Musashi
by Kodansha International (JPN)
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 May, 1995)
list price: $35.00 -- our price: $22.05
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Reviews (103)

The tale of Japan's greatest Samurai Legend
Remarkable story of a Samurai warrior and how he finds his true calling.The novel tells the story and circumstances of how a timid, young man traverses the long path to becoming the greatest and most feared Samurai warrior of all time.

The size of the book (almost 1000 pages) makes it difficult to start. But once you start, you will always keep coming back to complete it

Beautiful
Musashi is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading it. It actually made me wish that I knew how to speak Japanese so that I could read the original work. That's not to say that the translation is not good because the book reads extremely well in English.

The story of Musashi is intriguing. The battles he faced, the trials he undertook are all catalogued here in a beautiful manner. The words themselves are simple and the sentences brief and quick. One of the best things about this book is the excellent imagery. There are many places in this book that just took my breath away because the picture in my mind was painted so clearly by the words. It's the smallest details that matter here. Musashi might awake after a battle(and there are many) and find himself looking at a petal falling from a tree and being blown about by the wind. It's small details like those which add so much to the book.

Then, there are the grandiose parts of the book. In one scene, the lone Musashi faces off against over 70 men in battle. The trance, the battle, the deaths and screams are presented so vividly that I almost saw myself in the crowd of by-standers watching the battle. The battles itself are fantastic but not overly descriptive. Not only are they a physical experience but also show the mental status of those in battle. The battle against many men I mentioned above holds place as one of the best written battle scenes I have ever read, and the other more personal(1v1) battles are fabulous as well.

The characters are all extremely interesting too. In some books, characters just come and go but here almost every character we are presented with has a big presence throughout the whole book. Characters we are introduced to early in the book might return much later. That's also one of the only problems with the book, not much a problem really, just a personal complaint. It gets difficult to recognize certain characters because we are presented with so many names. A character returned later in the book that was presented earlier and I didn't even recognize him as the same character until some time later. It's really not that much of a problem if you pay attention and I have no qualms about reading the book again. This is one book that should truly be read a few times to appreciate the complexities of the character interactions. The characters are very well placed within the context of the book. There never is a moment where I feel a character is unnecessary. They come in, play their part and retreat until their presence in the story is required again.

This is a lengthy book too. It's over 1000 pages and is in a relatively small font but it's all completely necessary. I was wishing for much more when it finished. It's not like some authors who write a 1000 page book(Fantasy genre, anyone?) at which end you feel there was only 400 pages of context and 600 pages of filler. Here, it's all context and it's all beautiful. This has definitely made it's way to my top 5 historical fiction list and will probably find a place atop that list once I have time to re-read this masterpiece.

If you're a fan of Shogun or at all interested in Asian history then you must read this. Musashi receives my highest recommendation.

The oriental epic
Don't be afraid to start Eiji Yoshikawa's magna opus, "Musashi", because of its mamooth size. If you read it, you'll be rewarded at the end with one of the most fantastic tales ever told. This is the life of Myiamoto Musashi, one Japan's of the greatest samurai, and his lifelong quest for expertise, love and a rightful way of life.

Yoshikawa vividly portraits one of the most disturbed periods in Japan's history, beginning the story after the famous battle of Sekigahara (this battle is also portrayed in the final moments of another masterpiece, James Clavell's "Shogun"), when Japan started to give up on its feudal government system. Musashi is a young man -at the time not even known as Musashi - and after the battle he decides he will be one of the greatest swordmen in his country. But that is not an easy task. Along the way - and along more than 1800 pages, at least in the brazilian version - he will have to defeat scores of enemies, find and loose love, friends, and he will have to learn to live the way fitting to a legend.

Yoshikawa's style in not epic, even if his book is. The story unfolds in an utterly simple narrative, almost naive. Characters come and go, filling the pages with their own stories, not only Musashi's. In fact, at times Musashi is not the focal point of the story, disappearing for some chapters, while the narrative concentrates on what is going on with other characters around him. This diversity is what makes "Musashi" great. This is not a sword-battles book, but a big picture of the end of an era of one of the most fantastic cultures in the world.

Grade 9.2/10
... Read more

Isbn: 4770019572
Sales Rank: 12334
Subjects:  1. 1584-1645    2. Asian - General    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Japanese Novel And Short Story    7. Miyamoto, Musashi    8. Miyamoto, Musashi,    9. Historical fiction   

Ghost War (Mechwarrior Dark Age, 1)
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (01 November, 2002)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (32)

Surprisingly good read
I originally bought this book for the Janella Lakewood mech send in offer and tossed it aside assuming it was a bad book.Wow, was I wrong.I just finished reading the first of the Halo books which was also great and was waiting for the others to come and started reading this.It was surprisingly well written and full of wisdom and tact.Goes great with the Halo series, if you like this you will probably like that too.I enjoyed this book and its twists and turns.

Good for new readers
I have played Battletech games before but I have never read a single book this was my first.It did start slow, however that was necessary to set up the story.I enjoyed this book just like all of his others.If you like Talion: Revenant you will like this.

Good, but not Stackpole's best...
I actually give this book about a 3.5... The only flaw with this intriguing introduction to the Dark Age of the Inner Sphere is that, at times, things seem to work out a little too well for the protagonist, Mason Dunne.Most of the time, his plans go exactly as he wants them to go.Also, if he is ever beaten, he just shrugs the bruises off and goes about his life the next day like nothing happened at all.If this doesn't deter a reader, then this novel is worth a chance.Fans of the Battletech series and the Dark Age collectible game would thoroughly enjoy this introduction to the latest saga of the mighty MechWarriors of the 32nd Century. ... Read more

Isbn: 0451459059
Sales Rank: 119040
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Science Fiction    4. Science Fiction - Adventure    5. Science Fiction - General   

Tomcat!: The Grumman F-14 Story
by Motorbooks International
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 October, 1994)
list price: $39.95 -- our price: $39.95
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Reviews (1)

A magnificent history of the Grumman F-14 "Tomcat"
When Grumman's Bob Kress designed the F-14 he created a legend. This book describes it from genesis to today, covering every significant development and deployment. The book is remarkable not only because of theauthoritative detail but because Gillcrist is so candid. He's sometimesbiased and doesn't mind admitting it--but he always back up a controversialopinion with facts. This book is highly recommended for anyone interestedin air warfare and naval aviation. The pictures are terrific, though only'blanket' credited when unofficial. But you'll see the great work of'Heater' Heatley--nuff said! ... Read more

Isbn: 0887406645
Sales Rank: 346428
Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History: American    3. Military - General    4. Naval Aviation    5. Tomcat (Jet fighter plane)   

Punk's War
by Signet
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (07 May, 2002)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
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Reviews (21)

The true military aviators' story
Ward Carroll nailed it! This is what military aviation is like...not the 'Top Gun' image of a bleached-teeth million dollar smile and a perfectly ripped torso. Real characters who live their lives believing in what they do...and doing it without glory. Mr. Carroll takes you in the cockpit and into the briefing room; from the cheesy callsigns (Spud??) and frat pranks, to the honest talks over a cold brew, this is the real world of a modern military aviator. It took me back to the cockpit...

Excellent book....
Saw this book in "Proceedings" and I figured I would give it a shot since I like Naval Aviation and reading about it.I will have to admit, it was not quite what I expected.Some of the scenes were exciting but it seemed to capture the boredom and pointlessness of monitoring the then No Fly Zone.It also seemed to hit home the point that it wasn't the money that was causing aviators to leave in droves but other factors.

Real Naval Aviation
Ward Carroll has done a masterful job of making the complex job of flying sophisticated jets in a dangerous and challenging environment understandable for uninitiated while keeping the story moving and exciting for those who have worked or lived with it.It is filled with characters that get to know and care about.GREAT read ... Read more

Isbn: 0451205782
Sales Rank: 88952
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Men's Adventure    5. Sea & Ocean    6. Fiction / General   

Dragon Ball, Vol. 1
by VIZ LLC
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (March, 2003)
list price: $7.95 -- our price: $7.95
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Reviews (8)

BEST MANGA EVER!
This was my first ever manga and is my favorite. If you're just starting manga this would deffantely be the series I would recommend. Even if you've been collecting manga for a while this would be a great edition to any collection. I like Goku's adventures as a kid more than when he is older.
I highly recommend this book to any manga fan. Go out and buy it now! Besides, it's cheaper than most manga. :)

Great!
As said above me, this is the start of the Dragon Ball series, which is incredibly infamous (moreso for dbz, though) but this is a really great book! It's easily the funniest and most perverted manga volume I've ever read, it made me laugh so hard at times.
The artwork is great, yet simple and uncluttered, and the picture gallery at the book of the book has some really awesome designs which I've never seen included in any other manga series before.
Overall, I think this is a must-have for any manga collector's collection but it does have some parts that's definitely more suitable for kids 13+.
This is my all-time favorite series but I'm not being partial towards it here, I just really think it has a great manga. (plus, it's cheap)
Highy, highly recommended

best comic in my life
In Japan too, Dragon Ball is the most popular anime and comic. In ten years ago, at that time all Japanese boys watched Dragon Ball. That influenced in many categorys, for instance comic TVanime, TVgame, card game. Boys of those days did Doragon Ball playing in the school, concretly we played our technique by saying [kamehameha][dodonpa][rougafu-fu-ken].

The boy's tendency that they respect for strong men will be the same in the world. I respected for Son gokuu because he was more and more strong by practicing. Though I like the word[effort][endeavor], the origin may come from the anime. ... Read more

Isbn: 1569319200
Sales Rank: 405081
Subjects:  1. Cartoons and comics    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Comics & Graphic Novels - General    4. Dragon Ball Z (Game)    5. Fiction    6. Fiction - Fantasy    7. Graphic Novels - Manga    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Movie Tie - In    10. Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels   

Robotech: The Macross Saga: Battle Cry (Robotech)
by Del Rey
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (02 April, 1994)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.29
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Reviews (41)

Good background
Pretty much word for word what was shown in the TV series, with just a little more background description and events to answer some old questions. Worth getting.

A primer on how to write a kiddie book
This book was written for a 12 year old, with 2-dimensional characters that are unbelievably juvenile and action scenes that are superficial and disjointed. Too say that this book's boring would be a gross understatement. SDF-1 is crewed by bickering, self-possessed teenage girls and commanded by an incompetent old fool. How earth survived the Zentraedi invasion with these fools is totally beyond me. Save yourself the trouble and just watch the anime series instead.

Tv Show in your hands!
It follows the show almost to a T! I had to watch my DVD's again just to make sure everything was correct! If you loved the show, this is alot more detailed and gives you more insight to Gloval's thoughts as well was the numberous members of the SDF-1's crew! ... Read more

Isbn: 034538900X
Sales Rank: 535049
Subjects:  1. Fiction - Science Fiction    2. Science Fiction    3. Science Fiction - General    4. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

Take a Look in the Mirror
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 November, 2003)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (505)

Joining the argument
You know, I have to agree with the last two on this one. Especially C. Steihl's articulate argument: this is a free country, and we are all free to listen to the music we wish. I find many of the heaviest, hardest metal out there to be musically offensive to my ears, as I perceive is as nothing but screaming and hitting a few chords as hard and fast as possible. However. I have a certain appreciation for musicians of any genre, and I can certainly respect people for actually knowing what they do and don't like.

As for categorization, I find referring to Korn as Metal is a grevious error, as it would be to refer to Jimi Hendrix as folk. It all can fall under the "Rock" umbrella, but it's just not the same. Metal is a genre passed down through the mainstream with Megadeth and Metallica, and through the more underground routes with Kamelot, Blind Guardian, Cradle of Filth, etc, etc. There are better examples, but those are what come to mind for me at the moment. In any case, the best you can do with Korn is put them in the "hard/heavy rock" category, as they're not quite metal, but they're also not rapping. Korn didn't even so much fall into the genre as help define it, when a movement began against the grunge style of just standing there depressed looking onstage. Most of the bands Korn gets compared to are, ironically, copying the style of the albums Korn and Life is Peachy.

So please, before posting a review, try to make sure you're focused on the band, and not the fans. Remember, Korn is far more deserving of a career than most of the stars out there. At least they can play their own instruments and write their own songs. It's not the fans fault if Korn makes a bad album. All bands are prone to that.

A Guilty Pleasure
You know what? I like this record, and I couldn't give a damn what any 35 year old virgin metalhead still living with his parents thinks about that! It certainly beats BR00TAL style death metal any day of the week.
Sure, you have to look past the lameness and corniness of JD's lyrics, and the music is quite cheesy at times. But I simply can't deny that here Korn have written a very catchy and satisfying album. The albums strength is certainly Fieldy's bass which quite simply sounds superb.
Ok, it's not f*cking Mozart, or Burzum for that matter, but I simply cannot deny the dumb yet wonderful appeal of this album.

Casso
I am writing this in response to a pathetic review written by dd "Derangeddeath" (Chicago). Who are you to call other people ignorant purely because of their personal choice of music? You are in no position whatsoever to place judgment on people you have never met just because they don't agree with your taste in music. Korn is a very talented band and if you don't like them, that's fine. That's the beauty of America. We are free to choose what we do and don't like. All I have to say to you is grow up and find better things to do then make fun of complete strangers. ... Read more

Asin: B0000DYJM7
Sales Rank: 19026
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

The Rise of Brutality
by Universal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 October, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $12.98
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (91)

Not too sick.
I can only think of three reasons why you would ever want to buy this:

1. You're afraid of getting beaten up by Hatebreed fans
2. You desire to own the most ridiculously titled record ever
3. You have no taste in music, or even hardcore/metal

By-the-numbers, generic, boring, dull-as-dishwater, unoriginal, uncreative, unexciting...the negative modifiers for this album are practically infinite.If you're into tough-guy hardcore and are even considering purchasing this, pick up Buried Alive's The Death of Your Perfect World instead, which is at least a 3-star album in my opinion and pretty much the same thing as Hatebreed, only better of course.

2 stars because it's not nu-metal, screamo, emo, or pop-punk.

good sh*t
i've been seening alot of f*gs just biotching about how this album sucks or whatnot; how its repetitive; blah blah.Why listen to this; really.Just shut the F8UK up and make your own if you can do better.

anyways, this album has some good songs; not all are shty angry but hits more you against the world kinda thing. get your life together kinda sh8t; nothing new here. but good music still while doing the following....
a) bashing some guys skull in; about to commit murder
b) working out; doing something hard; hitting road block
c) angry in general
d) you hate your life and blame others
e) all of the above

A: E (should of seen this comming hu?)


enjoy.

hatebreed music is boring and stupid
bad bad bad bad bad bad bad sucks im sick of tired of hatebreed all thire songs sound the same i can name 100 bands that sound like hatebreed they do nothing new with thire music the same S**T over and over come on guys i dont see what the hell is sogreat about this band or the other albums they make this album should get 0 satr ... Read more

Asin: B0000DJYNS
Sales Rank: 7075
Subjects:  1. Death Metal/Black Metal    2. Hardcore Punk    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2
by Atari
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (02 December, 2003)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $17.95
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Features

• Fighting game featuring popular anime characters
• Stunning cartoon-style graphics
• Import saved game data from previous DBZ games
• Even more explosive energy attacks
• For 1 or 2 players

Reviews (132)

Unfortunatly...
This game was not very good at all it was more of a "board" game than a fighting game. If you want to buy Budokai 2 I suggest you not and just stick with the first one. I give this game a 3.12 out of 5 and a 6.24 out of 10.

Just get this game if you want to complete the series
This game is the second in the Dragonball Z Budokai series. Fortunately it features all the sagas from the Saiyan Saga to the Kid Buu Saga. It has more characters than the first one, but not all of them. This game also features special fusion characters, including Kaioshin, Tiencha, and Gokule, which can only be obtained by gathering the Dragonballs, in Dragon World.

Pros:
1. It has all of the sagas
2. More combos
3. More characters
4. A few more transformations (Goku can now go to Super Saiyan 2, and 3, and Vegeta can go to Super Saiyan 2)
5. Some of the combos are easier to pull off now.

Cons:
1. They really did a screwed up job on the Cell Shading
2. The new Story Mode is a board Game!!!!!
3. Some of the fusion characters are a little hard to get
4. When you see some of the characters close up they don't look anything like they're supposed to
5. Most of the combos are the same as in the first game (this one is for those people who prefer variety)

I will end this by saying what the title says: If you are thinking about getting this game pass, and only get it if you desperately want to complete the series. It is not worth the fifty dollars you spend.

The sequel to the best DBZ game period
After the best DBZ game ever hit stores, a year later DBZ Budokai 2 entered the building. Budokai 2 is the sequel to the best DBZ game ever. If you played the original DBZ Budokai, then you wont be surprised by the world tournament, dueling, edit skills, practice, and options modes. Two new modes have entered the game. One is called the Dragon World which is like the story mode played like a board game and as always fighting along the DBZ storyline. In the Dragon World there is a story, but its told in a very different way. If you watch the animated series, you will notice a couple errors in the story like when Babidi brought Frieza and Cell back to life. In the anime, it never happened, its just in the game. The other new mode is a secret. It can only be unlocked by wishing for it from the Dragon Balls. In case you need to know what its called, the secret mode is called Babidi's Spaceship. Besides the better graphics and inprovements to the fightin system, the practice mode has changed. In addition to the practice mode, there is a training mode which is like a tutorial of the game with the Z Fighters telling Goten the basics of this game. Besides the inaccuracy of the story in the Dragon World mode, this game is fun and definately is worthy of being called the next best DBZ game ever. ... Read more

Asin: B0000A30R8
Sales Rank: 1521
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Action    6. Adventure    7. Fighting   

Samurai X - Trust & Betrayal (Director's Cut)
by A.D. Vision
Average Customer Review:
DVD (20 May, 2003)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.98
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Editorial Review

Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi has recut the four-episode Samurai XOVA into a seamless feature that serves as a prequel to both Samurai X: TheMovieand the light-hearted TV series. The action unfolds in 1864, at thebeginning of the revolution against the Tokugawa Shogunate that culiminatedin the Meiji Restoration. The orphan Shinta is transformed by master swordsmanHiko into Kenshin,an assassin who believes he is using his sword to bringabout a better world. When he and the mysterious Tomoe hide from the intriguesof Kyoto in a remote mountain village, Kenshin finds peace, raising crops andsavoring the passage of the seasons, but this tranquility cannot endure.Furuhashi choreographs the characters' inner conflicts as skillfully as the epicsword fights, infusing them with an elegant sensuality. In either format,Samurai X OVAs capture the violence and poetry of samurai culture in a storyof exceptional emotional depth. (Rated 17 and older: violence, alcohol use,mature themes) --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Features

• Animated
• Color

Reviews (73)

Hated the series, but loved this OVA
This is a dark, intensely emotion, and introspective movie that deserves to be considered among the best movies (animated or not) to come out of Japan. There is too much depth in the story to go into detail here, but I'll say that the movie has all of the elements of a great film. The characters are very deep and emotional, the action sequences are top notch and integral to the storyline and theme (not just random displays of violence), and the storytelling is absolutely brilliant. If you like the Kurosawa samurai films then you may like Samurai X.

As a word of caution, the TV series bears no resemblance to the OVA. The series revolves around the goofy antics of the cast and the way the hero uses superhuman sword fighting moves to defeat super human opponents. Basically the TV series plays out like a Saturday morning cartoon.

Woah!!
This was absolutely one of the greatest movies i have ever seen. i am a Kenshin fan myself, but when i saw this, all i was able to say was "Woah". This is anbsolutely must have.
The storyline is amazing and so is the animation. it is truly a masterpiece...

Dark Story and Animation...Perfect
I loved this movie. The animation is superb (except in the few small scenes with intertwine real images with animation) and the story dark and chilling. Just for a note, this OVA (Original Video Animation) is properly titled Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust and Betrayal. Samurai X is an American title to catch buyers (just a note in case that turned you off).

Storywise, this is basically the story of a revolution against the tyrannical military-government in Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate, a dictator who over-ruled the Emperor himself. Our anti-hero Kenshin's life is followed from his days as Shinta, and the meeting of his master, Hiko, to the end of his Hirokiri Battousai days. We have Kenshin as a little child, innocent with his top and memories of family, then Kenshin the brutal assassin for the Choshu (I believe that's who he worked for, haven't seen it in a few weeks) Clan, and finally we see Kenshin as the lover of Tomoe, a mysterious woman Kenshin meets after an ambush.

I don't wish to reveal the story any further. To sum up a recommendation, a dark and emotional story, superb animation (save the live action/animation shots which are minimal), a romance between two emotionally scarred people, fantasticly choreographied sword fights, and a two-for-one bundle. If this sounds like you, I bet you'd like Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust and Betrayal "Director's Cut" (Samurai X). ... Read more

Asin: B00008G8PP

Ninja Scroll
by Palm Pictures/Manga Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (19 May, 1998)
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $23.96
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Editorial Review

A peak achievement of Japanese anime, Ninja Scroll is a propulsive mix of samurai action adventure and supernatural fantasy from writer-director Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Supernatural Best City). This is defiantly animation for grown-ups, complete with fountains of blood, plenty of naked flesh, and (in both the subtitled and dubbed versions) some decidedly strong language. (Students of Japanese language could pick up some useful expressions.) The plot sounds like a 16th century variation on the X-Files: An entire village has been wiped out by a mysterious plague and an anti-government conspiracy of invulnerable demons seems to be responsible. A wandering ninja, Jubei, and his female counterpart, Kagero, team up to defeat the plotters. Jubei is a classic reluctant hero, agreeing to participate in the mission only after being fed a slow-acting poison; the antidote will be supplied after he cooperates. And Kagero, a looker whose embrace is lethal, is a femme fatale with a difference that seems distinctively Japanese: sexual contact itself is poisonous, especially for a warrior with a pure soul. --David Chute ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated

Reviews (392)

10th Anniversary Widescreen Note
I read a review warning viewers about being tricked by the widescreen presentation of the movie.The only reason there is a widescreen version is for those who have high definition televisions.Yes the original version of the movie is a 4x3 picture, but for those of you who are watching on an HD tv or projector, you will probably enjoy it.The Widescreen presentation is actually animorphic, so aside from the picture being zoomed in to cut off the top and bottom of the picture it looks really crisp on a 16x9 screen.If you are watching on a regular television and enjoy widescreen more than fullscreen, don't waste your time with this edition.However, if you enjoy the movie and want to watch a nice HD picture, then go ahead and try it out.just note that on the back of the box it does say at the bottom that the widescreen version was motified from its original to fit 16x9 televisions.

Fast paced, violent, erotic and original!
Ninja Scroll is one of the most successful anime movies that never took off into the mainstream, like Ghost in the Shell, Spirited Away and Akira have. This is mainly due to the extreme viloence and sexuality on prominent display in the movie. You would think that most people would be turned off by the explicit scenes in the movie, but it's the wildly original story and well drawn and animated scenes that keep garnering the movie new fans every day. I don't want to give away anything about the story because it's the type of movie that slowly unfolds, with the full story being revealed only near the end. I'll just say, if you enjoy anime (and this is great animation, it's right on par with Ghost in Shell), great action, a compelling and original story than you've got to see Ninja Scroll.
WARNING: This movie is not for the kids. It contains extreme violence, rape and nudity.

Classic, great first anime, gore, violence, sex, samurai
i like to keep my reviews short, especially cause this one has about 400 already.

i owe it to this film to leave good feedback, i was shown this almost ten years ago when i was in highschool by a friend and ive been hooked on anime ever since.

this film is so epic, i really don't know who else would be reading these reviews except someone extremely new to anime, so if you are this person...trust me, i rule and i know what rules...buy this, buy 2 of them, it's the awesomeness.if youve seen akira and think thats what all anime is about cause everybody talks about it...no, this movie is the essence of good(blood/sex/violence) anime...buy it NOW! ... Read more

Asin: 6305014140

Akira
by Pioneer Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (24 July, 2001)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.48
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Editorial Review

Artist-writer Katsuhiro Ôtomo began telling the story of Akira as a comic book series in 1982 but took a break from 1986 to 1988 to write, direct, supervise, and design this animated film version. Set in 2019, the film richly imagines the new metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, which is designed from huge buildings down to the smallest details of passing vehicles or police uniforms. Two disaffected orphan teenagers--slight, resentful Tetsuo and confident, breezy Kanada--run with a biker gang, but trouble grows when Tetsuo start to resent the way Kanada always has to rescue him. Meanwhile, a group of scientists, military men, and politicians wonder what to do with a collection of withered children who possess enormous psychic powers, especially the mysterious, rarely seen Akira, whose awakening might well have caused the end of the old world. Tetsuo is visited by the children, who trigger the growth of psychic and physical powers that might make him a superman or a supermonster. As befits a distillation of 1,318 pages of the story so far, Akira is overstuffed with character, incident, and detail. However, it piles up astonishing set pieces: the chases and shootouts (amazingly kinetic, amazingly bloody) benefit from minute cartoon detail that extends to the surprised or shocked faces of the tiniest extra; the Tetsuo monster alternately looks like a billion-gallon scrotal sac or a Tex Avery mutation of the monster from The Quatermass Experiment; and the finale--which combines flashbacks to more innocent days with a destruction of Neo City and the creation of a new universe--is one of the most mind-bending in all sci-fi cinema. --Kim Newman ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Widescreen
• Animated

Reviews (591)

art film
I would definitely consider this an art film.Why?It's simple, the story is so complex I had to watch this 3 times. I still don't understand some parts of the story.The fellow who was shot by the politician.He was also part of the Akira terrorist organization?How come they were laying off bombs?And why was he tied to the government?At the same time, why is the general allowing experiments on Tetsuo?What they are creating is what the terrorists are believing in?So in essence the government is creating their own enemy?It still gets me confused.I like the clean stories like Star Blazers and Macross Saga.

But for what it is, Akira is a great art film.It really takes on its own life and interpretation of the nuclear age.Obviously this movie was inspired by the atom bomb.The entire movie starts with a mushroom cloud. I highly recommend this film for those who just enjoy art films.And for those that love complex stories, this is your film.

The best anime ever
Rating:A+
Katsuhiro Otoma is quite possibly one of the greatest writers/artists ever in the field of anime and moviemaking, and Akira shows that even the most epic of ideas can be fully accomplished with devoted time, as well as effort. Though the movie only scratches the surface, of what the comics delve into so much more deeply, the movie itself is not flawed in any aspect, and is truly the epitome of animated movies that not only has withstood the test of time, but still eclipses modern moviemaking as well. Telling the story of a biker gang that is run by the leader Kaneda, as he is accompanied by his friends, most notably Tetsuo, his best friend, who strives throughout the movie to not be treated like an inferior individual, the movie pushes you mind and imagination into areas where your emotions are grabbed from your soul and wrung out like a damp towel. As these two friends are drug through the war that is raging in Neo-Tokyo in a post-apocalyptic world in 2019, after the effects and destruction of World War 3, strong dominant politicians, and government agents emerge to fuel the fire of this amazingly multifaceted storyline.
After an accident on the outskirts of Neo-Tokyo, Tetsuo is left in shambles and taken to a hospital, where his friends are unable to get into contact with him. Tetsuo emerges with newfound "abilities" that tap into his inner psyche, and show us the true power of the human mind. Saying too much about the story would spoil too much, as truly whether you are a fan of animated movies or not, this is one movie that must be seen to be believed. Friends of mine that bashed this movie for so long, actually sat down and watched it, and came away understanding why myself and others hyped it up so much. Though it might require multiple viewings to truly understand, the emotional afteraffects, of friends torn apart at the seems, can connect with each and every one of us. However, this movie is definitely not aimed at a younger audience, and is highly recommended for mature audiences, even teenagers, who have an open mind and are willing to sit down for two and a half hours, and have their mind twisted and contorted. After walking away from the movie I dare you to say that this movie did not strike an emotional cord, as truly it is and will always remain one of the finest accomplishments in all of moviemaking, period.

I don't understand any of this stuff at all!
OMG I don't what the hell this stuff is!! This storyline is a load of crap that is silly and means nothing, something about how the world blows up and there's this akira guy who's meant to be some kind of force. Apparently it's meant to show how humans will never learn from their mistakes or something (I don't understand). This isn't cool at all! Only pozer lozers will like this junk. Get Disney instead. ... Read more

Asin: B00005JG6Q

Macross Plus, Vol. 1
by Palm Pictures/Manga Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (12 October, 1999)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $24.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• Animated
• Dolby

Reviews (57)

One of the Best OVA's Ever Made
Macross Plus was a very highly anticipated release back in 1994. It was the first Macross project in 10 years and one of the only uncut presentations brought to the US at the time. BOY did it deliver. I walked into this thinking it was going to be another overrated generic anime since everyone kept telling me it was so great. It's not overrated at all. Macross Plus truly is one of the best anime series ever made. On top of that, this is the 2nd pressing of the DVD's first volume. The first pressing had audio problems such as what was listed as a 5.1 mix was actually a 4.0 mix since the center channel wasn't used. Not to mention that the Japanese audio wasn't a heavy as the English version. Most of that has been improved and it now sounds excellent and up to par with the wonderful animation.(which by the way does not look like it came out in 1994). BUY THIS DISC!!

Excellent show
This isnt really a sequel but an offshoot of the Macross franchise. The characters are very well done here and the soundtrack is very cool also. The animation is AWESOME here. Ive noticed some people complain but they dont know the history of Macross which happens to be my all time favorite show so this is a welcomed addition to the macross legacy.

Overrated
Macross Plus has everything going for it-- brilliant animation and CG effects, super sountrack and overall top notch production qualities. Unfortunately Macross Plus miserably fails in the one most important aspect: the plot.

The storyline is dire. How they could not utilize such great production qualities to come up with a good story is the real disappointment. I leave the introduction to other reviews but to summarise: Macross Plus is essentially about a love triangle. Three characters and their pasts catch up with them. Isamu Dyson, the main character, is actually a likeable guy. You notice from the little things, he isn't such a bad guy even though initially introduced as a reckless hotshot. Guld is his counterpart and they exchange harsh insults from the onset-- yes they hate eachother. They are both test pilots in competition to win the grant for a revolutionary future fighter machine which will bring peace to the galaxy. In come Myung, their childhood friend who caught their hearts. Character development isn't the worst i've seen but again, its nothing special from an anime claiming to be one of the greats. Things do start to get heated when Guld attempts to murder Isamu using live ammunition on a test run.

The first episode starts off pretty well, the second episode takes things a little further but you're still waiting for the real 'meat' of the movie. Then comes the third episode; it feels like a complete filler episode. Apart from the ending of episode three, what more was there? Episode four offers a decent and somewhat convincing ending. (Episodes 3 & 4 are found on vol 2). Metropolis got away with a poor plot only by its truly amazing graphics, brilliant use of 3D and cg effects,and most importantly 'that' superbly conceived city-- you were almost in awe of such a technical feat. Macross Plus fell short in my opinion and the excellent anime quality couldn't save it.

Macross Plus doesnt do anything new, it doesnt even do anything old in a great way. How on earth its mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Cowboy Bebop, Rurouni Kenshin, Akira, Spirited Away, Neon Genesis (love or hate it), Ghost in the Shell and Escaflowne is beyond me. Its not a bad anime, just an average one. Like most though, my expectation was high on this one, and it just wasn't good enough, bearing no real substance.

Recommended for rent/view; somewhat entertaining if your hopes aren't too high, but I wouldn't buy it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JL4O
Sales Rank: 17115

Macross Plus, Vol. 2
by Palm Pictures/Manga Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (12 October, 1999)
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $26.96
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• Animated
• Dolby

Reviews (20)

Why?
Why didnt they include volume one and two one in the same set???? What a horrible way to put these out....anyway, This isnt really a sequel but an offshoot of the Macross franchise. The characters are very well done here and the soundtrack is very cool also. The animation is AWESOME here. Ive noticed some people complain but they dont know the history of Macross which happens to be my all time favorite show so this is a welcomed addition to the macross legacy.

If only....
.... I could give it more stars.This series is nothing short of breathtaking.Ya know the old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words"?Stop reading my review and buy Macross Plus.

macross plus is the best
When I saw volume 1 Iwas amzed by all the arial action. Then I decided to buy volume 2. The final battle was amazing. Although I was dispointed when I saw the japnese version and found out that they cut out scene in the American version. The scene would have great with the American version, but still the American versoin still kicked butt. Macross Plus will always be my favorite. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JL4N
Sales Rank: 17168

1:18 Elite Force Black Hawk Helicopter
by Blue Box, Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Features

• New from Elite Force and BBi
• Perfect for your 3.75 inch action figure collection.
• Fully Equiped and Accessorized

Reviews (9)

Blackhawk is really nicely done!
The Blackhawk does have a few faults, thought they aren't major.

One is the weak landing gears. That can be fixed by taking some clear modeler's Plexiglass and gluing a stand underneath the helicopter allowing it to look like it is standing on the wheels.

Another fault is the crew cheifs' windows don't open. But they can be cut open to put in some guns.

The third fault is the small cabin. To hold as many troops as needed, you need to remove the benches. It could have a more elongated cabin though.

~~YOU MIGHT RUIN IT TRYING WHAT I DID, SO DON'T DO IT!~~

The cool thing I did with mine is that I took the bird apart and made it lined with the tin from a craft's store. Then, I shot metal BB's at it to simulate gunfire. The plastic cracks a little, so I stopped, but overall, it held up.

Minor seating issues.
As stated below, the 2 pane window for the crew chiefs do not open. The wing support hole is very well welded into the sides of the chopper. Not an easy mod in the owner is bent on opening up those ports and mounting a gatling gun.

Seating issues are present as well for the crew chief seats directly behind the pilot. They're crammed and it is hard to get BBI figures to sit in them just right.

Fortunately, the one I have received does not suffer from the bent wheel frame as seen on the amazon's photos.One good way of preventing this from setting in, just in case, is to prop up the body on something so that the full weight is not resting on the 2 front wheels.

Another observation is that the rear wheel struts seems just a bit shorter than they would be compared to the various photos of the actual black hawk on the web.

Never the less, this is a must for any black hawk fan!

Crewchief reviews the Blackhawk
This is the best model of a hawk I have found on the market today.In fact I have crewed this helicopter (tail 24750) it is part of the OPFOR fleet at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin California. ... Read more

Asin: B00009LZOT
Sales Rank: 13055
Subjects:  1. Military