NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME TO HULU PLUS SUBSCRIBERS SAME DAY AFTER JAPANESE DEBUT

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME TO HULU PLUS SUBSCRIBERS THE SAME DAY AFTER BROADCAST DEBUT IN JAPAN

Latest Action-Packed Ninja Adventures Straight From Japan To Stream For Fans Beginning With Episode 245

VIZ Media has announced the simulcast of the latest episodes of the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN on the Hulu Plus subscription service (www.hulu.com/plus). Beginning January 19th, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to simulcast the latest episode of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in high-definition just an hour after broadcast debut in Japan. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Episode 245 (rated TV-14, subtitled) and new episodes will be broadcast weekly.

Users of the free, ad-supported Hulu service will also be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments one week after their initial run on Hulu Plus; the episodes will also be available on the company’s own VIZAnime.com site.

In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventure, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast with Killer Bee as his new master. In order to do so, one must fight with the Tailed Beast’s head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power. Using the key entrusted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto unlocks the seal to release Nine Tails, and the battle between the two begins.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens. The manga and anime series  (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for older teens), depicting the adventures of ninja-in-training Uzumaki Naruto, is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across the Americas, and Europe   The NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animated series are co-productions of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He’s done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

More information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8 – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

“Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8 – Original & Uncut” features Team Kurenai on a mission and Naruto going under training to learn a new jutsu.  While not as deep as the last volume, volume 8 of “Naruto Shippuden” is still fun and entertaining, especially for fans who are planning to stay with the series for the long haul.

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

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 89-100 (300 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: October 11, 2011

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

Naruto’s new jutsu Rasen Shuriken is unbelievably powerful – but because of the risks to the user, Tsunade forbids Naruto to use it! When Jiraiya returns to the village, Naruto seeks his guidance, and the two head off to a hot springs resort to work on a solution. Meanwhile, Kakashi leads a team in search of Orochimaru’s hideout, and when Naruto hears about it, he begs to join them.

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 volume 3, because of the injuries Kakashi suffered against the Akatsuki, Naruto, Sakura have a new member named Sai joining them and a new sensei named Yamato overseeing them. Lady Tsunade has also Yamato observing Sai because he was assigned to the team courtesy of the mysterious Danzou who Lady Tsunade doesn’t trust. Also, Sai tends to be a interesting character as he never had a social upbringing and is unaware of how to use his emotions or have friends.

Volume 4 continues the three trying to get along with each other and going on major missions, but also learning how the demon fox inside Naruto is trying to come out and when Naruto is unable to control himself, Yamato is the only person that can help keep Naruto in check, otherwise, he can prove to become extremely dangerous and unstable.

In Volume 5, with the group returning from their mission back to the Konoha village, Kakashi knows that Naruto needs to continue his training and control his chakra, but also to show him what kind of ninja he is and what his specialty his jutsu is. Meanwhile, the groups go on a mission to search for grave robbers and Naruto meets another rival who gets on his nerves, a boy named Sora, who reminds Naruto of himself when he was younger. This mission will eventually lead to a major attack by four powerful individuals who are intent of annihilating everyone in the Konoha village.

In Volume 6, Asuma, the son of the late Hokage and a character that plays a pivotal role in this latest release of “Naruto Shippuden” especially storyline-wise as the Akatsuki are back and we are introduced to Hidan and Kakuzu and to see how powerful these two are in capturing and targeting Jinchuriki.

In Volume 7, Asuma was killed by the Akatsuki and although the ninja of the Leaf Village were able to get their revenge on their fallen comrade, with Asuma’s death, the Leaf Village is now fully aware that casualties can come easy to the team and they must be better prepared.

Which leads us to volume 8 of “Naruto Shippuden”.    As the Leaf Ninja reflect on Asuma’s death, Orochimaru begins to make his move and as for Naruto, the risk from using the Rasen Shuriken has proven to become extremely risky to his health that the Hokage has told him to never use it again.

Because of Naruto wanting to get stronger, Jiraiya continues to train Naruto but this time using Gamakichi and Gamatatsu in rder to learn the concept of connecting to another person’s heart.  While Naruto trains, Kakashi leads a group which include Shino, Kiba and Hinata on a reconnaissance mission to find out what Orochimaru is up to.

Here is a brief spoilerless summary of the episodes 89-100 which are featured on three DVD’s:

Note: In Japan, episode 89-100 is considered as season 5.

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 89 – The Price of Power – Tsunade learns of how much the Rasen Shuriken is harming Naruto and forbids him to use it.  Meanwhile, the group recovers after their battle and Asuma’s death.
• EPISODE 90 – A Shinobi’s Deterimination – With news of Orochimaru up to no good, Kakashi leads a mission with Team Kurenai – Shino, Kiba and Hinata for reconnaissance.
• EPISODE 91 – Orochimaru’s Hideout Discovered – Guren takes 21 survivors (experimental speciments) to meet with Orochimaru and we also learn of her true power.
• EPISODE 92 – Encounter – Kabuto and Yukimaru try to draw out a mysterious creature and Naruto trains by summoning Gamakichi and Gamatatsu.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 93 – Connecting Hearts – Naruto continues to train, meanwhile Tsunade learns of Guren’s crystallization technique through one of Shino’s insects.
• EPISODE 94 – A Night of Rain - Kabuto leaves Yukimaru with Guren and Naruto learns a new jutsu with Gamakichi and Gamatatsu.
• EPISODE 95 – The Two Charms – As Team Kakashi continues their reconnaissance, Naruto learns from Sai that a new group has went on a mission to find Orochimaru.
• EPISODE 96 – The Unseeing Enemy – Kakashi and Team Kurenai are attacked.

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 97 – The Labryinth of Distorted Reflection - Team Kakashi goes out as support for Team Kurenai.
• EPISODE 98 – The Target Appears – Team Kakashi comes to the aid of Team Kurenai and Yukimaru’s three-tailed beast is being extracted.
• EPISODE 99 – The Rampaging Tailed Beast – Naruto finds out that Yukimaru is working with Guren and that she has the three-tailed beast within her.
• EPISODE 100 – Inside the Mist – Guren relives her past an both teams try to figure out the mist around them.

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. The action has now returned back to the Konoha village but still good animation for a TV series.

In “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8″, you can expect quite a bit of action in this latest volume, as these episodes are primarily action-driven and are primarily battles between the Konoha ninjas and Guren’s men. And for a TV Series, while not the most detailed of anime series, the fact that these episodes do feature many ninja engaged in battle. And this should satisfy most “Naruto” fans.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8″ 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 8 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features on disc 3:

• New from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Online Features – Text-based screen of where “Naruto Shippuden” can be watched online.
• Story Boards – Ten pages of storyboards (featured in negative format).
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through ten pages of artwork.
• Omake – (9:09) All the omake ending portions (after the credits) from the episodes featured in DVD Set 8 of “Naruto Shippuden”.
• English Credits

With the last volume of “Naruto Shippuden” taking viewers for a major spin with the emotional and action-packed storyline of Asuma’s death, you pretty much knew that with one major storyline done, it would lead to another character building arc with the Leaf Village taking on various missions.

One group we have not seen in action all that much is Team Kurenai, and so with this eighth volume, you can literally call it the Team Kurenai episodes as we finally get to see Shino, Kiba and Hinata on a mission.  With Kurenai pregnant, this time it’s Kakashi leading the group.

And with Sasuke getting stronger and stronger, it’s only fair to see Naruto getting stronger and learning more jutsu’s.  So, the story arc is broken up in two with Team Kurenai doing reconnaissance and finding out what Orochimaru is up to, while in a more comedy sense, seeing Naruto working with the hilarious toads, Gamakichi and Gamatatsu.  Each time these three are together, I can’t help but laugh and in this case, Naruto and the toads was an interesting and fun diversion compared to the last volume which was very sad and action-packed.

As for the DVD set, you get a total of eleven episodes and special features were OK, as you do get the usual omake and other info. related features. While many feel this latest volume to be filler-episodes, fortunately they are connected unlike the filler episodes which dominated the latter end of the “Naruto” series.  Also, fans have been wanting to see Team Kurenai in action for so long that it’s great to finally see them on a mission.  So, while not the deepest volume of “Naruto Shippuden”, I still enjoyed the crazy, fun episodes featured in this volume.

Overall, If you are fan of “Naruto Shippuden” and are staying with this series for the long haul, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 8 – Original & Uncut” is another entertaining and fun volume.

VIZ MEDIA ADDS NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS TO NARUTO MOVIE MARATHON ON VIZANIME.COM AND HULU

Limited Time Marathon Celebrates Upcoming DVD and

Blu-ray Release of Latest Movie, And Includes All Five NARUTO Movies

 

To celebrate the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (in stores October 25^th), and the birth month of the Naruto character, VIZ Media has just announced the addition of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (dubbed) to the special NARUTO movie marathon on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com).

 

A total of 5 feature films featuring the spunky ninja are now available to stream from both sites thru October 23^rd. The marathon includes NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL, NARUTO THE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM (all movies rated TV-14), available with either subtitled or English dubbed dialogue tracks. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN:THE MOVIE is also available dubbed on both streaming sites.

 

In NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (rated TV-14), a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.
The NARUTO movie marathon may be accessed from the dedicated site at www.VIZAnime.com/naruto-movie-marathon/. More information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is available at www.Naruto.com and www.VIZ.com/naruto-shippuden-movie-video.

Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 7 – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

Action-packed, emotionally-charged episodes in this latest volume!  Tragedy hits the Konoha Village as one of their own is killed by the Akatsuki in the latest DVD set 7 of “Naruto Shippuden”.  The episodes featured in this set are my favorite episodes of “Naruto Shippuden” by  far!  Highly recommended!

Image courtesy of © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 7 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 78-88 (275 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: July 12, 2011

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

Asuma and Shikamaru have to think on their feet as they face the mind-boggling jutsu of the Akatsuki pair Hidan and Kakuzu. At the last minute, the Akatsuki are called away, but not before dealing a fatal blow to a revered shinobi of the Leaf. The devastated ninja left behind can think only of revenge, but Tsunade is opposed to the scheme until an offer of help arrives from an unexpected source.

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 volume 3, because of the injuries Kakashi suffered against the Akatsuki, Naruto, Sakura have a new member named Sai joining them and a new sensei named Yamato overseeing them. Lady Tsunade has also Yamato observing Sai because he was assigned to the team courtesy of the mysterious Danzou who Lady Tsunade doesn’t trust. Also, Sai tends to be a interesting character as he never had a social upbringing and is unaware of how to use his emotions or have friends.

Volume 4 continues the three trying to get along with each other and going on major missions, but also learning how the demon fox inside Naruto is trying to come out and when Naruto is unable to control himself, Yamato is the only person that can help keep Naruto in check, otherwise, he can prove to become extremely dangerous and unstable.

In Volume 5, with the group returning from their mission back to the Konoha village, Kakashi knows that Naruto needs to continue his training and control his chakra, but also to show him what kind of ninja he is and what his specialty his jutsu is. Meanwhile, the groups go on a mission to search for grave robbers and Naruto meets another rival who gets on his nerves, a boy named Sora, who reminds Naruto of himself when he was younger. This mission will eventually lead to a major attack by four powerful individuals who are intent of annihilating everyone in the Konoha village.

In Volume 6, Asuma, the son of the late Hokage and a character that plays a pivotal role in this latest release of “Naruto Shippuden” especially storyline-wise as the Akatsuki are back and we are introduced to Hidan and Kakuzu and to see how powerful these two are in capturing and targeting Jinchuriki.

Asuma is sent to lead a group of Konoha ninja to destroy the two Akatsuki, meanwhile Kakashi and Yamato work diligently to prepare Naruto for battle against the Akatsuki, so while everyone else is fighting, Naruto must continue his training. But can Asuma and the other ninjas defeat the powerful duo of the Akatsuki?

In Volume 7, Asuma Sarutobi along with young strategist Shikamaru Nara, Izumo and Kotetsu take on the two Akatsuki members: the immortal Hidan and the mysterious Kakuzu.

Meanwhile, tragedy hits the Konoha Village as one of their own is killed.  This leads to a new plan of attack led by Shikamaru with hopes that Naruto’s training will be completed in order to complete their mission and defeatt the two Akatsuki members but also to avenge their fallen friend.

Here is a brief spoilerless summary of the episodes 78-88 which are featured on three DVD’s:

Note: In Japan, episode 78-88 are the final episodes of season four.

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 78 – The Judgement – Asumu uses his fire jutsu against Hidan but will it work?
• EPISODE 79 – Unfulfilled Scream – Hidan uses his jutsu…will this be the end of Asumu?
• EPISODE 80 – Last Words – The conclusion of Asuma vs. Hidan.
• EPISODE 81 – Sad News – As Hidan and Kakuzu retreat under orders, a fallen friend says his final words.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 82 – Team Ten – A funeral is held for the fallen friend in the Konoha Village.
• EPISODE 83 – Target: Locked On - As Team 10 headed by Kakashi goes to take on Hidan and Kakuzu, Tsunade sends Team 7 to back them up.  But they must wait until Naruto finishes his training.
• EPISODE 84 – Kakuzu’s Abilities – Team 10 vs. Kakuzu and Hidan.
• EPISODE 85 – The Terrifying Secret – Kakuzu reveals his true self to Team 10.  Do they have any chance of beating him?

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 86 – Shikamaru’s Genius - Hidan uses his technique on Shikamaru…will this be the end of Shikamaru?
• EPISODE 87 – When You Curse Someone, You Dig Your OWn Grave – Shikamaru vs. Hidan.  Can Shikamaru defeat the immortal Akatsuki?
• EPISODE 88 – Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken! – Naruto unleashes the Rasen Shurken on Kakuzu, but will his new technique work?

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. The action has now returned back to the Konoha village but still good animation for a TV series.

In “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 7″, you can expect quite a bit of action in this latest volume, as these episodes are primarily action-driven and are primarily battles between the Konoha ninjas vs. the Akatsuki.   And for a TV Series, while not the most detailed of anime series, the fact that these episodes do feature many ninja engaged in battle. And this should satisfy most “Naruto” fans.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden” 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 7 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features on disc 3:

• New from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Online Features – Text-based screen of where “Naruto Shippuden” can be watched online.
• Story Boards – Five pages of storyboards (featured in negative format).
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through 15 pages of artwork.
• Omake – (7:08) All the omake ending portions (after the credits) from the episodes featured in DVD Set 7 of “Naruto Shippuden”.
• English Credits

Throughout the entire “Naruto” series, fans have seen chaos in the Konoha Village, the death of the Hokage many moons ago but one thing we have not really seen is a death of a fellow comrade.

With the episodes featured in DVD set 6 of “Naruto Shippuden”, these episodes were character building episodes for Asuma and just showing us how the cool, laidback son of the third hokage was a pretty cool guy.  Everyone looked up to him and the relationship between him and his trainee Shikamaru Nara was almost like best friends, or even father and son to a point.

So, to see how things would tragically play out in these episodes of set 7 was quite emotional and I have to say that with the death of Grandma Chiyo and now a more emotional tragedy because it’s one of the members of the Konoha village, it was unexpected but at the same time, you sort of knew that writer Masashi Kishimoto has been taking some risks with “Naruto Shippuden”, making deaths necessary.  With grandma Chiyo earlier on, it was a coming-to-age story for Sakura who had to find her inner strength without having to depend on Naruto.  This time, it’s Shikamaru’s turn as he is put in to the forefront of battle.

With “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 7 – Original & Uncut”, this is an all-battle DVD set.  The first half featuring Asuma and his team taking on the Akatsuki and then the second part featuring Team 10 led by Kakashi as they get the rematch against the Akatsuki.  But also to see how far Naruto has come with his training.

Needless to say, these episodes are emotional but yet action-packed and are very exciting to watch.  The buildup of the Asuma storyline was worth it!

As for the DVD set, you get a total of eleven episodes and special features were OK, as you do get the usual omake and other info. related features.  But in terms of storyline, this is probably my favorite episodes of the “Naruto Shippuden” series thus far.   And I don’t think any fan will be disappointed because this one awesome battle and Shikamaru fans will see how excellent he is as a strategist.  The writing was quite clever when it comes to the actual strategy planned by Shikamaru.  Impressive!

Overall, If you are fan of “Naruto Shippuden” and are staying with this series for the long haul, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 7 – Original & Uncut” is highly recommended!

Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6 – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

More Jinchuriki action in the latest “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6 – Original & Uncut”!  While Naruto undergoes training to learns a more destructive skill, everything is put on the shoulder of team leader Asuma and his army of ninjas who must seek and destroy two members of the Akatsuki.  But will Asuma and his group be able to stop them?  If you have been watching “Naruto Shippuden” and are in it for the long haul, this latest DVD set is recommended!

Image courtesy of © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 66-77 (300 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 26, 2011

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

The rogue ninja Furido attempts to use the Lightning Style jutsu of the Guardian Shinobi to rain destruction on the Leaf village. The ninja are running out of chakra. Does Naruto have enough power to save the village? Then, the Akatsuki are working their way from one tailed beast host to another, and it’s only a matter of time until they get to Naruto!

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 volume 3, because of the injuries Kakashi suffered against the Akatsuki, Naruto, Sakura have a new member named Sai joining them and a new sensei named Yamato overseeing them. Lady Tsunade has also Yamato observing Sai because he was assigned to the team courtesy of the mysterious Danzou who Lady Tsunade doesn’t trust. Also, Sai tends to be a interesting character as he never had a social upbringing and is unaware of how to use his emotions or have friends.

Volume 4 continues the three trying to get along with each other and going on major missions, but also learning how the demon fox inside Naruto is trying to come out and when Naruto is unable to control himself, Yamato is the only person that can help keep Naruto in check, otherwise, he can prove to become extremely dangerous and unstable.

In Volume 5, with the group returning from their mission back to the Konoha village, Kakashi knows that Naruto needs to continue his training and control his chakra, but also to show him what kind of ninja he is and what his specialty his jutsu is. Meanwhile, the groups go on a mission to search for grave robbers and Naruto meets another rival who gets on his nerves, a boy named Sora, who reminds Naruto of himself when he was younger. This mission will eventually lead to a major attack by four powerful individuals who are intent of annihilating everyone in the Konoha village.

And now, here we are with “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6 – Original & Uncut”.   One will notice the cover features Asuma, the son of the late Hokage and a character that plays a pivotal role in this latest release of “Naruto Shippuden” especially storyline-wise as the Akatsuki are back and we are introduced to Hidan and Kakuzu and to see how powerful these two are in capturing and targeting Jinchuriki.

Asuma is sent to lead a group of Konoha ninja to destroy the two Akatsuki, meanwhile Kakashi and Yamato work diligently to prepare Naruto for battle against the Akatsuki, so while everyone else is fighting, Naruto must continue his training.  But can Asuma and the other ninjas defeat the powerful duo of the Akatsuki?

Here is a brief spoilerless summary of the episodes 66-77 which are featured on three DVD’s:

Note: In Japan, episode 66-71 is episode three, while episode 72-77 are part of season four.

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 66 – Revived Souls – Konoha ninjas vs. the revived ninjas (zombies) of the Kohaku clan, including the four Guardian Ninjas.
• EPISODE 67 – Everyone’s Struggle to Death – Sora refuses to let Furido destroy the village.
• EPISODE 68 – A Moment of Awakening – Naruto vs. Fuka.
• EPISODE 69 – Despair – Furido reveals the true secret of Sora.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 70 – Resonance – With Sora’s secret revealed, Naruto does all he can to subdue him.
• EPISODE 71 – My Friend - Naruto does all he can to stop Sora.
• EPISODE 72 – The Quietly Approaching Threat – Asuma visits the grave of his father, the Third Hokage.  Meanwhile, everyone recovers from their battle.  Hidan and Kakuzu of the Akatsuki make their way to claim their next Junchiriki…this time, in the Fire Country.
• EPISODE 73 – Akatsuki’s Invasion – Naruto undergoes training and learns to cut a waterfall.

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 74 – Under the Starry Sky - Naruto continues to train, meanwhile Lady Tsunae sends out the Niju Shotai to stop the Akatsuki, Hidan and Kakuzu who are in the Fire Country.
• EPISODE 75 – The Old Monk’s Prayer – Asuma arrives at the Fire Temple and learns that a dear friend was killed by the Akatsuki.  Meanwhile, Kakashi reveals a secret to Naruto.
• EPISODE 76 – Jet-Black Signal Fire – Kakashi reveals to Naruto about the Rasengan.
• EPISODE 77 – Lockdown of Darkness – Asuma’s team ambushes Hidan of the Akatsuki.

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. The action has now returned back to the Konoha village but still good animation for a TV series.

In “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6″, you can expect quite a bit of action in this latest volume, may it be Naruto and friends vs. the zombies or Naruto and friends vs. the Akatsuki.  And for a TV Series, while not the most detailed of anime series, the fact that these episodes do feature many ninja engaged in battle.  And this  should satisfy most “Naruto” fans.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden” 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 6 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features:

• New from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Online Features – Text-based screen of where “Naruto Shippuden” can be watched online.
• Story Boards – Five pages of storyboards (featured in negative format).
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through 15 pages of artwork.
• Omake – (11:13) All the omake ending portions (after the credits) from the episodes featured in DVD Set 6 of “Naruto Shippuden”.
• English Credits

EXTRAS:

“Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6 – Original & Uncut” comes with a slip cover case.

Here we are with “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 6″ and what we saw in the latter part of set 5 were Naruto and friends taking on the dead who are reborn.  Yes, Konoha ninjas vs. zombies.   Who would ever think that would ever happen?

But while this series arc concludes the Sora storyline, it opens the door to a new storyline focusing on Asuma.  Let’s just say that for this volume and next, he plays a pivotal role and the writers are definitely setting things up for the next volume as Asuma will be responsible for other ninja taking on the Akatsuki.

For Naruto, his storyline continues as he must continue to get stronger and learn more difficult moves in a short amount of time as Konoha will need him to be ready to take on the Akatsuki but most importantly, prepare him against Sasuke Uchiha if needed.  Naruto learned how much more powerful Sasuke has become and now he wants to become even stronger!  So, you can expect Kakashi to impress him with another new move since Naruto had learned the Rasengan.

While this latest series does showcase a lot of action, it’s obviously setting the viewer up for something major and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next volume of “Naruto Shippuden”!

As for this DVD, you get a total of eleven episodes and while there are no quizzes or any special features that relate to the voice talent, you do get the “omake”, storyboards and production art.

While the “Sora” storyline was not my favorite arc in the “Naruto Shippuden” series (I felt it seem a bit filler-like), I do enjoy where the Asuma storyline is going and also being introduced to these two new Akatsuki members who are deadly.  And it’s going to be interesting to see which ninja can stop Hidan and Kazuku.

Overall, another enjoyable, action-packed DVD set for “Naruto Shippuden” and with this new Asuma storyline now starting, we are back to Konoha vs. Akatsuki action!  It’s to early to tell where this storyline is going but I get a feeling, things are not going to look good for our favorite Konoha ninjas.  I guess we will find out in set 7.

If you are fan of “Naruto Shippuden” and willing to stay in this series for the long haul, this set is recommended!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME DVD BOX SET

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME DVD BOX SET

VIZ Media continues to expand its bestselling NARUTO anime franchise with the release of the latest NARUTO Shippuden Uncut DVD Set Volume 6 on April 26th. The 3-disc set contains episodes 66-77 of the original anime series in both subtitled and English dubbed options. Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, this box set will be available for the suggested retail price of $49.95 U.S./$71.99 Canada.

In the latest NARUTO adventures, the rogue ninja Furido attempts to use the Lightning Style jutsu of the Guardian Shinobi to rain destruction on the Leaf village. The ninja are running out of chakra. Does Naruto have enough power to save the village? Then, the Akatsuki are working their way form one tailed beast host to another, and it’s only a matter of time until they get to Naruto!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens with more than 100 million copies in circulation to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for Teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

For more information on NARUTO please visit the official website at www.Naruto.com.

Naruto Shippuden DVD Box Set Set 4: Season One – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

“Naruto Shippuden DVD Box Set Set 4: Season One – Original & Uncut” is another awesome volume of the series but also has intensity, emotion and all-out action!  Naruto and Sakura finally confront their former teammate, Sasuke Uchiha!

Image courtesy of © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Box Set Set 5 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 40-53 (325 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: October 19, 2010

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

Team Kakashi’s spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf’s most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto’s rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto’s rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru’s lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal?

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 volume 4, because of the injuries Kakashi suffered against the Akatsuki, Naruto, Sakura have a new member named Sai joining them and a new sensei named Yamato overseeing them. Lady Tsunade has also Yamato observing Sai because he was assigned to the team courtesy of the mysterious Danzou who Lady Tsunade doesn’t trust. Also, Sai tends to be a interesting character as he never had a social upbringing and is unaware of how to use his emotions or have friends.

Volume 4 features the new team trying to find out who Sasori was going to meet but find out it’s a person they know quite well.  Also, the confrontation between Naruto and Sasuke finall happens in this action-packed volume of “Naruto Shippuden”.

Here is a brief spoilerless summary of the episodes 40-53 on three DVD’s:

Note: In Japan, episode 40-53 are part of Season 2 of “Naruto Shippuden”.

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 40 – The Nine-Tails Unleashed – As Naruto fights Orochimaru, the Nine-Tailed Fox is unleashed.
• EPISODE 41 – The Top-Secret Mission Begins – Naruto’s anger escalates as he is in the state of the three-tailed state.
• EPISODE 42 – Orochimaru vs. Jinchuriki – Naruto in his four-tailed form takes on Orochimaru.
• EPISODE 43 – Sakura’s Tears – Yamato tries to stop Naruto in his four-tailed state while Sai goes after Orochimaru.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 44 – The Secret of the Battle! – Sakura tries to heal Naruto, meanwhile Orochimaru tries to kill Sai.
• EPISODE 45 – The Consequences of Betrayal – Naruto is told the truth of who hurt Sakura.
• EPISODE 46 – The Unfinished Page – While trying to find out where Sai went of too, Yamato, Sakura and Naruto look inside Sai’s book.
• EPISODE 47 – Infiltration: The Den of the Snake – Sai comes face-to-face with Sasuke.
• EPISODE 48 – Bonds – Naruto and team confront Sai and Sai tells them the truth of what his mission was all about.

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 49 – Something Important… - Does Kabuto have an upper hand against Naruto and team?
• EPISODE 50 – The Picture Book’s Story – As Sai spends time with Naruto, he begins to remember his past.
• EPISODE 51 – Reunion – Yamato discovers Sai’s true objective.
• EPISODE 52 – The Power of Uchiha – Sasuke attacks Naruto and team.
• EPISODE 53 – Title – Sasuke is about to execute a powerful Jitsu on Naruto’s team but someone stops him.

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.   This latest volume of “Naruto Shippuden” is more action-driven, so there is a good number of action sequences throughout volume 5.

Still, the backgrounds tend to focus more on greenery and land, with a few taking place indoors (re-use of walls) but a lot of scenes that focus on close-ups or full body shots more than anything.  Animation is still solid and considering this is a TV series that is constantly cranked out on television, “Naruto Shippuden” still looks good.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden” 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 4 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features:

• Trailers – Trailer for upcoming Viz Media Naruto video games.
• New from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Online Features – Text-based screen of where “Naruto Shippuden” can be watched online.
• Voice Actor Featurette: Who’s Playing Who? – A few of the voice talent from “Naruto Shippuden” are featured and then afterward, a game in which you have to listen to the voice and figure out which voice actor was responsible for that voice.
• Relationship Chart: Hidden Sound Village – A relationship chart feat. Sasuke, Orochimaru and Kabuto
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through 16 pages of artwork.
• English Credits

EXTRAS:

“Naruto Shippuden Box Set 4 – Season One: Original & Uncut” comes with a slip case.

With this latest volume of “Naruto Shippuden”, it’s actually an important volume as we see Sai’s secret mission revealed but also how his being with Naruto has started to change him as an individual, which is pretty significant as the character of Sai was very stoic and emotionless.  Meanwhile, we also get the battle between Naruto and Orochimaru but to see how devastating and unlike-Naruto is when he starts to unleash the nine-tailed fox.

But of course, the biggest draw to this latest volume of “Naruto Shippuden” vol. 4 is the confrontation between Naruto and Sakura with their old teammate Sasuke and to see how much he has changed and how powerful he has become.

For anyone who has watched these characters since episode 1 of “Naruto”, can definitely feel the impact the series has at this point because the game has changed literally as the former teammate has become a traitor to the Konoha Village and you know deep inside that Naruto and Sakura want to help him and bring him back, but obviously with Sasuke now hanging around the likes of Orochimaru, things are not exactly looking good.

So, definitely an action-driven volume of “Naruto Shippuden”.  And as for the overall DVD, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 4 – Original & Uncut” is a pretty cool set for those who want to save money and get three volumes included. Although these sets are not special features heavy, you do get a few things like production art and the best part is the game with the English voice talent. Of course, I do wish there was commentary or something added to the DVD’s but that’s not something you see in Viz anime DVD releases.

Overall, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 4 – Original & Uncut” is an action-packed storyline which continues to get better and better with each volume and I can’t wait to see how this series progresses.  Another exciting, action-packed volume of “Naruto Shippuden” which is definitely recommended for “Naruto” fans!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN DOUBLE HEADER LAUNCHES THIS WEEK ON CRUNCHYROLL

In addition to the plethora of fresh anime being launched weekly on Crunchyroll, fans will get two (2) times the Naruto this week

San Francisco, Calif. (February 8, 2011) – Postponement of Naruto never sits well with any true fan – however that was last week, and this week offers a different story. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rages back with a double-header, and moreover returns back to the regular story arc. Along with the 14 other simulcasts being aired, which includes hit titles such as BLEACH, CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD and LEVEL E there’s an added excitement in the air with this week’s launch. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

New episodes from the week of February 6-12 are:

Sunday: SUPER ROBOT WARS OG: THE INSPECTOR episode 18.
Monday: FAIRY TAIL episode 65 and LEVEL E episode 5, KORE HA ZOMBIE DESUKA episode 5, and DRAGON CRISIS! episode 5
Tuesday: BLEACH episode 308 and RIO-RAINBOW GATE episode 6
Wednesday: KAASAN-MOM’S LIFE episode 89.
Thursday: NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes 197 and 198, WANDERING SON episode 5.
Friday: GOSICK episode 6 and CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD episode 6.
Saturday: TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE episode 44, MITSUDOMOE episode 6, BEEZLEBUB episode 5 and LILPRI episode 44.

Additionally, with exception of FAIRY TAIL, all the simulcasted episode from the week prior for all series listed above are now available to all users for free.

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, tv.com <http://tv.com> , the free iPad and iPhone application, Android, the Boxee application and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members will have access to the largest anime and drama selection, same-day access for simulcasted titles, no advertisements and can be viewed in 480p-to-720p quality on selected titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global video network and developer of social media applications for Japanese anime and Asian media. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPad, Android and Naruto Shippuden Official, set top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming site, Crunchyroll delivers officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to consumers.

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Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5 – Original & Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

“Naruto Shippuden Box Set 5 – Original & Uncut” features the Konoha village under attack!  Definitely setting things up for an explosive sixth volume, while the fifth volume features Naruto in training and a new rival by the name of Sora. Definitely recommended!

Image courtesy of © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/2007 Shippuden. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5 – Original & Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 54-65 (325 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: January 25, 2011

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

Naruto is troubled by nightmares after his second failed attempt to bring Sasuke home. Kakashi, recovering in the hospital, suggests a new training regimen for Naruto that puts him in touch with his wind chakra nature. Naruto seeks advice from another wind type, the Leaf jonin Asuma. Then, when Tsunade sends Team Kakashi on a mission to the Fire Temple, the truth about a shocking event involving Asuma and the Twelve Ninja Guardians begins to unfold.

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 volume 3, because of the injuries Kakashi suffered against the Akatsuki, Naruto, Sakura have a new member named Sai joining them and a new sensei named Yamato overseeing them.  Lady Tsunade has also Yamato observing Sai because he was assigned to the team courtesy of the mysterious Danzou who Lady Tsunade doesn’t trust.  Also, Sai tends to be a interesting character as he never had a social upbringing and is unaware of how to use his emotions or have friends.

Volume 4 continues the three trying to get along with each other and going on major missions, but also learning how the demon fox inside Naruto is trying to come out and when Naruto is unable to control himself, Yamato is the only person that can help keep Naruto in check, otherwise, he can prove to become extremely dangerous and unstable.

Here we are with “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5″ with the group returning from their mission back to the Konoha village.  In Japan, these episodes kick off the third season of “Naruto Shippuden” and in these episodes, Kakashi knows that Naruto needs to continue his training and control his chakra, but also to show him what kind of ninja he is and what his specialty his jutsu is.  Meanwhile, the groups will go on a mission to search for grave robbers and Naruto meets another rival who gets on his nerves, a boy named Sora, who reminds Naruto of himself when he was younger.  This mission will eventually lead to a major attack by four powerful individuals who are intent of annihilating everyone in the Konoha village.

Here is a brief spoilerless summary of the episodes 54-65 on three DVD’s:

Note: In Japan, episode 54 kicks off season 3.

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 54 – Nightmare – Sai tries to improve his relationship with the people at Konoha.
• EPISODE 55 – Wind – Kakashi and Yamato begin to train Naruto on chakra nature manipulation.
• EPISODE 56 – Writhe – Naruto continues his training with Kakashi and learns more about Asuma-sensei.
• EPISODE 57 – Deprived of Eternal Sleep – Naruto, Sakura, Sai and Yamato are on a mission to go to the Fire Temple.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 58 – Loneliness – Naruto and Sora do not get along.
• EPISODE 59 – A New Enemy – Tsunade suspects that Danzou is up to no good.
• EPISODE 60 – Impermanence – Team Kakashi faces off against enemy shinobi
• EPISODE 61 – Lockdown of Darkness – Sora comes across a man named Furido and Furido tells him how he will resurrect the Land of Fire.

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 62 – Teammate - The groups return from their mission and Sora is brought to the Konoha village.
• EPISODE 63 – The Two Kings – Asuma tries to teach Naruto and Sora improve their chakra training.  We learn who was responsible for destroying the Temple of Fire.
• EPISODE 64 – Jet-Black Signal Fire – Danzo is brought in for meeting with a Rain ninja.  Sora confronts Asuma on who really killed his father.
• EPISODE 65 – Lockdown of Darkness – The Konoha Leaf Village is under attack and the four invaders plan to annihilate the whole village.

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.  The action has now returned back to the Konoha village but still good animation for a TV series.

The series does kick off more towards the end as the first eight episodes or so on DVD Set 5 feature Naruto in training or fighting underground, but once the Konoha village becomes under attack, that is when you start seeing the animation and art backgrounds becoming more evident.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the audio for “Naruto Shippuden” 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 5 – Original & Uncut” comes with the following special features:

• New from Viz Media - Trailers for upcoming or current Viz Media releases.
• Online Features – Text-based screen of where “Naruto Shippuden” can be watched online.
• Story Boards – Five pages of storyboards (featured in negative format).
• Production Art – Using your remote, you can view through 16 pages of artwork.
• Omake – (11:09) All the omake ending portions (after the credits) from the episodes featured in DVD Set 5 of “Naruto Shippuden”.
• English Credits

EXTRAS:

“Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5 – Original & Uncut” comes with a slip case.

Here we are with “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5″ and things are starting to heat up once again!

Just when you thought that the first three volumes of “Naruto Shippuden” were intense, here we are with a action-packed volume 5 as we see the Konoha Village once again under attack and this time by four powerful individuals who are intent in destroying everyone including the village.

We get to see Naruto continue his training but this time with Kakashi, but possibly this latest DVD set #5 are episodes in which Asuma, the leader of Team Asuma (Shikamaru’s team) becomes an important character in the storyline.  With four individuals dead set in destroying the Leaf Village, we learn about the Land of Fire and how Asuma, the son of the third Hokage, had a disagreement with his father and left Konoha and became a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, a group protected by the Land of fire’s daimyou.

This plays an important part to the new character Sora introduced in the series. As Naruto had that connection with Gaara of the Sand Village, you pretty much can tell that Sora is possibly another person who has a demon inside of him.  Not much is revealed at this point, but there is no doubt that this fifth volume is setting the stage for a major battle in the Leaf Village and possibly introducing another demon that the Akatsuki will want to possess.

So, suffice to say, this latest volume does end with you wanting to know more of what is going to happen to the Leaf Village as the series has never gotten this intense in Konoha since Orochimaru’s attack way back early in the first “Naruto” anime series.

So, needless to say, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5″ is a pretty cool volume but you can tell bigger things are going to take place in DVD Set 6!

As for the overall DVD, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5 – Original & Uncut” is a pretty cool set for those who want to save money and get three volumes included. Although these sets are not special features heavy, you do get a few things like production art and the collection omake from each episode.  I wish there was commentary or something added to the DVD’s but that’s not something you see in Viz Media anime DVD releases.

Overall, “Naruto Shippuden DVD Set 5 – Original & Uncut” is an action-packed storyline which continues to get better and better with each volume and I can’t wait for DVD set 6!

Another exciting, action-packed volume of “Naruto Shippuden”!  Definitely recommended for “Naruto” fans!

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS NEW NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND POKÉMON ANIME RELEASES

San Francisco, CA, January 25, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a trio of upcoming anime DVD releases set for release today that expand some of the company’s most potent properties including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and POKÉMON.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET, Volume 5 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!
Naruto is troubled by nightmares after his second failed attempt to bring Sasuke home. Kakashi, recovering in the hospital, suggests a new training regimen for Naruto that puts him in touch with his wind chakra nature. Naruto seeks advice from another wind type, the Leaf Jonin Asuma. Then, when Tsunade sends Team Kakashi on a mission to the Fire Temple, the truth about a shocking event involving Asuma and the Guardian Shinobi Twelve begins to unfold.
This latest NARUTO Box Set features Episodes 54-65.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit www.Naruto.com

VAMPIRE KNIGHT THE COMPLETE SERIES · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!
Ten years earlier, a Pureblood vampire, Kaname Kuran, saved Yuki Cross from another vampire’s attack. Now, Yuki is a Guardian at Cross Academy, where the Night Class and Day Class students live side by side in relative harmony—despite the fact that the Night Class students are all vampires! Yuki and her partner Zero keep watch over the Day Class and protect the Night Class’s secret. With Kaname’s help, a peaceful coexistence has been maintained so far, but a looming shadow is about to be cast over their world…

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: www.ShojoBeat.com

POKEMON ELEMENTS BOX SET, Volume 2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·
MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN · Available Now!
The POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the wide variety of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a specific Pokémon type in three all-time favorite episodes.  This latest Box Set bundles POKÉMON ELEMENTS Vols. 6-10.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles please visit www.VIZKids.com.

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