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.

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Available Now on BD/DVD

On August 16, Viz Media released their first Blu-ray/DVD combo set of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, the anime retelling of the series that's far more closely based on the original manga. When it first aired in Japan, I watched a few episodes, but held out for the eventual North American release, and it's finally here.

The standalone BD cover art.

 I had preordered the Right Stuf exclusive version, which is the limited edition but with a bonus "suncatcher" trinket. The limited edition comes with a nice artbox, seven art cards of the Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask, and a booklet with art and episode information.

The first season, coined The Dark Kingdom Arc, consists of 14 episodes. I really enjoyed watching them. As a big fan of the original anime, and Sailor Moon in general, I found this to be quite different but still very good. The story in general is more tight, and gone is any sort of filler they padded out the original series with (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). Although in some ways more story is given, such as the backstories of the villains, something that was changed and pretty much eliminated in the original series. It's more serious in tone as well, leaving little room for any jokes or wackiness present in the original. Once the story arc is resolved, the end of episode 14 moves into the Black Moon plot, ending on a hell of a cliffhanger. Hopefully it won't take too long for the second season to be released here. Also I must say, the score was pretty good, a few so-so moments, but there's a handful of tracks that were pretty beautiful, although used kind of excessively.

Packaging and contents of the limited edition.

Like the classic series, Viz did a great job with the dub, all of the characters sound great and their voices match them (a couple even sound a bit similar to their original DIC dub actresses). Video and audio sound great. Subtitles for both languages are locked and you have to make your selections from the menu. There aren't many extras, but they include a "Behind The Scenes - Introduction To Sailor Moon Crystal" featurette, starring five of the voice actors and runs about 14 minutes, a US CRYSTAL trailer, clean opening and closing themes, a Viz trailer reel (including classic SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON R), and art galleries on both discs.

I look forward to the inevitable release of season 2, as well as the upcoming Viz release of SAILOR MOON S. You can buy CRYSTAL at The Right Stuf from the links below.

Limited Edition BD/DVD with Suncatcher
Limited Edition BD/DVD
BD/DVD
DVD

Power Morphicon 5 (2016)

Last weekend I attended Power Morphicon in Pasadena, California. It was the fourth one I've attended of the five held; I wasn't able to go to the first one. I flew out Thursday evening (on Spirit airlines, which was a new experience for me). Fortunately I'd found some good people to stay with at the Sheraton Pasadena, which is right next to the convention center where PMC is held.

Me and Latham Gaines (as Mesogog).

The next morning I was up in time to pick up my badge and other goodies. I'd pre-registered a whole year ago, to get one of the coveted higher-level memberships, in this case Gold Ranger status. This entitled me to extra items and early access to the exhibition hall, and so forth. For lunch I stopped by a nearby (and apparently relatively-new) restaurant called CaliBurger, which was pretty good. I'd go again the next day.

The con opened at 4pm, but for the Gold and Platinum members, we got in at 3, and I made my way right to the guest booths. The first person I got to meet was Justin Nimmo, who played Zhane the Silver Ranger in POWER RANGERS IN SPACE. I am an avid collector of Power Rangers, kaiju, and anime autographs, so meeting the guests and getting signed photos is the highlight of the con for me. As a huge fan of the villains, I was very happy to finally meet Latham Gaines (Mesogog/Anton Mercer), Paul Freeman (Ivan Ooze), Kate Sheldon (Nadira), and Carla Perez (Rita Repulsa in the American footage). I surprised Valerie Landon (Kendrix the Pink Galaxy Ranger) with a photo of a monster she voiced, Contemptra, and she said she'd never been asked to sign one before. That evening, I attended the villains panel, which seemed better moderated than last time, though a few attending villain-actors weren't present. It was still very enjoyable. Later on there was a trivia contest, which somehow I managed to emerge as the first place winner, if not only only for my knowledge of the villains and monsters.

Zyuranger henshin.

The next day I was up early to ensure I got a wristband that entitled me to attend the POWER RANGERS DINO CHARGE cast signing. I attended the DINO CHARGE panel, where they (as hoped by many) revealed the cast for next year's NINJA STEEL, followed by the ZYURANGER panel, which was also informative and entertaining. It was great to see the (partial) cast of this Sentai do their henshin and battle poses.

The DINO CHARGE signing was then held, and everyone got an exclusive poster to be signed by the seven attending Dino Charge Rangers; However, with permission, I also got individual photos I brought from home signed as well, a two for one deal! After meeting more guests, I went to the cosplay contest. There were some pretty impressive costumes, winners included the Dino Megazord, Dragonzord, and Claw Battlezord. To finish off the evening in a very non-Power Rangers way, I went to the nearby theatre to see SAUSAGE PARTY (it was hilarious).

Claw Battlezord, Dino Megazord, and Blue Senturion cosplayers.

Sunday morning, I walked (argh!) all the way to the Westin Hotel, where the Gold/Platinum breakfast was being held. You had to pay extra for this and could only get it as a Gold/Platinum member. Each table got a random guest to eat with, the one at our table was Jack Guzman (Danny the Black Wild Force Ranger) who was entertaining to talk to.

After breakfast, I returned to the convention center, where I would finally get the chance to meet the Japanese guests from ZYURANGER and DAIRANGER. I also got to meet Tsutomu Kitagawa again, who I previously met at G-FEST. He's best known for his work as Godzilla in five of the Millennium series films, as well as Super Sentai stunt-work. However, I was after a signed photo of him as Cretaceous King Ghidorah this time, as I already have a few signed Godzilla items. All of the Japanese guests were awesome and an honor to meet.

Tsutomu Kitagawa (Godzilla, stunt Shishi Ranger), me, and Keiichi Wada (Ryuu Ranger).

I finally got to meet voice actor Lex Lang, who, due to unfortunate circumstances, couldn't make it to the con until Sunday. He was the voice of Ecliptor, Rygog, Louie Kaboom, Zen-Aku, and Lerigot,  the former four of whom I got signed photos of.

I then spent a while stalking the silent auctions. They had two figured of the DINO CHARGE villain Curio, who is difficult to find in stores. They had two of them as one auction lot, one being the US version, and the other the (for some reason) differently named UK version. They sold for an amazingly low $20. I had no cash left, and very little money to speak of. I waited until the winning bidder showed up. I started to haggle, saying if he wanted to sell one, I could offer a very small amount if he took Paypal... He GAVE the US one to me. Turns out he only really wanted the UK one... THANK YOU, SIR. I was so grateful. Wanting to end the con on a high note, I headed back to the hotel to finish packing my stuff, and made my way to the airport. I didn't want another debacle like last time.... but that's a whole other, unfortunate story.

Dino Charge Rangers at the Bandai booth.

Overall, another GREAT Power Morphicon, and I hope they'll be having it again in two years. I can almost assure you I'll be there.

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)