa/Lydia Mackay as Chizuru Kirishiki

Aoi Yūki/Cherami Leigh as Sunako Kirishiki

Ayano Ishikawa as Azusa Koide (Natsuno’s mother)

Gackt/J. Michael Tatum as Seishirō Kirishiki

Haruka Nagashima as Kaori Tanaka

Haruka Tomatsu/Tia Ballard as Megumi Shimizu

Keiko Kawakami/Luci Christian as Akira Tanaka

Nobuhiko Okamoto/Chris Burnett as Tōru Mutō

Nozomi Sasaki as Ritsuko Kunihiro

Shinya Takahashi/Todd Haberkorn as Masao Murasako

Wataru Takagi/Ian Sinclair as Tatsumi

Yuko Mizutani as Kyouko Ozaki

When citizens of a secluded village begin dying off in alarming numbers, the sole hospital’s head doctor tries desperately to save his patients – but his efforts are in vain. Entire families are wiped out while others desert their homes. All hell breaks loose as the villagers discover their loved ones’ corpses are rising from the grave with an insatiable thirst for human blood. Who is safe when the urge to kill in order to survive blurs the line between man and monster?

Dark, eerie, scary…these are are words that some have used to describe Fuyumi Ono’s horror novel “Shiki”.

A story that would lead to a manga adaptation featuring artwork drawn by Ryu Fujisaki and serialized in the magazine “Jump SQ” from December 2007-2011, the popularity of the series would lead to an anime TV series in 2010 produced by anime studio, Daume (best known for “Onegai Teacher!”). The series also caught a lot of attention when Japanese rock star Gackt announced he would voice one of the characters in the series.

And now the series will be released on Blu-ray and DVD (in two parts) in May 2012 courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.

What is “Shiki” About?

“Shiki” (which translates to “Corpse Demon”) revolves around a small town known as Sotoba.

But dark things have been happening in Sotoba of late. Many people who have caught sickness and are now dying. There was a folk tale long ago that the village had many deaths due to okiagari (vampires) but it is looked only as an old tale that people today don’t take seriously.

Meanwhile, the main doctor in town, Toshi Ozaki is growing frustrated because each person he tries to help looks like they are suffering from anemia but later grow tired to the point that they die. Why are they dying? Is there an epidemic in town?

While scientifically, an epidemic may seem plausible but when teenager Natsuno Yuuki/Koide sees a former classmate that passed away, has risen from the dead, he tells Toshi Ozaki and both believe that perhaps the town is infested with okiagari…vampires or some type of demon who feeds on the living in the small town.

But are these rumors of the okiagari shiki true? But most importantly, can anyone stop it?

In the second half of “Shiki”, after having seen the vampires (okiagari) going after humans and literally increasing the body count.  We have seen a few people starting to know that there is no epidemic in the small village and also seeing the dead awaken and walking around town.

But how can these individuals such as Dr. Toshi Ozaki, Natsuno Yuki, the Tanaka siblings and others alert others that the okiagari exists.  As for now, without any solid proof, it’s hard to prove.  Meanwhile, Natsuno Yuki was targeted by the vampires and is now dying.  With Natsuno being one of the main people in the village to uncover the secret, what will happen now?

“Shiki” features the following characters:

• Natsuno Yuuki/Koide – The first protagonist of the series. Natsuno has a cold demeanor. Quiet and sometimes emotionless, Natsuno hates living in Sotoba and prefers living in the city. But because of his parents wanting a change of environment and become more creative, they moved away from the city to Sotoba for inspiration.
• Toshi Ozaki – The Dean and doctor of the local hospital, Toshi is a married man but is often working late. He resigned from a university hospital to take his father’s position and despite people bringing up his father, Toshio was not supportive of his mother or his father due to them putting the Ozaki family’s reputation before anything else. He slowly starts to grow frustrated as he tries to find out what is killing the people in the village.
• Sunako Kirishiki – A teenager girl who lives in the Kanemasa mansion with her family. She has a genetic disorder known as SLE and can only come out during the night time. She also exhibits these black filled eyes that resemble some of the vampires/demons.
• Seishi Muroi- A priest and author, he is currently working on a novel about “Shiki” and can detect actual shiki. He is good friends with Toshi Ozaki.
• Touro Mutou – The son of Takeshi Mutou, director of the Ozaki Clinic. He is the eldest in the family and he is good friends with Natsuno.
• Kaori Tanaka – A naive girl who thinks Megumi Shimizu is her best friend (despite Megumi disliking her). She and her younger brother Akira are among the few that believe the area is infested with okiagari shiki and hopes people will believe them.
• Tatsumi – He is the servant to the Kirishiki family but also a special vampire “Jinrou” that can withstand sunlight and is quite powerful. He leads the Shiki.

VIDEO:

“Shiki” is presented in 1080p High Definition and the anime studio Daume has done a wonderful job in character design and art backgrounds. Typically anime studios are on a time restraint and are working on multiple anime series at a time but Daume is one of the few studios that tend to put all their focus onto a single series at a time.

The art backgrounds are lush and beautiful, homes and overall village structures are well-detailed and the character designs are actually quite stylish and with colors that support the darker anime feel but also a colors that look absolutely vibrant at times.

With that being said, the anime series still has a softness (that most anime TV series has) and one should not expect OVA or film quality type of anime, but still this is a series that looks fantastic with its detail of structures and interior of homes. “Shiki” definitely looks very good!

AUDIO:

“Shiki” is presented in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese DolbyTrue HD 2.0. This is an anime series that primarily focuses on dialogue and if there are action sequences, the action is quick. But the series does make up in ambiance. You’ll hear like insects flying, heartbeats, wind, cars passing by and everything that one can expect in a rural village. If anything, the series utilizes a spooky ambiance and sound effects to freak viewers out. The English soundtrack has more dynamic range but when it comes to voice acting, both are well-done.

The biggest standout for this series is the music. The musical soundtrack by Yasuharu Takanashi is fantastic, especially the opening and ending theme of the series.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Shiki: Part Two” comes with the following special features:

• Episode 18 Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by Mike McFarland (Line Producer, ADR Director, voice of Yuki), Ian Sinclair (voice of Tatsumi), J. Michael Tatum (voice of Seishiro) and Lydia Mackay (voice of Chizuru).
  
• Episode 22 Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by Mike McFarland (Line Producer, ADR Director, voice of Yuki), Cherami Leigh (voice of Sunako), John Burgmeier (voice of Seishin) and David Wald (voice of Toshio).
• Preview Featurette Vol. 05 – (1:46) The original Japanese DVD Volume preview for Vol. 5.
• Preview Featurette Vol. 06 – (1:46) The original Japanese DVD Volume previews for Vol. 6.
• Preview Featurette Vol. 07 – (1:16) The original Japanese DVD Volume previews for Vol. 7.
  
• Preview Featurette Vol. 08 – (1:14) The original Japanese DVD Volume previews for Vol. 8.
• Preview Featurette Vol. 09 – (:39) The original Japanese DVD Volume previews for Vol. 9.
• Textless Opening Song – Calendula Requiem
  
• Textless Closing Songs – Gekka-Reijin
  
• TRAILERS – FUNimation Entertainment trailers

EXTRAS:

“Shiki: Part Two” comes with both the Blu-ray and DVD of episodes 13-22.

There have been a few dark, creepy anime that has made it to America within the last five years. And similar to the United States, even Japan has had its share of anime series incorporating vampires to a storyline.

But what makes “Shiki” so unique is that it doesn’t retain the banality of the usual vampire storyline. This is not a series about a group of teenagers unleashing a counterattack against the vampires, nor is this a storyline about a vampire or human falling in love. This is a story about a rural Japanese town in which the vampires plan to eradicate all humanity and literally turn everyone into a vampire.

Each time we were introduced to a character, you would expect that this character would be a main character in the storyline, but beginning with the first episode, viewers quickly learn that each character is essentially going to be a victim. In some way, it reminded me of “Boogiepop Phantom”, a darker anime series from 2000 that seemed every character introduced, their livelihoods were futile.

But what makes the anime series work is that we get to meet these villagers, learn of their quirks and if anything, feel comfortable with each and everyone of them…that is until the okiagari begin to target them.

The same can be said with “Shiki” as the townspeople think that people are dying of an epidemic, while very few people suspect that a new family that has moved to the area is responsible. And sure enough, when people start to see old friends who have died, walking around, what do you do? How you can fight against these reborn monsters?

The first half of the series focused on the deaths of many in the village and the discovery by Natsuno Yuuki, Toshio Ozaki and brother and sister, Kaori and Akira Tanaka discovering that there is no epidemic but deaths caused by the okiagari (vampire). And to make things worst, there appears to be no defense against them. They keep rising and they are growing by the numbers. Also, it doesn’t help that there are specialized vampires such as Tatsumi who can withstand the sunlight and literally use his charm to get people to let him into their homes and thus leading to a person’s quick death.

The second half of the series, the roles are reversed dramatically.  We knew that the people of the village were starting to find out about the vampires, we knew that Natsuno and Toshio Ozaki had to do something.  And that something begins with this second half of the series.

We have seen the perspective of the humans, the second half gives us a glimpse of the vampires.  While some seem vicious, those of the village who were brought back as vampires struggle with their past human feelings of caring for an individual, wanting to be with a person or their family but unfortunately, because of what they are, they crave blood and when they don’t feed, that is when the vampire takes over their body and literally makes them to vicious monsters.

Unfortunately, without spoiling the series, there is not much that I can say but that everything you watched in the first half of the series and made you sympathetic towards the humans, your perspective may change as you get to see other side of things.  Especially learning of the history of certain individuals.  But for those who have been wanting to see humanity fight back, will then you’re going to love what happens in the second half of the series.

And if there is anything that I can say is that the violence and bloodshed will increase dramatically with each episode and for those who have a low tolerance towards blood, you have been warned… as this series gets bloodier and bloodier with each episode.

Also, don’t forget to watch what happens after the ending credits of the final episode.

As for the Blu-ray release, Daume, an anime studio who usually doesn’t rush into anime production has once again done a fantastic job with this series. With most TV series, many anime studios are typically hampered by multiple projects they have to get to a television studio but with Daume, one of the few that tends to focus on a series and thus dedicates its staff into making wonderful looking anime series. Granted, the setting is the country and a lot of the backgrounds one will see are trees, fields, forests, etc. But they manage to put quite a bit of detail on their background art and also on the actual character designs which are quite stylish. Especially with the combination of dark to vibrant colors that really pop on Blu-ray. The voice acting is well-done on both lossless soundtracks and there are a few audio commentary tracks included.

Overall, It’s been a long while since I have watched an anime series so dark, eerie and where situations are so unexpected. And from this second half of “Shiki”, all I can say is that… I enjoyed this series a lot.  It’s quite violent and bloody but for those who are up to a very intense but enjoyable series featuring humans vs. vampires, will find “Shiki” to be a series worth watching.

Recommended for anime fans who enjoy violent, dark and eerie anime!

 

The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

“The Adventures of Tintin” is an animated series that manages to be exciting, adventurous, full of action and a lot of fun to watch! If you are nostalgic for this series or enjoyed the recent film, definitely give these classic animated adventures of Tintin a try.  “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is recommended!

Images courtesy of © HERGE. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two

TV AIR DATE: 1991

DURATION: 13 Episodes (5 Hours)

DVD INFORMATION: Color, NTSC, Full Screen, Closed Captions, Spanish and English Dolby

COMPANY: Shout! Factory

RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2012

Directed by Stephanie Bernasconi

Written by Herge, Robert Rea, Christophe Poujol, Eric Rondeaux, Alex Boon, J.D. Smith, Martin Brossollet, Amelie Aubert, Dennise Fordham, Peter Meech, Aaron Barzman

Produced by Robert Rea

Executive Producers: Pierre Bertrand-Jaume, Philippe Gildas, Clive A. Smith

Music by Jim Morgan, Ray Parker, Tom Szczesniak

Casting by Arlene Berman

Series Art Direction by Thierry Fournier

Starring:

Colin O’Meara as Tintin

David Fox as Captain Haddock

Wayne Robson as Professor Calculus

Yves Barsacq as Dupont

John Stocker as Thompson

Susan Roman as Snowy

The Adventures Of Tintin Season Two tracks Tintin and Snowy everywhere from the Himalayas to the Middle East in pursuit of truth and justice. Along with the brackish Captain Haddock, skillful Professor Calculus and ham-fisted Thomson & Thompson, they investigate a mysterious meteor, exploding cars, missing persons and much more!

Back in 1929, Belgian artist Georges Remi aka “Hergé”, would create a comic book series titled “Les Adventures de Tintin” (The Adventures of Tintin) which was first published in the Belgian Newspaper Le XXe Siecle.

The comic book series would prove to be successful that it was made into several books, led to a Tintin magazine and also received aptations for film, radio, television and theater.

In fact, the comic book series was so popular that it appeared in many countries worldwide in more than 80 languages and over 350 million copies of the books were sold worldwide.

But for many people who were not familiar with the comic books or other adaptations, in America, many were introduced to “The Adventures of Tintin” through the animated series that aired on television back in 1991-1992. A total of 39 half-hour episodes were created and are based on the best-known stories from the book. And now the second season (episodes 14-26) of “The Adventures of Tintin” was released on DVD courtesy of Shout! Factory.

In order to appeal to a younger audience, there were some changes that needed to be made. The key change was toning down the violence, the number of deaths and also the use of firearms. Especially how the series would approach the use of alcohol, which Captain Haddock drinks a lot of. Each time that Tintin is injured, he is able to bounce back to recover fairly quickly. So, a few liberties were taken in order to appeal to children. But certain elements such as the threats on Tintin’s and Snowy’s lives are still intact to a certain degree.

“The Adventures of Tintin” features an adventurous Belgian reporter named Tintin who goes on adventures with his white fox terrier named Snowy. The cases he takes on are typically dangerous and is often seen saving the day. Joining Tintin is his best friend Captain Archibald Haddock, a respectable character who does things without thinking at times.

Other characters include the half-deaf Professor Calculus, who many international thieves are after his inventions. And there are the two bumbling detectives named Thomson and Thomson who are the comical relief of the series that are often after Tintin (as he is always in the middle of a crime scene in some way or form) or somehow find themselves treated as criminals.

The following is a spoiler free synopsis of each story arc:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 14- The Shooting Star- Tintin is involved in a race to find remnants of a meteorite in the ocean.
• EPISODE 15 – The Broken Ear Part 1 – When an idol from South America is stolen in the Museum of Ethnography in Brussels, Tintin investigates.
• EPISODE 16 – The Broken Ear Part 2 – Tintin and friends are captured by the Rumbabas.
• EPISODE 17 – King Ottokar’s Sceptre Part 1 – Tintin finds a lost briefcase belonging to Professor Hector Alembick, but Tintin thinks it may be someone disguised as him.
• EPISODE 18 – King Ottokar’s Sceptre Part 2 – Tintin investigates the stolen scepter of King Ottokar IV.
• EPISODE 19 – Tintin in Tibet Part 1 – When Tintin and Captain Haddock read about a plane crash in the Himalayas and that his friend Chang was on the plane. Tintin has a dream that his friend Chang is alive and Tintin and Captain Haddock go to find him.
• EPISODE 20 – Tintin in Tibet Part 2 – Tintin’s and Captain Haddock go to find Chang in the snowy mountains of Tibet.  But people are afraid of the yeti.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 21 – Tintin and the Picaros Part 1 – Tintin goes to investigate when he hears that Bianca Castafiore, her main, pianist and Thompson and Thompson have been imprisoned in San Theodoros thanks to General Tapioca.
• EPISODE 22 - Tintin and the Picaros Part 2 - Thompson and Thompson are to be executed, can Tintin save them in time.
• EPISODE 23 – Land of Black Gold Part 1 – Tintin is kidnapped by insurgents.
• EPISODE 24 – Land of Black Gold Part 2 – Tintin reunites with familiar friends and must do all he can to stop his old enemy, Dr. J.W. Muller.
• EPISODE 25 – Flight 714 Part 1 – Tintin, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus are off to Sydney and get a ride with the wealthy millionaire Laszlo Carrreidas, but the plane is hijacked.
• EPISODE 26 – Flight 714 Part 2 – Can Tintin and friends are being held captive.  Can they escape?

VIDEO AND AUDIO:

It’s important to note that “The Adventures of Tintin” was created in the early ’90s and is an older series that was never fully detailed compared to popular American animation series. But it fit the context of the comic book series quite wonderfully.

The series is presented in full frame and while the animation does show its age and looks a bit washed out, the animation still manages to hold up quite well 20-years later and is highly watchable. As one would expect on DVD, you will see some ghosting but for the most part, the DVD looks good.

As for audio, the audio is presented in English and Spanish Dolby Stereo 2.0. Dialogue is clear and understandable and didn’t hear any major hissing or any audio problems while watching each episode.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features on “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” DVD release.

With the film version of “The Adventures of Tintin” from Steven Spielberg having been released in theaters, there was no doubt that Herge’s classic was going to attract old and new fans of his work.

Before the more grown up animation that we see today, during the 1990′s, many series were created to boost the sales of popular toylines such as “Transformers”, “G.I. Joe” to name a few. And many animation on television were primarily targeted towards younger audiences.

While, superhero animated series such as “X-Men”, “Spider-Man” and “Batman” were popular and introduced elements of mystery, what makes “The Adventures of Tintin” so accessible is that he’s a normal guy. Granted, he must work for a wealthy publication that can send him to exotic locations for his research but nevertheless, he’s a regular guy who goes on investigations with his terrier Snowy and his friend Captain Haddock.

Also, what makes this series different from other animated series is that he is often the target of kidnappings and even assassination attempts. Because he always covers these cases that are typically dangerous, he manages to get himself into quite a bit of trouble. Or more like, trouble finds him quite often!

He’s not a superhero with any major fighting skills, he’s not a detective nor does he carry a weapon. He’s just a persistent journalist that happens to be successful in uncovering and solving cases. And because the stories tend to feature him in a variety of locations all over the world, “The Adventures of Tintin” is an animated series that manages to be exciting, adventurous, full of action and a lot of fun to watch!

If you are nostalgic for this series or wanting to watch the upcoming live-action film and want a bit more background on the classic adventures of Tintin, “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is definitely worth watching!

With the second series which coincides with the books (with slight differences), the adventures of Tintin continues as he and his dog Snowy, Captain Haddock and even Professor Calculus get involved in quite a few adventures where their lives are constantly in danger (suffice to say, Tintin always finds trouble but he always finds a way out and help others along the way).

For the second season, the stories are a bit far out as Tintin comes across adventures that involve a meteorite, a stolen scepter, a yeti and throw in an extra-terrestrial as well.  But there are a lot of action-packed episodes as Tintin and Captain Haddock find themselves in a warzone, climbing the snowy areas of Tibet in order to find a good friend that Tintin believes is a live and also in the middle of the desert as Tintin tries to find a child who was kidnapped.

Once again, you get 13 exciting episodes and it leads to the final third season of “The Adventures of Tintin”.

It’s important to note that although this series is animated, because of the violence, it’s not a series that you may want to buy for younger children or have them in the room watching.    While the death count was nothing like the first season, parents should know that this series maybe a bit too mature for children to understand and a little violent for them to watch.

Overall, if you are nostalgic of the series or have never heard of “The Adventures of Tintin” and are interested in seeing the upcoming live-action film, the animated series is accessible and for the most part, a welcome addition to the animated library from Shout! Factory.

“The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is recommended!

 

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