Reviews (9)

ONMYOJI
This film is for those who love beauty. Although there are some disgusting scenes with a child, that I wished they were differently shot. Ugly and disgusting, but, anyway they portray the power of evil spells and intentions manifested themselves in matter and flesh.
The myth and inner truths that the film reflect are pristine. Worth seeing. It is not a film for everybody, therefore try to rent it first. I did buy it and I love it, but some of friends hate it.

Cool flick
I have no idea what these people are complaining about. This movie is exactly what it was meant to be. Saying this is campy is like saying Excalibur was campy. It's a fantasy movie. I thought the wire acting was a little old-school and the butterfly woman was goofy but it was a pretty good movie through and through. I would only recommend buying it to true lovers of fantasy and Japanese movies but most other could rent it and enjoy it.

Campy rendition of legendary subjects
The question here is if you can get past the campiness of this particular rendition. I originally purchased this while at Kinokuniya because I loved the miniseries version of the whole Abe no Seimei legends from (I think) Fuji Television. Although that production had a lower budget, I found that it was better written and soundly produced with better acting for an overall rather good retelling of these fun and compelling sword & sorcery epics from the Heian period.
I had several problems with this rendition. Overall I liked it mostly because I love old tales of the Onmyoji, and I felt that although the treatment of the story was almost Godzilla featurette-esque. Seimei appears here as a omniscient superhero complete with smiling arms-akimbo stance a la those old black & white Superman serials save for the foppish, girlish demeanor given to Seimei by the actor who plays him.

Overall, if you're not looking for a Kurosawa-esque voyage of cinematic mastery, you might like Onmyoji as long as you liked "Creature Double Feature" on Channel 56 when you were younger.

Great learning
In order to appreciate this movie, you have to know that the whole Onmyoji story is not just written by someone for this
time. It is based on a true story(!) in 8th Century Japan.
The charactors and stories are from the one of the oldest records written in Japanese. Those guys were existed then, doing those miracles in daily life.
It is so interesting to learn about Japanese beliefs and religious activities in old times, which lead us to understand what the bases of them today.
Also, you should know that the main actor is a "prince" of "NOH Dance" which is one of the most ancient art forms in Japan.
This is why his movment is not at all like other actors but with a special NOH technique.
Overall, this is really a great Japanese movie. Should be more introduced to foreign countries since it represents depth and difference of their culture.

A wonderful fairy tale
Onmyoji is an awesome movie if you go at it in the way of a fairy tale. The plot is great, there is also a lot of storylines to follow to keep the audience busy. The special effects aren't great, but the battle between good and evil is enough to keep you interested. ... Read more

Description

Adored by millions all over the world, Rita Hayworth was an incredibly beautiful and gifted actress and dancer. One of Hollywood's most famous film stars, she became known as the "Love Goddess" after her memorable role in Gilda (1946), the movie that fore ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Original Love Goddess!
In my opinion, Rita Hayworth is one of the most, if not THE MOST, glamorous woman to grace the silver screen. It is gratifying to see her life explored on a dvd that looks at her skills as an actress, shows the troubled life she led, and the discusses the end of her life and the disease that stole her mind and memories. The dvd talks to people she knew, such as Ann Miller, as well as the likes of Nicole Kidman, who was influenced by her work. Princess Yasmin Kahn also speaks about her mother as we follow her life as a dancing partner with her father, through her years as Columbia Pictures' biggest star to her later years when she yearned to be known more as an actress and less as a star. This set contains two dvds, one being a rarer seen movie Rita starred in called, "Trouble in Texas". If you want to see really classic Rita, however, get her films, "Blood and Sand", "The Lady from Shanghai" and "Gilda", her most famous role. This is an nice addition to any Hayworth fan's collection. I hope that this dvd will introduce the beautiful Rita to a newer generation of fans. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 17th century Asia, "zombies roamed the lands," which in turn led to many vampires roaming the lands, because the zombies turned into vampires. Or so Tsui Hark's Vampire Hunters would have us believe. This lively, wisecracking movie is a little short on narrative logic (actually, it's short on the kind of logic that leads one shot naturally into the next). But it has the staples of the Hong Kong ghost story, with plenty of gravity-defying fights and putrescent zombies. The prolific Tsui Hark wrote and produced this one, but decidedly did not lend his often thrilling directorial touch. Still, there are moments within the generally bewildering mayhem that soar:a zombie-vampire dragging a group of hunters by chains along the treetops, for instance. If you want to see what would happen if a Hammer Film were dropped into an acid bath, this is the movie for you. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (26)

The golden Anime
Most people assosiate Anime with undeveloped story lines and meaningless plots, but outlaw Star breaks all the common anime steriotypes. Not only does Outlaw star have a great story, but it has a memorable cast of characters that show true human aspects, making them seem more believable. I think that anyone who appretiates good entertainment, will enjoy Outlaw star. Though at times the language can be rather harsh, (mostly expressed by our friend Gene Starwind), and there are brief scenes of nudity, (Often seen with our friend Melfina as she runs the ship from her tank), it hardly takes away from the brilliants of the series, and in fact adds to it's unique perspective of what lies ahead in the futer hero generation. I personally think that these shows would make an asome movie, provided they got a good director, and didn't use Leonardo Dicaprio or the backstreet boys in it. Not saying that they're not good, but it just wouldn't go with the whole Outlaw Star gist. If I ever become a directer I certianly will make the series into a movie! In short, Anyone who appretiates a good story, inventive ideas, memorable characters, humor, and outstanding music, will fall in love with the Outlaw Star series.

Final Collection!
I just got a hold of the 3rd and last installment to the Outlaw Star DVD collection. This DVD includes 2 DVDs with episodes 19-26.

As with all the other DVD collections, extras are minimal and put on the 2nd Disc. I would hope that they put more extras especially because there are only 3 collections for the series. Anyway, this collection includes the textless ending scene for the 2nd ending song titled Tsuki no Ie (The house on the Moon? My japanese knowledge is very small). The extras also include cover art for all the VHS tapes that have been released (13 in all, 2 episodes per tape). I enjoyed this as it's a small alternative to owning all the tapes.

The video quality and transfer appeared very nice in this collection. At times there were parts that were grainy but for the most part it looked amazing, lines were very sharp and clear. Menus are the same format as the ones in the previous collections. Very simple and easy to navigate.

Only thing I'll say about the episodes is that one episode (episode 19) introduces two crew members from the Angel Links, a ship from the military. Now if you haven't heard of it, Angel Links is another anime soon to be released by Bandai Entertainment. This shall prove interesting as two animes in the same (exact) world aren't very common. You should check out Angel Links if you're looking for a new anime to try. The episodes get more interesting and shocking as you go on.

Final Note: The one thing I hate about Bandai DVDs are that each episode are on different 'Titles' as opposed to them all being in 1 Title with different chapters. The problem? Well, loading time is quite long and if you use the Episode Select, you end up going back to the menu after each episode and it gets annoying especially with all the episodes on these collections.

An Above-Average Ending to a Below-Average Series
There are a certain number of quirks and foibles one has to endure if anime is going to hold your interest. 'Outlaw Star' has pretty much all of them.

First, there is the team of heros, so exceptionally diverse you'd think they were each written by different people. This problem is reflected in the villains who, (true to anime style) are each more bizarre and dangerous than the last. The problem is that its almost impossible to tell a coherent story with this setup, as Suzuka demonstrates in one of the final episodes.

Second, there is the problem with the TV-series setup itself. Apparently there is a law somewhere that requires a certain number of 'filler' episodes that have nothing to do with the central plotline. Sometimes the writers really struggle to connect these episodes to the central plot. In several episodes the audience has no idea why the characters are where they are. One episode in particular seems to serve no purpose other than provide a link to 'Outlaw Star's' spinoff series.

And finally there's the fact that every Anime series lags heavily in the beginning before becoming good at the end. The series that best serves as an example of this is 'Evangelion,' which becomes downright pathetic in the middle of the series before becoming beautifully brilliant at the end.

That's pretty much the bottom line for 'Outlaw Star.' Despite a rough beginning and a miserable middle, the ending is genuinely satisfying, enough to make up for all its quirks. If you have the patience to make it all the way to the last disc, you will be richly rewarded.

There is some genuinely cool stuff to be found here. Jim is the star of an excellent episode. Melfina and Harry MacDougal continue to steal the show, leaving the entire rest of the cast behind as their bizarre drama takes off. The prison planet episode was also very good. I suspect more scientific research went into this one episode than the entire rest of the series. One of the 'filler' episodes, involving a tourist resort, seems pointless but (unlike the rest of the show) it is genuinely funny, with a vein of humor so strange, wacky, and downright hilarious it's worthy of Douglas Adams.

The Anten Seven get some good scenes, but mostly they are the mismatched and mostly asinine villain team we've come to expect from the anime genre. As I mentioned before, towards the end Suzuka becomes the subject of a pointless subplot that seems to be inserted only to drag the ending out a bit longer. But these stumbles are made up for by the sheer beauty of the Galactic Leyline and the drama between Gene, Melfina, Harry. Like most anime, this series becomes very strange at the end, but it is strange in a good way. Unlike 'Evangelion,' the ending is odd enough to make you think, but not so bizarre that it's rendered incomprehensible.

Taken together, the series is only average. It has as many awful moments as it has brilliant ones. It's one of the foibles of anime that the brilliant ones have to be stuck at the end. If you were less-than-satisfied with the rest of the series, you can be assured that the final episodes are well worth your time and money.

A comparison of anime finales
Of all the anime series I have collected and seen (Cowboy Bebop, Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, Gundam Wing, etc), this series has the most lighthearted and fun endings of them all. All you anime collectors out there know what im taking about when I say the most great anime endings are sad and dissapointing. The characters die, or are separated. Being tired of all the grief caused by such anime endings, I am glad to find one that leaves the viewer satisfied. I recommend the entire series to every body because of its light heartedness, its superb graphics and fast action. Enjoy!!!

The Best?
Well, of course it is...I am 15 and a collector of anime. I have Lots of anime but this is my favorite anime of all time. I think the story is cool and the technology Evan cooler. The caster (a gun that shoots magic shells) is my favorite weapon. It has 9 episodes on 2 dvds and all the episodes are grate but the last 2 are my favorite...the Hot springs planet tenrai episode (I think that's how its spelled) got into the history of the caster and was funny to boot...if you like action adventure and a guy with a cool gun get this! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It keeps getting better!
This series started off a little slow, but the set ups for storylines really start to pay off as we get backstory on Boma and the characters get more development (like Kyoko develops a personality finally!) Gorgeous art and music. I can't wait until the next volume comes out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A mystical tale set in Japan's Heian era (794-1185 A.D.), when demons and sorcery lent intrigue to the business of ruling the kingdom, Onmyoji was Japan's box office king in 2001. The emperor Mikado and his infant son are the targets of evil spells, and someone amidst the Onmyoji, the longtime supernatural guardians of the kingdom, is suspected of betrayal. A bumbling and somewhat cowardly court official named Minamoto no Hiromaki recruits the famed Japanese folk hero SeiMei, an easygoing yin-yang sorcery master, to help solve the mystery. The two develop a Holmes and Watson relationship while trying to thwart the conspirators. The movie fails to achieve much dramatic tension over a long two hours. With the exception of Mansai Nomura as SeiMei, the acting is exaggerated, as in bad theater. Some shoddy scene and sound editing leads to some clumsy transitions, and the special effects and fight scenes are of the made-for-TV quality. Still, with a lineup that includes Japanese pop idols Kyoko Koizumi and Eriko Imai and villains that cackle with such enthusiasm, Onmyoji nearly qualifies as a campy guilty pleasure. --Eugene Wei ... Read more

Reviews (9)

ONMYOJI
This film is for those who love beauty. Although there are some disgusting scenes with a child, that I wished they were differently shot. Ugly and disgusting, but, anyway they portray the power of evil spells and intentions manifested themselves in matter and flesh.
The myth and inner truths that the film reflect are pristine. Worth seeing. It is not a film for everybody, therefore try to rent it first. I did buy it and I love it, but some of friends hate it.

Cool flick
I have no idea what these people are complaining about. This movie is exactly what it was meant to be. Saying this is campy is like saying Excalibur was campy. It's a fantasy movie. I thought the wire acting was a little old-school and the butterfly woman was goofy but it was a pretty good movie through and through. I would only recommend buying it to true lovers of fantasy and Japanese movies but most other could rent it and enjoy it.

Campy rendition of legendary subjects
The question here is if you can get past the campiness of this particular rendition. I originally purchased this while at Kinokuniya because I loved the miniseries version of the whole Abe no Seimei legends from (I think) Fuji Television. Although that production had a lower budget, I found that it was better written and soundly produced with better acting for an overall rather good retelling of these fun and compelling sword & sorcery epics from the Heian period.
I had several problems with this rendition. Overall I liked it mostly because I love old tales of the Onmyoji, and I felt that although the treatment of the story was almost Godzilla featurette-esque. Seimei appears here as a omniscient superhero complete with smiling arms-akimbo stance a la those old black & white Superman serials save for the foppish, girlish demeanor given to Seimei by the actor who plays him.

Overall, if you're not looking for a Kurosawa-esque voyage of cinematic mastery, you might like Onmyoji as long as you liked "Creature Double Feature" on Channel 56 when you were younger.

Great learning
In order to appreciate this movie, you have to know that the whole Onmyoji story is not just written by someone for this
time. It is based on a true story(!) in 8th Century Japan.
The charactors and stories are from the one of the oldest records written in Japanese. Those guys were existed then, doing those miracles in daily life.
It is so interesting to learn about Japanese beliefs and religious activities in old times, which lead us to understand what the bases of them today.
Also, you should know that the main actor is a "prince" of "NOH Dance" which is one of the most ancient art forms in Japan.
This is why his movment is not at all like other actors but with a special NOH technique.
Overall, this is really a great Japanese movie. Should be more introduced to foreign countries since it represents depth and difference of their culture.

A wonderful fairy tale
Onmyoji is an awesome movie if you go at it in the way of a fairy tale. The plot is great, there is also a lot of storylines to follow to keep the audience busy. The special effects aren't great, but the battle between good and evil is enough to keep you interested. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This slapstick jiggle comedy makes Steel Angel Kurumi sound like afeminist tract. Mahoro is a heroic combat android, created to fight alieninvaders. As she nears her expiration date, Mahoro's given the opportunity todo whatever she likes with her remaining 398 days: she asks to become themaid of her former commander's orphan son. Middle school student Suguru livesby himself in his parents' old house. Mahoro turns the grungy dump into aspotless showplace, cooks wonderful meals, and bathes Suguru. The presence ofwhat appears to be a cute 19-year-old girl in Suguru's house arouses thejealousy of his voluptuous, alcoholic teacher Ms. Shikijo, and the two womenbegin a fan service jiggle-off. The adolescent high jinks of Mahoromaticwill offend many American females--and bore any male whose voice has changed.(Rated 16 and older: nudity, risqué humor, violence, alcohol use) --CharlesSolomon ... Read more

Description

During his stay in Tokyo, Kenshin Himura has made many life-long friends, but none are closer than Sanosuke Sagara. However, for every man there are duties and ideals that run deeper than any friendship.When a fellow survivor from the Sekihoutai hatches a plan to avenge slain comrades, Sanosuke is drawn back into his past. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this second two-disc set of adventures, Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking shift operations to the planet Heifong, accompanied by the lovely assassin Suzuka and the cyborg Malfina. The Ctarl-Ctarl alien Aisha Clanclan joins them as a rather fractious partner. During a high-stakes space race, Gene discovers that MacDougall, the enemy he met in episode 9, is really two brothers: Harry, a psychotic cyborg, and Ron, a gelid sadist. Nasty as they are, the MacDougall brothers are small potatoes compared to the real threat Gene and his friends face. In "The Seven Emerge," Lord Hazano, the head of the 108 Stars pirate gang, sends a band of dreaded murderers after them. Hazano wants Gene's ship, the Outlaw Star, which rebel pirate "Hot Ice" Hilda gave him before she was murdered by the MacDougalls. A secret coalition of pirates and Space Force agents developed the ship: with Malefina acting as its guidance system, it's the only vessel capable of reaching the fabulous treasure hidden at the Galactic Leyline. Although he's unable to discover the nature of the treasure or the location of the Galactic Leyline, Gene resolves to take his crew there at the end of episode 18. But there's still time for plenty of comic adventure, including Gene's entry in the distaff events of the Galactic Strongman Contest as "Jenny." Rhinestone-in-the-rough Gene Starwind may remind viewers of a cross between Kain Blueriver in Lost Universe and Vash the Stampede in Trigun. Like Kain, he comes out on top in misadventures that never quite cover his expenses, and he's as formidable a marksman as Vash. But he lacks the metaphysical bent that enables Kain to wield a psi blade, and the viewer looks in vain for Vash's reverence for life and self-deprecating charm. Outlaw Star delivers an engaging, rather dark brand of comedy-adventure, although the clean-up artists on the series do very sloppy work: Gene's features change noticeably from scene to scene. Episodes included: 10. "Gathering for the Space Race," 11. "Adrift in Subspace," 12. "Life and Death Struggle with the El Dorado," 13. "Advance Guard from an Alien World," 14. "Final Countdown," 15. "The Seven Emerge," 16. "Demon of the Water Planet," 17. "Between Life and Machine," 18. "The Strongest Woman in the Universe." Rated 13 and up for nudity, sexual situations, profanity, and violence. --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Reviews (3)

befuddled
I have no idea why I like this show. It is shallow, predictable, and loud. Still, it is all of these things done right, plus a whole lot more. It proves that you do not need an incredible, original premise to make a very entertaining anime series. The final volume does not disappoint in the least. If you like action, you will love this show. If you do not like action, you will still probably love this show. Plus, the sound comics are seriously funny.

Finally!! A good ending to an anime!!
I throughly enjoyed Vol. 6 of S-cry-ed! If you've been watching the whole series so far, Vol. 6 is the pay-off for the viewer with LOTS of action and the plot is finally resolved! The ending is very well-done and still leaves enough room if the creators decide to make more.
The animation remain excellent, as well as the character design and music. So aeshetically, you're in for a real treat. The storyline and character growth/development are excellent too, and both are wrapped up in this volume.
If you've enjoyed the series so far, then I don't need to tell you to go buy this NOW. if you''ve been interested in S-cry-ed, but haven't the 1st volume yet, I recommend it wholeheartedly. You may find it to be one of the best anime series ever, just like me.
One last thing, Bandai's dub is excellent and I preferred it to the Japanese version. Dubs have come a very long way in terms of quality. If you're still a naysayer of English dubs, watch dubs like S-cry-ed, Saiyuki, Rahxephon, and Hellsing. They may change your mind.

What an ending!!!
Wow. I just watched this final edition of S-cry-Ed and that is all I have to say. Just wow. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but after watching the first five DVD's, you just get caught up in the ending. I couldn't look away for a second. All four episodes had plenty of action, and it tied up every loose end in the story, however minor they were. It was an awesome DVD, and I reccomend it to every anime fan out there, only after viewing the first five. It is just about the most perfect ending to an anime series ever. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Problems rooted in Mahoro's past and the legacy of Suguru's parents come hometo roost as this comedy-adventure continues. Mahoro wasn't just a combatandroid; she was Vesper's most powerful weapon against the alien invadersknown as "Saint." The commanders of Vesper send the panther-like robot Slashto help protect her while she's Suguru's maid. Ryuga, the most formidableSaint android, appears at Suguru's school, posing as a teacher. But his realpurpose is a rematch with Mahoro to determine who's the greatestwarrior-android. And Mahoro's expiration date is rapidly approaching, as thefilmmakers remind the viewer at the end of each episode. The fan servicehumor undercuts the drama of the situation. Alcoholic middle-school teacherMs. Shikijo keeps jiggling after Suguru and there are lots jokes about breastsize and a possible homosexual attraction between Suguru and Ryuga. (Rated 16and older: nudity, risqué humor, violence, alcohol use) --CharlesSolomon ... Read more