POKEMON: ADVENTURES IN THE ORANGE ISLANDS - THE "COMPLETE" COLLECTION

After finishing the Indigo League on DVD, I moved onto the Orange Islands arc, which encompasses the latter part of season 2 and early season 3, in one DVD set. It was originally released back in 2002-03 in three separate volumes, and then as a single 3-disc set in 2009, and once again as this set in 2015. Why mention these other releases? I'll touch on that in a bit.

In general, good video and audio, and hardly any extras. All of the episodes have been stripped of their Pikachu's Jukebox segment, though you can find all of those music videos in the Indigo set. Disc 1 has a POKEMON 4EVER American trailer held over from the original release. Disc one begins with a single intro theme, plays all of the individual episodes, and finishes with the ending theme. The other two discs present each episode with their own opening and ending themes.

Now, after watching this, I was looking though some info about the various "banned" episodes, when I came to the realization -- Two of the episodes were missing from this set! "Complete Collection" my ass. "Stage Fight" and "The Mandarin Island Miss Match" are both missing. And, they both coincidentally contain the Pokemon Jynx (as did an episode removed from the Indigo League, "Holiday Hi-Hynx"). This of course IS the reason they're missing, as Jynx was allegedly considered by some as a racial stereotype (you be the judge). If you want these episodes, they're on the original releases, and supposedly the 2009 set as well.

If you can overlook the absence of the two episodes, it's a pretty good set, for about $20 at Target or other retailers. But personally, I think it's really sad they're not included.

Here's a complete list of the episodes in this set:

84. A Scare In The Air
85. Pokeball Peril
86. The Lost Lapras
87. Fit To Be Tide
88. Pikachu Re-Volts
89. The Crystal Onix
90. In The Pink
91. Shell Shock
93. Bye Bye Psyduck
94. The Joy Of Pokemon
95. Navel Maneuvers
96. Snack Attack!
97. A Shipful Of Shivers
98. Meowth Rules!
99. Tracey Gets Bugged
100. A Way Off, Day Off
102. Wherefore Art Thou, Pokemon?
103. Get Along, Little Pokemon
104. The Mystery Menace
105. Misty Meets Her Match!
106. Bound For Trouble
107. Charizard Chills
108. Pokemon Water War
109. Pokemon Food Fight
110. Pokemon Double Trouble
111. The Wacky Watcher
112. The Stun Spore Detour
113. Hello Pummelo
114. Enter The Dragonite
115. Viva Las Lapras
116. The Underground Round Up
117. A Tents Situation
118. The Rivalry Revival

POKEMON - INDIGO LEAGUE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD

This release has been out for a couple years, but I figured it was worth talking about, since I just binge-watched a bunch of it, not having seen most of these episodes for years. Viz Media originally issued three individual sets of 3 discs, and then this 9-disc set collecting them all on 10/28/15.

Way back in the day, Viz Media was doing as many companies releasing kids shows to home video would do, just offering a few episode per volume. It wasn't until DVD really took off that you started getting complete seasons and such in single sets. POKEMON unfortunately was one of these; Each VHS/DVD volume usually offered a mere three episodes. Fortunately, after all these years, we get the Indigo League episodes in one big set.

I was a huge POKEMON fan back then, and more of a casual fan now. I still watch the new episodes of the anime as often as possible, I play Pokemon Go, and I also saw the newest movie in a theatre in July when I was in Japan. And I unashamedly admit I had (er, still have) the biggest crush on Misty. But, more about the DVDs...

It should be noted that while it covers the Indigo League, this is technically all of season 1 and then some of 2; The Orange Islands arc comprised the rest of season 2 (available separately). They boast "The Complete Collection" -- this is not exactly true. While it does include virtually the whole run of episodes, it's missing a few of them:

Ep. 18: "Beauty and the Beach". Originally skipped due to questionable content (James in a bikini with inflatable breasts), it was later dubbed/edited and slipped into the Orange Islands arc, only airing once (to my knowledge). Sadly it does NOT appear in the Orange Islands DVD set either.

Ep. 35: "The Legend of Dratini". Never dubbed, and skipped due to gun content.

Ep. 38: "Electric Soldier Porygon". Never dubbed, this was the infamous "seizure" episode, and since its first airing in Japan has been banned even in that country.

Special 01: "Holiday Hi-Jynx". A Christmas special that ran as a regular episode in the US, it has since been "banned" due to the inclusion of the Pokemon Jynx, perceived by some as a racial stereotype.

Two other episodes and another special also are out-of-order, but this is how they originally aired in the US. Otherwise, this set contains "all 78 episodes".

Misty and Pikachu. Because... Misty.

Video is fair, nothing fantastic, looks about as good as you'd expect from 78 episodes of a 90s cartoon crammed onto 9 discs. Sound is good too, you can slightly tell the difference in quality between episodes but still sounds good. There are no subtitles.

There are no true extras to speak of, but the first six or so discs contain the full-length PokeRap at the end of each one, an essential inclusion (the VHS/DVDs of old included this as well). All of the season 2 episodes have their respective Pikachu's Jukebox (mini music videos) included at the end of each.

Packaging is fair; For the box set there three standard DVD cases with 3 discs each, in a flimsy artbox. The art for the packaging and disc menus are the standard and somewhat boring "clipart" images we've come to know over the years of the Pokemon and their trainers. Take the box cover for example, very plain, overused images of Misty and Brock, even though better stock images exist (not to mention, unlike all the other characters, their colors are flat and unshaded). Additionally, one disc uses the wrong season's Ash on the main menu.

Overall, I'd say this is a pretty good release. It's expected that three of the four missing episodes were gone, but the absence of "Holiday Hi-Jynx" is very unfortunate. You can get it at Amazon and other retailers for a really good price.

Currently, Viz has continued releasing classic seasons to DVD, with MASTER QUEST (season 5) due out 10/11/16.

THE RETURN OF GODZILLA On BD/DVD September 13

Image Copyright Section23 Films & Kraken Releasing

Kraken Releasing, a label of Section23 Films, will release THE RETURN OF GODZILLA to Blu-ray and DVD on September 13. This will mark the first release of any version of this film in North America in nineteen years, since Anchor Bay released GODZILLA 1985 on VHS. GODZILLA 1985 was my first Godzilla film and remains one of my favorites to this day, in either of its forms. Sadly, this release will not include that cut, which featured additional scenes with Raymond Burr, not-so-subtle Dr. Pepper plugs, and other edits. While its exclusion is unfortunate, it's great this film is finally seeing any sort of release in the USA. Now, every Godzilla film is available on DVD here.

Like many others, I ordered from a particular retailer, and obtained my copy early. I'm pretty happy with the final product. The video is about on par with the Japanese Blu-ray release, and while far from perfect, is pretty serviceable. Kraken interestingly chose to go with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio for both Japanese and English languages, no other option is provided. The English dub is a new mix, combining the international dub dialogue track (previously released only outside the US) inserted into the newer 5.1 sound effect and music remix. Both sound pretty good. Perhaps this is what should have been done when GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE was released a few years ago.

The subtitles have proven to be the source of a bit of controversy. The subs are "locked", in that you can't remove them via remote nor menu. You have two choices on the menu, Japanese language audio with full subtitles (dialogue and onscreen text), or English audio with only onscreen text (title, locations, etc.) subtitles. Either way, while the film plays, you can't disable them via the remote or toggle the subs or audio. This has become increasingly common on recent anime releases, from both Section23 and others, and I believe it's to discourage reverse importing back to Japan. I don't see this as much of a problem, personally. As far as the quality of the subs they seem pretty good, and Kraken does what Section23 (and ADV Films before it) does well, providing very full and detailed onscreen subtitling, with a variety of fonts and colors. Not many companies go to that kind of trouble.

Image Copyright Toho Co. Ltd.

The extras are few, but having anything at all is welcome. The original full theatrical trailer (not the teaser), fully subtitled. Trailer for Kraken's other three G-films are provided as well: EBIRAH - HORROR OF THE DEEP, GODZILLA VS. GIGAN, and GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH.

The package art matches their previous releases, using the original photo-style theatrical poster on the front. Personally I'm not a big fan of the sensationalistic taglines they've used for their Godzilla releases, but I guess, whatever helps sell more of these things.

Overall, I find this to be a pretty pleasing release. Yes, is could have more extras, and the American cut is glaringly absent. But it's not like they didn't try. This was made by fans for fans, and I recommend adding it to your collection today.

To get it NOW, head over the The Right Stuf:

Blu-ray
DVD

LUCKY STAR: The Complete Series on BD/DVD

Back in 2008-09, Bandai Entertainment released LUCKY STAR to DVD in the USA. I bought up all the limited edition releases, deluxe boxes containing DVDs with alternate covers, bonus CDs, and T-shirts I could never wear. Bandai went under, and now, some years later, Funimation has rescued the license (alongside HARUHI SUZUMIYA, coming soon), and re-released the series to both DVD and also Blu-ray. My little review here will more or less critique the release, not the show, which is every bit as good as I remember.

Slipcover (left) and insert (right). The imagery is the same on both.

I should start by saying, this is a BD/DVD combo, a concept personally I am not a fan of. I have no particular need for the DVDs (especially considering the fact I have all the original Bandai releases). I wish they'd have just given two separate options. I HAVE known some people to sell off the DVD or BD discs, but that may be a problem here, you'll find out why under the Extras.

Video/Audio: The show looks and sounds great. Very colorful. No complaints.

Subtitles: The subtitles are locked on the BD edition when on the Japanese version. Boo.

Reverse-side cover art.

Extras: There's a pretty decent collection of extras here, a few items not on the original Bandai releases, and a few exclusive to the American DVDs. The main issue is, some of the extras are ONLY on the DVDs, and some are only on the BDs. Meaning, if you're one of those people that sell off the discs you don't want... you're gonna have to keep them if you want those bonuses. Unless I'm incorrect, I believe all of the extras from the Bandai releases are replicated here, including English voice actor interviews which are quite interesting.

Extras come in the form of:
-Both BD/DVD: The OVA (no dub, same as the Bandai release), On-Screen Text Reference Guide*, US Trailer (Funimation)
-BD only: Lucky Racer "Checker Flag in Akihabara & Lucky Racer Highlight", Radio Kansai's Public Recording of "New Lucky Channel"
-DVD only: Promo Clip, The Adventures Of Minoru Shiraishi Parts 1-11, English Voice Cast Interview Parts 1-3

Packaging: Instead of a chipboard artbox, Funimation opted for a double-thick standard BD case with a slipcover, and reversible insert. Nothing terribly exciting. The discs are decorated with the same hand-drawn stars shown on the cover, no character art. No characters on the cover spine, which is a disappointment for me. The reversible cover has a different front image culled from the Bandai "Anime Legends" complete series release, and the back replaces the show description with an Extras listing.

 

If you're new to LUCKY STAR, or just want to upgrade to BD, I highly recommend this release. Here's looking forward to Funimation's grandiose box set of HARUHI SUZIUMIYA in September!

For more info on LUCKY STAR as well as viewable episodes, check out the official site.

STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW Available on BD/DVD from Sentai Filmworks

For my first post, I'd like to recommend one of my favorite anime, STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW, which has rad a recent resurgence in the USA with two great DVD and Blu-ray releases by Sentai Filmworks (a label of Section23).

The TV series was released back in the 2000s by Geneon, as three DVDs, with optional artbox, and each came with a shitajiki (pencil board). It was given a very nice English dub as well. Since Geneon went under, the series has been out of print. The two followup OVA series went unlicensed in the USA. Earlier this year, Sentai Filmworks announced they had licensed the TV series, and later the two OVA series, for DVD and BD release.

The TV series was released on 05/10, while the OVAs will be out on 07/12, this Tuesday.This review generally covers just the Blu-ray edition, though the DVD should be identical, except for the subtitle details.

Video and Audio: Video quality is very good, not perfect HD, but appears to be upscaled enough to be superior to previous releases. I suspect if they hadn't released the recent BD in Japan it wouldn't have been released on that format in the US. No complaints with the audio, which is presented in both Japanese and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 for the TV series, and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 for the OVAs. The opening and ending text are the original Japanese, likely to retain the HD source; The Geneon DVDs had English credits.

Subtitles: Like some modern anime BD releases, the subtitles are locked on the Japanese language versions, meaning they can't be disabled (except for the the music videos, which may have something to do with them being Standard Def and apparently DVD-sourced). Otherwise, as usual, a nice effort with the subs on Sentai's part.

Extras:  All of the extras on the TV series appear to be retained from the Geneon releases, most importantly the Episode "0" (English dub included), Episode 1 & 2 Digest, Music Videos, Promo Video, TV Spots, Clean Opening and Closing Animations, and of course, trailers for other Sentai releases. The OVAs include Clean Opening and Closing Animations and Sentai trailers. If I recall, the OVAs Japanese releases had Audio Commentaries; those are absent here.

Packaging: The TV series cover uses stock character images, while the OVA uses adorable art by series creator Barasui. Miu and Nobue are used on the cover spines, respectively, and look good on the shelf.

The original English dub is included for the TV series. Unfortunately, no dub was created for the OVAs, but personally I'd rather there be no dub rather than risk re-casting everyone.

I greatly enjoyed re-watching the original series in HD, and finally seeing the OVAs after all these years of holding out. Miu Matsuoka remains my favorite character. While all the girls are cute, she stands out for me, I love her mischievousness. That's not to say Chika, Ana, Matsuri, and Nobue aren't enjoyable as well, although Chika can often seem to be a stick-in-the-mud. The first three OVAs shift character design a little bit, while the final two ENCORE episodes go for a different look. One that looks really good, but is somewhat of a departure from the previous ones, and seems a bit out of place.

I'm glad STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW has finally been released in it's completion in America, and by my current favorite anime licensor, no less. If only the manga could be finished as well; only the first five volumes were released in English by Tokyopop. If you enjoy the cute, the moe, I highly recommend this series.

You can purchase it at two of my most preferred retailers, The Right Stuf and BlowItOutaHere.

TV series Blu-ray at The Right Stuf
TV series Blu-ray at BlowItOutaHere

OVA Blu-ray at The Right Stuf
OVA Blu-ray at BlowItOutaHere

BONUS! Episode Listings (with air/release dates):

TV series
01. Birthday (7/14/2005)
02. Ana (7/21/2005)
03. House Call (7/28/2005)
04. Part-time Job (8/18/2005)
05. Sleeping Together (8/25/2005)
06. Midsummer Day (9/1/2005)
07. Sea Bathing (9/1/2005)
08. Festival (9/15/2005)
09. Growing (9/22/2005)
10. Flower (9/29/2005)
11. First Snow (10/6/2005)
12. Present (10/13/2005)

OVA series
01. Scenery (02/23/2007)
02. Always (03/28/2007)
03. Everyday (04/25/2007)

Encore
01. Good Afternoon (01/23/2009)
02. See You Tomorrow (03/25/2009)