Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

March 30, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Fantastic! “Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” is an anime series that combines sci-fi, mecha action with harem comedy, cool characters and a beautiful visual presentation plus a DVD release with plenty of special features plus a musical soundtrack. A wonderful release from Sentai Filmworks and is highly recommended!

DVD TITLE: Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection

DURATION: Episode 1-12 + OVA (325 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English and Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV 14 V

Release Date: March 27, 2012

Originally created by Izuru Yumizuru

Directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi

Series Composition by Fumihiko Shimo

Music by Hikaru Nanase

Original Character Design by okiura

Character Design by Tomoyasu Kurashima

Art Director: Shunichiro Yoshihara

Chief Animation Director: Tomoyasu Kurashima

Mechanical Design by Takeshi Takakura

Animation Production by 8-Bit

Featuring the following voice talent:

Kouki Uchiyama/Josh Grelle as Ichika Orimura

Yōko Hikasa/Monica Rial as Houki Shinonono

Asami Shimoda/Hilary Haag as Lin Yin Fang

Kana Hanazawa/Shannon Emerick as Charles Dunois

Makoto Yasumura/Chris Ayres as Dan Gotanda

Marina Inoue/Tiffany Grant as Laura Bodewig

Megumi Toyoguchi/Luci Christian as Chifuyu Orimura

Noriko Obata/Luci Christian as Ran Gotanda

Noriko Shitaya/Cynthia Martinez as Maya Yamada

Yukana/Brittney Karbowski as Cecila Alcott

Yukari Tamura/Allison Keith as Tabane Shinonono

Ten years ago, the development of the revolutionary Infinite Stratos powered exoskeleton changed the world’s balance of power overnight. Unfortunately, while the distribution of IS systems to every nation on Earth has ushered in a new era of peace, the fact that only women have thus far been able to pilot the Stratos systems has sent the relationship between the XX and XY-chromosomed halves of the human race into a spiraling tailspin!

When fifteen-year-old Ichika Orimura is suddenly discovered to be the first male with the ability to control an IS, whatever plans he might have had for his own future are tossed out the window even as he’s thrown to the wolves and enrolled at the otherwise entirely female Infinite Stratos Academy by order of the Japanese government!

In 2009, Izuru Yumizuru created the Japanese light novel series “IS <Infinite Stratos>” with illustrator Okiura.

The popularity of the light novel series would lead to a manga adaptation by Kenji Akahoshi and was serialized in the seinen magazine “Monthly Comic Alive” in May 2010. An anime adaptation would air in January through March 2011 and an OVA which was released in December 2011.

The anime series is directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi (“Macross Frontier”, “Shadow”, “Noein”, “Aquarion”), series composition by Fumihiko Shimo (“Air, “Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie”, “Full Metal Panic!” series, “Clannad”), music by Hikaru Nanase (“Ichigo 100%”, “Gravion”, “Canaan”), character designs by Tomoyasu Kurashima (“Kakyusei 2″, “Magical Kanan”) and art direction by Shunichiro Yoshihara (“Ah! My Goddess: The Movie”, “Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas”, “Slayers Gorgeous”, “Star Ocean EX”).

And now the 12-episode anime series + the OVA and soundtrack will be released by the Criterion Collection in the United States on April 2012.

“Infinite Stratos” is set in the future during a time where Japanese engineers have created a powered exoskeleton known as “Infinite Stratos” or “IS”. This technology is the most advanced combat weapon system in the planet and can easily destabilize the world.

The nations of the world have enacted the “Alaska Treaty” which states that IS can never be used for military combat and that IS technology must be equally distributed to all nations to prevent one nation from domination.

But the creation of IS has changed society, mainly because only women can operate IS and thus, women now dominate society over men.

But things have changed ten years since the creation of IS as one male, a 15-year-old from Japan named Ichika Orimura has the capability to operate an IS. How is this possible? No one knows but seeing the potential of this new development, the Japanese government has Ichika attending the prestigious Infinite Stratos Academy, where IS pilots from all over the world train.

And because he is the only male IS pilot, how will the female students treat him when he enters Infinite Stratos Academy? And because he is considered a male and thus seen as weak, what will happen when he proves that he can be just as good as the female pilots and perhaps even better?

The “Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” also includes an OVA which revolves around Charles coming to visit Ichika Orimura at his home (after he didn’t come back to their room). Will Charle getting the opportunity to spend some alone time with Ichika? Of course, in Ichika’s life…the other ladies also decide to stop by and check on Ichika.

The main characters of “Infinity Stratos” are:

Ichika Orimura – The main protagonist of the series. The only male who can pilot an IS and has entered as a first year student at the IS Academy. His older sister is Chifuyu, the legendary IS pilot who has raised him. He is completely oblivious that many of the female pilots are in love with him.
Houki Shinonono – A first year student at the IS Academy and Ichika’s childhood friend who has liked him for a very long time. She can get quite angry at him and beat him at times when she is jealous.
Cecilia Alcott – A first year student at the IS Academy and an IS Cadet Representative of England and is part of the British Aristocracy. She challenges Ichika on the first day of class in an IS battle and although she won the IS match, Ichika was actually defeating her and could have won had time not expired. Because of the strength he exhibited in battle, Cecilia has fallen in love with Ichika.
Huang Lingyin – A first year student at the IS Academy and IS Academy representative for China. When Houki moved away from town, Huang Linyin became Ichika’s new childhood friend. Because Ichika protected her from bullies, she and Ichika made a promise that if she became an excellent cook, he would be her boyfriend. But unfortunately, he has no recollection of their promise.
Charlotte Dunois – A first year student at the IS Academy and IS Cadet Representative o France. Her government forced her to pretend she was a male student named “Charles” and the second male “IS” pilot in order to spy on Ichika and learn how a male can pilot an IS and acquire data. And because she was to be a male, she was made a roommate of Ichika. But Charle ended up falling for Ichika while living with him and eventually Ichika finds out about her secret.
Laura Bodewig – A first year student at the IS Academy and an IS Cadet Representative of Germany. She joins the Academy in order to bring her teacher Chifuyu back to Germany and blames Ichika for taking her away. But when she starts to learn more about Ichika’s strength, she declares Ichika as her wife (a misunderstanding between the meaning of “wife” and “husband”).
Chifuyu Orimura – Ichika’s sister and instructor. Despite Chifuyu having raised him and is his older sister, Chifuyu is very strict towards him and others.
Maya Yamada – An instructor in charge of Ichiga’s class and the IS Representative Cade of Japan.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Infinite Stratos” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen and in English and Japanese 2.0. It’s important to note that if you want the best picture and audio quality of this anime series, “Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” will also be released on Blu-ray and is the version that fans will probably want to get if concerned for quality.

As for the DVD, for the most part, 8-bit studio has done a wonderful job in creating a sci-fi visual look for “Infinite Stratos”. A good use of CG is utilized to create the surroundings, but the art backgrounds are beautifully painted as well and manages to capture sunsets and beautiful landscapes, especially the skies. There is softness as one would expect from a DVD release, having not seen the Blu-ray version, I’m not sure how much of a difference there is in picture quality but for the DVD in general, the series does look good!

As for audio, both soundtracks are in stereo. Voice acting for both soundtracks are well done. I watched the series in Japanese and then in English and possibly the biggest different is more of the emotional scenes towards the end, as I felt the Japanese version was much more emotional. But for the most part, both voice acting in Japanese or English are well-done!

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” comes with the following special features:

DISC 1:

Episode 4 Audio Commentary – Featuring Yoko Hikasa (voice of Houki Shinonono) and Asami Shimoda (voice of Lin Yin Fang)

DISC 2:

Episode 7 Audio Commentary – Featuring Yoko Hikasa (voice of Houki Shinonono) and Kana Hanazawa (voice of Charles Dunois)
Episode 12 Audio Commentary – Featuring Yoko Hikasa (voice of Houki Shinonono) and Yukana (voice of Cecila Alcott)

DISC 3:

Infinite Stratos Behind the Scenes: An Interview with Director Yasuhito Kikuchi – (10:25) Kana Hanazawa (voice of Charles Dunois) visits 8-bit studios and see how “Infinite Stratos” is made and interviewing director Yasuhito Kikuchi.
Radio IS – (41:08) Featuring Japanese voice actresses and radio hosts Yoko Hikasa (voice of Houki Shinonono), Asami Shimoda (voice of Lin Yin Fang) interviewing Yukana (voice of Cecila Alcott).
Clean Opening Animations
Clean Closing Animations

EXTRAS:

“Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” comes with three DVD’s including the OVA and special features plus a bonus soundtrack CD featuring the following tracks:

Akaku, Akaku (Houki Shinonono)
Super∞Stream (Houki Shinonono)
Noble Heart (Cecilia Alcott)
Super∞Stream (Cecilia Alcott)
Haochi Smile (Rinin Fan)
Super∞Stream (Rinin Fan)
Mon Chérie, Ma Chérie (Charlotte Dunois)
Super∞Stream (Charlotte Dunois)
An Die Freude (Laura Bodewig)
Super∞Stream (Laura Bodewig)

Are you an anime fan who loves sci-fi? Loves mecha? And loves harem anime storylines?

Well, if that is the case, you will no doubt fall in love with Izuru Yumizuru’s “Infinite Stratos”. An anime series that takes comedy and fan service concept of other harem anime series but balances it with an intriguing sci-fi concept of a female dominated society and only women can pilot the mecha combat suits known as IS.

At first glance, I thought the series was going to be something similar along the lines of a “Gunbuster” type of series as a male pilot tries to prove himself in an all-female atmosphere. But once you see one girl falling for the protagonist, then a second, you pretty much know where this series is going to be headed.

But while harem anime series tend to have its typical banality of all girls love one guy and one guy must watch his step at all times not to make the girls jealous, for “Infinite Stratos”, Yumizuru makes Ichika naive about the girl’s feelings towards him. If anything, she tries to play off his strengths as a dedicated pilot and everything else, in terms of the harem storyline is just all comedy.

Possibly the most intriguing and almost perverted situation involves Ichika Orimura and the supposedly second male pilot Charles Dunois. The viewer can tell this is a young woman trying to disguise himself as a young man, but it’s the slight naive teasing that we see from Ichika that is quite hilarious as he tries to get her to change in front of him (because they are both guys) and of course, when he does find out, he gets himself into situations that make him seem aggressive as he is mistaken as an aggressive pervert.

But this is what makes a harem anime series quite fun to watch and that is the miscommunication that occasionally happens as other girls compete in trying to gain his affections. Of course, there is a mecha/action storyline that also is important. While more important as the series progresses towards the end, the 12-episodes are good enough as it is in terms of character development and concluding the storyline for now. The additional OVA is also fun to watch as we see the ladies compete for Ichika’s attention.

As for the DVD, I was quite surprised about the contents of this release. You get audio commentary and additional Japanese featurettes (subtitled in English) plus the musical soundtrack as well. For anyone who are anime fans know that its very rare these days to find an anime series with this much content. This really is a fantastic release but its important to note that if you want the best video and audio, the Blu-ray release is the version to go for!

“Infinite Stratos” was an entertaining sci-fi, harem anime series. The characters are fun to watch, the storyline was quite hilarious and the animation and art backgrounds are well-produced. And “Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” is a fantastic DVD release because of the content that comes with this entire collection.

Overall, “Infinite Stratos: Complete Collection” is a set that anime fans will definitely want to pick up on Blu-ray or DVD. Highly recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Dream Eater Merry: Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

March 26, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Any anime fan looking for a kick ass, action-packed series will definitely want to check out “Dream Eater Merry: Complete Collection”. This is one addictive series that left me craving for more! Definitely recommended!

DVD TITLE: Dream Eater Merry: Complete Collection

DURATION: Episode 13 (325 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English and Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV PG V

Release Date: March 27, 2012

Originally created by Yoshitaka Ushiki

Directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi

Series Composition: Hideki Shirane

Music by Keiichi Oku

Character Design: Masahiro Fujii

Art Director: Kenji Matsumoto, Yuki Yukie

Anime Production by J.C. Staff

Featuring the following voice talent:

Ayane Sakura/Hilary Haag as Merry Nightmare

Nobuhiko Okamot/Blake Shepard as Yumeji Fujiwara

Ai Kayano/Brittney Karbowski as Isana Tachibana

Aya Endo/Shannon Emerick as Engi Three-Piece

Jouji Nakata/Chris Ayres as John Doe

Kana Ueda/Melissa Davis as Chizuru Kawanami

Keiji Fujiwara/Andrew Love as Tachibana no Oyassan (Old Man Tachibana)

Kenichi Suzumura/Vic Mignona as Ryōta Iijima

Mariya Ise/Shelley Calene-Black as Saki Kirishima

Natsumi Takamori/Emily Neves as Mei Hoshino

Sayuri Yahagi/Monica Rial as Mistilteinn

Shinji Kawada/Rob Mungle as Guricho

Shinnosuke Tachibana/Chris Patton as Takateru Akiyanagi

Takaya Kuroda/Jay Hickman as Lestion (Leon)

Tomoko Akiya/Luci Christian as Yui Kōnagi

Sometimes daydreaming can get you into trouble, but what do you do when it’s other people’s dreams that you have to watch out for? Yumeji Fujiwara has the unique ability to predict what kind of dreams other people will have, but lately, his own dreams have taken a bizarre turn in which he’s being pursued by armies of cats. Stranger yet, Yumeji learns that the leader of the dream cats needs his body to access the Real World.

Finally, the strange becomes downright weird when a beautiful girl suddenly drops on top of him and announces that she’s a Dream Demon looking for a way back to the Dream World! The fabric that separates reality and fantasy is torn to shreds, and Yumeji has a lot of sleepless nights ahead of him as he has to deal with both the dream stalking and a dream walking!

Two people from different worlds join forces in taking down dream demons. But what happens when a few of the most powerful are on Earth, looking to unleash their havoc on innocent students?

This is the premise of “Dream Eater Merry”, a 13-episode action/fantasy TV series based on the popular manga by Ushiki Yoshitaka.

Published in the magazine “Manga Time Kirara Forward” since 2008, the manga series is still ongoing in Japan. The anime series is directed by Shigeyasu Yamauchi (“Crying Freeman”, “Dragon Ball Z” and “Saint Seiya” films, “Xenosaga: The Animation”), series composition by Hideki Sirane (Aria the Scarlet Ammo”, “Girl’s High”, “Phantom ~Requiem for Phantom~”), music by Keiichi Oku (“Ojamajo Doremi”, “Peacemaker”, “Marmalade Boy”), character design by Masahiro Fujii (“Familizer of Zero”, “Zero no Tsukaima”) and art background by Kenji Matsumoto (“Stellvia”, “Taro the Dragon Boy”, “Air”, “Dragon Ball Z”).

“Dream Eater Merry” revolves around two people. The first is Merry Nightmare, a dream demon fro the dreamworld who somehow was able to come out of it and live in Earth’s reality ten years ago. No memory of what happened, Merry has been searching and defeating Dream Demons and sending them back home to the Dreamworld, in hopes that she will return back with them.

The other person is Yumeji Fujiwara, a high school student who has a special ability, by making his fingers form a circle and looking through them, he can see the aura of people and easily predict the dreams they are about to have. But for some reason, Yumeji is having these unusual nightmares of cats trying to capture him.

Meanwhile, Yumeji tries to live a normal life. He hangs out with his childhood friend Isana, a shy girl who wants to become an artist and she absolutely adores Yumeji for helping her home after injuring herself at the playground when the two were young kids. He hangs out with his friends from the writing club, Mei Hoshino (the leader of the writing club), Takateru Akiyanagi (the haiku writer) amd Saki Kirishima (who likes Takateru).

Yumeji’s dreams are starting to become a bit more hostile and we are introduced to leader of the cats named John Doe, who has an interest in Yumeji, for some reason. One day, Merry Nightmare accidentally falls on top of him and loses her hat. As she goes on to look for it, the world of reality suddenly changes to dreamtime and John Doe and his army of cats continue to chase Yumeji and immediately, Merry has entered the dream (to find her hat) and ends up fighting John Doe and saving Yumeji.

Eventually, Yumeji learns from Merry that she is trying to get back home and feels that if she sends these dream demons back, it would give her the chance to go back home to the Dream World but the problem is, she has been on Earth for ten years and finding one is not easy. Yumeji feels he owes Merry for saving his life, so he offers to use his skill of detecting unusual auras including dream demons and promising Merry that he will do all he can to help her get back home.

For now, Yumeji helps Merry by getting her a place to stay and also a part-time job, and while on Earth, Merry gets to learn about humans, human interactions and lifestyle but also emotion.

Meanwhile, for certain individuals that are communicating with dream demons, someone out there is killing their demon partners and erasing the dreams of students and making them live like walking zombies.

So now Yumeji and Merry take on various dream demons, but also come across others who have different agendas and may affect Merry’s goal of going back home to the Dream World.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Dream Eater Merry” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen and English/Japanese 2.0. It’s important to note that if you want the best PQ and AQ possible, you will definitely want to go for the Blu-ray version, which will be released simultaneously on the same day of this DVD.

“Dream Eater Merry” is one of those series that is just beautiful to look at. Featuring artistic art backgrounds that are beautifully painted and variety of colors that showcase warmth and darkness, the characters are well-shaded, while the art backgrounds are well-detailed and just breathtaking to look at.

I was able to test both voice acting during my viewing of the entire series and both voice acting in Japanese and English are very well-done. The Japanese version definitely captures the more emotional side of the series but for the most part, anime fans, whether they prefer Japanese or English, should be satisfied by the overall quality of the voice acting.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Dream Eater Merry: Complete Collection” features the Clean Opening and Closing Animation themes and Sentai Filmworks trailers.

During my viewing of “Dream Eater Merry”, one of the things that went on my head while watching the first episode was if this is going to be another “Kurokami” type series. Two people from different worlds, it’s a banality you often see in anime series.

Fortunately, “Dream Eater Merry” features a captivating, action-packed storyline that has cool characters, cool artwork but most of all, it’s a fun series that unfortunately ends too quickly!

After watching “Dream Eater Merry”, I was hoping for more episodes. This is an awesome anime series and one aspect that I love about it is the possibilities and potential because of the many “dream demons” that exist. And of course, you have weak and strong dream demons, but then you have these few demons who are just on their own level as they are just too powerful and each have their own wicked, dark or crazy style.

And then you have the two protagonists, Merry and Yumeji. The series features many characters but the series manages to weave character development through each episode and every characters ends up being likeable. The problem is, some have big dreams and big dreams are what certain evil dream demons are after. Dreams they can squash and leave people almost like mindless zombies. So, when you see Merry and Yumeji, they don’t look like the powerhouse duo…but considering that Yumeji has had the special ability to see people’s dreams but also enter in a dream (day or night, whenever he wants) is quite intriguing.

Also, the character of Merry doesn’t look all too powerful. She looks like a young teenage girl, but because she has amnesia and she has defied logic by being present in the real world (when dream demons can only be in dreams), needless to say, there is a lot that needs to be explored about her character and her abilities.

But overall, this first series for “Dream Eater Merry” was fantastic! And as mentioned, too short. Even in the final episode right after the big battle, you can tell that this series was one that could have probably needed another 11-13 episodes as there are quite a bit of questions of what will happen to various characters after this first major battle. Needless to say, while the writers did all they can to wrap things up in the final minutes of the final episode, you are just left wanting more of “Dream Eater Merry”.

Considering that the manga series is ongoing, hopefully J.C. Staff is considering a second season. But for now, any anime fan looking for a kick ass, action-packed series will definitely want to check out “Dream Eater Merry: Complete Collection”. This is one addictive series that left me craving for more! Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS!”

March 24, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

HOUSTON, March 24, 2012— Sentai Filmworks proudly continues the company’s commitment to showcasing the newest and most innovating creators and films in the anime field with their latest short film acquisition, THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS! Produced by CoMix Wave, which helped initiate the current revolution in independent anime production with the works of Makoto Shinkai (Voices of A Distant Star, The Place Promised in Our Early Days) that have inspired a whole new wave of animators in Japan, THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS! was written and created by director Soubi Yamamoto, who’s making her long format animation debut after producing animation for video games and cell phones.

When aliens suddenly invade the world, Earth seems to be fighting a losing battle until Arikawa, one of the defense command staff, accidentally discovers a young man lying on a hill. Tests soon prove the impossible: this one teenager, Kakashi, has the power to defeat the attackers! Unfortunately, Kakashi has also lost his memory, and with it the knowledge of how to actually use his power. Moving Kakashi in with himself and his own commander, Shiro, Arikawa accidentally starts a strange triangle of emotions and relationships. A triangle that threatens the fate of the planet as Kakashi begins to question his own motivations! From up and coming director Soubi Yamamoto, and CoMix Wave, who spearheaded Japan’s new wave of independent anime production, comes a film that turns The War of The Worlds inside out: THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS!

THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS will soon be available digitally, with a home video release on DVD & BD scheduled for later this year. Look for it online www.thisboycanfightaliens.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thisboycanfightaliens

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com

Filed Under: Anime Related News

Motto To Love RU – Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

March 19, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

If you enjoyed the first season, “Motto to Love RU” is much more wilder, crazier, perverted than ever. Now featuring three crazy mini-stories per episode, “Motto to Love RU” ups the ante in perverted anime comedy TV series. While not for everyone, if you are wanting something a bit more risque and perverted, this anime series is for you!

DVD TITLE: Motto To Love RU – Complete Collection

DURATION: Episode 12 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Originally created by Kentaro Yabuki, Saki Hasemi

Directed by Atsushi Ootsuki

Series Composition by Yasutomo Yamada

Music by Takeshi Watanabe

Character Design: Yuichi Ouka

Art Director: Yoshimi Umino

Anime Production by Xebec

Featuring the following voice talent:

Akeno Watanabe as Rito Yuki

Haruka tomatsu as Lala Satalin Deviluke

Ayako Kawasumi as Saki Tenjoin

Fuyuka Oura as Ren Elsie Jewelria

Kana Hanazawa as Mikan Yuki

Ryoka Yuzuki as Lisa Momioka

Misato Fukuen as Golden Darkness

Aki Toyosaki as Peke and Momo Belia Deviluke

Sayuri Yahagi as Haruna Sairenji

Takehito Koyasu as Zastin

The insanity that began when a very naked (and very female) alien teleported into Rito Yuki’s bathtub (while he was in it) continues. And even though Princess Lala has finally started to admit her true feelings for the young man she’s inexplicably engaged to marry (as a result of what happened in said bathtub and Develuke customs), her sometimes erratic technology and the snags and snarls of intergalatic politicse and intrigue are still causing major problems.

That transporter? Yeah, it still has the nasty habit of leaving the clothes behind. Alien bounty hunters? Yep, even more of them and they’re even more devious. Add body switches, alien skunks, a bathroom that changes size and shape, the inevitable sleepover that you just know it’s going to go horribly, horribly wrong (spoiler: it does). Worst of all, there’s Valentine’s Day, and even in space you’ll be able to hear Rito scream!

In 2006, the series “To Love Ru” (which in Japanese “Toraburu” can be read as in English “Trouble”) is a manga series by Saki Hasemi (“Moetan”, “Pinky:st”) and Kentaro Yabuki (“Black Cat”, “Yamato Gensouki”) was created and is currently featured in Weekly Shonen Jump. In the spring of 2008, Studio I.G. subsidiary Xebec, Inc. (known for working on “Love Hina” and “Martian Successor Nadesico”) released a 26-episode anime series which was followed by video game releases for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. The anime series has been released in the US courtesy of Sentai Filmworks in 2009-2010 in two DVD volumes.

In 2010, a second season titled “Motto To Love-RU”, a twelve episode series aired in Japan. And now in 2012, the second season will be available on DVD courtesy of Sentai Filmworks.

“Motto To Love RU” is produced by Xebec but features a new creative team. The second season is directed by Atsushi Ootsuki (“Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox”, “Wagnaria!! Season Two”) and features a screenplay by Yasutomo Yamada (“Bakegyamon”, “Boys Be…”, “Potemayo”, “Venus Versus Virus”). Character design is by Yuichi Ouka (“Softenni”, “Over Drive”), art direction by Yoshimi Umino (“DNA2″, “Ben-To”, “.hack” series) and music by Takeshi Watanabe (“Moetan”, “Saki”, “Ichigo Mashimaro”).

The second season also is different from the first. In the original, each episode had a full storyline but now “Motto to Love RU” features episodes with three short stories about seven minutes long.

What is “To Love RU” all about?

“To Love RU” is about a teenager named Rito Yuki. A teenage boy who has always loved his classmate Haruna Sairenji. But somehow due to unusual circumstances, by trying to save a girl named Lala (who happens to be an alien princess) and now Lala believes that Rito is in love with her and because Rito has proposed to her in Deviluke tradition (grabbing the woman’s breast and telling her that he loves her), they are now officially engaged.

Lala has made her residence at Rito’s home and expects Rito to be her husband. But Rito is in love with Sairenji, not Lala…what is a powerless, teenage boy going to do? Rito has been trying to find ways to have the marriage dissolved but finds himself getting deeper and deeper in trouble that even Lala’s father, King Deviluke expects him to marry or else Earth will be destroyed.

Now Rito finds himself caring for both Haruna and Lala but what is this young teenager going to do?

What about “Motto To Love RU”?

The second season is much different than the original series. More adult humor, more perverted and really doesn’t get into anything serious. If anything, the harem storyline and love triangle still exists as Sairenji and Lala both want to be closer to Rito but Rito is not so much of a major factor in this season in terms of having to save Lala. If anything, he is more of the comic character who is typically getting involved in the wrong situation against his will and has his butt kicked by the extra terrestrials. While the emphasis are more on the female characters as they discuss their emotions and each other’s breasts, grabbing each other’s breasts and having fun, it is more evident that this series is targeted for more the lonely otaku who love tons of fan service. And you definitely get it with “Motto To Love Ru”.

Because there are 12 half-hour episodes (3 mini-episodes each episode, thus 26 different episodes in all), here are a few storylines that are featured in “Motto to Love RU”.

Yui and the discipline committee implement a demerit policy to ensure morality in school.
What happens when Mikan’s teacher goes to visit her home to meet her and Rito’s father (a manga creator). Since their family has been gone for a long time, Rito must pretend to be her father. But because he is not good at lying, Lala gives him a drink to calm him down, but instead it makes him drunk.
Yami wonders how it would be to wear Earth fashion, so the girls take her out on a shoppoing spree.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Yui wants to make chocolate for Rio.
What happens when Saki invites Rito and friends to her private beach.
Yami is ill and Rito tries to get her some medical help.
When Rito does poorly on his exam, Yami tries to help him.
Haruna, Sairenji and Oshizu take part in an alien process to make their breasts larger.
What happens when Momo accidentally transports Rito into Peke’s body.
What happens when Celine drinks Cola.
Nana and Momo get angry when she tries to sneak into Rito’s bed.
Which girl will Rito pick at the end?

“Motto To Love RU” features the following main characters:

Rito Yuuki - A teenager who is deeply in love with Haruna Sairenji. Not a popular guy at his high school and quite shy until he meets Lala. After saving Lala and squeezing her breasts, now he is officially engaged to her. Now Rito wants nothing but to get out of this engagement but finds himself caring for both Haruna and Lala.

Lala Satalin Deviluke - The Princess of Deviluke who ran away from home (left her planet) because she did not want to marry any of the men that her father has chosen for her to marry but when she sees Rito fighting and defending her, she falls in love with him and after he grabs her breast, by Deviluke customs, she becomes engaged to him and moves in with him. She is complete oblivious to the fact that Rito cares about Haruna. Lala tends to not know about Earth’s customs and gets herself in trouble when she takes off her clothes off. She also is an inventor but her inventions tend to not work the way she wants at times.

Haruna Sairenji – Rito’s classmate who cares about Rito but keeps her emotions to herself due to Rito’s engagement with Lala. She cares for him and knows that he cares for her. She often wonders if Rito cares for girls like Lala and girls with bigger breasts. Often entangled in Lala’s inventions and she and Rito and gets caught up in unusual, nude circumstances.

Yami/Golden Darkness – An assassin hired by one of Lala’s suitors to kill Rito but is now more of a person who loves to read books and study Earth culture. She is not sure why Rito is nice to her, despite her being his enemy and wanting to hurt him. Often punishing Rito as he thinks he is always trying to look at her panties and see her nude.

Peke – Lala’s robot who can change to a weapon or the clothes that she wears. He tends to be the voice of reason when Lala is confused.

Ryoko Mikado – The school doctor of Sainan High School who also worked for a black market extraterrestrial organization. She uses her medical skills to help the students at the school but also aliens. Likes to wear slinky clothing and sometimes no clothing at all.

Kenichi Saruyama – Rito’s best friend who is a pervert. Never can get a girlfriend but with his friendship to Rito, he’s having a ball with meeting his new female friends. He likes a girl but doesn’t know it was Rito who was changed into a girl due to Lala’s invention.

Yui Kotegawa – An uptight student who doesn’t like things that are unacceptable behavior and thinks Rito and Lala’s behavior towards each other is unacceptable. Dislikes delinquent behavior at her school and is now in charge of writing demerits for those who are mischievous. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in getting groped by other girls. She also wonders if she is falling for Rito.

Risa and Mio – Risa Momioka and Mio Sawada are Haruna’s and Lala’s friends. Risa has a tendency of groping other girls.

Nana Asta Deviuke -Lala’s younger sister and twin sister of Momo (has longer hair and a visible tooth). She somewhat likes Rito but also has a breast complex because hers is so small. Always trying to find ways to make her breasts big.

Momo Velia Deviluke – Lala’s younger sister and twin sister of Nana. Has shorter hair, sweeter and has bigger breasts than her sister and likes to flaunt it around Nana. Collector of plants.

Mikan Yuuki - The younger sister of Rito. She knows he got himself in deep trouble and that he cares for both Haruna and Lala and thus, tries to help him at times.

Saki Tenjouin – The popular girl at school who dislikes Lala because she is suddenly getting all the attention at school. Her friends Rin and Aya are loyal to her and do her dirty work. Lately, Rito has been falling on her lately and landing on her breasts.

Ren/Run Elsie Jewelria – A childhood friend of Lala who changes from male to female when he/she sneezes. As Ren, he wants to marry Lala. As Run, she is secretly in love with Rito. Run is also a extra terrestrial pop star.

Kyouko Kirisaki – A pop star who is also a half-Earthling/Half-Alien and can generate fire. She is the star of “Magical Kyoko”.

Oshizu Murasame – A ghost at the school building who now has a prosthetic body created by Mikado-san that she can possess and attend school with the other girls. She also has feelings for Rito.

Celine – A carnivorous plant given to Rito by Lala for his 16th birthday. She has the appearance of a little girl (with a big flower on her head) and Rito takes her in as part of the family.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Motto To Love RU” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen. For a television series, the series features a lot of colors and artistic backgrounds feature a good amount of backgrounds from school settings, shopping/city settings, Rito’s home, etc. Typically for a TV series from a smaller studio, I don’t expect to see so many backgrounds or an over utilization of artwork but XEBEC did a wonderful job in the animation and Yuichi Oka with the character designs. I don’t know how close his designs are actually to Kentaro Yabuki and Saki Hasemi’s original manga but overall, character design and art backgrounds are well done.

Audio is featured in Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Voice acting by the seiyuu are well done as Akeno Watanabe (Taruru of “Sgt. Frog”, Jo of “Burst Angel”, Chachamaru Kamakuri of “Negima”) does the voice of Rito. Haruka Tomatsu (Mileina of “Gundam 00″, Misao of “Asura Cryin’ 2″) does the voice of Lala and Sayuri Yahagi (Chisato of “Sola”, Hanaka of “Buso Renkin”) as Haruna. Anime is front channel driven but if you have a receiver that allows for stereo on all channels, that was my listening preference.

There is no English dub track in this DVD release of “To Love RU”.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Motto To Love RU – Complete Collection” features the Clean Opening and Closing Animation themes and Sentai Filmworks trailers.

Wilder, more perverted and more fan service than the previous season, “Motto to Love RU” will definitely appeal to those wanting more risque anime with tons of fan service and adult humor!

While watching “Motto to Love RU”, I have to admit that I was in one sense happy that the series was back, since I enjoyed the first season but also a tad bit disappointed that the full stories that were featured in each episode have now been replaced by three mini-episodes. And the episodes were definitely made to be more wilder and perverted.

In the last season, it was basically dealing with the love triangle between Rito, Lala and Sairenji and of course, Rito having to defend his honor and the people he cares about. There was a bit more action in the first season but this time around, Rito is more of the comic-centric character that is always in the wrong place at the wrong time (mainly caught for peeking up a girls skirt or in some situation that happened beyond his control) and getting punished for it. If anything, this season focuses more on perverted comedy and a lot of fan service.

In some ways, it is reminiscent of mangaka Rumiko Takahashi’s “Urusei Yatsura” as a character ends up engaged to an alien. But in this case, Rito is nothing like Ataru (nor is he perverted). But “To Love RU” has its fair share of crazy antics, fan service and yes… nudity. Unlike Lum, Lala doesn’t know how Rito feels inside, even though family and friends know that he’s gotten himself into a mess. Also, similar to another Rumiko Takahashi anime series (Ranma 1/2), the character of Ren/Run able to change genders is quite interesting and makes me wonder if series creator Kentaro Yabuki was paying homage to Takahashi’s works.

But this second season definitely amps up the hijinks, the craziness, fan service and the perverted humor of the series. And for those who enjoy this type of anime, “Motto to Love RU” is for you! Do you need to watch the original anime series to understand this second. Yes and no. The first does explain why the aliens are living with Rito and of course, you get their introductions. But the second series is created as mini-episodes with hijinks and fan-service that one can understand what is going on.

It’s only the final episode where you actually get something somewhat deep as the question of which girl Rito will pick comes to play. But needless to say, I’m sure that the hijinks of these characters will continue, in the manga series or with more seasons of anime episodes.

As for the DVD release, I wished there were more special features than the clean opening and closing themes and I’m sure there are fans who wish there was an English dub included. The Japanese voice acting is still enjoyable and well-performed.

While the DVD is rated TV 14, it’s important to note that there is nudity and a lot of sexual humor and images, so this is not an anime series you want younger people to be watching.

Overall, “Motto To Love RU” is a hilarious anime series that was fun for me as I enjoyed the first season, but also a step back as it was not full-story episodes but an episode of three short, wild and crazy stories..

If you are looking for a series with adult, perverted humor and a lot of fan service, “Motto To Love RU” is the anime series you definitely want to watch! Recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

March 17, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

A captivating and emotional storyline, “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” an anime series that captures love, heartbreak and growth in a relationship. Definitely recommended!

TITLE: ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection

ANIME RELEASE: 2008

DURATION: 12 Episodes (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English and Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV MA S

RELEASED: January 31, 2012

Directed by Shin Oonuma

Series Composition by Katsuhiko Takayama

Music by Eiichiro Yanagi, Tenmon

Original Character Design: 2C=Galore, Naru Nanao

Character Design by Nobuhiro Sugiyama

Art Director: Kohji Azuma, Toshiro Kohama

Chief Animation Director: Nobuhiro Sugiyama

Anime Production: SHAFT

Featuring the following voice talent:

Kenji Hamada/Illich Guardiola as Shūichi Kuze

Kouichi Toochika/David Matranga as Yū Himura

Mai Goto/Hilary Haag as Mizuki Hayama

Shizuka Itou as Nagi Hirono

Tohru Furusawa as Akira Amamiya

Yumiko Nakajima/Carli Mosier as Yūko Amamiya

Motoki Takagi/Clint Bickham as Renji Asō

Natsumi Yanase/Monica Rial as Chihiro Shindō

Sayaka Aoki/Tiffany Grant as Sumire Asō

One Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono helps Miyako, the victim of a purse snatching, and discovers that she goes to the same school he does. To the dismay of his childhood friend, Kei, Hiro starts hanging out with Miyako. But Kei isn’t about to let a new girl in Hiro’s life take him away from her, and sets out to prove that she’s the only one for him.

When Renji Asou meets Chihiro Shindou at an abandoned train station, he doesn’t notice anything unusual at first. But he soon discovers that she suffers from a rare form of amnesia and can only remember things for thirteen hours. Chihiro dreams of writing a novel, but her amnesia has made it an impossible task. Renji is determined to help her fulfill her dream.

A story about growing up. A story about making tough decisions. A story about love. “ef – a tale of memories-” is a story about moving forward with no regrets.

The “Ef: A Fairy Tale of the Two.” series was one of the popular adult visual novels from software company Minori. Originally released on PC and DVD in 2006 and followed by a sequel “Ef: The Latter Tale” in 2008, the series was was actually born from a manga serialized in “Dengeki Comic Gao” in 2005.

The popularity of the video game and manga series would lead to a light novel serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s “Comptiq” in 2006 and in 2007, a 12-episode anime series known as “Ef: A Tale of Memories”. This is inspired a second season in 2008 titled “Ef: A Tale of Melodies”.

In 2012, both series were released by Sentai Filmworks in the United States.

“ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” is a story directed by Shin Onuma and focuses on two stories.

The first involves Renji Aso, a young man who meets Chihiro Shindo at an abandoned train station. Each time Renji visits the train station, he ends up seeing Chihiro there and the two become good friends.

Unfortunately, when Chihiro was younger, she was joining her twin sister Kei and their friend Hiro Hirono but was hit by car.

She lost an eye (thus she wears an eyepatch) and she is suffering from anterograde amnesia, a condition in which she cannot remember anything past 13 hours previous, aside from events that have taken before the accident which she can recall perfectly.

But despite her condition, Renji begins to fall in love with Chihiro. But her big brother Yu Himura does not want Renji to hurt Chihiro, mainly because she can’t remember a thing about him, only but what she writes to herself on her diary to her future self to constantly remind of what took place prior.

But Renji understands how difficult this will be and continues to want to get close to her, so he tries to help her with her dream of becoming a writer. At first, Chihiro doesn’t feel she can because of her condition but Renji is dedicated in helping her out.

But the more he spends time with her and knowing that each day she will forget him, can he continue to live with that pain daily?

The second story revolves around a love triangle involving Hiro Hirono, Kei Shindo (Chihiro’s twin sister) and Miyako Miyamura.

Hiro is a young manga artist and his parents are unaware of his secret life of working for a major manga company. And because his life is so busy, he is often ditching school, which causes concern for Kei Shindo, his childhood friend.

Kei has taken care of Hiro and she also has loved him for the longest time…but she had never announced her feelings to him.

One day while Hiro was leaving to attend Kei’s Christmas party, a teenage girl takes his bike to pursue a robber that had stolen her purse. But Miyako gets into an accident when she crashes and Hiro ends up having to take care of her. This leads to a new relationship as Miyako becomes interested in Hiro.

But when Kei finds out that Miyako is also pursuing Hiro, this leads to Kei telling Miyako that she will do everything she can to make sure Miyako disappears from his life.

For Kei, having grown up and always love Hiro, she can’t have anyone declaring their love to him before she does. And as for Miyako, having come from a dysfunctional family where no one talked and her parents literally forgotten her, she can’t bare the thought of Hiro forgetting her.

Which girl will Hiro pick?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen and in English and Japanese 2.0. It’s important to note that this series will be coming out also on Blu-ray, so if you want the best picture and audio quality, definitely go for the HD version on Blu-ray.

First, let’s get into the discussion of this anime series. I have to commend SHAFT for really going all out in creating an artistic anime series with vibrant to dark imagery. The series has wonderful visual presentation, lighting shading effects and the artists had done a wonderful job in creating this world and how they take on various situations, no matter how deep and dark, they continued to make thing look artistic and even surreal at times. This type of presentation is not typically seen in an anime TV series, so I was pretty pleased with the results.

As for audio, audio is presented in stereo. I did listen to both soundtracks thoroughly and both are well-done.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” comes with the clean opening and closing animation.

When it comes to romantic anime films, love triangles and such… “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” is a wonderful and short anime series that will surely entertain those wanting a deep, romance drama series.

I have had the chance to watch “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” and its sequel “ef -a tale of melodies-”. Both are related as the first season focuses on Renji and Hiro’s storyline, the second focuses on Yu and Kuze’s storyline, but the second has more of a sci-fi element and artistic and creative drive and also answers the question of who is Yuko (the character that tends to talk to the characters of the first series when they are down).

It’s also important to know that the first is focused much more on the building and yearning for romance and doesn’t go into the natural disaster which leads to the creation of two exact towns which is prevalent in the second series.

“ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” features a storyline that is reminiscent of Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates”. Everyday, it’s a new day for the character of Chihiro but unlike the romantic comedy, she awakens to find herself older, wearing an eye patch and having no memories of her life. Her only way to keep living day-by-day is for herself to write in a diary and remind her new self the day after of what had happened. A document of what took place that day and her experience despite each day, no one having any memory of it.

No doubt that this storyline is somewhat depressing. We know that Renji cares for her, we know that she cares for him. But each day of forgotten memories, the pain of having to start over can take its toll. And her guardian Yu Himura wants to know if he can continue this relationship with her, otherwise…end it, if he can’t and spare himself the pain.

So, we get to learn how these two characters grown with each other and if they can have a future if possible or impossible.

The second storyline is the love triangle. Two women like one guy, which one would he pick. This works well for the video game as the character can decide which girl he can go after, but for the anime series, it’s a rather tough situation put on the character of Hiro because he is pursuing his dream of working in the manga industry and despite being in high school, no one knows how much work is expected from him. He doesn’t live the high school life that others have.

But he loves spending time with both Kei and Miyako but this love triangle is heading for a collision and only one will be selected. Who will Hiro choose?

The first season is much easier to follow compared to “a tale of melodies”. For one, there are no sci-fi elements and the sequel tends to go back and forth from past and present and it does get a bit confusing. So, storywise “ef – a tale of memories-” is much easier to follow and it’s a straightforward, easily accessible series. But I will say the second season has an artistic touch to it which I enjoyed as well. But both series are recommended. They both can be watched separately but there is a significant tie in as characters of both series make appearances on “memories” and “melodies”, especially the connection to the character Yuko.

“ef -a tale of memories-” is an anime series that about love and relationships but also growth from these relationships. The second season is similar but deals more of how the past can affect the present.

Overall, “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” is a captivating anime series with characters that you feel compassionate for. It is a slice-of-life type of anime series that I’m certain that people can relate to. It’s also accessible and entertaining and is not drawn out for the sake of having more episodes. Animation looks absolutely wonderful and the voice acting for both the Japanese and English are well-done.

If you are an anime fan and are looking for a romantic, deep and emotional story on Blu-ray or DVD, “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection” is recommended. And after watching this series, I recommend also checking out the the second series, “ef -a tale of memories-: Complete Collection”.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

March 10, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection” is one of those anime series that requires one’s viewing from beginning to end. It is slow-paced but fortunately it’s only 12-episodes long and by the time you reach the second half of the series, you begin to realize how entertaining and captivating this series truly is. Recommended!

TITLE: ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection

ANIME RELEASE: 2008

DURATION: 12 Episodes (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English and Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV MA S

RELEASED: March 20, 2012

Directed by Shin Oonuma

Series Composition by Katsuhiko Takayama

Music by Eiichiro Yanagi, Tenmon

Original Character Design: 2C=Galore, Naru Nanao

Character Design by Nobuhiro Sugiyama

Art Director: Kohji Azuma, Toshiro Kohama

Chief Animation Director: Nobuhiro Sugiyama

Anime Production: SHAFT

Featuring the following voice talent:

Kenji Hamada/Illich Guardiola as Shūichi Kuze

Kouichi Toochika/David Matranga as Yū Himura

Mai Goto/Hilary Haag as Mizuki Hayama

Shizuka Itou as Nagi Hirono

Tohru Furusawa as Akira Amamiya

Yumiko Nakajima/Carli Mosier as Yūko Amamiya

Motoki Takagi/Clint Bickham as Renji Asō

Natsumi Yanase/Monica Rial as Chihiro Shindō

Sayaka Aoki/Tiffany Grant as Sumire Asō

Shuichi Kuze’s been spending time with Mizuki Hayama, and as they’ve been getting to know each other, they’ve been growing closer. Sadly, Kuze discovers that he’s contracted a fatal illness and decides to break all romantic ties for the little time left to him. Before he can break things off, however, Mizuki tells him that she loves him. Will her declaration change Kuze’s mind?

In another city, in the not-so-distant past, Yuu Himura meets a girl who seems to know him, but he doesn’t know her. Soon enough, he remembers Yuko Amamiya, a girl he met long ago, and begins to rediscover the depth of their feelings for each other. Will Yuko’s love reach across time to find her true love once and for all? Kuze and Mizuki, Yu and Yuko… Intertwining fate, tragic, bittersweet and beautiful.

In 2012, both series were released by Sentai Filmworks in the United States.

“ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection”, the second season somewhat requires one to watch the first in order to know the background of some of the characters. It’s a surreal storyline that requires one to focus on the story because of the various timelines. Because of its storyline, it’s a mix of a prequel, sequel and a standalone series.

The series begins with an explanation by a narrator that there are two towns named Otowa. The real one was rebuilt from the charred remains of a natural disaster and the second one, a darker one casting its shadow on a tranquil land. Consumed by a tragic past founded by its misfortune, a real town shrouded by lies. The narrator then says the real him lives in the false town.

The film begins with a teenager named Yu Himura being asked by a dark haired girl if he remembers her. He doesn’t and she replies back by telling him that she hates him.

Through the course of the episodes, we learn that Yu Himura is a talented artist, but after the death of his sister, it changed his life forever and he never pursued art again, despite being fantastic at it. As the art teacher tries to cajole him into joining, especially classmate and artist Nagi Hirono (who is trying to paint herself nude and also cares for Yu) who wants him to get back in showing his passion for art.

Meanwhile, Yu hangs out with his good friend Shuichi Kuze, a teenager with over 20 girlfriends. A popular vioinist, Kuze and Yu always discuss life in general.

As time goes on, we start to see more about Yu’s past and also his memory of the mysterious long black-haired girl named Yuuko Amamiya. Yuuko and Yu both grew up in an orphanage and she kept calling him brother, which he hated (because he wanted no one to replace his deceased sister, who died during a major earthquake). One day, Yuuko was taken in by relatives but the reason why she hates Yuu is because he could have prevented her from being taken from the orphanage.

But there is more to the story. What happened to Yuuko when she moved away from the orphanage and why is she constantly being bullied at school?

We are then introduced to another storyline which is set in a duplicate town of Otowa in Australia. In this town, Chihiro Shindo lives with Yu Himura and Renji Aso. Chihiro’s sister Kei lives in the original Otawa with Hiro and Miyako in Japan and Kei’s friend Mizuki Hayama has come to visit.

We learn that Mizuki is also Renji’s cousin and that she has fallen in love with Kuze because of his music.

And between both Mizuki and Kuze, the more time they spend with each other, they realize they are falling for one another. But Kuze has an incurable heart disease and feels he must break any contact with Mizuki and the best way is to end his music career by destroying his violin. But Mizuki is committed to Kuze and will do whatever she can to be close to him, despite many people in town telling her to stay away from him and to not trust him.

“ef -a tale of melodies” is a story about love, hate, forgiveness, hope and relationships.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen and in English and Japanese 2.0. It’s important to note that this series will be coming out also on Blu-ray, so if you want the best picture and audio quality, definitely go for the HD version on Blu-ray.

As for audio, audio is presented in stereo. I did listen to both soundtracks thoroughly and both are well-done, although I do wish they found a child voice actor for Yu’s voice during his flashback adolescent scenes. Other than that, voice acting for both Japanese and English dub are well-done.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection” comes with no special features.

“ef -a tale of melodies-” is one of those anime series that provides a fine balance between art, creativity, science fiction and drama.

While not a cerebral series, it is a series that does play with flashbacks and present-time situations off and on, to the point that one can easily be confused. In fact, while watching this anime series, I often thought if writer Katsuhiko Takayama was influenced by the American drama series “LOST”. Two worlds, flashbacks and present-time situation, ghosts…

Fortunately, by the second half of the series, the storyline is much more defined and we know more or less what is going on with these characters.

“ef -a tale of melodies-” is an anime series that about love and relationships. How things from the past can affect a person later in the future.

Yu Himura was a young man who was devastated by his young sister’s death during the earthquake disaster but something to him as we see him in the future being a stoic, non-emotional guy. Something bad must have happened to him? The storyline of Himura’s focus on his relationship with Yuuko and as a viewer, you think of the typical banality of relationships found in anime series. Not this case. There is darkness in the life of Yuuko and Yu may be to blame.

As for Kuze, in the past he is a man with many girlfriends, in the future, he’s not the same guy. Constantly alone, knowing that his heart will probably give out and his life will end, can a man such as him ever find happiness? Which leads us to Mizuki and Mizuki is a key connection to Yu’s past as well.

“ef -a tale of melodies-” is a surreal anime series that requires one’s ability to focus on the story. While it does help to watch the first season to understand the characters, later on, you realize that these stories are self-contained and can be enjoyed on its own. In fact, I do recommend watching “ef -a tale of memories” in order for people to know who Renji, Hiro and others are. But for those who watched the first season, the second season will explain the connection of the character Yuko.

SHAFT’s animation is beautiful and artistic. I love the painted backgrounds and its use of CG but also trying to do something different and go outside of the box of the usual TV anime series. So, I do credit SHAFT for its creativity on this series.

“ef -a tale of melodies-” turned out to be a pretty enjoyable series, albeit a tragic one that one may need to have the tissue box nearby as some may no doubt be crying at the end of the series. But this is a wonderfully animated, refreshing anime series that doesn’t resemble any other and although it got a little confusing at the beginning, as I continued to watch, I became captivated by this series and enjoyed it overall.

While the DVD doesn’t contain any special features, for fans of “ef” the video game or one wanting a dramatic series based on relationships but has a good balance of humor and sci-fi, will definitely want to check this series out. And because it looks so good, if you are considering getting a Blu-ray player, this is a series that I definitely recommend watching on Blu-ray.

Overall, “ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection” is one of those anime series that requires one’s viewing from beginning to end. It is slow-paced but fortunately it’s only 12-episodes long and by the time you reach the second half of the series, you begin to realize how entertaining and captivating this series truly is.

“ef -a tale of melodies-: Complete Collection” is recommended.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Grave of the Fireflies (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

February 27, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Studio Ghibli’s “Grave of the Fireflies” is the most profound anime film that I have ever watched in my life. A heartbreaking war tale based on the childhood experience of novelist Nosaka Akiyuki, “Grave of the Fireflies” is one of the best war films of all time and definitely a film that must be experienced! Highly recommended!

TITLE: Grave of the Fireflies

ANIME RELEASE: 1988

DURATION: 89 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English and Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATED: TV PG

RELEASED: March 6, 2012

Based on the novel by Akiyuki Nosaka

Written and Directed by Isao Takahata

Produced by Toru Hara

Executive Produced by Ryoichi Sato

Music by Michio Mamiya

Cinematography by Nobuo Koyama

Edited by Takeshi Seyama

Production Design by Ryoichi Sato

Art Direction by Nizou Yamamoto

Anime Production by Studio Ghibli

Featuring the following voice talent:

Tsutomu Tatsumi/J. Robert Spencer as Seita

Ayano Shiraishi/Rhoda Chrosite as Setsuko

Yoshiko Shinohara/Veronica Taylor as Mother

Akemi Yamaguchi/Amy Jones as Aunt

When their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo near the end of World War II, teenage Seita and his little sister Setsuko are left on their own: their father is away, serving in the Imperial Navy. The two children initially stay with an aunt, but she has little affection for them and resents the time and money they require. The two children set up housekeeping in a cave by a stream, but their meager resources are quickly exhausted, and Seita is reduced to stealing to feed his sister.

There are films that stay with you and you can remember how devastated or how heartbroken you were after you watched it.

In my 18-years of reviewing anime, “Grave of the Fireflies” is one of the few few films that I have reviewed a few times in which no matter how many times I have viewed it, I am left with tears streaming down my face and left emotionally devastated.

“Hotaru no Haka” (Grave of the Fireflies) is a anime adaptation by director Iaso Takahata (co-founder of Studio Ghibli) and is based on a semi-autobiographic novel by Nosaka Akiyuki, which the story is based on his childhood experience during World War II.

The film has received primarily fantastic reviews and while we have seen various video releases of “Grave of the Fireflies” and a previous collector’s edition on DVD nearly a decade ago, the 2012 Sentai Filmworks DVD release of “Grave of the Fireflies” features a new digitally remastered and restored version of the film. For now, this is a DVD release but hopefully in the near future, Sentai Filmworks will release it on Blu-ray.

“Grave of the Fireflies” is a film that revolves around a 14-year-old teenage boy named Seita and his 4-year-old, younger sister Setsuko.

The film begins with an image of Seita, who is one of the few who lay near the train station with nowhere to go, nothing to eat, no assistance, just sitting their to die. Seita dies and as the janitors checks on him, found next to him is a metal candy container with ashes and bones inside.

As the janitor throws the candy container out into the field, we see the spirits of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko reuniting together as fireflies fly around the field.

The spirit of Seita then shows us a flashback of his life in Japan, the story is set in World War II and Seita’s father is serving in the Japanese navy, while his mother (who has a bad heart condition) raises both he and his sister. The sound of the air raid alarm engulfs the town and Seita encourages his mother to get to safety at a bomb shelter, while he gets a few supplies ready and also prepare his sister for the walk to the shelter.

But dozens of American B-29 bombers fly overhead and drops hundreds of bombs all over Kobe, Japan.

As Seita and Setsuko see destruction and death all over the place, they try to look for their mother. As a family friend watches over Setsuko, Seita goes to check on his mother and finds out that she was among the many who were badly injured. And with doctors and hospitals too full with injured and dead people, unfortunately, without major treatment, Seita’s mother is dead.

With a father that is fighting in the war, Seita and Setsuko have no choice but to stay with their aunt. And because food is hard to come by due to the bombings, the only way people can get food is by selling their belongings to farmers or anyone that can give them money. So, among the first things sold are Seita’s mother’s kimonos to help buy rice.

But the longer they stay with their aunt, it becomes an inconvenience to both. His aunt feels that Seita is not pulling his own weight and is lazy. She feels that most young men are dedicating their life to the emperor and their country and he is doing nothing. But for Seita, he is busy taking care of his younger sister (who is having a difficult time adjusting without her mother).

And his aunt becomes even more strict towards them by not offering them any good food but rice porridge, as the good food only is saved for those who are dedicating their lives to their country.

Eventually, living with his aunt becomes too much of an inconvenience that he makes the decision to raise his sister on his own and live outdoors.

And as Keita and Setsuko live on their own and trying to find ways to eat and live outdoors, can the two survive living on their own?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Grave of the Fireflies” is presented in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen and in English and Japanese 2.0.

With the 2012 DVD release, the film has received a digital remaster and restoration and for those who enjoyed this film, it’s fantastic that the film has been re-released and received restoration but at the same time, it makes you wonder why there is only a DVD release and not a Blu-ray release. As the film definitely deserves an HD release, I hope that Sentai Filmworks considers this title for a Blu-ray release in the near future.

With that being said, for those who have heard about this film and definitely want to experience one of the most profound war films ever made, the animation by Studio Ghibli is fantastic. The picture quality looks very good and I didn’t see any film damage or any major problems. Granted, it’s DVD but once again, the picture quality does show a bit more vibrance and sharpness and is deserving of a true HD release.

As for audio, you get a 2.0 soundtrack. Front-channel driven and dialogue for the most part is clear. The original Japanese voice acting is terrific, but this time around, I wanted to hear the English dub and voice acting is very good on the English dub end. So, whether you prefer Japanese or English, both soundtracks are well-done!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Grave of the Fireflies” comes with no special features.

Sure, if you are a cinema fan, there are war films that do a magnificent job of capturing the emotion and toll on humanity, may they be the Italian neorealist films of the past to various documentaries on genocide, but I have always considered “Grave of the Fireflies” as one of the greatest war films ever made.

Sure, the film is animated but by no means, should anyone discount this film as anything less. And the fact that you have the name of Studio Ghibli behind this wonderful film, you know that you are getting a quality animated film with a well-written and also deep storyline.

I remember watching this film for the very first time, I watched it along with my girlfriend and brother and neither of us knew what to expect. And by the end of the film, the three of us were in tears, emotionally devastated.

Years later, I came across a wall scroll with the picture of the character Setsuko and to this day, over 15-years later, the scroll is hung up on my bathroom as a reminder that life is precious, enjoy life but also not to help those in need.

But the more I learned about the film overtime, I often thought about the original writer Nosaka Akiyuki. The film is based on Nosaka’s experience of the bombings and how it took his family but the novel was a form of therapy for the writer as he had blamed himself for many years for the death of his younger sister who died of malnutrition.

And watching this film, although director Isao Takahata has said many times that this was not an anti-war film but a film about a brother and sister trying to survive after being isolated from society, having watched this film several times in the last two decades and even now, I still feel that the efficacy of “Grave of the Fireflies” lies in its message of the brutality of war but also how society reacted to those in need.

The brutality of war is logical, but in the story of these two characters trying to survive after the war, it was heartbreaking to see that those who survived the war and still had homes, there were a few who were not as sympathetic to these individuals who lost everything. Even for a young teenage boy such as Keita and his young 4-year-old sister, there was a barely anyone wanting to help these children.

As a viewer, you were drawn to these children as we see the innocent brother and sister and eventually see the transition of two enthusiastic children full of life, including a slightly plump Setsuko but later to see them losing that enthusiasm and the site of a thin and near skeletal young 4-year-old is a devastating image. You see the doctor telling Keita that she needs food, and he yells back “where do you expect me to get food?”… It’s heartbreaking because it’s a different experience for those of us in the West who expect some sort of government assistance. Who is there to help the children? No one?

And at the time, when I first watched this film, I found it heartbreaking that no one would step-in to help these children, may it be the doctor, the adults or anyone who knew of the children’s plight, including the farmers. I couldn’t fathom it. But to contrast this film was Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Nobody Knows”, another film based on a true story but this time, children in Japan via the 1990′s and the result is similar for both films. Boys having to play parent and raise their sibling(s), taking on that responsibility. And while part of us hopes they can do it, we know deep inside that these young individuals thrust into that world of having to harden themselves and bear the responsibility of an acting parent is going to end in failure. There is no money, there is no work to make money and without money, there is no food, no medicine…nothing.

But the overall efficacy of “Grave of the Fireflies” is its pacing but how it gives the viewers that time to see the tragedy unfold, but then seeing a child of innocence, wide-eyed, smiles and then its lasting image of a goodbye to the character which resonates in our mind of how war is so brutal and hoping for those who experience the film, to do something positive with that emotional being of helping those in need. Not just in wartime but knowing that there are many people out there, who are in need.

As for the DVD release, the 2012 edition of “Grave of the Fireflies” is a welcomed release as the other 2-disc version is out-of-print. While the older release does have really awesome special features, this new version is digitally remastered and restored. With that being said, previous owners should not give up the original DVD release because of those special features, as the Sentai Filmworks version does not come with any.

Also, I was hoping that with the film being digitally remastered and restored, that would mean a simultaneous Blu-ray release. Unfortunately, it’s only DVD for now, but seeing how Sentai Filmworks have been good in returning to titles that were once released in DVD and re-releasing them on Blu-ray, I hope they consider doing this in the near future.

Overall, “Grave of the Fireflies” is a profound film that still makes me cry no matter how many times I see it, and resonates strongly with me because of its heartbreaking storyline. It’s definitely one of the best war films out there and should be experienced! If you have never watched this film before, I highly recommend that you do.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “KURENAI”

February 23, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

HOUSTON, February 23, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the licensing of KURENAI, the 12 episode series that pits a seven-year-old heiress and her teenage bodyguard against her own family. Based on the light novels by Kentaro Katayama with illustrations by Yamoto Yamamoto, the series features direction and script supervision by Kou Matsuo (Rozen Maiden, Yozakura Quartet) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (Rozen Maiden, Oreimo).

He’s only a teenager, but Kurenai Shinkurou is already both a master of an arcane martial art and an experienced professional mediator with a long track record of resolving disputes. Not bad for someone who’s just sixteen and still in school, but everyone has their limits and Kurenai may have met his when his boss and role model, Benika, responds to his request for a more challenging assignment by giving him the task of protecting young Murasaki Kuhoin. Never mind that she’s only seven, the fact that the people Kurenai’s supposed to protect her from are her own very rich and extremely powerful family is guaranteed to take this job into the danger zone. Now the heat is on and Kurenai’s scrambling to put out as many fires as he can, even as the secrets surrounding his young charge bring everything else to a flashpoint in KURENAI!

KURENAI will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.

Filed Under: Anime Related News

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “K-ON! Season 2″

February 20, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

HOUSTON, February 20, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is delighted to announce the licensing of K-ON! Season 2, the continuing exploits of the Light Music Club of Sakuragaoka Girl’s High. The creative staff from K-ON! returns for another 26 episodes plus an OVA of a rocking good time, featuring character designs by Yukiko Horiguchi (Lucky Star) and music by Hajime Hyakkoku (Ichigo 100%). On top of their proven performance, Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an electric dub by Bang Zoom! Entertainment.

For two full years, Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Tsumugi have worked together to keep Sakuragaoka Girl’s High School’s struggling Light Music Club alive, and along the way they’ve begun to build a reputation as real rock musicians, especially since the previous year’s addition of underclassman rhythm guitarist Azusa!! But as a new school year begins, there are new and scary challenges ahead. With four fifths of the club graduating at the end of the year, replacement members have to be recruited. There are college exams to prepare for. There are colleges to choose. And there are friends to prepare to say goodbye to. But no matter what happens, they’ll have their faculty adviser and secret former Death Metal guitar/vocalist Sawako Yamada there to help them in her own unusual way, especially since she’s now their homeroom teacher as well!! And most of all, they’ll have each other. Because the group of amateur musicians who barely knew each other has become much more than just a band, and by the time this school year is over, they’re going to achieve something so amazing it requires multiple exclamation marks!! Get ready to be blown away as the girls from K-ON! rock on!!

K-ON! Season 2 will be available on DVD & BD later this year.

Filed Under: Anime Related News

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS”

February 16, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

HOUSTON, February16, 2012— Sentai Filmworks cordially invites you to enter a world where magic lives and sorcerers duel for the right to survive in FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS. TV series director Yuji Yamaguchi (Strawberry Eggs) returns to helm this theatrical endeavor with screenplay by Takuya Sato (Inu X Boku SS). Original character designs are by Takashi Takeuchi (Canaan, Garden of Sinners) and music is by veteran Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell, Eden of the East). Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an English dub produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment.

Having spent the last ten years of his life studying under a mysterious sorcerer, Shiro Emiya has become a Magi, a sorcerer who has summoned a “Servant,” a mystical female warrior of incredible power named Saber, to stand together in the ultimate test of sorcery and magic: the Holy Grail War. But Shiro’s own feelings for Saber may conflict with their goal. For to win the contest means to take the risk of losing everything, even as he also begins to empathize with members of the rival battleteams. For while seven teams will enter the battle, only one will leave, and the winners will receive the prize of the Grail itself and their greatest wish granted. Will that wish be worth the price Shiro must ultimately pay? The battle is on in FATE/STAY NIGHT – UNLILMITED BLADEWORKS!

FATE/STAY NIGHT: UNLIMITED BLADEWORKS will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on DVD & BD scheduled for later this year.

Filed Under: Anime Related News

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