Showing posts with label 2d animation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2d animation. Show all posts

Sunday, April 7, 2013

NEON GENESIS-EVANGELION 2 BOX SET (DVD/2 DISC) Review

NEON GENESIS-EVANGELION 2 BOX SET (DVD/2 DISC)
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For those turning to this film to answer all the questions that the last two episodes of the Evangelion (NGE) series didn't answer, I suggest you look elsewhere. If anything, this film will provide you with precious few answers but a multitude of new questions. For those wanting a highly provocative, thought-provoking, intelligent and most poignant conclusion to the NGE series, then have no fear. I will try to explain some of the more perplexing elements in this film, without giving too much away, as well giving my thoughts and opinions at the same time.
The film is structured to be the final two episodes of the series. So the first half, Ep. 25 "Air/Love is Destructive" is concurrent with the series episode 25 "The World Ending/Do You Love Me?". The second half, Ep. 26. "My Purest Heart for You/One More Final: I Need You" is concurrent with the series episode 26 "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World/Take Care of Yourself."
Much like the NGE series, the End of Evangelion (EoE) weaves a complex story where images and dialogue are closely related to the philosophy and symbolism. These themes are played out through the psychology of each characters' own mind. It is essentially a microcosm of the entire series. The opening scenes before the "Air" title card of Ep. 25 of Shinji overlooking the ruins of the city, and then entering Asuka's hospital room and, (I'll leave it there) set the mood and atmosphere. Showing effectively and very disturbingly that this is NOT going to be an easy film. As the first half roars out of the gates at breakneck speed, we see the hostile takeover of Nerv by the Seele organization and each Nerv member's desperate attempt to hold it at bay.
We also see the mental states that the two main Eva pilots - Shinji and Asuka - have been reduced too. Shinji is severely depressed after killing the last angel, Kaworu, whom he had formed a close bond with. Asuka is in the same mental boat as Shinji as she sits at the bottom of the lake in her Eva, which she feels she can't pilot anymore. What's interesting is the paths that have driven these two characters to this point. The ideas of finding one's self-worth (examined perfectly in the final two series episodes), and what happens to a person when that is taken away.
At the same time Seele is trying to initiate their plans for Third Impact using Unit-01 and the downright creepy looking Mass-Produced Eva Series, Gendo has his own plans involving Rei and Lilith. As Asuka, (with a little help and inspiration from her Mama) rages an extremely violent battle with the Evil Evas, Gendo takes Rei down to Lilith. He does this to unite the souls and bodies of Adam and Lilith only to find his scorned lover, Ritsuko there. It's interesting that two of the most shocking and violent scenes (the Asuka/Eva battle and the Gendo/Ritsuko confrontation) are played out to Bach's beautiful "Air". The infusion of the music in this film is truly brilliant and a major reason why many scenes are so effective.
However, this is the point in the film where most people will start to become completely lost. Without a really good understanding of the NGE story (and perhaps even with one), it's hard not to. It's very difficult to make the extremely complex simple, however I'll try without many spoilers.
Suffice it to say that Seele were trying to initiate Third Impact and reduce humankind back to its original form - the Primordial Soup of Life where all souls and beings are one. Gendo had different plans and just wanted to see his 'dead' wife, Yui again. Neither Seele's or Gendo's plans go exactly as they were meant to. Unit-01, along with Shinji, ends up becoming the Tree of Life, and the ark in which all souls are ushered through and into Lilith's Egg. Understanding the idea that in NGE, humans - Lilim, as we're called - were born from Lilith, and Rei is essentially Lilith helps make this clearer. What's happening near this point is 3rd Impact is occurring because of the Unit-01 and the Mass Produced Eva encounter. This returns the Geo-Front (the sphere like cavern where Nerv HQ sits) to its original form, the Egg of Lilith (we see this during the "Eye"-like explosion). After the Giant Rei/Lilith forms, Shinji is essentially given reign over the future of the human race by Rei/Lilith herself.
At this point, the tempo of the film slows to a crawl and the most surreal images and scenes begin creeping in. Even the most seemingly simple scenes such as a young Shinji playing in a sandbox with a swing, mountains, and a setting sun in the background is just rife with symbolism (hint: try to relate everything in this scene with something in the show, be it scenes, characters, or themes). Here, the psychological interplay between the main characters is crucial, as Shinji's wishes are played out in the real world. When he feels that everyone has deserted him and essentially says 'everyone can just die' is when the Instrumentality and joining of all souls through Lilith really begins.
What's important to note is Shinji's thoughts after his 'choice' has been made. The place he escapes to - the world of Instrumentality where all souls are one - and his questioning of this choice and all his choices is what we see here. More than just his questioning of the choice, we also hear him questioning the meaning of reality and dreams. This is not just random philosophical ramblings. It's a study of a character's, as well as the creator's, thoughts and feelings. Shinji holds all of humanity's future in his hands or, more accurately, his own mind. When you consider how psychologically scarred Shinji is, the idea that he can completely shape the future of Earth and all of humankind is what makes this so interesting.
Once he is allowed to be in the world he escapes to, he's faced with another choice of whether to stay or come back. As he discusses these things with Rei and Kaworu (Lilith and Adam), we hear his final choice and reasons why. The ending of EoE, titled "One More Final: I Need You" is rightfully confusing to almost everyone who sees it. However, it's also the perfect note to end the series with. Not only does it leave us as uncertain as the characters are about the future, but it also expresses the frustration and realization of Shinji's choice and the culmination of all the struggles that has lead them there.
This film is simply a divine marvel. Much like the series it has to be watched multiple times for one to uncover all of its hidden layers and meanings. But it doesn't lose its ability to invoke emotions and thoughts even after several viewings. There are scenes of immense power and drama in the film - many that match the best of most films I've seen. But I think it's the quiet moments that make this film so moving and memorable. The Sandbox scene is one I've mentioned. Another is the live action shots with the monologue and Bach's magnificent "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" (Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring) playing along on piano with it. Even more subtle moments, such as Shinji's SDAT (walkman type) player out of batteries (more significant than many would think), and Gendo's broken glasses in Rei's place. With the vivid beginning of Instrumentality played out to the appropriate sad-song-with-a-pop-beat "Komm Susser Tod" (Come Sweet Death), it's these scenes that never fail to give me chills.
There's a great quote that goes something like "A truly wise man always has more questions than answers." This is a series and film that asks more questions than it provides answers. What it tries to do is make you think about those questions, rather than provide an easily digestible story. Some may call the story incoherent and disjointed, but what many don't realize is that the deep psychological and philosophical leanings behind the show are inextricably linked with the storyline itself. So to distinguish one from the other is impossible without realizing how the two intertwine and effect the other. If you merely try to breakdown the sci-fi storyline, then you will be confused by much of it. This is because the story is so big and so encompassing that many finer details can't be uncovered without diving deep into the inner workings of the series.
In the end, I can only speak for myself when I say NGE did a superlative job of doing everything a great work of art should do. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it gave me chills on more than one occasion.... but most of all it made me THINK. Anyone who wants to enjoy this show as just a meaningless work of science fiction can do so, but will be baffled as they're crushed by the multiple layers of extra contextual meanings. So, if you want to understand NGE, you have to not only pay close attention to the small details within the show (small scenes from many episodes back play a role in the film), you have to really open your mind up to the ideas being presented, and how they effect the story.
However, taken as a film, and the conclusion to the NGE series, End of Evangelion is a staggering achievement and powerful last testament to what is, in my opinion, the greatest visual series of all time.
*DVD NOTES:
Those considering whether to buy just the EoE or the EoE/Death & Rebirth 2-pack, I suggest you go with the EoE unless you don't own the director's cuts of the last several episodes (available in the Platinum Collection). 'Death' is mostly a muddled re-crap of the entire series, while 'Rebirth' is merely the first 30 minutes of EoE. Death also doesn't contain remastered visuals or audio like the Platinum Collection does, so you'll be getting a low quality re-cap at that. Death really doesn't even work as an introduction to NGE, because most everyone not aquainted with previous episodes would be confused by the structure of the recap. The only...Read more›

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Three young pilots are faced with the final fate ofhumanity and their Evangelion vessels are the world'slast hope!

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Sunday, March 24, 2013

Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn Review

Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
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It's tough to review movies because you don't want to give away too many details. But at the same time, with Dragonball Z movies, they all seem to follow the same pattern (A *monster* comes or is formed, is dealt with, then powers up to a level beyond the heroes, but the heroes somehow band together and find a way to win, etc.) anyway. This one to me was one of the best DBZ movies. In a nutshell, the movie's about a mistake taking place in the underworld by a bit of a slacker that has dire consequences, bringing the dead back to life while combining loads of negative energy into one being named Janemba (or Janempa - can't remember which form was the fat one vs. the sleek one). After the fat one is dealt with, the sleek one's more than a match for the powered up Goku and Vegeta sucker punches the villian to save his life, etc. etc. (you've seen it before). This time, Fusion's the only thing that may be able to save the day. It was interesting though - you even get to see Freiza & the Ginyu force come back to life in this one, along with another movie villain (albeit briefly... if you blink you miss it) - Bojack and some of his minions.
This movie lines up with the Buu saga and as such, some of the same concepts take place (Fusion, Saiyaman, etc.) So you know what relative power the villain would have - although this one had a sort of teleportation power that was pretty neat, and that it would take a Fusion of Goku and Vegeta to stand a chance. The action was pretty good and I really liked how unlike previous movies, this time the powered up villian didn't spend 50% of the movie beating up the heroes and Goku/Vegeta got a few shots in - leads more to the imagination - I liked that Goku did somewhat okay against the monster before the sword was deployed.
There were a few negatives though to the movie. As for the movie, I wish they didn't worry so much about time, as they couldn't done a few more interesting things with Freiza coming back or Cell or whoever. 2, I like how funimation does voice-overs. But in this movie in particular, they changed the dialogue a bit too much from the original japanese version. You can tell in the end of the movie - the Japanese/American version had Trunks/Goten joking about completely different things. And then at the end of Fusion, the dialogue between Goku/Vegeta, which wasn't fitting to Vegeta's personality. Throughout the argument with Goku/Vegeta - the USA version took away from Vegeta's dejection, eliminating a pretty important piece of their relationship which would eventually close the series, let alone when Janempa's sword crumbled and why (which stems from that). Finally, funimation did a pretty lousy job at distributing this to outlets.
Still, it's a good movie that I definitely recommend for any and all Dragonball Z fans - maybe the very best (not sure if there's another one left), and Funimation was smart to include the Japanese version. Check it out!

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An industrial disaster in Other World has unleashed a gargantuan monster, and the Z fighters are taking action! Janemba's arrival has thrown the dimensions into turmoil, leaving the door between worlds gaping open and the dead are rising from their graves. To combat this juggernaut, Goku must power up to his race Super Saiyan 3 form, but shockingly the move is not enought. It's a battle on two fronts and teamwork is the key! As time runs out, Goku stumbles across a weary Vegeta and devises a risky plan that might be the universe's only hope...Fusion Reborn!

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Dragon Ball Z - Bardock: The Father of Goku (1996) Review

Dragon Ball Z - Bardock: The Father of Goku (1996)
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...I really enjoyed this one. It MUST be watched in its original language to be really appreciated and that's the strength of this DVD. It has the original version with English sub titles!
The reason I was unsure about the story line is that it was about Bardock, I mean, who cares about Goku's father, right? It's Goku and Vegeta and Piccolo we all care about, right? But despite my reservations this was a rousing good story giving us a rare glimpse into the past and the lives of the Saiyins. In the Japanese version Bardock comes across as the trained soldier that he is, ruthless and single minded until he is granted the chance to see things from another point of view and therefore begin questioning for the first time in his life.
In the English version they try to whitewash him a bit and it just doesn't work. The beauty of the story is Bardock's realisation of what he and his people have allowed themselves to become in the service of Frieza, making the destruction of his race all the more poignant.
I recommend any anime title that has the original Japanese version on it anyway, but this one really illustrates the differences between the original and Funimations condescending makeover. Watch the two versions one after another and see if you agree with me!

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Naruto, Vol. 1 - Enter Naruto (2005) Review

Naruto, Vol. 1 - Enter Naruto (2005)
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Well, you've probably read by now many of the hate-filled reviews by many die-hard Naruto fans who have loved the show long before it came to Cartoon Network's Toonami a while ago. I'm one of those die-hard fans. But, I'm here to try and give an unbiased review.
First of all let me say that yes, I am with those many that hate what has been done with the Naruto series here in America. I hate Naruto's every-other-sentence, "believe it", I hate Shino's voice actor, I hate the editing, yada-yada-yada I hate a lot about it you get the point and you've heard all of that before. But let me say, that for those who do not have access to the subbed version(particularly now that it is licensed and therefore some people would be deterred because that's illegal) they might find this quite an enjoyable show.
Naruto, at it's core, is good. That point is arguable only by osmeone who has underanalyzed Naruto. Naruto takes the long showcased subject of Japanese shinobi(or ninja) and turned it into something quite original. There are over thirty characters in the show, each with their own UNIQUE skills, personalities, and flaws. Take Rock Lee for example, definitely one of my favorite characters because he is incapable of using magic or illusions in battle, and therefore has relied completely on hand-to-hand combat. But since he has been extremely determined to prove him self on equal standing with the other ninja, he has become quite powerful.
Sasuke is the show's heart-throb, always one-upping Naruto and, though he's on his team, manages to be his friend and rival all at the same time. Up until far later in the episodes(where they start filling in a time skip in the manga with "fillers") the show is consistent and the plot keeps rolling along with new elements and twists, character developments, and pretty important to me, their strength. It isn't a DBZ-like approach where every time they beat an enemy a new stronger one comes, then they get stronger. It is a more realistic approach, witht he main characters and their allies under the shadow of their teachers and their most powerful allies whom they can't even hope to go against at their current levels, training to try and become close to a match.
This series has creativity, originality, great action, great story, great character development, and that all makes it a very good show. However, the flaws in the English dubbing are quite apparent. I've heard many many dubbings in my day, and I really must say that this one is quite bad(I can't say it's the worse when I still remember One Piece). The voices of the original anime help to define the character, they do a good job of suiting each character's personality, but I don't think that's the case here on the English version. It's quite apparent that these voices do not suit the characters, and that the show suffers from the changes made to it.
When all is said and done, I must say that it still manages to be a pretty good show, especially for those who are not so used to the English subtitles. The original Naruto series gets a 5/5, and the English, a 3/5. I suggest, like others here, you check out the original. It's almost a different show. Trust me, you'll thank me.
Dattebayo.

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Episodes 1-4 Deep within the Hidden Leaf Village, sharp and cunning Ninja carry amazing talents and powers while Naruto Uzumaki carries an amazing secret.Twelve years ago, the fourth Hokage sacrificed himself to save the village by sealing the Nine-tailed Fox Spirit inside this orphaned newborn.Now, this plucky prankster must do what it takes to achieve his life-long goal to become the next Hokage!

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Robin Hood (Disney Gold Classic Collection) (1973) Review

Robin Hood (Disney Gold Classic Collection) (1973)
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Previous to this 'Most Wanted Edition' release, Disney had released a Gold Collection version. Having seen the two head to head, the Most Wanted is definitely a worthwhile purchase, though purists may wish to hang onto their Gold Collection Edition.
For those interested in the movie's plot (though if you don't know it by now), this 1973 Disney film follows the adventures of the classic Robin Hood story (though all the characters have been replaced by Disney animal versions), where he and his pal Little John are constantly thwarting the plans of Prince John, his servant Sir Hiss, and the rotten Sheriff of Nottingham. It doesn't follow the original legend too closely, but then, Robin Hood is a walking, talking fox, so don't expect historical accuracy. Made during Disney's less 'talked about' era (the void between Disney's untimely death and the song stylings of Elton John), the film is still a delight for adults and children. At least, I like it, but critics and animation buffs seem to have some issues with it (not the least of which is a segment where several sequences reuse animation from other Disney films). It's not as plot intensive and tightly told as Disney's later films, but it has quite a few memorable sequences and some great one-liners ("Oo-de-lally! A CROWN!").
But onto the DVD and its features.
VIDEO: The film is presented in a 1.75:1 aspect ratio, making it widescreen. However, (and this is where the purists may take offense), the film was initially created in 1.37:1 aspect, thus making the fullscreen version available on the previous Gold Collection release the 'correct' video standard (a viewing of the widescreen next to the fullscreen does, in fact, show cropping at the top and bottom). However, this does not mean that the widescreen is automatically a problem. Not only is the transfer noticeably clearer and more detailed, but the film was animated to take both fullscreen and widescreen into respect (theatres at the time were capable of displaying one or the other), so technically both aspect ratios can be termed 'the original theatrical.' Because of this, no significant portion of the picture at the top and bottom is lost (though like I said, purists should hang onto their Gold Collections for this reason only). Perhaps a choice of viewing options should have been made available because of this issue, but unfortunately only the widescreen is included on this DVD.
AUDIO: Sound is noticeably better, especially the music (at least, on the sound system I compared them). The 5.1 transfer, while not causing the sound to do miraculous things, does sound more dynamic and sharper. A definite improvement here.
SPECIAl FEATURES: This release includes all the features from the Gold Collection release, with the notable exception of the Read-Along Storybook (a DVD version of the printed storybook released alongside the original movie) and switching out a trivia game for...another trivia game. Interesting. However, everything else is there, along with some additional features (including a storyboarded alternate ending) not previously available.
So, what's my pick? I say, especially if you don't own the film, this is the best version of the two to get. The picture's better, sound's better, and the special features overall are better (and since the previous release, Disney invented its 'Fastplay' feature, which is nice to have compared to the Gold Collection's 'fast forward through the trailers'-only option). But, this is mainly a caution to those looking for the 'Ultimate, Never Have to Buy It Again' edition: the fullscreen, uncropped version is not here. Perhaps in a future two-disc release, though it is doubtful Disney cares enough about this film and its era to do that.

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Swashbuckling adventure and unforgettable characters make the story of ROBIN HOOD an all-time favorite! The animal kingdom serves up a feast of bowmanship, swordplay, and daring deeds in Disney's classic version of this timeless medieval tale. England is at war and ruled by a phony king! Greedy Prince John and his slithering sidekick, Sir Hiss, are taxing Nottingham's residents to the limit. But roguish Robin Hood, along with his trusted companion Little John and his devoted band of merry men, hatch one exciting adventure after another to outfox the prince. Robin won't rest until he wins the hand of fair Maid Marian and King Richard is restored to the throne! Superb storytelling, wonderful animation, and sensational songs make ROBIN HOOD a magical movie for kids of all ages!

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Digimon - The Movie (2000) Review

Digimon - The Movie (2000)
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Three great short films from Japan based on the popular series come together in edited form to make 90 minutes of entertainment. And having Kari, one of the characters, narate the story gives the appearance of one story, which adds to the strength of this movie
The first movie is approximately 10-15 minutes long and details what happened four years before the first season of the show. Tai and his sister Kari see a digi egg exit from their computer screen and a small Digimon is born. Kari becomes attached to this creature. Eventually, the Digimon digivolves to Greymon and protects the city from Parrotmon.
The first movie has it's moment. Young Kari is adorable and even in young Tai we already begin to see Tai the leader of the Digidestined that we see in the first season of Digimon. The friendship between Kari and Agumon also adds a touching element to the story. It's almost heartbreaking when, after the Digimon disappears, Kari yells out, "Don't you wanna play with me anymore?"
We fast forward four years later. The second movie takes place after the first season of the show. It's unclear exactly when. Izzy, one of the Digidestined, joins with Tai to try and defeat this strange Digimon who is invading the internet. With the help of their Digimon, Agumon and Tentomon, they try to battle this strange Digimon. But this Digimon keeps digivolving at an accelerated rate. So Izzy contacts the other Digidestined and manages to get Matt and TK to help along with their Digimon...Patamon and Gabumon. Agumon and Gabumon are able to digivolve to their Mega level...and eventually join together and defeat this evil Digimon....or so they think...
The second movie has a lot of action...but every few minutes, the action goes down a bit so we can have some humor. The main subplot of the second movie involves a silly argument between Tai and Sora. Tai tried to give Sora a hair clip for her birthday and Sora thinks this is Tai's way of criticizing her hairstyle. :) Women! They always have to analyze everything. Anyway...the battles are intense and the music just great. Many songs from the tv show are played during the battle and you can't help but sing along...if you like the music, of course.
The third movie takes place four years later...Sometime during the second season. (Actually, the second season still hasn't reached the point at which this part of this movie is set. This is clearly seen because in the show, Patamon and Gatomon don't have the ability to warp digivolve yet, an ability they clearly have in this movie.) Anyway...in this part of the movie, we learn that the evil Digimon four years ago was created by Willis and is actually a computer virus. And it wasn't really defeated. It somehow escaped into the real world and has infected one of Willis' digimon. Willis is also a Digidestined and has twin digimon. Anyway...for the past four years, one of Willis's Digimon was infected with the virus and making Willis' life miserable. But with the help of Davis and the other Digidestined, they manage to defeat the virus again and free Cocomon from the virus' control.
The third movie, while not as charming as the first two, has some moments. Humor is one of it's strenght. The plot is a bit vague...but it doesn't hurt the movie in general.
So, if you are a fan of the show, you will not be dissappointed by this movie.

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When a powerful new Internet Digimon hatches and begins to consume data at an alarming rate, the Digidestined - kids chosen to save the digital world - must put an end to the destruction before the damage becomes irreversible and worldwide communication halts forever.As computer-based missiles are launched, and a wayward Digimon kidnaps the Digidestined, only the combined efforts of a worldwide network of kids and a new group of "Digidestined" can rescue the others and stop global disaster.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Dragon Ball Z - Broly - Second Coming (Uncut) (1996) Review

Dragon Ball Z - Broly - Second Coming (Uncut) (1996)
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This has a really cool end fight, but overall weak story.
After Broly was defeated by Goku in the first movie, he managed to escape into a Sayin Space pod, only to crash on earth and be encased in a sheet of Ice. Flash forward seven years later, Goten, Trunks and Videl are searching for the Dragon Balls because Videl wants to see Shenron. They stumble across a village plauged by a demon. they volunteer to help only to unwittingly awaken Broly. Not understanding what they are up against they take him on only to be beaten badly until Gohan shows up. With the help of Krillan and a fallen hero they put an end to Broly.
This is overall an ok movie. The fight between Broly and Gohan was cool and the ending reminded me much of the Cell Games, but the fact that most of the movie is more comedic and revolves around Goten and Trunks, and Broly this time around is no longer the ruthless monster from the first, now he is an utterly insane beast who can only say the name Kakarot. Overall this one is good, but not the best.

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Broly is back, and he's out for revenge! While searching for the Dragon Balls, Goten, Videl, and Trunks unearth the truth about Goku's first encounter with the Legenday Super Saiyan: Broly survived! Now he has invaded earth, threatengin not only his arch-rival Goku, but every innocent soulon the peaceful planet. Seeing Goku's broken body laid before his feet is the only thing that will quench Broly's thirst for revenge. Join Gehan, Goku, Gohan and Krillin as they face their most perilous challenge, and possibly their last!

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Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Princess and The Frog (Three Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2009) Review

The Princess and The Frog (Three Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2009)
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Bam! It's appropriate that Emeril Lagasse plays a (bit) character in The Princess and the Frog, voicing Marlon the `gator. This film proves that Disney's once-vaunted hand-drawn animation is back with a vengeance.
The film has gorgeous visuals, engaging characters, a palpably evil villain and gags galore. Randy Newman's New Orleans-influenced score perfectly complements the story. It is laugh-out-loud funny. The romance between leads Tiana and Prince Naveen is touching and believable. The film's strong, down-to-earth message: You can't just wish upon a star for your dreams to come true. You'll have to work. Hard.
Folks looking for a quality, old-school Disney film will not be disappointed. Like all the best Disney classics, The Princess and the Frog adapts a classic fairy tale and adds twists and wit. This story of hardworking Tiana, aspiring New Orleans restauranteur, and her froggy adventures will engage children and charm their parents. It's a movie that both kids and adults will enjoy.
The supporting characters nearly steal the show. Tiana's friend Charlotte is a hoot: "I'm sweating like a sinner in church!" as she sops up the armpits of her Cinderella-esque ballgown. A trumpet-playing alligator, a jowly old lady steeped in hoo-doo, and, especially, a cajun firefly named Ray are originals. Ray's fantasy girlfriend: Evangeline, the evening star.
The visuals have such power. One shot of dandelions covered with droplets of dew is as sumptuous as anything in Disney's Fantasia from 1940. Psychedelic scenes with villain Dr. Facilier rival the bizarre scenes in 1944's The Three Caballeros or 1941's Dumbo. A silent funeral in a swamp has a misty, magical beauty.
As the first major Disney movie with African-American lead characters since 1946's The Song of the South, the film doesn't sidestep the race and class issue. At the beginning of the movie, young Tiana and her seamstress mother leave the opulent home of Big Daddy La Bouff to travel to their tiny tract home. Tiana's daddy has to work multiple jobs to support his family; as does the grown-up Tiana, trying to save up enough money to realize her dream of opening a restaurant. Later bankers tell Tiana that a girl of her "background" may be better off not having such a dream.
Where have these gifted Disney animators been all these years? It seems they've picked up right where they left off, adding another thoroughbred to the stable of modern-day Disney classics such as 1989's The Little Mermaid, 1991's Beauty and the Beast and 1994's The Lion King. Maybe it's producer John Lasseter's influence, with his insistence on excellence, especially with story and visuals. Whatever the reason, Walt Disney himself must be smiling in the heavens. Right next to Evangeline.
-- Julie Neal, author of The Complete Walt Disney World 2010.

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Disney celebrates a modern-day classic from the directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world's most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters. Enter Princess Tiana's world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little bit of courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realize what's truly important in life...love, family and friendship. Overflowing with humor and heart, The Princess and the Frog is an incredible motion picture experience your whole family will want to enjoy again and again!Bonus Content Includes: Deleted Scenes, The Princess Portraits Game, DVD Feature Film + Bonus, Digital Copy Of Feature Film, The Making Of A Princess, Conjuring The Villain, The Return To Hand-Drawn Animation, The Disney Legacy, Disney's Newest Princess, Bringing Life To Animation, Art Galleries, Music Video By Ne-Yo

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Click here for more information about The Princess and The Frog (Three Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2009)