Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

October 10, 2010 by Dennis Amith · 1 Comment

“Gurren Lagann” is an awesome TV series, “Gurren Lagann the Movie – Childhood’s End” is an abridged version of the first 16-episodes of the series. If you are a hardcore fan, then you definitely want to purchase this release for its limited edition content. Otherwise, if you have never seen the TV series before, I do recommend watching the TV series on DVD first, to truly enjoy this awesome series.

TITLE: Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition

FILM RELEASE: 2009

DURATION: 112 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9, Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1, English subtitles

COMPANY: Aniplex

RATED: 13 and Up

RELEASED: 2010

Created by GAINAX

Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi

Assistant Director: Masahiko Ohtsuka

Series Directors: Kazuki Nakashima

Character Designs: Atsushi Nishigori

Mecha Designs: You Yoshinari

Design Works: Shigeto Koyama

Art Director: Yuka Hirama (BIHOU)

Color Design: Harumi Takahoshi

Director of Photography: Toyonori Yamada

Editing: Junichi Uematsu

Sound Director: Tohru Nakano

Music: Taku Iwasaki

Produced by TV Tokyo, DENTSU, Aniplex

Featuring the following voice talent:

Katsuyuki Konishi as Kamina

Tetsuya Kakihara as Simon

Marina Inoue as Yoko Littner

Yukari Fukui as Nia

Daiki Nakamura as Dayakka

Kana Asumi as Kiyal

Kana Ueda as Kinon

Kisho Taniyama as Kittan

Masaya Onosaka as Leeron

Mitsuki Saiga as Rossiu

Nobuyuki Hiyama as Viral

Rina Satou as Kiyoh

Shizuka Itou as Boota and Darry

This is the story of a man who has yet to realize what destiny holds in store for him… Far in the future, humans have lived underground, quietly and restlessly, for hundreds of years, suffering from frequent earthquake and land subsidence. In Giha Village, one such underground community, live two young men. Simon is shy and naive, while Kamina believes in existence of a “surface” world above their heads.

Their destinies start moving drastically when the ceiling falls and a gigantic “Gunmen” and a beautiful girl named Yoko with a superconductive rifle come from the surface. Kamina, Simon and Yoko get on the “Lagann” that Simon digs out from the ground, and jump out to the surface! However, the surface is not quite the dreamland Kamina imagined…

This limited edition includes a bonus disc featuring “Gurren Lagann Parallel Works” Music Videos part 1 (4 videos), a 32-page booklet, a replica of the deluxe Movie Program Book sold in Japanese theaters, and two postcards.

Fantastic! It’s the single word that describes how I feel about “GURREN LAGANN″ and in 2008, GAINAX immediately went to work on two animated films that would capture both storyline arcs in “Gurren Lagann The Movie ~Childhood’s End” and “Gurren Lagann the Movie – The Lights in the Sky are Stars”, two films that are being distributed in the US through Aniplex.

“Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End-” is a compilation of series of events that took place in the first 16 episodes of the popular 2007 animated TV series “Gurren Lagann”. Of course, it would be impossible to fit 320 minutes into a 112 minute movie, so GAINAX features bits and pieces from those 16 episodes and also included 20-minute of new animated scenes.

The series centers around two characters Simon and Kamina. Both live underground with a bunch of orphans and due to earthquakes, they developed a system of people using manual drilling holes in order to move around. But one day, the life of a young driller named Simon discovers a small mini drill underground. Simon is a shy young guy. Not too confident in himself and hates how his parents were killed during an earthquake. So, he works hard in order for everyone to live but also to collect whichever treasure he can find. While continuing his digging, he discovers a small drill and not long after, he discovers a huge robotic face.

As for Kamina, he’s the cool leader of a gang. He once saw the atmosphere with his father a long time ago and dreams of making it up to the surface but no one underground believes him. He comes up with a plan to get to the surface with the help of Simon’s drill. The plan backfires and Kamina is put into a jail. Meanwhile, a big monster robot-like figure comes out of the sky and lands in the group’s village underground. A girl sporting a bikini top and tight short shorts with a large rifle starts fighting with the monster robot. Her name is Yoko and all of a sudden both Kamina and Simon try to assist her.

As the monster grows vicious, Simon introduces Kamina and Yoko to what he found underground. It happens to be a small robot that Simon takes control of and eventually the three fight the robotic monster and end up defeating it. Also, end up making it above the surface where they discover sunlight, blue skies, mountains and more…monster robots. It is learned that these things are called “Gunmen” and are piloted by Beastmen who have a hatred towards humans. The three must survive and outwit and defeat the Gunmen and with Kamina’s leadership and willing to take anything head on with his machismo ego, he calls Simon’s robot Lagann. Kamina eventually commandeers a Gunmen robot and calls it Gurren. As a duo, the group find a way to combine their own two mechs and thus Kamina and Simon form Gurren Lagann, which is also the name of the team that will fight for humanity against the Spiral King and their minions.

Throughout the film, we see how both Kamina, Simon along with Yoko leave the underground city and take on various gunmen and together with savvy, intelligent and flamboyant mechanic Leeron, along with other humans they meet along the way, one by one, Team Gurren Lagann take on the Spiral King’s Four Divine Generals: Viral, Adiane, Guame and Cytomander. And along the way, they meet with a mysterious girl named Nia and leading up to the final battle against the Spiral King.

VIDEO:

“Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” is presented in 16:9. The character designs by Atsushi Nishigori are fresh and very different when comparing it to other anime series/films. I truly dig the character designs and the whole anime is quite colorful and looks stylish and pretty cool. The artist backgrounds to the animation, explosions, character designs, mecha designs and the planning that went in to this series was quite amazing and it looks great in the film. You will noticed even more detailed artistic backgrounds and animation with the additional new footage added to the film.

Vibrant, colorful and awesome looking! Of course, with that being said, it would definitely be a plus if this film was released on Blu-ray, but since it’s on DVD, you will see edge enhancement at times. But for the most part, “Gurren Lagann” was one of the rare anime series that was unique in presentation and Gainax definitely put a lot of time and effort into the creation of this TV series and along with the new footage, “Gurren Lagann the Movie – Childhood’s End” looks great on DVD and I’m sure it would look even more spectacular on Blu-ray!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for audio, “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” is presented in Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1.

Audio is well done as we can hear the dialogue and special effects and music quite clearly through the center and front channels but also hear the various sound effects coming from the surround channels as well. Overall, a pretty awesome mix and hopefully this title is considered for Blu-ray, as I’m sure it would sound fantastic via lossless. While the English dub is featured in the TV series released by Bandai Entertainment, there is no English dub featured for both films from Aniplex.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

This is where the limited edition of “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” shines. Included are:

DISC 1:

Theatrical Trailer – (1:35) The original Japanese theatrical trailer for “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End-”.
Staff & Cast Credits – Standard text-based credits.
Aniplex Trailers – Trailers for “Gurren Lagann the Movie -The Lights in the Sky are Stars-”, “Darker than Black – Gemini of Meteor”, “Durarra!!”.

DISC 2:

Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 1: RAP IS A MAN’S SOUL! Kick Logic Out and Do the Impossible – A music video directed by Keisuke Watanabe featuring a parallel universe in which Simon, Kamina and Viral must save a princess who was locked in a dark dungeon in a castle.
Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 2: BAFBAF! Do You Love to see It…Burn? - An electronic music video bu Suezen featuring a parallel universe in which Viral plays a “Gurren Lagann” pachinko. (Note: Not listed on the main menu).
Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 3: BOOBIES VS BOOBIES - A jazzy music video by Hirokazu Kojima featuring an artistic, painted style of version of the characters in a more traditional Japanese setting.
Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 4: DRILL THE HEAVEN’S WITH YOUR XXX!!! - A music video by Ryouji Masuyama featuring a parallel universe in which Viral and Adiane travel to take on Kamina in which the beasts are trying to take on Kamina who appears to be a dictator.

EXTRAS:

“Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” comes with a slipcase and also comes with a special Japanese collectible postcard featuring Simon and Gurren Lagann. Also, included is a 32-page booklet, a replica of the deluxe program book that were sold at theaters in Japan (note: booklet is in Japanese).

“Gurren Lagann” is one of the animated TV series that you have to watch in completion, all 27-episodes, to realize how unique and how awesome the series truly is. With the release of “Gurren Lagann the Movie – Childhood’s End-”, you’re essentially getting parts of the first 16-episodes including 20 minutes of new animation into one film. An abridged storyline.

This is quite common in Japan to see a popular TV series and OVA series created into an animated film and the fans look at it as an extra and additional extension to the TV series, others look at it as a less time consuming way to learn about the story of a popular series in two hours versus watching 8 hours of a series.

When it comes to films like this, I’m not a big fan of them because you are losing out important details of the storyline. This first “Gurren Lagann” film is only 112 minutes and the first 16-episodes is 320 minutes of content. So, naturally, you are missing out on a lot but the creators did do a good job in focusing on the essentials. Personally, I recommend watching the entire series.

What I do like about these films are how they can also be geared to the hardcore fans of the TV series in that you get additional/new footage in the film but also when they are released on DVD, in this case with “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition”, you get additional bells and whistles with the inclusion of the Japanese theatrical book, collectible postcard and also the parallel works featuring the characters of “Gurren Lagann” in an alternate world shown via music video.

So, I approach this release in two different ways. As a fan of the series, I recommend watching and owning the original series because that is how this series was meant to be seen. I will say that on its own, it’s still a pretty good film but because they skip over many scenes, it’s quite noticeable to the fan of the series. Otherwise, if you have never seen the series, I’m sure this film would definitely be entertaining but at the same time, hopefully it inspires the viewer to go out and watch the complete series.

The other way I look at this film release as a fan who supports the film because of the additional animated footage and also you’re getting limited edition Japanese merchandise and the fact is that these limited edition releases didn’t receive a large print run. So, they are quite collectible for the “Gurren Lagann” fan.

Overall, “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” is a film worth watching but only after you have watched the series or if you are the type that will probably not watch the entire series (it’s important to note that if you are new to the series, the three box sets for the “Gurren Lagann” TV series are loaded with special features and a limited edition of the final set which includes a CD soundtrack and the manga). But as far as this limited edition is concerned, you get a pretty cool postcard and the reproduction of the exact Japanese booklet that were sold in Japanese theaters.

If you are a hardcore fan of the series, you’ll definitely want to get the limited edition version of “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End” for its limited edition items. The booklet alone is definitely worth it!

So, “Gurren Lagann the Movie -Childhood’s End- Limited Edition” is definitely recommended for the hardcore “Gurren Lagann” fan and for those who just don’t have the time to watch the complete “Gurren Lagann” series.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

September 30, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Action-packed, entertaining and from beginning to end! Expect more characters, more battles, more fan service with the second season of “Corpse Princess”!

DVD TITLE: Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two

DURATION: Episodes 14-26 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 2.0 Stereo

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 17+

Release Date: September 14, 2010

Originally created by Yoshiichi Akahito

Directed by Masahiko Murata

Screenplay by Shou Aikawa

Music by Norihito Sumitomo

Character Design by Chikashi Kubota, Kikuko Sadakata

Art Director: Hiroki Matsumoto

Art Design by Yohei Kodama

Sound Director: Masafumi Mima

Director of Photography: Toyonori Yamada

Anime Production: GAINAX

Featuring the following voice talent:

Tatsuya Hasome/Aaron Dismuke as Ouri Kagami

Keiji Fujiwara/J. Michael Tatum as Keisei Tagami

Nana Akiyama/Luci Christian as Makina Hoshimura

Chika Fujimura/Brina Palencia as Hokuto (Shichisei)

Fuyuka Oura/Claire Harp as Mizuki Inuhiko

Hidenori Nakamura/Kent Williams as Sougen Takamine

Kiyotaka Furushima/Chris Cason as Rinsen Shirae

Masayuki Shouji/Sean Teague as Sumitori

Michi Niino/Todd Haberkorn as Ena (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Miki Maruyama/Tia Ballard as Nozomi Kasuga

Mitsuru Miyamoto/Josh Grelle as Akasha Shishidou

Nobutoshi Canna/Anthony Bowling as Honda

Takaya Hashi/T.A. Taylor as Isaka (Shichisei)

Tooru Nara/Micah Solusod as Hiroshige Ushijima

Toru Ohkawa/Christopher R. Sabat as Hazama (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Yui Horie/Stephanie Young as Riko

Yuuki Hayashi/Bob Carter as Kowaku (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Makina Hoshino is already dead, but she can’t let go of this twisted world. She burned to death along with her entire family in a fire started by freaks that wouldn’t stay buried. Makina knows she doesn’t belong among the living, but that won’t stop her from unleashing the full fury of her twin MAC-11 machine guns on the rotting remains of those who refuse to die.

She’s hell-bent on filling every empty grave she can find with the monsters that should be six feet under. Makina is a Shikabane Hime – a Corpse Princess – and it’s her job to finish off the undead leftovers haunting the dark corners of a city that used to be safe.

In 2005, mangaka Yoshiichi Akahito began his manga series “Shikabane Hime ” (Corpse Princess). In 2008, an anime adaptation by GAINAX was created with the first 13 episodes are known as “Corpse Princess: Aka” and the second half of the series (episodes 14-26) are known as “Corpse Princess: Kuro”.

The series is directed by Masahiko Murata (“Naruto Shippuden”, “MazinKaiser”, “Jinki: Extend”) and a screenplay by Shou Aikawa (“Wrath of the Ninja”, “Ghost Slayers Ayashi”, “Gad Guard”, “Casshan: Robot Hunter”). Joining both Murata and Aikawa are character designers Chikashi Kubota (“Girl Who Leapt Through Time”, “One Piece – Movie 6″) and Kikuko Sadakata (“Gurren Lagann”, Princess Resurrection”, “Mayo Elle Otokonoko”) and music created by Norihito Sumitomo.

“Corpse Princess – Aka” (season one) revolves around a young teen named Ouri Kagami. One night, he found a dead girl at his home, not know what caused her death, he hears people approaching the room and he hides. He then sees his brother Keisei going up to the girl who is named Makina Hoshimura and instantly bringing her back to life (while incurring injuries to his own self).

Ouri is not sure what happened but maybe the girl was not dead afterall.

Each time Ouri is out and about, he ends up being in the same locations where this girl is fighting. She doesn’t know why he is there and he doesn’t understand how she is always dead or near-dead and yet manages to come alive.

We learn that the Makina is a living corpse (a shikabane hime) and Keisei is a contracted priest bound to her. Both are working for an anti-corpse group known as the Kougun sect. Makina must kill 108 corpses for her to go into heaven, otherwise, if she is not bound to a priest, she would become a monster. A Shikabane. Keisei’s role is that each time Makina is hurt, when near hear, she can feed off his life force and easily heal her wounds. Her goal is to kill

But most of all, Makina wants revenge on a violent corpse group known as the Seven Stars. The people responsible for killing her family and killing her.

As both Keisei and Makina fight and destroy the many corpse they encounter, Ouri ends up being at these locations where they are fighting because a mysterious cat is feeding him information of their whereabouts. For Ouri, he is more of a hindrance because he does not want Keisei getting himself killed over a girl and he doesn’t like how Makina putting herself in danger.

And right now is not the right time for Ouri to get involved because the Seven Stars are back and are wanting to kill even more humans.

In “Corpse Princess: Kuro” (season two), Ouri now trains to become Makina’s contracted monk, problem is, Makina has no interest in accepting Ouri. As for the Seven Stars, they have their eyes set on Makina as they feel, she has a special ability that they want to exploit.

Meanwhile, Ouri learns more about the bond between a contracted monk and his shikabane hime but most importantly, why a human monk should never ever fall for his shikabane hime.

But most importantly, the life of Ouri and his true mysterious background is revealed.

“Corpse Princess” features the following characters:

Ouri Kagami – A high school boy who was raised at his Keisei Tagami’s Temple. He has no relations to Kesei Tagami but because he was raised with orphans thanks to Keisei, he seems him not only as a brother but like a father. Meanwhile, Keisei has been able to see a dead cat who speaks to him and gives him information to where corpses are located. Ouri has now replaced Keisei as Makina’s contracted monk.
Keisei Tagami – A Buddhist priest working for the anti-corpse organization known as the Kougon Sect. Keisei was an orphan when he grew up and he was raised by Makina Hoshimura’s father. When the family was murdered, he has committed himself to becoming Makina’s contracted priest and making sure she can meet her goal of going to heaven but also helping her avenge her family.
Makina Hoshimura – A shikabane hime who is a contracted “living corpse”. Her goal is to kill 108 corpses so she can gain entrance to heaven. She is bound to Keisei (her contracted priest) and because of Keisei’s relation to her family, she is committed in getting revenge on the Seven Stars, seven corpses who killed her and her family. She cares deeply about Keisei but since his death, she is not willing to accept Ouri as her new contracted monk.
Rika Aragami - A female contracted monk and one of the ten great holy families. She is the contracted monk of Saki Amase.
Saki Amase - A shikabane hime who is a 10-year-old who wields a huge hammer. She is also quite stubborn.
Takamasa Sogi – A contracted monk of Itsuki Yamagami. He cares deeply for Itsuki to the point of loving her despite knowing that she is no longer human.
Itsuki Yagami - Takamasa’s shikabane hime. Unlike others, she and Takamasa have a deep connection and knows that she is not human and can’t bare for Takamasa to see her true self.
Shuji Isaki – The contracted monk of Minai Ruo. Very arrogant and doesn’t care about anyone.
Minai Ruo – Isaki’s shikabane hime. When her bond with her contracted monk broke, Ouri got to see what happens when to a shikabane hime without her contracted monk.
Sougen Takamine – The contracted monk of Kamika Tomoroki and former mentor of Keisei Tagami.
Kamika Tomoroki – Takamine’s shikabane hime. Always serious about her job and the strongest shikabane hime with incredible will-power.
Kanechika Umehara – The contracted monk of Flesh Backbone and also a pervert.
Flesh Backbone - A foreigner/otaku who was on her way to Akihabara before she was killed and is now Kanechika Umehara’s shikabane hime. A true otaku.

“Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two” features episodes 14-26 on two DVDs. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 14 – Path of Light – Ouri undergoes priest training, meanwhile a priest wants Makina dead.
EPISODE 15 – My Enemy – The Seven Stars make their attack at the HQ of the monks in order to get closer to Makina, while the other contracted monks and their shikabane hime fight against them to prevent them from killing her.
EPISODE 16 – Beloved Aberration – Makina does not want Ouri to be her contacted monk. Meanwhile, Takamasa wants to teach Ouri a lesson of why one should not get too close to their shikibane hime.
EPISODE 17 – Itsuki’s Form – The history of Itsuki and Takamasa’s earlier days as part of the team and what happened to a good friend of Takamasa.
EPISODE 18 – Nature and Regrets - Keisei may have turned to a shikabane and now Sadahiro is sent to destory it.
EPISODE 19 – Monster Named Happiness - Ouri and Makina fight against Ena of the Seven Priests. Meanwhile, something happens to Kagusa.
EPISODE 20 – Mundane Wish – Ouri finds out what had happened to Kagusa, meanwhile Makina fights against another member of the Seven Stars.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 21 – My Mother Was Defiled – The fate of Kasuga Nozomi. The kougonshuu reveal to Ouri of his background and what he truly is.
EPISODE 22 – The Value of Living – Ouri learns the truth of his mother. Meanwhile, the Kougon Sect unleashes their deadly plan on the city.
EPISODE 23 – To the Other Side of Hell – The plan of the Seven Stars and Traitor Monks is revealed.
EPISODE 24 – One Hundred and Eight Lies – The truth of the shikabane hime’s power is revealed and also we learn the true fate of a shikabane hime who accomplishes her 108 kills.
EPISODE 25 – Beyond the Dead - The battle between Makina and Hokuto and the future of the contracted monks and their shikabane hime.
EPISODE 26 – Even So, As a Person - NOTE: The following special episode was not aired on TV but only featured on the Japanese and US DVD release. This special episode focuses on how Minai Ruo became a shikabane hime and how Shuji Isaki became her contracted monk.

VIDEO:

“Corpse Princess: Kuro” is presented in widescreen format. Animation is well done and a good amount of detail put into the action sequences, especially with Makina and Keisei’s scenes. Artistic backgrounds are well done and for the most part, GAINAX has done a great job with the overall look of the anime series. Blacks are nice and deep, there are good lighting effects and for the most part, I wouldn’t be surprised if this series receives the Blu-ray treatment. I have not seen Yoshiichi Akahito’s original work but I’ve read that Chikashi Kubota and Kikuko Sadakata were faithful in recreating these character designs for the anime series.

I found “Corpse Princess: Kuro” to have more animation and the fact that there are so many characters now involved in this second season, a lot of focus was put into the actual fighting scenes and the animation of the characters and monsters.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Corpse Princess” is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Japanese 2.0. The anime series does feature a lot of action and the audio is more front and surround channel driven in the English dubbed soundtrack. There was a good use of LFE during the more explosive scenes. But overall, dialogue and music comes clear through the front channels. My preference for this anime series was the Japanese soundtrack, as the voice acting was well done. The English dub is fine but I felt that Aaron Dismuke voice acting makes Ouri seem a bit too whiny while the more emotional parts that require crying, are not as well done. Veterans J. Michael Tatum (Keisei), especially Luci Christian did a good job as Makina. But overall, both audio tracks are very good.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Corpse Princess: Kuro – Part Two” comes with the following special features:

Episode 24 Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by director J. Michael Tatum (Keisei), Brina Palencia (Hokuto) and Josh Grelle (Akasha).
Textless Opening Song
Textless Closing Song #1
Textless Closing Song #2
Trailers – Trailers for upcoming or previous released titles from FUNimation Entertainment.

The concept of “Corpse Princess” is quite intriguing and I felt that the first half of the series did a great job in establishing the main three characters, establishing the importance of the bond between the contracted priest and the shikabane hime. But also, establishing the story of why Keisei and Makina were so close and who the Seven Stars are and why they must be eliminated. This time around for “Corpse Princess: Kuro”, we get more characters, character building storylines and if there was something that you see more of in the second half is possibly the attention of more endowed characters.

I felt with “Corpse Princess: Aka”, there was more focus on Keisei, Ouri and Makina and watching her take down monsters. But with the other contracted monks and shikabane hime having a more active role, personally it made the series much more exciting. Although, I’m sure it may have been nerve-wracking if you watched this series in Japan, because missing one episode literally can throw the continuity way off for the series and it’s one of those series that you need to watch every episode to know the context of the story and more about these supporting characters.

And also, I liked how there was less Ouri. The first season focused too much on him and he came off as a character that whines too much. Fortunately, by “Corpse Princess: Kuro”, he is more tolerable. he is taking action and responsibility and started to see his character in a better light. It also helps that he is often paired with other supporting characters as well.

I felt that GAINAX has done a wonderful job in animating this series, artistic backgrounds are well-done and for the most part, the series was enjoyable, action-packed and even a bit dark and violent at times (Note: This is definitely not a series to have the younger children watch).

The overall DVD was very good and I really enjoyed the first half of the series and look forward to watching the second. I can only hope that FUNimation Entertainment considers “Corpse Princess” for a Blu-ray release in the near future. It’s important to note that both parts: “Corpse Princess: Aka” and “Corpse Princess: Kuro” are being released simultaneously, so no long waiting time in order for one to get into the complete series.

I actually enjoyed “Corpse Princess” from beginning to end. The anime series ended in a good note and hopefully someday soon, GAINAX will continue to explore the series and what takes place after the events of “Corpse Princess: Kuro”. I felt the DVD’s inclusion of the 26th stand-alone episode was nice but it’s important for people to know that the final episode on this volume is more of a bonus and is not expected to be the final episode. Think of it as a side-project OVA featuring the characters of contracted monk Shuji Isaki and shikabane hime Minai Ruo.

But overall, another entertaining anime series and if you are looking for an action-packed, well-animated, well-written series, definitely give both seasons of “Corpse Princess” a chance! An anime series that is definitely recommended!

NOTE: We are reviewing the discs only and can not comment on the actual packaging of the release and if there are any extra additional content that comes packaged with the release.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Corpse Princess: Aka – Part One (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

September 23, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Action-packed, entertaining and a shocking ending for this first part of GAINAX’s “Corpse Princess”. If you are looking for a darker, action-based anime series, definitely give “Corpse Princess: Aka – Part One” a chance! Recommended!

DVD TITLE: Corpse Princess: Aka – Part One

DURATION: Episodes 1-13 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN, English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 2.0 Stereo

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 17+

Release Date: September 14, 2010

Originally created by Yoshiichi Akahito

Directed by Masahiko Murata

Screenplay by Shou Aikawa

Music by Norihito Sumitomo

Character Design by Chikashi Kubota, Kikuko Sadakata

Art Director: Hiroki Matsumoto

Art Design by Yohei Kodama

Sound Director: Masafumi Mima

Director of Photography: Toyonori Yamada

Anime Production: GAINAX

Featuring the following voice talent:

Tatsuya Hasome/Aaron Dismuke as Ouri Kagami

Keiji Fujiwara/J. Michael Tatum as Keisei Tagami

Nana Akiyama/Luci Christian as Makina Hoshimura

Chika Fujimura/Brina Palencia as Hokuto (Shichisei)

Fuyuka Oura/Claire Harp as Mizuki Inuhiko

Hidenori Nakamura/Kent Williams as Sougen Takamine

Kiyotaka Furushima/Chris Cason as Rinsen Shirae

Masayuki Shouji/Sean Teague as Sumitori

Michi Niino/Todd Haberkorn as Ena (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Miki Maruyama/Tia Ballard as Nozomi Kasuga

Mitsuru Miyamoto/Josh Grelle as Akasha Shishidou

Nobutoshi Canna/Anthony Bowling as Honda

Takaya Hashi/T.A. Taylor as Isaka (Shichisei)

Tooru Nara/Micah Solusod as Hiroshige Ushijima

Toru Ohkawa/Christopher R. Sabat as Hazama (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

Yui Horie/Stephanie Young as Riko

Yuuki Hayashi/Bob Carter as Kowaku (Shichisei/Seven Stars)

In 2005, mangaka Yoshiichi Akahito began his manga series “Shikabane Hime ” (Corpse Princess). In 2008, an anime adaptation by GAINAX was created with the first 13 episodes are known as “Corpse Princess: Aka” (the first season) and the second season of the series (episodes 14-26) are known as “Corpse Princess: Kuro”.

“Corpse Princess: Aka” revolves around a young teen named Ouri Kagami. One night, he found a dead girl at his home, not know what caused her death, he hears people approaching the room and he hides. He then sees his brother Keisei going up to the girl who is named Makina Hoshimura and instantly bringing her back to life (while incurring injuries to his own self).

Ouri is not sure what happened but maybe the girl was not dead afterall.

But most of all, Makina wants revenge on a violent corpse group known as the Seven Stars. The people responsible for killing her family and killing her.

And right now is not the right time for Ouri to get involved because the Seven Stars are back and are wanting to kill even more humans.

“Corpse Princess” features the following characters:

Ouri Kagami – A high school boy who was raised at his Keisei Tagami’s Temple. He has no relations to Kesei Tagami but because he was raised with orphans thanks to Keisei, he seems him not only as a brother but like a father. Meanwhile, Keisei has been able to see a dead cat who speaks to him and gives him information to where corpses are located.
Keisei Tagami – A Buddhist priest working for the anti-corpse organization known as the Kougon Sect. Keisei was an orphan when he grew up and he was raised by Makina Hoshimura’s father. When the family was murdered, he has committed himself to becoming Makina’s contracted priest and making sure she can meet her goal of going to heaven but also helping her avenge her family. Keisei is also a pervert.
Makina Hoshimura – A shikabane hime who is a contracted “living corpse”. Her goal is to kill 108 corpses so she can gain entrance to heaven. She is bound to Keisei (her contracted priest) and because of Keisei’s relation to her family, she is committed in getting revenge on the Seven Stars, seven corpses who killed her and her family.
Rika Aragami - A female contracted monk and one of the ten great holy families. She is the contracted monk of Saki Amase.
Saki Amase - A shikabane hime who is a 10-year-old who wields a huge hammer. She is also quite stubborn.
Takamasa Sogi – A contracted monk of Itsuki Yamagami. He cares deeply for Itsuki to the point of loving her despite knowing that she is no longer human.
Itsuki Yagami - Takamasa’s shikabane hime. Unlike others, she and Takamasa have a deep connection and knows that she is not human and can’t bare for Takamasa to see her true self.
Shuji Isaki – The contracted monk of Minai Ruo. Very arrogant and doesn’t care about anyone.
Minai Ruo – Isaki’s shikabane hime. When her bond with her contracted monk broke, Ouri got to see what happens when to a shikabane hime without her contracted monk.
Sougen Takamine – The contracted monk of Kamika Tomoroki and former mentor of Keisei Tagami.
Kamika Tomoroki – Takamine’s shikabane hime. Always serious about her job and the strongest shikabane hime with incredible will-power.
Kanechika Umehara – The contracted monk of Flesh Backbone and also a pervert.
Flesh Backbone - A foreigner/otaku who was on her way to Akihabara before she was killed and is now Kanechika Umehara’s shikabane hime. A true otaku.

“Corpse Princess: Aka – Part One” features episodes 1-13 on two DVDs. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 1 - The Dead Dance – Ouri meets Makina Hoshimura for the first time and doesn’t know why she keeps pushing herself to fight against these monsters.
EPISODE 2 – The Game Continues – Several children killed in a highway accident have become shikabane and Makina must kill them. Somehow Ouri ends up in the same area and allows one to escape.
EPISODE 3 – The Voice of Night – Makina must hunt down a shikabane. Meanwhile, Keisei learns that someone is doing illegal experiments and is trying to create shikabane.
EPISODE 4 – Hymn of Tragedy – Makina must kill a popular J-pop singer named Kun Osaki who has become a shikabane.
EPISODE 5 – Traitor Monk – Keisei tells Ouri the truth of what his job is and because he told his brother, the Kougon Sect must ban him from being Makina’s contracted priest. Meanwhile, we learn of a traitor priest named Akasha Shishidou.
EPISODE 6 – At the End of the Dangerous Run- Makina and Keisei take on Akasha Shishidou and in the process, makes a decision that will affect his life forever.
EPISODE 7 – The False Power of Words - Ouri encounters a classmate named Mitsuyoshi who has become a shikabane.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 8 – Serenity – Ouri tries to help a shikabane hime named Minai and learns what happens when a contracted priest and a shikabane hime’s bond is broken.
EPISODE 9 – Set Your Heart Aflutter – Makina saves a group of students who were inside a haunted building and one of the students she saved, Nozomi Kazuka, becomes infatuated with her.
EPISODE 10 Stars On the Ground – Someone one has killed Minai. Meanwhile, the killing Seven Stars are back. We learn in this episode of how Makina was killed.
EPISODE 11 – One Night – The Kougan discover that Hokuto, the leader of the Seven Stars is in the area. Keisei explains to Ouri of why he is going so far to help Makina.
EPISODE 12 – Dawn - In order to save Makina, Keisei makes a final decision.
EPISODE 13 – Funeral Program for a Contracted Monk - The funeral for a loved one and Ouri learns the rules in becoming a contracted monk.

VIDEO:

“Corpse Princess: Aka” is presented in widescreen format. Animation is well done and a good amount of detail put into the action sequences, especially with Makina and Keisei’s scenes. Artistic backgrounds are well done and for the most part, GAINAX has done a great job with the overall look of the anime series. Blacks are nice and deep, there are good lighting effects and for the most part, I wouldn’t be surprised if this series receives the Blu-ray treatment. I have not seen Yoshiichi Akahito’s original work but I’ve read that Chikashi Kubota and Kikuko Sadakata were faithful in recreating these character designs for the anime series.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Corpse Princess: Aka – Part One” comes with the following special features:

Episode 12 Commentary – Featuring audio commentary by director Terri Doty (Kamika), Luci Christian (Makina) and Aaron Dismuke (Ouri).
Textless Opening Song
Textless Closing Song #1
Textless Closing Song #2
Trailers – Trailers for upcoming or previous released titles from FUNimation Entertainment.

I admit at first, I felt that Ouri was a character that was starting to get on my nerves, similar to Shinji of “Evangelion”. Too much whining and always in the way. But I realize after watching the first half of the series, he’s going to play a much larger part in the series in this second half and it will be interesting to see how both Ouri and Makina are going to respond on the battlefield, especially with his inexperience.

So, if you are looking for an action-packed, well-animated, well-written series, definitely give “Corpse Princess” a chance! An anime series that is definitely recommended!

NOTE: We are reviewing the discs only and can not comment on the actual packaging of the release and if there are any extra additional content that comes packaged with the release.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

GUNBUSTER vs DIEBUSTER – THE GATTAI!! MOVIE – AIM FOR THE TOP! DVD-BOX (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

August 14, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“Both ‘Gunbuster’ and ‘Gunbuster 2′ series get a film adaption but that means a trimming of scenes from the OAV series but on the positive side, new audio is featured for the original ‘Gunbuster’ and new footage included for ‘Gunbuster 2′.”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: GUNBUSTER vs DIEBUSTER – THE GATTAI!! MOVIE – AIM FOR THE TOP! DVD-BOX (aka Top o Nerae 2! & Top o Nerae! Gattai Gekijouban)

DURATION: 190 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital Stereo, Japanese language, English Subtitles, Region 1

CATALOG #: BUDH0138/013

COMPANY: Bandai Visual/Honnemaise

Released back in 2004

Gunbuster the Movie – As humanity sets out for distance space, a Machine Weapon squadron is created to combat the onrushing opposition of the Space Monsters! To avenger her father’s death and to win victory for all mankind, Noriko Takaya, scouted for her potential, joins her “One-sama,” Kazumi Amano, aiming to become an elite pilot -a “Top!” The curtain rises on their hard and perilous battle!! – Diebuster the Movie – In a future where the Space Monsters resume their invasion of the Sol System, the abilities of the young men and women known as the Topless, and their Buster Machines, are mankind’s final line of defense! One day, runaway girl Nono sets out for the capital to become a space pilot, and meets the figther ace Lal’C…neither realizing that the future of humanity rests on both of them!

I love this series so much. I needed to get that out first.

With my reviews for the first “Gunbuster” (Top o Nerae!) box set and then the DVD’s for “Gunbuster 2″ (Top o Nerae! 2 aka Diebuster), when I first heard about the film projects, which literally are abridged versions of the OAV series, at first I was a bit skeptical because there is so much storyline and character development, to try and make a movies out of these series, something has to suffer right?

Well, part of the exciting experiences of being a “Gunbuster” fan was the realization that the original voice actors were going to re-record their lines, there would be new sound effects and a 5.1 digital audio track.

As for “Gunbuster 2″, the film would feature new footage.

While my original reviews go into more detail on the films, I’ll give my impressions of each film.

For “Top o Nerae” (Aim for the Top Gunbuster) or “Gunbuster” was the directorial debut of acclaimed director Hideaki Anno, Gunbuster is a legendary anime fan favorite that casts pretty girls and giant robots into a moving epic of insterstellar naval war.

2015: Earth’s first faster-than-light ship, the Luxion, is lost, attacked by unidentified space monsters in the Perseus Arm. Six years later, Noriko Takaya, daughter of the Luxion’s commander, enters the Okinawa girls’ Space Pilot High School, vowing to be a pilot and follow her father’s trail to the stars. But is she prepared for the intense training to become a member of the elite Top Squadron? Noriko’s fight has just begun-and the fate of all humanity depends on her meeting the challenge!

The film features parts of the six OAV’s spliced together in one film. You lose a lot of the character development and the challenges that made the OAV really special. So, the things that you may have enjoyed from OAV episodes 1-3 which feature the struggles and challenges Noriko had to overcome, these are the segments that are cut the most and only a few parts are featured in the film.

But despite the cuts, the film manages to take the essential parts from the series and in all sense and purpose, the main focus and storyline of Takaya Noriko become a beginner and then training to become a talented pilot is featured.

And again, it’s understandable because it is a film and the cuts were necessary, otherwise if we didn’t want to watch it with the cuts, you can always forego film and focus on the OAV series.

If anything, the fourth and the fifth final OAV from “Gunbuster” is probably the only part from the series that doesn’t receive that many cuts or any cuts at all.

As mentioned before, with a new digital 5.1 track, that would mean that the film would have to be recreated audio-wise. Bringing back the original actors for voice work and adding more special effects.

The audio is indeed clearer and truthfully, I did not notice much of a difference between Hidaka Noriko’s voice work of the main character Noriko but those who have seen the film have said her voicework is much more polished.

So, overall staying with what Bandai Visual/Honneamise are known best for, it’s providing a high quality video and audio encoding on the DVD. And by saying that, as a Bandai Visual release, there is no English dub. So, if you are really hoping the new audio would bring possibly an English dub release, you won’t find it in this box set.

Unfortunately, the special features are just text bios and unfortunately, there are no video interviews or anything. (note: An announcement was made that the Japanese Blu-ray edition will feature interviews and more special features, let’s hope the film receives the same treatment if there is a Blu-ray release in the US.)

As for “Top o Nerae 2 – Diebuster” (or Gunbuster 2),the original “Gunbuster” OAV series had Anno Hideaki directing, the new series would feature “FLCL’s” Tsurumaki Kazuya as the original planner and director, Enokido Yoji writing the screenplay and character designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki. So, that alone had people guessing how three of the people behind “FLCL” would do in creating “Gunbuster 2″ would definitely be interesting.

For “Gunbuster 2″, we are introduced to Nono and Lal’C. Lal’C is part of the group know as the “topless” who are Gunbuster pilots and members of the Anti-Space Monster Interception Squad of the Fraternity. For Nono, she wants to be like the historic pilot known as Nono-Riri. And her first meeting with a “topless” has made her want to become a Gunbuster pilot even more. But what was revealed is that Nono is not your average type of person. She is a robot that happens to have some special abilities. You also start to realize that the space monsters are still there and ruthless than before.

As for the film, similar to “Gunbuster”, parts of the OAV series are cut to make an abridged film version. Whereas the original was created in 1988 and had to feature a new soundtrack, “Gunbuster 2″ was created in 2004 and featured newer footage and the cuts made weren’t too bad.

Where “Gunbuster” really took you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, the main focus of “Gunbuster 2″ of an android Nono who wants to be a pilot is there.

There wasn’t that much of an emotional ride in “Gunbuster 2″ until later in the series and thus, a lot of that emotional bond between Nono and Lal’c remains in the film.

There are some noticeable changes such as the scene from the OAV series starting out with Nono getting her name (Nono Riri) from Noriko (main character from the original Gunbuster) and also, the film does not feature Nono’s amazing attack abilities that she displayed in the first episode, it’s not featured in the early part of the film.

Also, instead of focusing on other pilots and how Nono was treated by them, the main focus is on the friendship between Nono and Lal’C.

So, of the two films, “Gunbuster 2″ came out the best mainly because the majority of the story really kicks in during the latter half of the OAV series whereas the original, I felt that each episode was equally important.

Nevertheless, the ending scene from “Gunbuster 2″ and how it ties into the first “Gunbuster” was just touching and overall, I enjoyed the film version of “Gunbuster 2″.

As for video and audio quality, top notch audio and video encoding from Bandai Visual/Honneamise since it’s a newer anime series and the colors are quite vibrant. Sound very clear and good use of audio direction coming from the speakers. And for those looking for an English dub, there is no English audio option for this DVD as well.

Of course, the OAV series featured important special features and featurettes that made me enjoy “Gunbuster 2″ so much more, there are only text bios of the staff featured on the disc. No special features in terms of interviews or featurettes.

What the box set does include are two booklets for both films with some technical jargon definitions, character bios and information on the mecha and spacecraft.

Included are 11 post cards which feature a heroine comparison between Takaya Noriko and Nono, Kazumi and Lal’C, Gunbuster’s Top Squadron and Gunbuster 2′s Fraternity and more. Also, comparisons for costumes, machine weapons, buster machine, cockpit, space monster, flagship comparisons and much more.

Last but not least, included is a Certification Exam for the hardcore “Gunbuster” fans and fans can take the exam online from the Bandai Visual website.

I guess the big question people wonder is if you own the OAV series, would you want the “Gattaii!! Movie” box-set?

My feeling on this is that, personally, I would go nuts if I was a “Gunbuster” fan and knew that despite the cuts made to the OAV series to make a feature film, not only do you get a film with a new audio track and another film with new footage.

Similar to Mobile Suit Gundam’s 08th MS Team “Miller Report” anime special, for that you only received several minutes of new footage and some people felt it wasn’t worth it. I felt that extra footage 1 minutes or more minutes, it’s still worth owning if you were a big fan and really enjoyed the series. The same goes with this box set.

And the same goes with this film. There is more than just a few minutes, you get the original cast from the first OAV series (which was created back in 1988) and having them redub the vocals over 15 years later. That’s pretty cool! Granted, I wish there were special features featuring those character’s return and an interview with them.

But of course, if you truly want to enjoy the series thoroughly, I highly recommend purchasing the OAV series.

And if you own the OAV series for both “Gunbuster” and “Gunbuster 2″, this “GATTAI!! MOVIE” box set is worth it because it’s two “Gunbuster” films and it features some new audio or footage

As for the personal experience, I’ll be truthful that the enjoyment for both series was watching the original OAV series. And the inclusion of the booklets and special features, especially for “Gunbuster 2″ really enhanced my appreciation for it.

This movie box set was more of a side dish after a wonderful dinner. The question is if you are hungry enough to purchase that side dish.

I have no idea if the Blu-Ray version of this set will be coming out, because if it is, you may want to wait since the Japanese version just announced mentioned interviews included in the special features.

But if it’s not going to be released and if you don’t own the OAV series yet, I recommend purchasing the OAV series first. The OAV series in its original format are just a blast to watch, do come with some special features especially for “Gunbuster 2″. And both come with informative booklets that really make you appreciate the OAV series even more.

And if you enjoy and fell in love with both OAV series like I did, then definitely check out this box set!

UPDATE: The Blu-ray for this box set will be released in the US. In addition to 1080p High Definition visuals and lossless audio, the first titles will be subtitled in English and French, and multi-lingual dubbing is being decided on a title-by-title basis. The products, to be released in Japan, North America, France and UK, will be identical to domestic Japanese products except that translated notes may be added in some cases.

Street Date: November 21, 2008 (Japan); Nov. 25 (USA); Dec. 2 (France); Nov. 24 (UK)
Pricing: 14,800 JPY(Japan); 99.98 USD(USA); 64.99 EUR(France); 49.99 GBP (UK)
Product: Three (3) Blu-ray Disc Box Set/COLOR（partly B/W）/approx. 280 min. /
Japanese Language/English & French Subtitles
Technical: Disc 1 (GUNBUSTER The Movie): Dolby True HD 5.1ch (Linear PCM
Stereo) / AVC / BD-50G /4:3, partly 16:9 [1080p Hi-Def]
Disc 2 (DIEBUSTER The Movie): Dolby True HD 5.1ch (Linear PCM
Stereo) / AVC / BD-50G /16:9 [1080p Hi-Def]
Disc 3 (Bonus Disc): Linear PCM Stereo / AVC / BD-50G /16:9, partly 4:3
[1080p Hi-Def]
Bonus Items: Two (2) Booklets with English/French translation notes.

+ Anything “Gunbuster” related is a plus!

+ New audio for “Gunbuster”, new footage for “Gunbuster 2″

+ Both “Gunbuster” and “Gunbuster 2″ OAV series get the film treatment

- Because they are films, the OAV series had to be trimmed and a lot of the character development between the main character and other characters are not explored thoroughly in the film version.

- No English dub for those who want that option.

ANIME DVD REVIEWS | ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT/POP CULTURE DVD REVIEWS

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honneamise (a J!-ENT Anime Blu-ray and DVD Review)

July 8, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“The definitive ‘Honnemaise no Tsubasa’ release yet. The Blu-ray enhances this highly praised 1987 film which showcases the beautiful animation but with a special booklet that goes even further of how special this film truly is. This latest release ranks in the top 3 of must-own releases for the anime DVD or Blu-Ray collector.”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honnemaise

DURATION: Approx. 120 minutes + 5 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Two discs included. Blu-ray disc and DVD.

CATALOG #: BUXH0124

COMPANY: Banda Visual/Honneamise

RATING: Suggested 13 and Up

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL PLANNING, SCREENPLAY & DIRECTOR: Yamaga Hiroyuki

CHARACTER DESIGN & ANIMATION DIRECTOR: Sadamoto Yoshiyuki

ANIMATION DIRECTORS: Anno Hideaki, Iida Fumio, Moriyama Yuji and Sadamoto Yoshiyuki

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EFFECTS: Anno Hideaki

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Sakamoto Ryuichi

ANIME PRODUCTION: GAINAX

PRODUCTION: BANDAI

CAST INFORMATION:

Shirotsugh: Morimoto Reo

Riqunni: Yayoi Mitsuki

Manna: Murata Aya

Matti: Sogabe Kazuyuki

Soldier: Uchida Minoru

Announcer: Tokumitsu Kazuo

“I will not give up. I will realize my dream…even if it means death!”

Acclaimed by anime fans all over the world, Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honneamise” comes back to life 20 years after its original release! The stirring odyssey created by nascent anime masters of GAINAX is still unsurpassed for its meticulous artistry and heartfelt drama of a young man’s coming of age in a turbulent world!”

My first viewing of “The Wings of Honneamise” was back in the early 90′s and to tell you the truth, because it was in straight Japanese, I had no idea what the storyline was about. But of course throughout the next decade, there would be several releases such as a dub version by L.A. Hero, then came the Manga entertainment release which a dubbed and subtitled version were release and had to buy both and then a DVD release by Manga Entertainment (which was overcompressed) was released.

But 20 years later, Bandai Visual/Honneamise released a “Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honneamise” via a combo pack for those who preferred to own it via the DVD+HD/DVD or DVD+Blu-ray Disc.

Because this film has been reviewed so many times throughout the past decade online, I’m going to review this release a bit differently.

It’s one thing for us, that have been around for a long time viewing anime to simply claim that this film is one of the best releases out there especially if you have knowledge of GAINAX and the history behind this film.

But for today’s modern anime fan, after reading reviews online of “Why?” or “what is the significance of this film?”, let alone hearing comments that this film is appreciated for mainly older anime fans, I figured I best explain the significance of this animated film and possibly reach out to newer anime fans who may not be familiar with this film.

Back in the 70′s and 80′s, the majority of anime films were typically edited compilations from popular television shows. One of the most popular examples of this are the “Mobile Suit Gundam” trilogy films which more or less compiled and edited 50 TV episodes. And many films were created by live-action directors and the main sponsors of these films were national sponsors and toy manufacturers (this is explained in detail by an accompanying booklet included with the box set written by Hikawa Ryusuke).

But in the 80′s, a group of young amateurs known as DAICON FILM which were a group of college students that created anime shorts via 8mm film were given a chance to create a 35mm theatrical movie.

This was very rare in the industry especially since these young students haven’t had any actual achievements with the exception of Sakamoto Ryuichi (music director of the film) who was known for his music at that time.

These students had to prove that they were up to the task and the group which would be known as GAINAX would make their mark by this one film alone with its intricate animation and storyline by creating a new world, a world with its own language, a world with its own vehicles, style of buildings, the clothing down to the vases and jugs used by citizens of the country of Honneamise.

Every scene was well planned, from the dog fights of the airplane battles of how missiles flew through gravity, how crashing vehicles and its shards of metal and glass are flying around to the way an explosion was animated and how a fireball was truly done.

To create animation in the 80′s and to attempt to attain some sort of realism, “Honneamise no Tsubasa” (Wings of Honnemaise) was a complex film that these young creators put everything on the line and were able to create a film that was critically acclaimed and would lead to more wonderful anime such as “Gunbuster”, “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and many more wonderful titles in the next two decades.

So, for those who rented the older DVD and asked themselves “Why is this so popular?”, you have to think in the context of when it was released, what was accomplished in the overall creation of this complex film.

This is not just a film to just sit for two hours and wait for some hardcore action, this is a film that you watch, you immerse yourself in the world created by Yamaga Hiroyuki, enjoy the character designs of Sadamoto Yoshiyuki and just be amazed of how meticulous the special effects animation was by Anno Hideaki and various animation by directors Iida Fumio, Moriyama Yuji and also Sadamoto Yoshiyuki.

OK, I’M SOLD…BUT WHY BUY THIS VERSION OF THE DVD, WHEN I CAN BUY THE OLDER VERSION ON eBAY or Amazon?

As mentioned earlier, there was a 2000 release by Manga Entertainment. It’s pretty much the VHS release that we watched back in the mid-90′s with director’s commentary. DVD-wise, the Manga Entertainment was just horribly compressed and it was unfortunate. If there was one reason to own that older version of the DVD, it was simply because it had the director’s commentary by Yamaga Hiroyuki and assistant director Akai Takami.

The version I am reviewing, Bandai Visual/Honneamise’s release is just light years ahead of the 2000 DVD release.

In fact, part of the reason why it took me a while to review this DVD is that I had to test the video and audio at friend’s home theater setups along with mine because the Blu-ray disc was phenomenal. I just had to find out if the video and audio is just as beautiful and awesome on a variety of setups. This DVD+Blu-ray disc combo set release is the definitive “Wings of Honneamise” release yet.

VIDEO:

The Blu-ray Disc feaetures 16:9 (1080 p Hi-Def) video with a selection of Japanese: Dolby TrueHD (5.1ch), Japanese: Linear PCM (Dolby Surround) or English: Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround).

The DVD version is featured in 16:9 anamorphic (480i standard definition) and Japanese: Dolby Digital (5.1 chn) and English: Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround).

Presented in the aspect ration of 1.66:1, everything about the anime is clear. I mean crystal clear. The colors are vibrant, the explosions are just amazing to look at and the backgrounds is just beautiful. And I just want to emphasize that this animated film was created in the mid-80′s.

AUDIO:

On regular DVD, both Japanese and English audio sounds very good considering it’s a Bandai Visual release and the company known for it’s quality treatment for audio and video. The Japanese version is in 5.1 while the English is Dolby Digital. But the audio on Blu-ray… My oh my! I had to test this Blu-Ray disc in several friend’s home theater setup outside of my own and I’m literally amazed of Dolby TrueHD sound and how it can enhance a film. With already a spectacular presentation in the video department, we were just in awe of how much alive the audio was. For those who remember every crowd or bar scene, imagine those conversations coming clear. The explosions and action scenes are phenomenal. The music sounds spectacular.

Once you view and hear anime in Blu-ray, especially done as well as the quality Bandai Visual puts into their products, you can’t just help but be amazed.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Both the Blu-Ray and the DVD feature a theatrical trailer and a pilot film that you can watch with or without English subtitles. Unfortunately, the director’s commentary on the 2000 Manga Entertainment release is not included.

And similar to other Bandai Visual releases is the informative booklet and this 20-page booklet is just very informative. Covering the history, the director’s perspective, the music and the animation, especially detailing Anno Hideaki’s special effects and showing frame-by-frame several scenes and the information behind it, it was total anime fan service to have this included in the booklet.

So, for the new modern anime fan or newbie who have read the reviews and saw many of us put “Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honneamise on top for must-own DVD releases, I ask you to not watch this film like you would watch a animated television show you would watch quickly.

Just immerse yourself into the complex world that GAINAX has created for you. Look at things visually and just imagine of how this was all created back in the 80′s and how much detail and what was accomplished at that time.

Almost like the world George Lucas has created for the “Star Wars” series and how fans find that special connection with a planet or land and its inhabitants, “Honneamise” is such a world where you can see how much was put into the creation of this world, the people living in that world and the language they speak.

How much was put into creating the world through its beautiful backgrounds and animation. Even the small things that involve a few frames, just the detail behind it is just simply amazing.

So, if you can immerse yourself into this world, embrace “Honneamise” for its complexity and its beauty and you will discover why many of us, old school anime fans, regard this film so highly.

+ The definitive “Wings of Honneamise” release yet!

+ The fact that you get both the Blu-Ray and DVD is amazing but the Blu-ray version is just incredible!

+ The informative 20-page booklet is informative and awesome!

+ And for those wanting an English dub, there is an English dub included in this release.

- No director’s commentary on this release

Filed Under: Anime on Blu-ray

Gunbuster 2 Vol. 3 (OAV episodes 5 & 6) (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 22, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“For fans of the original “Gunbuster” series, will not want to miss any minute of the final DVD volume of “Gunbuster 2″. Not only is the animation fluid and beautiful during the battle sequences but an ending so fitting, original “Gunbuster” fans will feel complete with the overall storyline of “Gunbuster 2″.

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 3

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0107

DVD INFORMATION: 62 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The real enemy, the Fluctuating Gravity Well, closes in on mankind! What will be the fate of the Sol System?!

Finally, Nono’s true self has been revealed. Sine the shocking Titan incident, the Topless have been placed under house arrest in the remotest part of the Sol System, their abilities sealed up. With their very existence denied, Lal’C and the other pilots are now at the mercy of fate.

But another catastrophe is closing in on the Sol System…. The time has come to launch the strongest fleet in the Space Force – and the Buster Machine #7!

What an amazing conclusion to the “Gunbuster 2″ OAV series.

Without spoiling too much, I can’t explain how happy I was to see how the sequel ended. It was a feeling of happiness because it was a major way of bridging both the original series and “Gunbuster 2″ together.

Episode 5 titled “Mover of Planets” takes place after the incident on Titan. With the way episode 4 ended in tragedy and also revealing what Nono really is, the episode starts off with the military no longer looking at the Topless as being their protectors against the Space Monsters.

Because of the way things ended so badly for the pilots, Nono has become the new defender of the Planet Earth to take on the Space Monsters. Is Nono ready and what about Lal’C and the other Topless now that they have been quarantined and deemed ineffective.

Episode 6 titled “The Story of Your Life” is simply a beautiful story that features Lal’C learning more about Nono’s life. Nono has disappeared and Lal’C has now become the hero to defend and destroy the Planet Earth. As we learned from the original “Gunbuster” of how destroying a planet was needed as resources to create Buster Machine #3 with the Planet Jupiter, this time, the Planet Earth is being sacrificed.

As for the DVD, the animation is just top-notch as the the battle against the Space Monsters continue and a lot of action scenes plus great sound via Digital 5.1 with sound being heard really well on the rears and overall, production value was definitely well done. Similar to past releases, there is no English dub. The Japanese voice acting is well done on this series.

In terms of special features, unfortunately there is no “DIEBUSTER TV” on this volume but there is the theatrical trailer for the “Gunbuster vs. Diebuster” film.

But included is the informative 20-page booklet featuring character profiles, Buster Machine and Space Monster profiles, interview with Yamazaki Takumi (Voice of Casio), interview with Sadamoto Yoshiyuki (Character Designer), Izuna Yoshitsune (Buster Machine Director), Okama (Future Visual Creator) and a very cool, informative interview with Tsurumaki Kazuya (Original Planner/Director) and Enokido Yoji (Screen Writer).

It’s very hard to review too much of this volume without spoiling it, so I’ll leave this as is.

I know that there are people who may have only seen the first episode or two of “Gunbuster 2″ but all I can say is watch it from beginning to the end, you won’t be disappointed. If you are a fan of the original “Gunbuster”, I can’t say how important it is to watch “Gunbuster 2″ and see how it ties into the original.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″, you do get an appreciation for the series through the 20-page booklet included. Especially the interview with Tsurumaki and Enokido who discuss the finale episode

All in all, a beautiful anime and the way the series ends, you can’t help but be appreciative of the work the staff put into this series but most importantly, that the people behind the series, they understood how to make sure they stay faithful to the original anime series. Very awesome ending!

“Gunbuster 2″, this volume and the other two are just awesome. Sure, I do enjoy the original series much more because there was a big focus on character development and Noriko’s willingness to work hard and strive to be the best.

Highly recommended!

PLUS:

+ Two awesome OAV episodes full of action

+ Ending sure to satisfy fans of the original “Gunbuster” series

+ Wonderfully voice acted. Beautiful animation! And well planned storyline from beginning to end.

+ The 20-Page Booklet DVD insert was another awesome inclusion to really appreciate the anime.

NEGATIVES:

- No English dub for those who need that

- No DIEBUSTER TV on this volume similar two the two previous volumes. Just one special feature – the movie trailer

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 2 (OAV Episodes 3 and 4) (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 19, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 2

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0106

DVD INFORMATION: 58 minutes + 23 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Who will pilot the new Quatre-Vingt-Dix? The Buster Machines are ready to fight the horde of space monsters!

The elite Topless make their rendezvous as the order is given to launch a major operation to stope the horde of Space Monsters known as the Jupiter Express.

Tycho, who lost her Buster Machine in her last battle, sees a rival in Nono for the pilot seat of the newly constructed Quatre-Vingt-Dix.

Then the two of them meet some children who say they have “a favor to ask a Topless”…

Welcome to “Gunbuster 2″ vol. 2 (OAV episodes 3 and 4) featuring the android Nono who wants to become a Gunbuster pilot, Lal’C (her onesama) and the Topless crew.

In episode 3 titled “I Hate the Topless”, we get to learn more about the character Tycho. A Topless who is a member of the Mars Meganebula Base. In a way, Tycho is a reminiscent character of the original Gunbuster series of Jeung Freud, the Russian pilot who was rivals with Amano Kazumi.

In this case, the rivalry is between Tycho and Lal’C and Tycho is always competitive against her but yet always loses to her. In episode 3, her passion of being a rival leads to her Buster Machine “Soixante-Six” being destroyed by the space monsters.

But it’s announced that a new Buster Machine has been made and is available (note: it was learned in the last volume that a Buster Machine has not been made in decades because of the high cost to produce them). And Nono has her eyes in finally getting a Buster Machine for herself, that is until, Tycho has her eyes set on the same Buster Machine.

The episode is primarily an episode focused on Tycho’s character and why she has grown to be a person that is somewhat bitter and why she hates being a Topless.

You also get to meet more of the Topless pilots but most of all, how some of them despise Nono because she is an android. A lot of them feel she’s an idiot.

But you also get to know more about the Serpentine Twins, two mysterious twins who dream of becoming eternal Topless. They are working on a secret excavation project which they hope will bring them closer to their dream.

In episode 4 titled “Resurrection!! The Legendary Buster Machine!”, “Gunbuster 2″ is taken to overdrive and packed with action as the Serpentine Twins excavation to resurrect the “Sirius Buster Machine” is underway and their dream of becoming eternal Topless may be coming true. That is until what is discovered becomes a shocker and leads to a tragic battle which includes all Gunbuster Machines.

In this awesome episode, we get to see a major development with Nono as her dream to become a Buster pilot may come true.

I really don’t want to reveal so much but after watching this volume, I was wanting more! It was great to see somewhat of a homage to the Jeung/Kazumi rival of the original series in episode 3 of “Gunbuster 2″ between Tycho and Lal’C but most of all, to see how action-packed and tragic things get with episode 4. I was amazed by the animation, the battles and impressed with the overall storyline.

So, not wanting to spoil it for anyone, all I can say is that “Gunbuster Vol. 2″ is just awesome.

Animation and sound is top notch as the previous volume. Again, there is no English dubbing but the overall voice talent in this series is done very well. Audio is presented in Digital 5.1 and 2.0. The Digital 5.1 really sounded quite cool on my surround sound as it’s used quite a bit, especially in episode 4.

As for the animation, animation is done very well in this volume and is presented in 16:9LB.

As for special features, again we are blessed with a 23 minute “DIEBUSTER TV” episode with an interview with screeplay writer Enokido Yoji.

Again, similar to the last volume, I was very hypnotized by this latest episode of “DIEBUSTER TV” as we got to learn more about the creation of “Gunbuster 2″ and what went on the mind of Enokido when writing the screen play. Again, another special feature that enhances your overall feeling of the anime series. So, very grateful this was included in this second volume.

Also, included in this volume, like the previous is the 20-page DVD insert booklet which features cast information on Tycho and the Topless pilots and their Buster Machines.

Also, somewhat of a science lesson is the inclusion of “Brainless World’s Basic Knowledge” which is a primer to various technical things featured in OAV episodes 3 and 4 such as what a “Red Milky Way”, “Expiration” of a Topless, “Exotic Maneuver”, “Clefshin Luminescence” and other scientfic terms are all about. There are about four pages filled with terminology which will make the science buffs grin.

Also included is the “Buster Machine Development History”. This one I found very intriguing because there is not much record on Buster Machines previous to #10 (Dix-Neuf) which is piloted by Lal’C.

But overall, a very good information source on Buster Machines from #10 all the way up to 90′s which include the new Buster Machine unveiled in episode 3.

Also, similar to the last DVD insert booklet is the inclusion of more science lessons and interviews with Tycho voice actress Sawashiro Miyuki and voice actor for Nicola, Iwata Mitsuo.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″ through the DVD series. From the “DIEBUSTER TV” featurette and the 20-page booklet, you gain such an appreciation of what director Tsurumaki and screenplay writer Enokido were planning for the overall series and made me love it even more.

That is one thing that I love about the release of DVD’s of how a featurette (or director’s commentary) can really be the ultimate eye opener of a series and literally boost your appreciation for it. The inclusion of “DIEBUSTER TV” and the 20-page booklet was a great addition and I’m very thankful for Bandai Visual to include that.

All in all, a beautiful anime and things just continue to get better with this second volume and the fourth episode alone really changes the dynamics of the series. Wow!

This volume was great but what Gainax has planned for the final two episodes will definitely bring things to full circle for fans of the original “Gunbuster” series and this new series but for this volume alone, I’m still saying… “Wow!”

“Gunbuster 2″… Check it out!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 1 (OAV Episodes 1 and 2) (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 17, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 1

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0105

DVD INFORMATION: 54 minutes + 30 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

A young girl named Nono has left her home behind, to come alone to the big city. She has a grand dream of becoming a space pilot. But reality is harsh, and she spends every day instead at the diner near the spaceport where she lives and works. The one day, while being harassed by one of the regular customers, a real-life “Topless” pilot named Lal’C comes to her aid.

Nono, who is deeply impressed, starts on her own accord to call Lal’C “One-sama,” and volunteers herself by saying “I want to become a space pilot like you”.

The original “Gunbuster” series ranks as one of my favorite anime OAV series of all time.

So, when it was announced that a second Gunbuster would be released in Japan (known as “Top o Nerae 2 -Diebuster”), fans went crazy.

With a contest where artists and fans could submit to have their own creations used for the series and just the buzz surrounding the new anime OAV series added to the much deserved hype.

Where the original “Gunbuster” OAV series had Anno Hideaki directing, the new series would feature “FLCL’s” Tsurumaki Kazuya as the original planner and director, Enokido Yoji writing the screenplay and character designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki. So, that alone had people guessing how three of the people behind “FLCL” would do in creating “Gunbuster 2″ would definitely be interesting.

For episode 1, we are introduced to Nono and Lal’C. Lal’C is part of the group know as the “topless” who are Gunbuster pilots and members of the Anti-Space Monster Interception Squad of the Fraternity. For Nono, she wants to be like the historic pilot known as Nono-Riri. And her first meeting with a “topless” has made her want to become a Gunbuster pilot even more. But what was revealed is that Nono is not your average type of person. She is a robot that happens to have some special abilities. You also start to realize that the space monsters are still there and ruthless than before.

For episode 2, the story continues as Nono meets the other topless and calls Lal’C her “One-sama”. Something that Lal’C does not want to be. But of course, Nono is determined to stick it out with hard work and guts and to do what it will take to become a Gunbuster pilot.

During my first viewing of “Gunbuster 2″, I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. Because, truthfully, to come up with something of a sequel or a storyline after a series that was so successful and well loved, that’s really hard to follow up.

With “Gunbuster”, part of the allure was to watch Noriko prove to herself and to the other pilots that she deserves to be a pilot and with each episode, it was well-written, well-animated and had that special feel good feeling of watching someone looked as an underdog persevere and prove people wrong by her sheer determination.

Not only that, the original series was also an interesting parody that is filled with so much pop-culture and anime reference that made it fun for the viewers.

For “Gunbuster 2″, again… A very hard act for director Tsurumaki to follow and this is what made me appreciate this DVD so much more was the inclusion of a segment called “DIEBUSTER TV”.

“DIEBUSTER TV” is one of the special features included on this DVD that features an interview with the voice actress of Nono (Fukui Yukari) but also an interview with director Tsurumaki Kazuya.

You learned that by working on “Gunbuster 2″, because of his work on “Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “FLCL”, how things were impacted from episode to episode.

By working with screenwriter Enokido and character designer Sadamoto and Buster Machine designer Izuna Yoshitsune, they were able to create a new atmosphere, a new storyline that would continue to show someone who still is determined to become a pilot and be somewhat better, to still continue to have the “One-sama” but most of all, to do something different and for people to look at it differently and not compare it to the original.

From why he made Nono to be a klutz to the use of gags in the first episode, it was because of his previous works and wanting to achieve something different. Instead of explaining a back story or slowly explaining “why” for each character, to go with the flow of the storyline and the viewer will start to learn more and more as the story develops.

So, in this series, Gunbusters are not just machines that are piloted by humans. They are machines that now have their own artificial intelligence and react to only certain types of “topless” (pilots).

To make things even more interest, the pilots of the Gunbuster machines are typically young teens who lose their “topless” ability when they turn 20.

And that is where things get a little technical. Where the first series goes into light speed travel and warping and utilizes science and technology, “Gunbuster” didn’t go to technology crazy in the science lessons but the new sequel does introduce you to new things.

The DVD comes with a 20-page booklet with character information, staff interviews with voice actress Fukui Yukari (who plays Nono) talking about her meeting with Gunbuster voice actress of Noriko (Hidaka Noriko) and her emotions when she watched the original “Gunbuster”. Also, included is a staff interview with director Tsurumaki and you learn things from this interview as well of why he didn’t want the series to be so serious and how too many animators want to create realism because of a drama but since his work on “Evangelion”, he has been trying to get away from that and making the character more “manga-ified” than realistic. And also his explanation of how though it is a sequel, at the same time it’s not. But most of all, trying to create a series where the fans of the original will come to appreciate the series after watching it completely.

The booklet also features an interview with screenplay writer Enokido Yoji. I found it very interesting that when taking on the project as screenwriter, how he was a fan of the original “Gunbuster” and wanted to be loyal but also making sure it’s independent work and thus the English title for “Gunbuster 2″ is “Diebuster”. And the concept of the “topless”, having their abilities when they are young was written in the viewpoint of today’s youth. A lot of the things happen when you are younger, live in a fun world and demonstrate a lot of power. But when one is about to lose that power, it becomes scary.

And once you get to see the mindset of Tsurumaki and Enokido, you start to open your eyes and get a better sense of understanding why things are the way they are and I started to appreciate “Gunbuster 2″ even more.

Although “Gunbuster 2″ does not include the science lessons that the original OAV had, the booklet accompanying the DVD does include the science lessons which go into detail of what a “topless” and “Buster Machine” is. This is important because you start to learn that Lal’C's Buster Machine, Dix-Neuf is the oldest functioning Buster Machine and was used in previous war against the space monsters. Also, learning that because of the cost and materials to create Buster Machines, there have not been any created in decades (during Nono’s time period) and no machines are available at present. Only those that the Fraternity manages.

The animation is nice and crisp and if you like the animation to “FLCL”, then you would like the animation to “Gunbuster 2″. I do love the character designs and emotion from the original series much more but again, after watching the DVD featurette of why Tsurumaki didn’t want things to look so realistic, I can see his point of view an enjoying the series after knowing that and looking at this independently outside of the original “Gunbuster” OAV series. Also, the video is presented in 16:9LB.

The sound ala Dolby Digital 5.1 was pretty cool. Good use of the rear speakers and overall expected nothing less from a series created in 2003. As for voice acting, Japanese voice acting was very well done on the series but similar to most Bandai Visual releases, there is no English dubbing.

As for special features, extra features include the textless ending and the awesome “DIEBUSTER TV”.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″ through the DVD series. From the “DIEBUSTER TV” featurette and the 20-page booklet, you gain such an appreciation of what Tsurumaki and Enokido were planning for the overall series and made me love it even more.

All in all, a beautiful anime and the starting point for the series as it establishes character development for Nono and Lal’C, although not as serious or Noriko “Hard Work and Guts” style as the original “Gunbuster” OAV anime series, I still found the first two episodes enjoyable. But definitely building up for big things to come.

And for a “Gunbuster” Gainax episode, not only do you get your mecha, the humor, your science and technology plus a little fan service in between , you also will get an all out, exciting, action-packed sequel that I definitely recommend getting.

Gunbuster 2… Check it out!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

GUNBUSTER 3-DVD Set (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 4, 2008 by Dennis Amith · 1 Comment

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0104

DVD INFORMATION: 3DVD’s, NTSC, 190 minutes, 4:3, Final Episode in B/w image and in letterboxed widescreen format

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The directorial debut of acclaimed director Hideaki Anno, Gunbuster is a legendary anime fan favorite that casts pretty girls and giant robots into a moving epic of insterstellar naval war. Newly translated and re-mastered in HD 24P format, Gunbuster has never before been available on DVD in North America…until now!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 20 years when I first discovered “Gunbuster”, the awesome mecha anime that has won the hearts for anime fans since its first release back in 1988.

The year was 1992 and I discovered this awesome series through an anime club meeting and I was just enamored by the series so much that I purchased the English subtitled VHS videos which contained two episodes for like $35 through Books Nippan. In fact, when the VHS was re-released in 1996 by another company, I had to buy that because the video tapes have been viewed too many times and started to lose its quality.

It’s really interesting how many people I converted to anime fans through letting them borrow my video tapes. “Gunbuster” is one of the few rare series you will find where each episode is well written, gripping and you just can’t stop after one episode. You just want to watch the whole series completely throughout.

What I really enjoyed is how the OAV series fluctuated between parodying other anime but also its attention to light speed travel, black holes and warp factor.

Of course, back in the 90′s, not only did you have a knock out punch with beautiful animation, a well written storyline but you also had the top voice actresses from a popular anime series that was so big among American anime fans at that time. You had Hidaka Noriko as the main character Takaya Noriko (note: Hidaka is known for the voice talent of Akane from “Ranma 1/2″), Sakuma Rei as Amano Kazumi (note: Sakuma was the voice talent of “Ranma 1/2″ character Shampoo) and then you had the “Active Heart” theme song by then-pop idol Sakai Noriko.

The series would feature a lot of references and then at the end of each episode, fans were treated with “Science Lesson” episodes featuring chibi versions of the characters featuring even more references.

But as much as the anime references to other anime and scientists, “Gunbuster” also worked as a fun parody with its use of the title “Gunbuster! Top o Nerae” (Aim for the Top) which is a parody of the anime and manga tennis series “Ace wo Nerae!” and the hugely popular Western film “Top Gun”.

Of course we know that director Hideaki Anno went on to be known for his creation of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and the “Science Lessons” director Tsurumaki Kazuya went on to direct “FLCL” and “Gunbuster 2″.

Here we are 20 years since the original OAV’s were released in Japan, six episodes all on DVD featuring Noriko as she pushes herself to become a formidable pilot, watching her as the weak girl who would cry a lot but push herself and train herself to become one of the best pilots from the squadron.

There is so much to love about the anime, not just about the oh-so-good feeling of an underdog showing everyone that she can do it and accomplish things and prove them wrong but also how science is used in this series. Each time they go light speed into space, each minute that goes by, three months has gone by in Earth.

So, what could be complex is actually well written and explained in the anime series as each time Noriko arrives back to Earth, her schoolmates are much older than her and have children.

I guess you can say that with each episode, you get much more than what you would expect. That’s how I felt about “Gunbuster”. Fulfilled, excited about the next episode and wanting more.

Also, for the guys wanting a little “H”, “Gunbuster” does have it’s share of nudity scenes.

As for the DVD, inside the box, you will find a folding case with three DVD’s featuring artwork of the cast of “Gunbuster” and the “Gunbuster” mech itself.

Also included is a booklet featuring character information, “Gunbuster” Gainax behind-the-scenes information plus information on each episode

The episodes are presented in its full aspect ratio with the final episode being black and white and letterboxed. The animation looks awesome even for it being 20-years-old, I really enjoyed how this anime was remastered.

The sound is offered in Linear PCM 2.0 which is a higher bit rate for audio.

There is no English dub, all vocals are Japanese and for subtitles, you can choose to have it on or off or on with the signs translated as well.

The menus are clean with selections of each episode (two episodes per disc) and the Science Lesson Chapters.

As for extra features, there are a few.

Disc 1 features “Good Morning OGH!” which was the promotional trailer produced back in July 1988. This is featured in 2ch, 5.1ch and 5.1ch (dialogue off). There is a quic intro explanation how the trailers were saved on to a VHS tape to a super hi-8 tape and thus the quality is not great. But you start to see how the quality between the DVD versus a promo tape are.

Disc 2 features “Cosmic Battle Space” in 2ch or 5.1ch which features another perspective (from episode 4) of the fight between the squadron and the alien monsters.

Disc 3 features the “Sizzler Project” in 2ch or 5.1ch. This is a promotional trailer produced in 1989 and actually features character Jung Freud learning about the new Gunbuster mechas being created. This was very interesting to see and similar to the first promotional trailer.

“Gunbuster” has remained one of my top 3 anime that I will forever treasure in my heart. It’s a series that shows guts, determination, happiness, sadness. It’s literally an emotional rollercoaster that has made me smile, cry…

It’s well written, features really awesome scenes and interaction between the characters. Well-acted, well-animated and just one of those rare treasures that have come along that you just don’t see as much these days from a lot of anime.

Especially with a storyline managed to be complete in six episodes, I’m impressed.

I know that there is a region 0 disc that was released with a fourth disc that featured a rough episode five and unmatted episode six with a few other features but sure, as much as it would have been nice to have that in the US release, I’m not actually losing sleep over it either.

For a great price, you get all six episodes on DVD. For the boxset is the price I paid for one VHS back then. And I know for dub fans who don’t like to read subtitles, it’s going to be hard to recommend it to you to begin with.

But if you want quality anime that still looks very cool now as it did 20 years ago and also to watch one of the best, well written sci-fi/mecha anime OAV series ever released, then definitely check out “GUNBUSTER”.

I highly recommend the “Gunbuster” anime DVD box set. You won’t regret it.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD