Price, Jamieson K

Samurai Champloo - Complete Box Set

Shinichiro Watanabe's film noir-ish sci-fi adventure Cowboy Bebop set a new standard for cool in anime in 1998, and Samurai Champloo, an edgy mix of Edo-era martial arts and hip-hop irreverence, is a worthy follow-up. A string of coincidences brings together three misfits in a two-bit tea house: Mugen, a rebellious vagabond; Jin, a taciturn ronin; and Fuu, a nutty waitress. The sardonic Mugen lacks the polish that distinguishes a classic martial artist--he uses break dance spins and flips against his foes. Jin moves with a polish that approaches iciness: When he unsheathes his sword, he becomes a lethal work of art in motion. Fuu forces Jin and Mugen to help her find a mysterious samurai "who smells of sun flowers." As the ill-assorted trio wanders towards Nagasaki, Watanabe treats the audiences to a string of outrageous, anachronistic adventures. In Episode 18, Mugen belatedly learns to read at a smackdown elementary school, while Jin tries to settle the rivalry between the heirs to the dojo of his former sensei. The seemingly unrelated storylines collide in a no-holds-barred graffiti contest featuring Tokugawa rap lyrics, ink-brush tagging, Hiroshima homeboys, and a caricature of Andy Warhol. But Watanabe reveals the hidden significance of these nutty interludes when he brings his picaresque adventure-comedy to a close. Like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo leaves the viewer wanting more. (Rated 16 and older: violence, violence against women, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Mugen's a completely wild, uncontrollable warrior - deadly with his blend of capoeira-style swordsmanship and short temper. Jin is the epitome of the stoic samurai, lightning-quick, cool and always in control. And Fuu? She's an adorable (and somewhat airheaded) girl who manages to rein these two in to help her search for a mysterious "samurai who smells of sunflowers." Hopefully, she can keep them from killing each other and stay out of trouble along the way...Now own the entire journey of Mugen, Jin and Fuu in one complete set!

Metropolis

Adapted from Osamu Tezuka's 1949 manga, Metropolis (in Japanese with English subtitles) is an opulently beautiful film that fails to present a coherent story worthy of its extraordinary visuals. Evil Duke Red (voice by Taro Ishida) plans to rule the world from Ziggurat, his newly completed art deco tower. A new robot is being developed by his henchman Dr. Laughton (Junpei Takeguchi) to control all the machines in the world from Ziggurat. Japanese detective Shunsaku Ban (Kousei Tomita) and his nephew Kenichi (Kei Kobayashi) arrive in Metropolis in pursuit of Laughton and are plunged into Red's plot. When the duke's maniacal adopted son Rock (Kohki Okada) attacks Laughton's hidden lab, Kenichi and the waiflike android Tima (Yuka Imoto) flee into the city's subterranean slums and fall in love. Despite a protracted series of chases and violent shootouts, there's little excitement and less character development. Director Rintaro (Hayashi Shigeyuki) borrows heavily from Fritz Lang's 1926 Metropolis, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, and Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, but his staging makes much of the action hard to follow. The film takes an unintentionally hilarious turn when Ziggurat crumbles to Ray Charles's "I Can't Stop Loving You." The computer-generated skyscrapers, machines, and airships offer dazzling vistas of an overscaled and sinister deco-dystopia. But Tezuka's flat little characters, with their big eyes, round noses, and bubble-shaped feet, don't fit into that realistic three-dimensional environment. MPAA rating: PG. Contains considerable violence and grotesque imagery. --Charles Solomon

Scrapped Princess - Anime Legends Complete Collection

According to the revelations of St. Grendel, Pacifica Cassul, the heroine of the fantasy-adventure Scrapped Princess (2003), will cause the end of the world on her 16th birthday. As the fatal day approaches, she's on the lam with her adopted older brother and sister, Shannon and Raquel: They're charged with protecting her from worshippers of the god Mauser, who believe in the prophecy. As they wander from place to place, they make new friends, including would-be knight Leo and innkeeper's helper Winia, and treacherous enemies: Even Pacifica's favorite aunt can't be trusted. Both groups bring clues to the complicated plot that involves the Church of Mauser, its prophecies and its hierarchy; rivalries among feudal kingdoms; three groups of sophisticated cyborg warriors; and the ancient war that pitted humans against powerful aliens. The series ends with a major mecha battle that features interesting rainbow effects, and rather unexciting choreography.

At 24 episodes, the story of Scrapped Princess feels both padded and underdeveloped. Instead of exploring the characters in depth or explaining the needlessly convoluted backstory, the screenplay by Atkasuki Yamatora and Reiko Yoshida rambles aimlessly. Secondary characters appear and disappear, only to pop up several episodes later, and the emotional moments sink into bathos. Although the series enjoys an enthusiastic following in the US, Scrapped Princess often feels too silly to work as an adventure, but too dark to work as a comedy. (Rated 13 and older: violence, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

Pacifica Cassul is a girl with a destiny. But unfortunately it's not a good one; she is the Scrapped Princess a girl who according to prophecy is the poison that will destroy the world. Naturally this means that people want her gone. But two powerful people have sworn to protect her- her brother Shannon whose swordsmanship is impeccable and her sister Raquel who is able to wield devastating magic when the mood strikes her. But traveling without attracting attention proves to be very difficult for the outspoken Pacifica and they soon find themselves in trouble from various sources. Traitorous friends assassins and even an operative from Special Forces all stand in their way. But along the way they'll meet new friends and together will unravel the mystery behind the supposed Armageddon. From Studio BONES! Genre: Fantasy/Action/Drama. System Requirements:Run Time: 650 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 669198228063 Manufacturer No: 22806

Samurai Champloo, Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4)

Viewers eagerly awaited director Shinichiro Watanabe's first broadcast series since Cowboy Bebop, and this quirky, violent period adventure was worth the wait. In contrast to the jazz-inflected disillusionment of Bebop, Champloo offers an edgy mix of martial arts combat and hip-hop irreverence. A string of coincidences brings together three misfits in Meiji-era Japan: Mugen, a rebellious vagabond; Jin, a taciturn ronin; and Fuu, a nutty waitress. Mugen, whose sardonic posture recalls Spike Spiegel, is a formidable swordsman, but he lacks the polish of a great martial artist. His movements, which incorporate break dance spins and flips, reflect his undisciplined nature. Jin is cool to the point of iciness: When he unsheathes his sword, he becomes a deadly work of art in motion. After helping them escape execution, Fuu demands Jin and Mugen stop fighting until they've helped her find an unnamed samurai "who smells of sun flowers." Predictably, chaos ensues. (Rated 16 and older: violence, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Mugen's a buck wild warrior - violent, thoughtless and womanizing. Jin is a vagrant ronin - mysterious, traditional, well-mannered and very strong as well. These two fiercely independent warriors can't be any more different from one another, yet their paths cross when Fuu, a ditzy waitress, saves them from being executed when they are arrested after a violent swordfight. Fuu convinces the two vagrant young men to help her find a mysterious samurai "who smells of sunflowers." And their journey begins. This is a story about love, friendship and courage . . . . NOT!

Eureka Seven, Volume 8 (Episodes 31-34)

It comes from deep within the halls of Tresoir not the sounds of violence nor the sounds of despair. It is the signaling of a time for change. The Nirvash reacts wildly towards its reconstruction as the Tresoir technicians work diligently to redesign the Nirvash.DVD Features:Interactive Animated MenusEnglish / Japanese 2.0 AudioEnglish Subtitle OptionDVD Extras:Commentary Ep.32 - Yuko Sanpei Kaori Nazuka Ami KoshimizuSystem Requirements:TRT: 100 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Age: 13+ UPC: 669198208072 Manufacturer No: 20807

As the fantasy-adventure Eureka Seven continues, the story takes some unexpected turns. The filmmakers finally make it clear that Eureka is a Coralian, a native of the planet where the story is set who has assumed human form. As the partner she has chosen, Renton could be the key to unleashing her latent powers. Amid these revelations, the mecha Nervash continues to evolve and grow stronger. Anemone and Dominic rejoin the fray after an absence of many episodes. Even Dominic has begun to question the methods of his superior, Col. Dewey, who wants to annihilate the Coralians--even if it means killing humans and possibly destroying the planet. Holland served with Dewey in the military, so the conflict is also a grudge match between old enemies. Both of them hope to harness the strength of the formidable monk Norb. Renton never dreamed he was embarking on such a complex adventure when he joined the crew of the Gekkostate. (Rated and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Vampire Princess Miyu - OAV (Vol. 2)

Enter the frightening world of "Vampire Princess Miyu," where demons are out to defeat the forces of good. This second volume of this gothic Japanimation epic takes us on a journey with the spiritualist Himiko, who desperately searches for the Vampire Princess. During the journey, the two will battle each other, and sometimes work together, but Himiko will never give up until he learns the ancient secret that links him to Miyu...

Samurai Champloo, Volume 5 (Episodes 17-20)

The outrageous comedy-adventure Samurai Champloo reaches new heights of absurdity in episode 18, a showcase for creator Shinichiro Watanabe's interest in hip-hop culture. While Mugen belatedly learns to read in a smackdown elementary school, Jin tries to settle the rivalry between two brothers who inherited the dojo of a former sensei. The two seemingly unrelated storylines collide in a hilarious, no-holds-barred anachronistic graffiti contest that features Tokugawa-era rap lyrics, gang signs, ink-brush tagging, Hiroshima homeboys, and a designer-connoisseur who's a caricature of Andy Warhol. Only Watanabe could pull off these anachronistic high jinks so effortlessly. In the darker episode 19, Jin and Mugen learn a bit more about the mysterious "samurai who smells of sunflowers," the curious skull-shaped charm he left behind, and why Fuu is so determined to find him. The mismatched trio also encounters a group of hidden Christians, who were persecuted by the Shoguns, in part for their links to gunrunners. (Rated 16 and older: violence, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Samurai Champloo, Volume 4 (Episodes 13-16)

As Shinichiro Watanabe's freewheeling adventure continues, the pasts of the three main characters begin to come into focus. As an outlaw and a native of Ryukuu, Mugen is doubly an outsider in mainstream Japanese society. Watanabe plays his childhood flashbacks against an Okinawan folk song to stress the character's alienation. Angry students of the dojo where Jin once studied dog his path, and additional flashbacks hint at the significance sunflowers hold for Fuu. Episode 15 epitomizes the seamless blend of stylized violence and rambunctious comedy that make Samurai Champloo so popular. On a visit to the local red-light district, Mugen finds his match--and a possible love interest--in a policewoman posing as a prostitute. She lures him into beating the sashimi out of a gang of counterfeiters with promises of exotic pleasures, then realizes they're already having a great time. (Rated 16 and older: violence, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Samurai Champloo, Volume 2 (Episodes 5-8)

The mayhem and imagination never flag in director Shinchiro Watanabe's first series since Cowboy Bebop. Fuu poses for a Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist, only to discover he's tied to a criminal ring that traffics in young girls. She joins Mugen and Jin to escort gay Dutch trader Izaak Titsingh on a tour of Edo. Izaak tries to pass himself off as Japanese--despite an Ahnold-esque accent. The clever, well-researched visuals in these episodes play off Van Gogh's paintings, shunga (erotic) prints, Kabuki costumes, and the 17th-century anthology The Great Mirror of Male Love. "The Art of Altercation" reveals just enough of Jinn's past to explain why the taciturn swordsman has so many enemies. All four episodes offer plenty of the outrageous mixture of traditional martial arts and cutting-edge hip-hop moves that have made Samurai Champloo a fan favorite. (Rated 16 and older: violence, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

No cash! Mugen, Jin and Fuu need money fast. Fuu tries to model, but it turns out to be a trap. When they arrive in the capital city, they delay their quest to join an eating contest, but find out the hard way they need to watch who they hang with! If some guy they meet isn't wanted by the cops, then he's trying to kill them or take their wallet- either way, you know they're going to wind up in the middle of a fight... The outstanding animation directed by SHINICHIRO WATANABE (Cowboy Bebop, Animatrix), designed by KAZUTO NAKAZAWA (Kill Bill Vol.1) and MAHIRO MAEDA (Last Exile, Blue Submarine No.6) and powered by fresh sounds from Tsutchie, fat jon, Nujabes and FORCE OF NATURE! Outstanding animation and music done right with anamorphic widescreen video and surround sound audio (5.1 English, 5.1 Japanese)!

The Last Exile - The Complete Series Boxed Set (Vol 1-7)

LIMITED EDITION BOX SET CONTAINS: • Vol. 1: First Move; Vol. 2: Positional Play; Vol. 3: Discovered Attack; Vol. 4: Breakthrough; Vol. 5: Grand Stream; Vol. 6: Queen Delphine; Vol. 7: Sealed Move - IN A COLLECTOR'S BOX! • Limited edition mouse pad (OUTSIDE THE BOX) • Limited edition figurine (OUTSIDE THE BOX)

Set consists of the following titles:

LAST EXILE: VOLUME 1: FIRST MOVE

Japan's top anime creators bring a richly romantic action/adventure fantasy in an imaginary planet where retro-futuristic sky vehicles permeate the skies. Against this lavish background are the lives of young and heroic van ship sky porters - Claus and Lavie - who are forced to take on the mission to deliver a mysterious girl, Alvis, to the battle ship Silvana. Before they know it, they become entangled in an aerial adventure between two countries griped in an eternal war of magnificent air battleships. DVD EXTRAS:  Non-Credit Opening  Original Japanese Opening  Promotion Trailer  Staff Interview (Mahiro Maeda)  Art Gallery  Pioneer Previews
LAST EXILE: POSITIONAL PLAY: VOL. 2 Claus and Lavie deliver Alvis to the airship Silvana's captain, Alex Row. But much to Claus' anger, Alex Row accepts Alvis inhumanely into the Silvana and leaves the duo and their damaged ship behind. Claus and Lavie fly to the Silvana to retrieve Alvis, but the airship is savagely attacked by Guild-controlled, star-shaped vessels. Claus and Lavie are forced to take on the attackers with a borrowed Silvana vanship. The Silvana is severely damaged. Dio Eraclea of the Guild flagship notices Claus' unusual flying talents and vows to have a duel with him. More than ever, Claus and Lavie realize they are wrapped up in the mysterious conspiracies of war controlled by the omnipotent Guild. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:  Non-Credit Ending  Original Japanese Ending  Commercial Collections  Art Gallery  Geneon Animation Previews
LAST EXILE: DISCOVERED ATTACK: VOL. 3 Claus and Lavie participate in an eight-hour endurance vanship race, and are joined by Dio Eraclea who tries to befriend Claus. Tatiana also participates in the race, but she is actually on a secret mission under Alex Row's direction. In the meantime, Alex row bids for the mysterious "Exile Dorr" at a black market auction, but he is forced to withdraw from the bidding by the Guild. The Exile Door ends up in the hands of Delphine, the supreme leader of the Guild. And it becomes increasingly apparent that Alvis Hamilton is the key to the Exile. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:  LAST EXILE Exhibition in Tokyo, Art Gallery and Geneon Animation Previews
LAST EXILE: BREAKTHROUGH: VOL. 4 Claus and Tatiana are thrown together to fly a vanship to defend Silvana from a massive attack orchestrated by Anatoray, and Tatiana begins to confide in Claus when the two make an emergency landing. Sophia, who is revealed to be of royal lineage, leaves Silvana, and inherits a leading role in the Anatoray army. And Claus discovers through an old photograph the secret relationship between his vanship, his and Lavie's deceased fathers, Captain Alex Row and the Grand Stream, all of which leads us closer to the meaning of the Exile. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:  LAST EXILE Exhibition in Tokyo  Art Gallery  GENEON Animation Previews
LAST EXILE: GRAND STREAM: VOLUME 5 Claus and Lavie's fathers died attempting to cross the Grand Stream to deliver a message from Anatoray to Disith. Empress Sophia obtains a copy of the original message and discovers it suggested the two empires join forces to defeat the Guild and obtain peace in the skies! However, to defeat the Guild, one must take possession of the Exile, so Empress Sophia plans to command the Silvana to cross the turbulent Grand Stream to locate the Exile. Can they accomplish this dangerous feat within the critical six days? DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:  Textless Opening Version  Art Gallery  Geneon Animation Previews
LAST EXILE: QUEEN DELPHINE: VOL. 6 Claus and Dio return to the Silvana from their vanship expedition to search for the Exile, only to find that the Silvana has been hijacked by the Guild. Delphine takes Alvis, Claus and Alex Row hostage and transports them to the Guild ship. Delphine attempts to lure Alex to provide all the mysterions open Exile gateway. Dio is declared the official successor of his sister Delphine after he is forced to partake of a series of rite of passage ceremonies. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:

 Art Gallery and Geneon Animation Previews
LAST EXILE: SEALED MOVE: VOL. 7 With Luciola's help, Claus, Alvis and Dio escape the Guild ship while Delphine continues to hold Alex Row hostage and tortures him. Anatoray and Disith continue to wage an all-out war against the Guild and many sacrifice their lives attempting to prevent Delphine from gaining complete control of the Exile. Under Sophia's orders, Claus, Lavie and Alvis fly through the Grand Stream toward the Exile to complete their final mission in this heart-pounding conclusion! DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:  Geneon Previews