areaseven

Yeah, Fry's has cheap DVDs, but their customer service is crap (especially here in Burbank, where the salespeople don't speak English) and majority of their computer parts are used. And you don't want to go there during the holidays, where you can see the Great Wall of Returns (which goes all the way to the electric car parking lot). "You'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." - Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Aura Battler Dunbine has dated animation, but it's nothing compared to Armored Trooper VOTOMS when it comes to fugly animation.

Anime titles currently under review Area 88 (TV series) Avenger Chrno Crusade Fullmetal Alchemist Gungrave Kimi ga Nozomu Eien Maburaho Mezzo DSA Shin Hokuto no Ken True Moon Chronicle Tsukihime

If you can stand the extremely cheesy CG helicopter scenes.

That was just for the first episode. I'll watch the rest later.

Original Review

Casshan ( ƒLƒƒƒVƒƒ[ƒ“ ) Tatsunoko/Nippon Columbia, 1993 Streamline Pictures, 1994; ADV Films, 2003 Directed by Hiroyuki Fukushima (Gatchaman '94, Bubblegum Crash) Rated 15+ for graphic violence, nudity, mature situations and strong language. In the near future, robot technology has advanced to the point of self-awareness. Under the leadership of the "Black King," machines have decimated the human population and conquered the world. Those who survived the early holocaust have been enslaved for life. But throughout the hardships, a lone hero appears as the savior of mankind. He is Casshan - a fusion of man and machine driven to combat Black King and his forces to the end. Story: C- I've never seen the original Shinzo Ningen Casshan TV series, so I don't know how this OAV remake compares to it. As for the OAV itself, it's too derivative of The Terminator. Lack of originality and a boring plot make this one a snoozer. Animation: B It looks good and all, but unlike Gatchaman '94, Casshan's visuals are not really that impressive. Yasuomi Umetsu's (Kite, Mezzo) character designs are well-drawn, though. Soundtrack: B+ Decent orchestral soundtrack. Not enough to gain interest in this series, though. Sub vs. Dub Casshan features Takeshi Kusao (Parn in Record of Lodoss War, Trunks in Dragon Ball Z/GT) as Tetsuya/Casshan, and Yumi Touma (Urd in Ah! My Goddess, Deedlit in Record of Lodoss War) as Luna. Unfortunately, when ADV acquired Streamline's release of Casshan, they failed to include the original Japanese dialogue. As a result, you have no choice but to listen to Streamline's flat dubbing. DVD Extras: F Like there's any. The Bottom Line Casshan is strictly rental material, unless you suffer from insomnia. Reference Anime News Network

Master Keaton ( ƒ}ƒXƒ^[ƒL[ƒgƒ“ ) Shogakukan/Madhouse Studios/NTV/VAP, 1998-1999 Pioneer/Geneon Entertainment, 2003-2004 Directed by Masayuki Kojima (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi) Rated 13-Up for graphic violence, mature situations and strong language. Taichi Keaton-Hiraga - born of Japanese and British descent. A former SAS agent with remarkable skills in military tactics and archaeology. Keaton is a single father with a part-time job as a world history teacher in Japan. But when international issues arise, he is called upon by Lloyd's of London as a special insurance investigator. Story: B+ Master Keaton starts out as a rather boring anime, but it picks up as Keaton teaches you some of the basics of counter-terrorism such as shooting the door hinges instead of the locks while breaking into an enemy hideout. In high winds, a wooden spoon and a rock are more effective weapons than a gun. During a hostage rescue, it's better to attack from above than from the front door. Fans of spy thrillers, counter-terrorism films, and MacGyver should check this series out. Animation: B While the background artwork is vibrant, the character designs by Kitaro Kosaka (Nasu-The Summer of Andalsia) leave much to be desired. The animation by Madhouse (Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust) isn't much to talk about. Soundtrack: A- The music by Kuniaki Haishima (Macross Zero, Gasaraki) isn't exactly NOIR or Gunslinger Girl, but it has a good European feel to it. Sub vs. Dub Master Keaton features Norihiro Inoue (Marco in Gunslinger Girl, Atlas in Metropolis) as Keaton, Houko Kuwashima (Quon in RahXephon, Kirika in NOIR) as Yuriko, Ichiro Nagai (Happosai in Ranma 1/2, Left Hand in Vampire Hunter D) as Tahei, and Keaton Yamada as the narrator. Otherwise, click here for the entire cast list. No comment on The Ocean Group's English dub. Featured voices include Ted Cole (Kuno in Ranma 1/2, Wu-fei in Gundam Wing) as Keaton and Kelly Sheridan (Hitomi in Escaflowne, Ukyo in Ranma 1/2) as Yuriko. DVD Extras: D+ The first disc just has textless opening and ending sequences. The Bottom Line MacGyver has nothing in Master Keaton. Rent it first, then decide for yourself. Links Official Master Keaton Homepage Reference Anime News Network

Can't be as bad as Ultimate Warrior's comic book, especially the Christmas special where he molests Santa Claus.

Maybe, but who could forget the time he was heel in WCW?

Speaking of Nash, has anyone read his comic book?

Good question. But then again, she doesn't have implants like the other Divas. Speaking of implants, would you believe that Trish Stratus also refuses to pose for Playboy? What a hypocrite.

Shura Yukihime Oz/Nikkatsu/Sony PCL/Pioneer LDC/Kadokawa Shoten/Horizon Entertainment, 2001 ADV Films, 2003 Directed by Shinsuke Sato Rated R for graphic violence, mature situations and strong language. Cast - Yumiko Shaku as Yuki - Hideaki Ito as Takashi - Kyusaku Shimada as Byakurai - Shiro Sano as Kidokoro - Yoichi Numata as Kuka Synopsis Loosely based on the manga by Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub, Crying Freeman) and Kazuo Kamimura. In the distant future, Japan has isolated itself from the rest of the world. The Takemikazuchi - once the protectors of the royal elite - now survive as a band of ruthless assassins for hire. Yuki, a Takemikazuchi assassin, learns the truth about her mother's death and confronts the clan's leader Byakurai. Outnumbered by the assassins, Yuki runs for her life and finds refuge in the home of Takashi, a man striving to make a living by running a gas station in the middle of nowhere. But with Byakurai and his assassins closing in on her whereabouts, Yuki must continue to fight in order to fulfill her destiny as princess of the Takemikazuchi. Lowdown So why is this movie titled The Princess Blade, even though Shura Yukihime means something else? Your guess is as good as mine. The Princess Blade takes a Feudal Japan storyline and places it in a pseudo-futuristic setting similar to A Clockwork Orange and Soylent Green - wherein it takes place several decades from now, but hardly anything techologically has changed. While the concept is good, the execution of the story itself needs improvement. There is a lot of focus on Yuki, but there's not much emphasis on Takashi and his personal agenda. Not much is even mentioned about his sister Aya, other than being traumatized for life after witnessing the murder of their parents. Plus, the ending leaves some questions unanswered, not to mention room for a possible sequel. On the subject of Yuki, Japanese swimsuit idol Yumiko Shaku does an impressive job for her film debut. Damn, she looks so hot - probably not as hot as Akane Soma, but she's definitely up there. The fight scenes are literally to die for. Hong Kong action choreographer Donnie Yen delivers with his best action work since Blade. While some of the CG effects are pretty cheesy (a common flaw in Japanese cinema), many of the camera shots are within Matrix-level. Kenji Kawai's orchestral score is very adequate and goes well with the action. Otherwise, it's very different from his anime soundtracks like Mobile Police Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell and Ranma 1/2. Despite its shortcomings, The Princess Blade is pretty entertaining - as long as you watch it subtitled (the English dub absolutely sucks!). Rent it first, then decide for yourself whether or not to add it to your DVD collection. Rating: B DVD Extras: F What extras? Trailers are not extras. Links The Princess Blade Official Site Reference Anime News Network

From what I know, the only way to fully understand Yukikaze is to read Chohei Kanbayashi's original novel (if you can find a translation). I've never read the novel, but it's obvious that GONZO and Bandai did not translate the story well.

From the rumor mill department: - Apparently, Dennis Knight has returned to the WWE. Once known as the farmer Phineas I. Godwinn, Knight was best known in the wrestling business as Mideon, one of Undertaker's flunkies in the Ministry of Darkness. While his career isn't important, Mideon's return may signal the reformation of the Ministry at WrestleMania XX. Rumored to join the new Ministry are Kanyon (who will use his Mortis gimmick) and Sean O'Haire. - For months, there have been rumors of Hulk Hogan coming back to the WWE. He was supposed to feud with Jeff Jarrett at NWA-TNA, but the extent of his knee injury prevented him from signing a contract. It's no secret that Vinnie Mac doesn't want Hogan back, but you'll never know until WrestleMania XX.

Go back a couple of pages on this thread.

Time to bring everyone updated on the series. SPOILER ALERT! Do not read any further unless you've reached episode 13. Episode 12 Shortly after the Sailor Senshi's run-in with Zoicite, Usagi-chan realizes that she forgot her autograph book at the hospital where Minako-chan is staying. So she goes back to the hospital and sees Minako-chan running away from her manager - not realizing that he's been possessed by a Yoma. Usagi-chan helps Minako-chan exit the hospital and head towards a nearby shopping complex. Minako-chan still doesn't believe that Usagi-chan is Sailor Moon, given her attitude. Later that night, the Sailor Senshi (without Sailor Jupiter for unknown reasons) are having a hard time battling the Yoma that possessed Minako-chan's manager. And that's when Sailor V shows up. She then removes her mask to reveal her true form - Sailor Venus. Aside from that, we finally see Artemis. If you think a computer-generated Luna looks bad, Artemis is much worse. Sailor Moon then defeats the Yoma, and Nephrite retreats. Zoicite suddenly appears in an attempt to kill Sailor Venus, but Tuxedo Kamen stands in the way. Venus then zaps Zoicite. Before he disappears, Zoicite says something towards Tuxedo Kamen: "Master...Endymion..." With that, Zoicite returns to the Dark Kingdom and is reduced to a rock. Episode 13 The Sailor Senshi have finally met Sailor Venus. However, due to different agendas, they have been told not to bother with protecting Venus. Before exiting the Crown Karaoke bar, Usagi-chan notices that the front desk is a mess. Motoki is panicking over the disappearance of his turtle. Usagi-chan, Motoki and Mamoru search for the turtle and find it at a house inhabited by a man named Shin. After Motoki leaves with his turtle, Shin asks Usagi-chan and Mamoru to stay for some tea. He tells them he's lost his memory and the only things he can remember are stuff he likes: white flowers, greenery and the beach. Usagi-chan tries to collect things related to what Shin likes. This is where the relationship between Usagi-chan and Mamoru starts to develop. That night, a female student encounters a dark figure that pulls out a small lock of hair and wraps it on her neck. The hair disappears inside her throat and her eyes change color. The next day, Mamoru brings some stuff for Shin. Then, all of a sudden, a huge gust of wind fills the room. Meanwhile, at a small concert hall, the female student grows claws from her fingernails and starts rampaging the facility. Sailor Moon realizes that she's not possessed by a Yoma; instead, she's turning into one. The girl turns into a wolf-like Yoma and starts attacking Sailor Moon. She uses her wand to cast a Moon Healing Escalation, reversing the effects on the girl. Out of nowhere, Shin appears and reveals himself as Kunzite, a member of the Dark Kingdom. He attacks her with his sword and wraps a lock of hair around her neck before Tuxedo Kamen has a chance to stop him. Afterwards, Kunzite disappears. Usagi-chan has been possessed. Well, it looks like it's up to Sailor Mercury to save Sailor Moon's life on the next episode.

Just discovered this site that has MPEGs of old school anime openings for Super Robot titles like Mazinger Z and Getter Robo, as well as shoujo classics like Candy Candy and some all-time favorites like Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999 and Lupin III. http://www.openget.net/opening.html

Obviously, Goldberg is not happy with the direction of his character. His contract is about to expire soon and it's unknown whether or not he will renew it. If he lets his contract expire, he'll probably just retire from wrestling for good. But before he goes, does anyone here want to see a Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania XX? It may happen.

This just in: Kevin Nash's contract ended on December 31. It is unknown whether or not he will renew his WWE contract. If not, you might actually see him reform the Outsiders with Scott Hall on NWA-TNA. Take note that they cannot use 'nWo' because the stable name is now owned by the WWE. Also, here's the Royal Rumble update: Confirmed Participants: - Chris Benoit (draws #1 under Paul Heyman's orders) - John Cena - Kurt Angle - "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn WWE Championship Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly I don't know with you guys, but I definitely can't wait to see the Lesnar/Holly match. For nearly a decade, Bob Holly was just another wrestler that went through a series of bad gimmicks (from a stock car racer to a Midnight Express wannabe). Then, when he changed to Hardcore Holly, fans started taking him seriously. But despite his incomparable workrate and excellent skills (with arguably the best dropkick in the WWE), Holly never highlighted main events nor did he hold the WWE title. Then in 2002, Holly challenged Brock Lesnar in a match and paid the price with a broken neck that sidelined him for over a year. Well, Hardcore Holly is back; and he's not just in for revenge. He's out for blood. A title change will not occur on the PPV, but I will guarantee that one of these guys will be messed-up big-time.

"Turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so." - The Vapors

Sakura Tsuushin Kitty Film/Victor Entertainment, 1997-1998 ADV Films, 1999, 2002 Directed by Tsuguo Ozara Rated 17+ for nudity, sexual situations and strong language. Based on the manga by U-Jin (U-Jin Brand). Touma Inaba goes to Tokyo to prepare for his college exams. Then, one night, a young girl named Urara Kasuga drops by his hotel room. Dismissing her as a teenage call girl out to take away his virginity, Touma kicks her out, not knowing that she's his cousin whom he hasn't seen since childhood. After failing the first two exams due to a cold he received from Urara, Touma tries out Keio College when he bumps into the beautiful Mieko Yotsuba. He's determined to study with her and marry her in the end, but once again, he fails the entrance exams. Despite this, he saves face by pretending he passed the exams by giving her the thumbs-up. Still determined to be with Mieko, Touma returns to Tokyo and enrolls in cram school. He moves into a relative's apartment and realizes that he's living under the same roof with Urara. Not only does he have to try hard in cram school, he gets himself caught in a love triangle, as he still wants Mieko, and Urara has a deep affection for him. Story: C+ Here, we have another romance anime about some ronin (guy who has to retake the college exams) who falls in love with one chick while another is in love with him. And it's coming from U-Jin - one of the most infamous hentai artists in the manga industry. Sakura Diaries is not as raunchy as his other works, but it slips a perverted gesture or two in each episode. While we get to know about the two main characters, Sakura Diaries suffers from being too cliché. Still, it's pretty watchable, especially for those who are into romantic comedy. Animation: A- The character designs by Kunitoshi Okajima and Toshiaki Kobayashi are beautifully drawn and for a pseudo-hentai title, Sakura Diaries is well-animated. Soundtrack: A- Like porno movies, hentai titles usually have bad soundtracks. Sakura Diaries, however, has an excellent acoustic score by Mitsuo Hagita (Record of Lodoss War, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083), accompanied by the mellow opening theme "Kimi ni Mado Kara (From Your Window)" by Takako Kuwata. Sub vs. Dub Sakura Diaries features Mitsuaki Shinden as Touma, Kyoko Nagaue as Urara, and Rumi Kasahara (Pixy Misa in Magical Girl Pretty Sammy and Magical Project S) as Mieko. Don't bother with ADV's dub. DVD Extras: F Trailers are not extras. The Bottom Line Despite lacking originality, Sakura Diaries is actually a pretty good anime. A good rental for most viewers. Reference Anime News Network

Six-String Samurai HSX Films/Palm Pictures, 1998 Directed by Lance Mungia (The Crow: Wicked Prayer) Running Time: 91 minutes Rated PG-13 for martial arts violence and mild language. "Don't touch my guitar, man. Don't even touch my guitar." - Buddy Cast Jeffrey Falcon as Buddy Justin McGuire as the Kid Lex Lang (Gineas in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Shun in Heat Guy J) as Death (voice) Buddy: "Who are you?" Death: "Death." Buddy: "Cool. You here for me?" Death: "You and every other rock 'n' roller out to claim my throne." Synopsis In 1957, the Soviet Union nuked America and turned the country into a wasteland. The last safe haven in America was a city called Lost Vegas, ruled by King Elvis. Forty years have passed since then, and Elvis has died. Sword-wielding, guitar-picking warriors all over the wastelands embark on a perilous journey to be crowned King of Lost Vegas. On his way to the city, a lone rockabilly named Buddy saves a kid from a bunch of primitive thugs. Despite having to put up with the kid - who does nothing but moan and scream, Buddy must continue his quest to become the King, even if he has to face the Russian Army or Death himself and his heavy metal minions from hell. "Don't let the four-eyes reach Vegas alive!" - Death Lowdown B-movies - you've seen one, you've seen them all. Many of them are poorly scripted, cheaply produced and reek of horrible acting. But then, once in a while, there comes a B-movie that's so good, you can't get enough of it. Take, for example, Six-String Samurai: a loose parody of Lone Wolf and Cub and a satire of American pop culture. "Nice tuxedo. Nice tuxedo to die in!" - Pin Pals leader Jeffrey Falcon, who has spent most of his career as a white jobber in Hong Kong flicks, does a great job playing Buddy (a parody of the late rock legend Buddy Holly), who packs a sharp katana and plays a mean six-string at the same time. The acting is extremely cheesy and the script is full of one-liners that really stick to your head. You even have a host of laughable baddies for Buddy to use his katana on, such as the Pin Pals (a trio of bald bowlers), the Cleavers (a cannibalistic suburban family), a bunch of fallen Cosmonauts and the Windmill People (mutants living underground). "I ask you to kill one single guitarist, and what do I get? Dead bald guys. You four have failed me for the last -- nice shoes." - Death For the soundtrack, Bryan Tyler (Fast Five, Thor: The Dark World) and The Red Elvises capture the essence of the film with rock 'n' roll mixed with ska, surf music and Russian folk. It's amazing how their music flows with the fight scenes. "Cross that line, kid, I'll cut your little teddy bear in half. Last kid that crossed that line, I had to summon up the Spinach Monster with my rock 'n' roll magic. The Spinach Monster grabbed him, pulled him underground and made him eat spinach all day. Rumor has it, kid...he's still there." - Buddy If you're looking for some cheap thrills, pick up Six-String Samurai. You won't be disappointed. Rating: A- "You come all this way without sayin' squat. And you are tryin' to tell me that a '56 Chevy can beat a '47 Buick in a dead quarter mile...I liked you better when you weren't sayin' squat kid. Go to bed." - Buddy DVD Extras: A- When you rent or purchase the DVD, you get the theatrical trailer and two music videos by The Red Elvises. This band really kicks ass! Mesh-head: "If I were you, I'd run!" Buddy: "If you were me, you'd be good lookin'!" (Snaps fingers) Links Official Six-String Samurai Homepage Reference The Internet Movie Database

Happy New Year to you all!