Archive for the 'Anime' Category
November 27th, 2022 by Brandon Peters
Black Christmas is always one of the horror holiday season staples and one not only one of the finest slasher films, but one of the proto-ones that were ahead of the trend. Scream Factory will be updating their Collector’s Edition from six years ago to 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray. While there’s of course brand new transfer, they’ve also updated both the original mono and 5.1 tracks this time around. The 5.1 also fixes some cues that were missed the last time around. And as if that isn’t enough, we even have a pair o new bonus feature additions to go with all the previously released ones. This all somehow fits onto 3 discs in the set, which you can order for arrival when it comes out on December 13th. It gives you plenty of time to fit this pristine new experience into your viewing schedule. You can use the paid Amazon Associates link to order below.
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Continue reading ‘Black Christmas – Collector’s Edition (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
January 18th, 2018 by Aaron Neuwirth
For a story mainly focused on a young girl, her broom, and a cat, there is a lot of action and excitement to be found in Mary and the Witch’s Flower. Here’s an animated film that opens with explosions and a mid-air chase scene involving a witch on a broom and flying fish-like creatures. It also happens to be a delightful coming-of-age story about perseverance and understanding who you want to be. Bringing these two ideas together, Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a colorful blast of adventure, magic, and the sort of thrilling animation one would hope to see from an animation studio that isn’t afraid to embrace the abstract.
Continue reading ‘‘Mary and the Witch’s Flower’ – The Rise Of Broom Girl (Movie Review)’
November 25th, 2017 by Brandon Peters
We continue this Thanksgiving weekend journey through autobot Earth history with Transformers: Dark of the Moon. This third film completes the Sam Witwicky trilogy Shia exits after this one. When the film came out it was noted as being a noticeable improvement over the first film. And oddly, its one of the first films I can remember where the marketing involved a lot of people involved bashing and degrading the previous film in the series to sell this new one. Stick by your guns folks, your project didn’t work with audiences, but you can still believe in it! I remember personally thinking Dark of the Moon was just as bad as Revenge of the Fallen, but now I get to revisit and see if I still think that way. You can find this one on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray with the others on December 5th (Or I’m hearing they may ship earlier now). Continue reading ‘Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
February 12th, 2015 by Gerard Iribe
Issei Hyodo is back with all of his voluptuous friends, only this time he has more power than ever before. With the Excaliber swords and the Archangel Michael joining him in battle against the deadliest of foes yet, only time will tell if the Occult Research Club continues to thrive or if new leadership is needed to usher in a new magical era. The enchanting adventure returns with more badass babes than any high school male should ever have to drool over. Continue reading ‘High School DxD New: The Series (Blu-ray Review)’
January 7th, 2015 by Gerard Iribe
Explore the far reaches of the galaxy in this undeniably hip series that inspired a generation – and redefined anime as an indisputable art form. The Bebop crew is just trying to make a buck. This motley lot of intergalactic loners teams up to track down fugitives and turn them in for cold hard cash. Spike is a hero whose cool façade hides a dark and deadly past. The pilot Jet is a bruiser of a brute who can’t wait to collect the next bounty. Faye Valentine is a femme fatale prone to breaking hearts and separating fools from their money. Along for the ride are the brilliant, but weird, hacker Ed and a super-genius Welsh Corgi named Ein. On their own, any one of them is likely to get lost in the sprawl of space, but together, they’re they most entertaining gang of bounty hunters in the year 2071. Continue reading ‘Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review) (FUNimation Exclusive Limited to 2500 copies)’
January 7th, 2015 by Gerard Iribe
Explore the far reaches of the galaxy in this undeniably hip series that inspired a generation – and redefined anime as an indisputable art form. The Bebop crew is just trying to make a buck. This motley lot of intergalactic loners teams up to track down fugitives and turn them in for cold hard cash. Spike is a hero whose cool façade hides a dark and deadly past. The pilot Jet is a bruiser of a brute who can’t wait to collect the next bounty. Faye Valentine is a femme fatale prone to breaking hearts and separating fools from their money. Along for the ride are the brilliant, but weird, hacker Ed and a super-genius Welsh Corgi named Ein. On their own, any one of them is likely to get lost in the sprawl of space, but together, they’re they most entertaining gang of bounty hunters in the year 2071. Continue reading ‘Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
I totally missed out on the 25th Anniversary of Ghost in the Shell but it was reviewed here by our very own Aaron Neuwirth. The Blu-ray Gods smiled upon me and blessed me with this Ghost in the Shell Arise series – episodes 1 & 2. This is a two-disc collector’s set. Each episode is stored in its very own case, along with the DVD version, booklet, in a nifty collector’s box. FUNimation doesn’t play around when it comes to packaging and Arise is testament to it especially for being a 2-episode set spread out in two cases. I’ve got zero complaints, so read on and find out if Ghost in the Shell Arise is worth your time and money. Continue reading ‘Ghost In The Shell Arise: Borders 1 & 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
November 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
The cutting-edge studio behind Afro Samurai brings to life the sexy, stylish, and undeniably-badass video game vixen who prowls the shadows of your wildest dreams. Based on the best-selling franchise, this pulse-pounding feature length anime shows you a side of Bayonetta you’ve never seen before! Twenty years after her awakening, the hottest witch in gaming history is still searching for clues that could help unravel the mysteries of her dark past. Aided in her quest by the clandestine weapon smith Rodin – and his deadly creations: Scarborough Fair – Bayonetta continues to leave a trail of angel corpses in her irresistible wake. Her search for answers leads to encounters with a mysterious – and eerily familiar – little girl, a vengeance-obsessed journalist, and a deadly white-haired beauty that seems to know more about Bayonetta than the witch herself. Fans of the franchise won’t want to miss this chance to see their favorite fantasy come to life in a killer flick packed with mind-blowing action and scandalous scenes of seduction! Continue reading ‘Bayonetta: Bloody Fate (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren’s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” The Attack on Titan – Part Two – Limited Edition Plus Box release comes with a 3-D Lenticular Art Card, and the Notes From Beyond The Wall: Part 2 (a 24 page digibook containing 4 panel comics, artwork, interviews and more!). Packed with over 67 minutes of extras, including: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! There is also an Ender Art Box, which is designed to house both the Part 1 & Part 2 Attack on Titan Limited Edition releases. It comes with a removable filler box, perfectly designed to slide the separately purchased Part 1 into place. Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2: LIMITED EDITION (Blu-ray Review)’
October 17th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Eren Jaeger vowed to rid mankind of the bloodthirsty giants who devoured his mother and destroyed his city. Now, after discovering that he has the ability to turn into a Titan, the world Eren promised to protect looks at him like he is the monster. Narrowly avoiding execution, Eren s fate is entrusted to the Scout Regiment where he must prove capable of following orders. But on an expedition outside the wall, a unique female Titan appears and cuts through the Scouts, leaving a trail of carnage and splintered bones behind her and making it difficult for Eren to control his rage. As it becomes obvious that a traitor is sabotaging the Regiment from within, Eren must ask himself who humanity’s true enemy really is. Bloody revelations await beyond the wall in this jaw-dropping series io9.com calls ”Japan’s equivalent of The Walking Dead.” Comes with the following extras: Episode 14 & 25 Commentaries, Attack on Titan at Anime Expo, ”Chibi Theatre: Fly, Cadets, Fly!” Days 14-25, Eyecatch Gallery, Textless Songs, and more! Continue reading ‘Attack on Titan, Part 2 (Blu-ray Review)’
October 12th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
Ghost in the Shell has arrived in a 25th Anniversary Blu-ray package, though that label is most definitely deceiving. While I was happy to receive this film on Blu-ray, as I had never actually seen the acclaimed anime, this disc has its ups and downs. On a positive note, this Blu-ray features a new video transfer and an upgraded audio track, compared to the last Blu-ray release. On the downside, there are no special features whatsoever. As it stands though, the film is what mostly counts and now having seen it, I am happy to agree with so many in regards to the high standing Ghost in the Shell has in the realm of classic anime features.
Continue reading ‘Ghost In The Shell: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Review)’
August 30th, 2014 by Gerard Iribe
Kurumi’s heart was broken by the sudden death of her boyfriend in a tragic airplane accident. Forced to carry on without her beloved Hal, she fell into a reclusive and joyless existence. Kurumi had given up on the world, but a brilliant scientist devised a plan to win her back. By melding futuristic technology with the binary equivalent of human emotion, they created an ultra-lifelike robotic surrogate to take Hal s place and lure Kurumi from her shroud of solitude. Resistant at first, this shattered beauty slowly yielded to her feelings of longing and took comfort in the company of a robot. Though their unique bond grew stronger with each passing day, Kurumi and Hal would soon discover that nothing about their artificial love story was quite as it seemed. Continue reading ‘Hal – The Movie (Blu-ray Review)’
July 14th, 2014 by Brandon Peters
From the studio that brought you “Miracle” and “Remember the Titans” comes Disney’s“Million Dollar Arm,” an inspirational baseball story sliding home on Blu-ray™, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand October 7th! Exciting bonus features include an alternate ending, deleted scenes, outtakes, “Training Camp,” “Million Dollar Music by A.R. Rahman,” and more!
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July 10th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am very picky when it comes to my anime and I have actually yet to see Ghost in the Shell, but it looks like now I will have my chance. 25 years ago, a breathtaking leap in the history of animation stunned and amazed audiences, with the release of Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell. Now, to celebrate a quarter century of its groundbreaking blend of traditional cel and CGI animation, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly announces the Ghost in the Shell 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™. Boasting an all new HD transfer, the GitS 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ hits streets September 30th. Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.
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Continue reading ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Blu-ray Materializes In September!’
February 19th, 2014 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Wind Rises is a wonderful addition to Studio Ghibli’s impressive library of anime features. With only a hint of fantastical elements, which mainly come in the form of dream sequences, The Wind Rises is really an animated biopic of a man responsible for designing Japanese fighter planes during WWII, but with a fictionalized focus on his personal life. There are numerous themes that the film attempts to explore, but even while it has a sense of melancholy to go with the main character’s own sense of discovery, it stays back from the messy politics of it all. Really, this is a story of a man who had dreams of creating an ideal design and how he balanced his goals with the reality of life.
Continue reading ‘Jiro Dreams Of Fighter Planes: ‘The Wind Rises’ (Movie Review)’
August 26th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
On August 25th, I was happy to attend a screening of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, which was then followed by a panel discussion featuring actor Steve Blum (voice of ‘Bebop’s lead character Spike Spiegel) and director and illustrator Peter Ramsey (Rise of the Guardians). As a huge fan of the popular anime series and the film it spawned, it was exciting to see the film on the big screen again (I was fortunate to see the film during its very limited, original theatrical run in America, back in 2003), but also a very fun panel to listen in on afterward. Continue on to listen to the entire Q&A and learn more about this fun event.
Continue reading ‘Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Q&A, Featuring Steve Blum And Peter Ramsey’
August 26th, 2013 by Aaron Neuwirth
New York, NY — This September, GKIDS, in conjunction with Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM), invites home viewers to experience the latest masterwork from Studio Ghibli: FROM UP ON POPPY HILL, from the creators of Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and many other animated masterpieces. Written by legendary studio founder Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Goro Miyazaki, the film marks the first feature-length collaboration between father and son – and the results are stunning. Fresh off a triumphant domestic and international theatrical run, Cinedigm will release this acclaimed gem in multiple formats: Blu-ray+ DVD 2-Pack, DVD 2-Pack, and Cable VOD on September 3rd, 2013. Continue on to learn more about this upcoming release.
Continue reading ‘Studio Ghibli’s Latest Animated Masterpiece, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL, Arrives On Blu-ray This September’
February 17th, 2013 by Charles Cassady
Kimimaro works two jobs to put himself through college. He’s handed an end to his check-to-check lifestyle when he’s offered a large sum of money to compete in a dangerous game. Kimimaro needs the extra cash, but he’ll invest his future as collateral in the Financial District. In this alternate dimension, people wage battles using Assets, warriors that protect their masters at all costs. You get wealthier every time you win, but if you lose, it could rob you of your family, your home, or your life. The destructive forces at play between the Financial District and the physical world compel Kimimaro to confront the most powerful man in the game. In this groundbreaking series, find out if the world will survive or disappear from existence. Continue reading ‘C: Control – The Money and Soul of Possibility: The Complete Series (Blu-ray Review)’
