Robotech and Trigun

Anime Talk September

October 2011 Edition
by Neil Lumbard, John Sinnott, and Wen-Tsai

Howdy everyone! That does seem like an appropriate greeting following the release of a brand new Trigun anime film, right? This month features more highlighted anime reviews in the exclusive DVDTalk.com column. The DVDTalk.com staff reviews the discs and selects the best anime each month to help out anime fans in finding the best material out there! There is no slow-down for our team. John Sinnott was an especially busy anime fan this month with coverage for the re-release of the incredibly influential anime classic Robotech, which has finally been re-liscenced and reissued on DVD in a complete collection set.

WTK's October News Tidbits - New York Comic Con Edition
Presented by Wen-Tsai King

During this past New York Comic Con, Funimation Entertainment announced its partnership with NicoNico, Inc. This partnership will begin with a number of new autumn anime series simulcasting on NicoNico.com. Simulcast series include: C3, The Future Diary, Guilty Crown, Haganai (Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai), LASTEXILE -Fam, The Silver Wing-, Maken-Ki!, and Shakugan no Shana III Final. What does this all mean for anime fans? North Americans will gain legal access to more brand new anime airing from Japan sooner rather than later. This could eventually yield to faster licensing for home video rights (and quicker turnaround on DVD/Blu-ray releases). Anime News Network has also provided additional insights in regards to this partnership that can be read online here.

Aniplex of America revealed its home video release plans for the highly anticipates series: Puella Magi Madoka Magica during New York Comic Con. The series will be released in 3 volumes (4 episodes each); first volume will be released on 2/14/2012. Each volume has three possible configurations: DVD (MRSP: $39.98), Blu-ray (MRSP: $49.98), Blu-ray / DVD combo (limited edition) (MRSP: $94.98). The first volume combo limited edition includes the first soundtrack CD, an exclusive collector's box, a double-sided poster, a Kyubey sticker, collectible postcards, and a deluxe 24-page booklet with character designs, a special short manga by Aoki Ume and more. Will you be dishing out the money for the limited edition releases? [Remember to share your thoughts in our Anime Forums!]

Manga Entertainment cracks the anime lineup once more this upcoming January. This includes the much raved, action-packed racing movie: Redline (created by studio Madhouse). It's currently scheduled for a 1/17/2012 release on DVD and Blu-ray. The other release would be the OVA: First Squad - The Moment of Truth. It's also scheduled for the same 1/17/2012 date on DVD and Blu-ray. You can check out the trailers here: Redline and First Squad - The Moment of Truth.

For the readers looking for the Anime Bargains section, please check out the monthly Official- ANIME Bargains! - Thread at the DVDTalk.com forums.

The Latest DVDTalk Anime Reviews
(Note: Click on a link for a full review to read.)

Reviews by John Sinnott

Robotech is an important show that has been credited as the series that started the interest in Japanese animation here in the US. The multi-generational saga ran for three years in the states, and paved the way for more anime to be imported. Not only is it a historically significant show, but it's really fun and enjoyable to boot. The entire saga has been released a couple of times on DVD in R1, but for the last couple of years the show has been out of print. Happily A&E has scooped up the rights and released it once again in a nice package that has the largest selection of extras yet. Simply named Robotech: the Complete Series, this is a must buy for any anime fan who doesn't already own the show.

It took nearly two years, but FUNimation has finally completed the Dragon Box series - the definitive version of the most popular anime series in the world: Dragon Ball Z. With the seventh box they finally reach the end of the saga, and what a wild ride it has been. This last collection includes 40 episodes and encompasses the final two story lines: The Fusion Saga and The Kid Buu Saga. If you've been following the adventures of Son Goku, Gohan, and the rest for this long, you won't want to stop now.

Reviews by Neil Lumbard

Trigun: Badlands Rumble

"Trigun: Badlands Rumble is easily one of the best anime films to ever be created following the conclusion of a beloved anime series. It joins Cowboy Bebop: The Movie as a unique follow-up; one that should delight fans with its entertaining, action-packed, introspective, and comical tale of love and peace. The Blu-ray release contains stellar PQ/AQ, and a huge assortment of extras that could bring nostalgic fans of Trigun a positive emotional response! The Blu-ray packaging contains a genuinely fantastic slipcover (at least for the first printing) and reversible cover art. This release would make a great addition to the collection of every Trigun fan."

Yu Yu Hakusho: Season 3

"Yu Yu Hakusho: Season 3 has received a wonderful Anime Classics Blu-ray release from Funimation Entertainment. The series has improved since the second season with a good conclusion to the Dark Tournament Saga, and the Chapter Black Saga is shaping up to be one of the best run of episodes yet with almost consistently great storytelling and intrigue. The Blu-ray PQ/AQ is amazing for Yu Yu Hakusho. Fans will certainly want to indulge in a purchase even if the original DVD season sets are already owned."

What do you think about the column? Like what you see? Don't like it? Have a comment or suggestion? Drop us an e-mail and let us know!