Escaflowne: Anime Legends Complete Collection (2000)

Product Details

• Actors: Shinichirô Miki, Jôji Nakata, Maaya Sakamoto, Tomokazu Seki, Mayumi Iizuka
• Directors: Kazuki Akane, Yoshiyuki Takei
• Writers: Kazuki Sekine, Ryota Yamaguchi
• Producers: Jerry Chu, Ken Iyadomi, Kumi Kiyonari, Masahiko Minami
• Format: Animated, Box set, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English, Japanese
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 8
• Rating:
• Studio: Bandai
• DVD Release Date: April 11, 2006
• Run Time: 653 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although it didn’t fare well on Fox Kids, Escaflowne has a large, loyal following, perhaps because this sprawling fantasy offers the ingredients of classic mecha, sword-and-sorcery and magical girl adventures. After psychic teen-ager Hitomi has a vision of a man battling a dragon, Prince Van of Fanelia and a dragon materialize. He slays the monster and transports Hitomi to the mysterious world of Gaea. An odd mixture of advanced technology and medieval culture, Gaea has links to ancient Atlantis. A typical romantic triangle develops, involving Hitomi, diamond-in-the-rough Van and ideal knight Allen Schezar. The saga attains a Byzantine complexity when the trio is captured by Zaibach Emperor Dornkirk--who is actually Sir Isaac Newton. He's at work on a machine that will enable him to create alternate destinies for Gaea. At times, the story by Hajime Yatate and Shoji Kawamori seems to be careening out of control, as Hitomi whines and the supporting characters appear, disappear and undergo radical personality changes. The most serious flaw is the failure of any of the heroes to defeat the evil Dornkirk, who has dispatched murderous doppelgangers, conducted sadistic experiments on kidnapped children and attempted to subjugate an entire planet. But the combination ofteen-age romance, fantastic robot-suits ("guymelefs"), elaborate battles, hystroinic villains and a world-threatening challenge has made Escaflowne a favorite among otaku. The feature, released theatrically in the US in 2002, repeated much of the story. Rated 13 and up for animated violence. --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Hitomi Kanzaki is a typical high school girl, with typical high school problems. But when a vision of a young man battling a dragon becomes a reality, her life changes forever. Drawn into a strange vortex with the swordsman, Van, Hitomi is thrust into the strange world of Gaea. Entangled in a struggle over life and death, Van must learn to master the suit of armor, Escaflowne. Chased by the Empire of Azibach, Van and Hitomi will encounter both allies and enemies in an effort to unlock the secrets within Escaflowne. Hitomi's heart is stirred by love and adventure, but at times aches with sorrow. The entire 26 episode epic series in one package. Genre: Action/Romance/Fantasy

Spirited Away (2001)

Product Details

• Directors: Hayao Miyazaki
• Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English, French, Japanese
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rating:
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003
• Run Time: 125 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The highest grossing film in Japanese box-office history (more than $234 million), Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (Sen To Chihiro Kamikakushi) is a dazzling film that reasserts the power of drawn animation to create fantasy worlds. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Lewis Carroll's Alice, Chihiro (voice by Daveigh Chase--Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch) plunges into an alternate reality. On the way to their new home, the petulant adolescent and her parents find what they think is a deserted amusement park. Her parents stuff themselves until they turn into pigs, and Chihiro discovers they're trapped in a resort for traditional Japanese gods and spirits. An oddly familiar boy named Haku (Jason Marsden) instructs Chihiro to request a job from Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette), the greedy witch who rules the spa. As she works, Chihiro's untapped qualities keep her from being corrupted by the greed that pervades Yubaba's mini-empire. In a series of fantastic adventures, she purges a river god suffering from human pollution, rescues the mysterious No-Face, and befriends Yubaba's kindly twin, Zeniba (Pleshette again). The resolve, bravery, and love Chihiro discovers within herself enable her to aid Haku and save her parents. The result is a moving and magical journey, told with consummate skill by one of the masters of contemporary animation. MPAA Rated: PG ("Some scary moments") --Charles Solomon

Product Description
From one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema comes the most acclaimed film of 2002. Hayao Miyazaki's latest triumph, filled with astonishing animation and epic adventure, is a dazzling masterpiece for the ages. It's a "wonderfully welcoming work of art that's as funny and entertaining as it is brilliant, beautiful, and deep" (Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal). SPIRITED AWAY is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world. An unforgettable story brimming with creativity, SPIRITED AWAY will take you on a journey beyond your imagination. "To enter the world of Hayao Miyazaki is to experience a kind of lighthearted enchantment that is unique to the world of animation" (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). It's a fantastic tale the whole family will want to experience over and over again.

Perverted Thomas

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When Thomas is in Control they never say No. Passed down from generation to generation was this ancient chinese secret. One

Product Details

• Actors: Perverted Thomas
• Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Language: Japanese, English
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Adult Source Media
• DVD Release Date: June 12, 2007
• Run Time: 30 minutes

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1985)

Editorial Reviews

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Hayao Miyazaki gained widespread attention in Japan for his complex ecological manga series, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982), which he adapted for the screen two years later. One thousand years after a war devastated much of the Earth, humanity clings to existence at the fringes of a vast, polluted forest inhabited by monstrous insects. Only Nausicaä, the princess of the tiny realm of the Valley of the Wind, grasps the environmental significance of the forest. She sees beyond petty wars and national rivalries to the only viable future for the planet. In Nausicaä, Miyazaki began to explore elements he would develop more fully in his later films: daring, compassionate heroines; exciting flying sequences; colorful side characters; strong interpersonal relationships; and a call for an ecologically sustainable way of life. Nausicaä prefigures Sheeta in Castle in the Sky and Chihiro in Spirited Away, just as the rough and ready Asbel anticipates Pazu in Castle in the Sky and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke. For years, Nausicaä was available in the United States only as the badly re-edited Warriors of the Wind. The new English dub from Disney presents the film in its entirety, with strong vocal performances by Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart, Alison Lohman, and Edward James Olmos. (Rated PG: violence, frightening imagery) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Warrior/pacifist princess nausicaa desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 02/22/2005 Run time: 117 minutes

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Editorial Reviews

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In Hayao Miyazaki's magical Kiki's Delivery Service, a 13-year-old girl meets the world head on as she spends her first year soloing as an apprentice witch. Kiki (Kirsten Dunst) is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. With her trusty wisp of a cat Jiji (a gently subdued Phil Hartman) by her side she's ready to take on the world, or at least the quaintly European seaside village she's chosen as her new home. Miyazaki's gentle rhythm and meandering narrative capture the easy pulse of real life (even if his subject is a girl flying high upon a broomstick) and charts the everyday struggles and growing pains of his plucky heroine with sensitivity and understanding. Beautifully detailed animation and the rich designs of the picture-postcard seaside town of red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets only add to the sense of wonder. This charming animated fantasy is a wholesome, life-affirming picture that doesn't speak down to kids or up to adults. --Sean Axmaker

Product Description
Rarely does a film touch so many hearts or reach such artistic heights as the highly acclaimed KIKI'S DELIVERY SERIVCE, the magical adventure of an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her chatty black cat Jiji, KiKi flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service. Here begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. The breathtaking animation of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and the star voice talents of Kirsten Dunst (KiKi), Phil Hartman (Jiji), Matthew Lawrence (Tombo), and more make KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE soar with an energy, excitement, and the kind of imagination that entertains again and again!

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video
My Neighbor Totoro is that rare delight, a family film that appeals to children and adults alike. While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in the country with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny rabbit. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy. Unlike many cartoon children, Satsuki and Mei are neither smart-alecky nor cloyingly saccharine. They are credible kids: bright, energetic, silly, helpful, and occasionally impatient. Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki makes the viewer believe the two sisters love each other in a way no American feature has ever achieved. My Neighbor Totoro is enormously popular in Japan, and some of the character merchandise has begun to appear in America. The film has also inspired a Japanese environmental group to buy a Totoro Forest preserve in the Saitama Prefecture, where Miyazaki's film is set. --Charles Solomon

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

Devil Hunter Yohko: The Complete Collection

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Demons and devils beware, the sexiest slayer to ever swing a soul -sword is back! Yohko Mano has just learned that she comes from a long line of professional devil hunters. And before she learns how to use her powers, her 16th birthday will turn into a domonic bloodbath and a grueling trial by hellfire!

Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust (2001)

Editorial Reviews

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Based on a series of fantasy novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a bloody anime adventure. Set in the distant future, the story focuses on D (voice by Andrew Philpot), the son of a vampire and a mortal who has dedicated his life to exterminating vampires. D is pursuing Charlotte (Wendee Lee), who has been carried off by vampire Meier Link (John Rafter Lee). The bounty-hunting Markus brothers and tough-talking Leila (Pamela Segall) are also on the trail. A long, violent chase brings them to the Castle of Carmila the Bloody Countess (Julia Fletcher), where the narrative founders in a series of confusing illusions that lead to an inconclusive ending. Bloodlust looks better in still images that evoke Yoshitaka Amano's intricate illustrations than it does in motion. The very limited drawn animation clashes visually with the more fluid computer-generated imagery--D's cape billows dramatically, but his expression rarely changes. Fans of such violent anime features as Sword for Truth and Ninja Resurrection will enjoy the no-holds-barred action sequences, but more squeamish viewers will be put off by the beheadings, impalements, disembowelments, etc. Vampire Hunter D, an earlier, more modest feature based on the same material, is a better adaptation. --Charles Solomon

Cowboy Bebop Remix: Anime Legends

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The crew of the Bebop is once again ready to take control of space, bringing bad guys to justice and trying to make some cash while doing it. Join the always cool Spike, investigative genius Jet, the fabulous Faye, the amazing (but weird) Ed and the super-smart Welsh Corgi named Ein as they try to make a buck in the year 2071. How do they do it? They re bounty hunters. But then again, you probably wouldn t be reading this if you didn t already know that...Now, for the first time in North America the entire Cowboy Bebop Remix series in one package!!!

Rune Soldier - Complete Collection (2005)

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Armed with Merrill's cunning, Genie's strength, and Melissa's prayers, this all-female band has no trouble raiding ancient ruins, unless a magic seals blocks the way. They set out to hire a magician, but all the magicians they meet prefer ereading to raiding-except Louie, a brash novice who seems to do better with his fists than his spells!

My Hime: Anime Legends Complete Collection

Perverted Thomas

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When Thomas is in Control they never say No. Passed down from generation to generation was this ancient chinese secret. One day Thomas, while out looking for a job, was riding the subway and he meets the man that will teach him all he will ever need to.

Ninja Love

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Adult fans of anime will LOVE this hilarious erotic and highly sought after parody of Naruto (including many other special guests appearances!) Follow the naughty adventures of a lusty ninja with an unusual approach to bedside manners. Our hero will discover a forbidden mansion with unbelievable pleasures behind each door.

Final Fantasy Unlimited - The Complete Collection (2005)

Editorial Reviews

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Twelve-year-old twins Ai and Yu Hayakawa take a mysterious subway to Wonderland to look for their missing scientist-parents. Wonderland is a hostile place, ruled by the petulant Earl Tyrant and his assorted hench-creatures. Ai and Yu are attacked by monsters and saved first by Lisa, a practitioner of the "Kigen Arts," then repeatedly by the taciturn, gun-totting Kaze. The first episodes are cluttered with characters who appear briefly then vanish. Although Ai, Yu, and Lisa do a lot of traveling, the series doesn't really go anywhere: the filmmakers seem more interested in showcasing the elaborate CG effects at their disposal than in coherent storytelling. The effects are very flashy, but they never meld satisfactorily with the drawn animation. Based on the popular videogame franchise, Unlimited borrows from Matsumoto's Galaxy Express and Miyazawa's Galactic Railroad, but offers none of their mystery and magic. (Rated 12 and older: violence, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
The gateway to another world appears suddenly one day and with its coming awakens two mysterious beasts of astonishing power. When the monsters appear to destroy each other, they vanish –leaving behind only the inexplicable pillar of darkness and the unanswered questions of the natural world. 12 years later, the twin children of two scientists who disappeared on the so-called Day of Conjunction go on a hazardous quest in search of their lost parents. Boarding a phantom subway, Ai and Yu travel to Wonderland, a chaotic world of amazing beauty and thrilling danger. Accompanied by Lisa, an enigmatic woman they meet on the train, and Kaze, a brooding stranger with a demon-summoning gun, the twins begin an incredible journey that will lead to the mysterious heart of Wonderland. • The entire 25 episode Final Fantasy: Unlimited series in one thin-pak boxset! • Set in the fantastical world popularized in the Final Fantasy games! • Produced by GONZO Digimation (Full Metal Panic!, Gantz, Peacemaker). • Directed by Mahiro Maeda (Second Renaissance – Animatrix, Blue Sub #6) • Epic adventure of stunning visuals and fast-paced action and lovable Chocobos

Spirit of Wonder: The Movie (2003)

Editorial Reviews

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Spirit of Wonder is not a feature, but a pair of linked 1992 OVAs based on Kenji Tsuruta's manga, combined with two shorts involving the voluptuous restaurant owner Miss China. The fragmentary plot evokes the stories of Jules Verne and boys' science-fiction novels from the original "Tom Swift" series to the juvenile yarns of Robert Heinlein. The overage delinquents of the Boys' Club dream of going to Mars and finally achieve their goal in 1958, using the unorthodox physics of the brilliant, endlessly patient Miss Windy. Light oscillating through "ether" powers their dirigible-like ship across interplanetary space. The graceful lines and pastel colors in this disjointed but visually- rich sci fi adventure recall the look of European graphic novels. Unfortunately, Spirit of Wonder is marred by a weary sexism that was already a cliché in 1992. (Rated 16 and older: violence, nudity, risqué humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder'. As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell. Forming a group club called the "Scientific Boys Club" the trio will embark upon their long-time dream of traveling to Mars! And while the town of Bristol may be small, it’s always exciting! What'll happen when the town's very own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea? Take a new voyage with two very special short stories "Shrinking of Miss China" and "Planet of Miss China."

KEY SALES POINTS:
The classic anime release of the early 90's is back as a brand new feature!
A whimsical journey that will spark adventure and a new spirit of wonder!
Spirit of Wonder manga available from Dark Horse Comics
Contains 2 BONUS OVA episodes of Miss China
Genre: Action/Adventure

DVD FEATURES:
Interactive Animated Menus
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English/Japanese Language
English Subtitle Option

DVD EXTRAS:
Miss China Mini Poster
Art Gallery
Interviews
Trailers

Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2002)

Editorial Reviews

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Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom is the closest in spirit to the popular TV series of three Naruto features. Under the guidance of Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, Sakura and Rock Lee are assigned to guard Michiru, the fabulous wealthy Prince of the Moon Kingdom, and his spoiled son Hikaru. Michiru is so rich, he buys an entire circus so Hikaru can have the saber-toothed tiger that catches his fancy. A storm at sea and a revolt in the Kingdom provide Naruto with the opportunity to teach Hikaru valuable lessons about friendship. Although Naruto manages to slurp down some ramen, he doesn't crack raunchy jokes or pull pranks. This kinder, gentler knucklehead makes a surprisingly touching teacher. Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom is more satisfying and more entertaining than Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow or Legend of the Stone of Gelel. Director Toshiyuki Tsuru uses rapid intercutting effectively to pump up the energy in the climactic battle that puts Sakura, Naruto, Rock Lee, and Hikaru to the test. The most interesting extras on the second disc are the footage of the voices of the main characters dubbing the film together (anime voice actors normally record their lines alone) and a Ninja Quiz that cleverly re-purposes footage from the movie. (Rated T+ Older Teen; suitable for ages 12 and older: violence) -- Charles Solomon

Product Description
A 2-Disc Set Loaded with Special Features!

Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi team up with Rock Lee to protect Prince Michiru and his son Hikaru on their return home to the Crescent Moon Kingdom. Easy enough, until the royal family becomes a royal pain! Prince Michiru can't help indulging his son, even buying him a circus along the way! Naruto has a tough time putting up with both the spoiled Hikaru and a saber-toothed tiger, but the real adventure begins when they reach the Land of the Moon and find themselves facing a villainous uprising. Does Naruto have what it takes to save an entire kingdom?

Special Features Include:
The Story of Naruto: Growing Up a Ninja
Teamwork: The Art of Group Recording
Shooting for the Moon: A Conversation with the Naruto Movie 3 Producers
Original Japanese Movie Trailers
Naruto the Movie 3 Trivia

Sin: The Movie (2000)

Editorial Reviews

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Set in 2070, this videogame-based, U.S.-Japanese co-production focuses on Col. John Blade: part cyborg, part human, and all cop. When Blade and his team from the law enforcement agency Hardcorps pursue a kidnapper through the city of Freeport, they suddenly find themselves confronting a mutant monster. This first battle introduces a standard, if slipshod story involving a sinister mega-corporation, illegal human genetic experiments, high-speed chases, gore, gun fights, metamorphic creatures, blood, family vendettas, "fan service" cheesecake, and, in one memorable scene, a flesh-ripping teddy bear. Except for the teddy bear, these elements have all been used before in anime from Akira to Zone of the Enders, and usually more skillfully. The "Special Edition," if anyone thinks it's special, includes a CD of the soundtrack. (Rated 15 and older, but more appropriate for viewers three years older: graphic violence, grotesque imagery, torture, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations) --Charles Solomon

Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - The Conqueror of Shamballa (2006)

Editorial Reviews

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The Fullmetal Alchemist theatrical feature, The Conqueror of Shamballa, takes place two years after the last episode of the popular broadcast series. Edward Elric has been transported to Earth and is living in Weimar-era Munich with Alphonse Heiderich, a young engineer who reminds him of Al. This Alphonse is working for the Thule Society, a group of Aryan fanatics who hope to cross dimensions to the world they call Shambala and acquire weapons that will ensure a German victory in the next war. Back in the world where the broadcast series took place, a restored Alphonse Elric searches for a way to bring Ed back. A combination of science and alchemy finally reunites the brothers--with unexpected consequences. Although the film is an exciting adventure that includes many of the familiar characters, viewers who haven't watched the TV series may have trouble sorting out who's who and what's where. Sadly, The Conqueror of Shamballa marks the end of director Seiji Mizushima's and screenwriter Shou Aikawa's work with the Elric brothers: together, they preserved the essence of Hiromu Arakawa's winning characters while adapting them to a new medium. Arakawa is continuing the manga, so fans may one day see further animated adventures of Ed and Al.(Rated PG: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
The movie you've been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode, the Elric brothers must reunite to prevent ultimate catastrophe as the worlds of reality and alchemy collide.The movie you’ve been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode, DVD includes: • Reversible cover • Movie booklet • 40-minute documentary - "The Making of Fullmetal Alchemist – The Movie" Filmed on location in Tokyo with director Seiji Mizushima and staff.

X - The Movie (1996)

Editorial Reviews

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Tokyo is the city where the final battle between the Dragon of Earth and the Dragon of Heaven will take place in the Japanese anime film X, directed by Rintaro (a.k.a. Tarô Rin; Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion) and written by the all-woman writing team Clamp. The Dragon of Earth wants to wipe out humankind because of the damage people have inflicted on the Earth, while the Dragon of Heaven is fighting to protect civilization. At the center of all this is Kamui, the chosen one, who must pick a dragon to fight for.

Full of dreams and flashbacks that pop up out of nowhere, the structure of X could be considered confusing and needlessly complex--if the story weren't so simple. Obviously, we're supposed to root for the Dragon of Heaven to win and save mankind, but the funny thing is, the Dragon of Earth has the better argument. If it were a debate, humanity would lose. But it's not a debate, it's an action film, and many of Tokyo's most famous buildings get destroyed in the battles. As with most anime, the women are either girlishly cute or slutty, but luckily in X, there are no graphic rapes; the love interest is merely crucified three or four times. It may not be the greatest anime film out there, but at least it's never boring. --Andy Spletzer

Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set

Editorial Reviews

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In the second season of the popular fantasy-adventure Bleach, Ichigo,Chad, Ohime, Ishida, and Master Yoruichi the talking cat pass through the inter-dimensional portal linking Earth to the segregated world of the Soul Society. Lost souls are consigned to the run-down Rukon ("Drifting Spirit Town"), where Yoruichi obtains help from pyrotechnician Kukaku to get into the stronghold the Seireitei. Although the teen-agers have crossed space and time to rescue Rukia, no one knows where she's imprisoned--or where they are--in that city-sized compound. Ichigo and his new ally Ganju seize timid janitor Hanataro: He knows where Rukia is and secret ways to get there. Director Noriyuke Abe skillfully mixes overlapping movements, slow-motion, unusual camera angles, reverse colors, and black-and-white to heighten the drama of the sword fights between Ichigo's team and the bizarre-looking officers of the Soul Society. But the internal conflicts often prove more compelling than the external ones. Viewers learn why Chad never uses his awesome strength in his own interest; Ichigo discovers that he must use his sword as an ally, rather than as a tool. By submitting to Zangetsu, the spirit of the sword, he acquires greater power. But Bleach never stays too serious for too long: Ichigo and Ganju squabble, even in dire straights, and an overhead shot of Ichigo fleeing a squad of Soul Reapers looks like a table-top Pac-Man game.The satisfying balancee of comedy, adventure, and well-choreographed battles has made Bleach a smash hit in Japan and America. (Rated "Teen," suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use.) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Ichigo and his friends make the perilous journey to the Soul Society and are promptly set upon by the guardians of the spirit world. As they dodge one foe after another, they gradually draw nearer their goal: to rescue Rukia from the tower cell where she awaits her death sentence. But their presence threatens the very order of the Soul Society itself, and they must face the ultimate opponents--the captains of the guard squads whose Spiritual Pressure is unmatched, even by Ichigo himself!

Special Features Include:
* Bonus Materials: Behind the Scenes of BLEACH
* Bilingual (Japanese & English)
* Contains Episode 21-41 (Original and Uncut)

Bleach Uncut Season1 Box Set (Standard Edition)

Editorial Reviews Product Description
Episodes 1 - 20 now available in one box set!

For as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, he finds his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling: to protect the living and the dead from evil. And when he vows to defend Rukia from the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, he and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world...