The Ai Yori Aoshi: The Complete Series DVD Review Is Now Available
The Ai Yori Aoshi: The Complete Series DVD review is now available in the reviews section and here.
This collection is a great way to introduce yourselves to Ai Yori Aoshi and is definitely one of the rightfully titled classic anime in FUNimation’s anime classics line. But those who really want to know the entire story, and on the way get to read one of the best manga ever made, should definitely check the Ai Yori Aoshi manga as well. It was released in its entirety by Tokyopop, and while Tokyopop is no longer here the manga is still relatively easy to find. If you’d prefer to skip the volumes that were already animated I recommend you begin with volume 10 (which was only partly animated). The Ai Yori Aoshi anime focuses more on the fun and games in the life of the boarding house, while the manga offers a more balanced story and does not shun away from portraying the personal hurdles and hardships of life alongside the more happy occurrences seen in the anime.
Nendoroid Black Rock Shooter: TV ANIMATION Ver. Is Hooded Up And Ready For Action
Good Smile Company’s Nendoroid Black Rock Shooter: TV ANIMATION Ver. has the best hoody around. It also comes with some badass weapons that put other Nendoroid figures to shame. Hop in to read the full review and help yourself to some colorful macaroons. Continue reading
Are Old Anime The New Hype?
In the last three years we’ve seen a growing number of old anime series making a comeback. Some resurfaced as regular editions, others as collections at a budget price and some in remastered versions. This trend is definitely going strong and almost all the U.S. anime distributors are riding the wave. But are all distributors taking the same approach? And more importantly, can these old “classic” series successfully compete for our money when facing against modern HD series with all their bells and whistles? Continue reading
Final Fantasy Trading Arts Kai Mini: Yuna
Two weeks ago I reviewed the Final Fantasy Trading Arts Kai Mini Cloud And Squall figures. Today I’ll be finishing this batch by reviewing Yuna. And then it’s time for some wacky figure posing! Continue reading
The Armitage III The Complete Saga DVD Review Is Now Available
The Armitage III The Complete Saga DVD review is now available in the the reviews section and here.
I did not enjoy watching this collection at all. FUNimation just repackaged the old Geneon release without bothering to fix any of the many problems the former release had. As a result this is a terrible release. On top of that Armitage III is just not interesting enough to appeal to the current generation of anime viewers. If you were planning to buy this title you should (seriously!) read the review before doing so.
By the way according to Wikipedia Armitage III is to be read as “Armitage the third”. Before watching the OVA I used to wonder what became of Armitage I and II…
Yes, FUNimation Will Be Releasing Serial Experiments Lain|RESTORE
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about the upcoming release of Serial Experiments Lain on Blu-ray. As I wrote that post I was filled with joy for knowing Lain will soon be available in Blu-ray form in the U.S. At the same time I was also worried of the pos?ibility that FUNimation will just slap the very old Geneon Entertainment DVDs onto a Blu-ray disc. I tried to contact FUNimation in various ways to ask for an honest to god answer but they didn’t even bother to respond. However this all changed today when I stumbled upon a blog post originally posted during August 22 on Robert’s Anime Corner Blog. Some of you might be fimiliar with this post already but for those of you who aren’t, and were painstakingly waiting for an official statement like I was, here is what Robert had to say:
“A lot of people have been asking if the upcoming Lain BD from Funimation is going to be a native master or an upscale. I asked the product manager in Houston, and he gave us some good news this morning:
“We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the Lain Blu-ray, it’s not an up-res, it is native HD. They actually went back and
remastered the whole series, we even have a 24 page restoration booklet (along with a 320 page artbook) included with our
release.”
So the upcoming Lain set will indeed be Native HD. Sweetness! Bet you’re glad you didn’t pay $400 for the Japanese BD box… :-)”
Yes, we are glad indeed. The product manager’s talks of a 320 page art book explains why FUNimation has prices the upcoming release at a premium price (the retail price is $89.98) unlike any other DVD&BD bundle it has formerly released. However the 24 page restoration booklet might not be a part of the regular release – Right Stuf! have announced some time ago that they will be bundling a free gift with the Lain set while supplies lasts. This free gift might end up being that separate 24 booklet. Of course this is a pure speculation on my behalf and time might prove me wrong but there have been such instances in the past.
Lastly the abovementioned post also revealed the box art for the upcoming release (which you can see above). Although other retailers have yet to attach a box art to their listings of Lain this picture, coming from an official online retailer, seems valid.
Those who would like to preorder the Serial Experiments Lain DVD and Blu-ray combo and secure their free gift right now (whether it proves to be a booklet or not) can do so here.
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