BLEACH Anime Series Available On Blu-Ray

VIZ Media unleashes the tense anime action drama of BLEACH on Blu-ray for the first time with the home media release of Set 1.

Now available, BLEACH Set 1 presents the complete, uncut first 27 episodes of the popular series on 4 Blu-ray discs, and carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. Episodes are available with dialogue selections for dubbed English as well as subtitled, Japanese 2.0 audio, with episodes presented in their original 4:3 format.

In the BLEACH anime series, for as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling – to protect the world of the living and the dead as a Substitute Soul Reaper. When Rukia is taken away to face the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world...

“Fans have eagerly anticipated the release of BLEACH on Blu-ray, and this summer we invite them to expand their personal anime collections with the release of the first set of this riveting series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation.

The BLEACH animated films and TV series (distributed in North America by VIZ Media,rated ‘TV-14’) are based on a smash hit manga series created by Tite Kubo (also published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens).

Batman: the Killing Joke animated review and fathom Events

Hey O&G fans, Thanks to Fathom Events we got a chance to check out Batman: The Killing Joke on the big Screen. For those who have never read the 1988 one shot classic, here isa quick synopsis of the comic book story:

Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the supervillain the Joker, loosely adapted from the 1951 story arc "The Man Behind the Red Hood!". Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman's desperate attempt to stop him.

Otakus and Geeks went to the July 25th screening of Batman: The Killing Joke.

REVIEW

Most Fans know the story behind the Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (Bat Girl) paralyzes her and attempts to drive her father Jim Gordon insane. Making the animated movie about just that story would have been 1. short and 2. predictable. So the movies tries to expand on the story by adding a back story about Batgirl and Batman. Producer Bruce Timm told empire:

"We thought if we were going to expand this to feature length, we didn’t want to just pad out the original story... So we took that opportunity to basically tell a Batgirl story, which we don’t often get a chance to do these days. And it was great, because we could spend more time with her as a character and get to understand what she’s all about and how she’s similar to Batman in some ways, and really different in others. .... The good side of that is we get to spend more time with her and learn that she’s an interesting character. The bad side of that is that we get to like her so much that when The Killing Joke part of the story happens, it’s, like, “Oh, no!”, because we really like her".

The added Batgirls story really gave fans a reason to be invested in her character though-out the movie. The animation keeps true to the dark and violent story of the one-off comic book. The one thing about this movie that will be odd to fans is the.... one time sexual encounter between Batman and Batgirl. Considering that he is older and her love interest was usuallyDick Grayson (the first robin) in the comics and animated series.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, the iconic voices of Batman and The Joker really bring this movie to life and takes you back to Batman TAS and answers my question from my teenage years as to what an adult Batman animation would look like. Tara Strong is so talented is no wonder she plays so many voices in the DC animated universe and I think she's found a new character for future films.

Overall I think the film was awesome, the BatGirl back story was a good touch ( the short intimate scene has fans a bit confused) This is a film for Batman fans. I give the animated movie 3 1/2 stars.

Naruto Online Impressions

NARUTO ONLINE is an MMORPG turn-based browser-game that is set entirely in the NARUTO universe. The game is the very first and only Online NARUTO RPG in the world to be officially licensed from BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT. While the game faithfully follows the story portrayed in the anime series, NARUTO ONLINE is the only game you can continue the tale. Additionally, five brand-new characters that represent the elements of earth, water, fire, wind and lightning will be introduced. Players can choose to become one of these characters and start a new adventure, gaining experience in a variety of different types of quests and gameplay modes.

Netflix Brings Original Anime Film, Blame!, to a Global Audience

Netflix announced, together with Polygon Pictures, a groundbreaking deal for the anime original film Blame!, to premiere exclusively on Netflix globally.

Blame! is set in the distant future where what’s left of the human race resides within the Megastructure, a vast and dangerous labyrinth that has grown wild and out of control. Thrown into this world is the mysterious Killy, a strange individual who is on a quest to bring civilization back from the brink of oblivion.

First appearing as a manga from 1997 to 2003, the much-awaited animated film adaptation of Blame! will be available as a Netflix original twenty years since its initial run. The film sees yet another creative collaboration following the success of sci-fi anime series Knights of Sidonia, between the award-winning creator of the original manga, Tsutomu Nihei and director Hiroyuki Seshita, who also brought us the thrilling, fast-paced suspense of AJIN: Demi-Human,which is also available on Netflix globally. Blame!,Knights of Sidonia, and AJIN: Demi-Human manga are all available in print from Vertical Comics and digitally via Kodansha Comics.

“We’re incredibly delighted to work with Polygon Pictures in bringing the latest Netflix original anime, Blame!,to fans worldwide,” said David Lee, Vice President, International Originals at Netflix. “We look forward to bringing the best of original anime to our members and continuing to work with the top creators in the industry.”

“We are super excited to be able to deliver the long awaited anime adaptation of Blame! as a Netflix original anime,” said Shuzo John Shiota, President and CEO of Polygon Pictures. “I’ve seen some initial footage and it is truly groundbreaking, especially in HDR format. I can't wait for fans around the world to experience this!”

Blame!is set to be the latest addition to the exciting slate of Netflix originals exclusively available to a global audience. In addition, Netflix is planning to release both Blame! andKnights of Sidonia in the cutting-edge, high dynamic range (HDR) format. This marks another milestone for the anime industry as the service continues to deliver innovative programming to entertainment fans worldwide.

Re: ZERO -Starting Life In Another World- (Ep 1 -13)

"This is bad. . . Very Bad"

"Subaru-Kun, Is something wrong?"

This review is something I've been waiting to do for quite some time, as I wanted to wait until I was an supple amount of episodes in. "Re: Zero -Starting Life In Another World-" Is an ongoing anime series that takes place in an mythical world. The anime begins in an eerie way, as you hear the sounds of someone struggling to get the words from his mouth. Simply stating it is bad; then cuts to a scene of a modern day world where our heroic protagonist Subaru is seen exiting out of a convenience store. Only for seconds later his eyes to blur, and he literally appears in a new world.

Being the shut in that he was, this was not an alarming experience but one full of thrill and excitement. As he thought himself to be the protagonist, and his life was now beginning and he would be off on an heroic journey-- whatever that may have been. That would be a sore mistake as he would quickly learn, as he would end up almost getting robbed. . Until he is saved by a mysterious woman with white hair. . This-- is when the story begin to take off.

I will not state any more then what I have, but it is safe to say that this show will take you by surprise. As it has a very MMORPG feel from the beginning, the tones and situations that it touches up on will eventually start to take you on an emotional adventure that would have you begin to question 'Why would he do this?' or even more-so 'Would I have done anything different?'

I will begin my review by going with the animation quality. From the very first episode you could tell the distinct style that this anime portrayed in the 40 minutes long special. The ambience and beauty that came from the scene of Episode 1A, to the gruesome details that is foretold in episode 1B. The quality of animation in this series never seems to falter or sway. In fact as the episodes progress, it seems to only increase in the quality.  Thus, in my eyes this anime does a very good job at the tones it uses. Utilizing color schemes and shifts in shading to portray the mood of the scenes.

Which brings me to the bulk of this show-- the characters. I will not spoil anything, but I will say that this anime has quite the depth in character development. Subaru shifts extremely from Episode 1 to Episode 13 in such a masterful way, watching the character grow, make mistakes, grow, grow confidence, get cocky, get completely destroyed, grow. Watching Subaru learning to adapt, is one of the reasons this anime is great. And it isn't only Subaru, the characters revolving around the character gets fine development as well. People you think you will never see again pops up when the time is right, and everything seems to have significance.

I could go on and on, but so far (As of 7/11/16) this anime is only up to episode 15. And I must say this may be the best anime of 2016 in my eyes, one of the best I have seen in a long while. The writing of it is superb, each episode will have you wanting another as the cliff hangers are laid out in tasteful ways. It is addicting, it is thrilling, it is unexpected and most of all. . It plays with your thoughts. It is an experience in it's own respect, and because of that. .

I reward this anime, a 5/5.

Gonna Be The Twin-Tail!! (Review)

Soji Mitsuka is an ordinary high schooler with an extraordinary obsession. Twin tails are his fire, his air, his will to live! But when a mysterious woman from another world enlists his help to fight hideous monsters with various moe fetishes, Soji much transform into a powerful pigtailed…girl? With the help of his childhood friend, the class president, and his endless devotion to pigtails, Soji and his crew form a twin-tailed threesome to take on the monsters who feed on the “attribute power” of humans. But Soji’s new pigtailed powers come with a price; his surging popularity as the new heroin in town makes the twin-tailed trend explode, giving the monsters ample attribute powers to feed upon!

Funimation Simulcasts & Broadcast Dubs for Summer 2016 Season

Summer is here and Funimation® Entertainment has a stellar line-up of simulcasts and Broadcast Dubs planned for this season. To mark the first week of summer, the company revealed today fourteen simulcast titles from the new season. Together with the rest of the line-up, Funimation’s Summer 2016 Season offers each fan the opportunity to “find the ONE for you.” Whether it’s the one with the final boss, or the one with the cat vampire, or the one with the school idols or one of our many other new shows, Funimation has something for everyone.  The shows in this summer’s line-up will begin premiering on July 2.  Each and every week thereafter for the rest of the season, subscribers can look forward to new episodes in commercial-free 1080p.   

Summer 2016 Season Simulcast Synopses

D.Gray-man HALLOW

From the studio behind D.Gray-man comes the highly anticipated continuation to the popular series. Allen Walker is an exorcist working for the Black Order whose mission is to protect mankind from the evil Millennium Earl and his deadly Akuma. Allen and his comrades must recover lost Innocence while defending against the Earl’s terrifying army. But if they fail, Innocence will be lost forever.

SERVAMP

Mahiru Shirota dislikes difficult things, preferring to live a simple life. But after rescuing a cat he names Kuro, life takes a turn for the complex. Kuro turns out to be a “servamp”—

a servant vampire—named Sleepy Ash, and the two form a contract. Kissing his simple life goodbye, Mahiru is pulled into the world of vampires, the seven deadly Servamps, and war. Life couldn’t be more complicated!

 Tales of Zestiria the X

Legends speak of the Shepherd, a savior who will bring peace to the seraphim and human worlds. Sorey has spent his life studying ancient books and exploring ruins to learn more about the legendary savior. When he and his seraphim companion Mikleo encounter a mysterious girl in the ruins, the stories of the Shephard become Sorey’s reality. Is he strong enough to take on the evil Lord of Calamity?

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Future Arc

Makoto Naegi is under suspicion of treason after shielding a remnant of Despair. The Future Foundation, founded to save the world from chaos caused by Ultimate Despair, gathers to decide his punishment when they are captured by Monokuma. Thrusted into an ultimate death game, they must find the true traitor and kill him if they hope to survive. The tale of despair in which hope kills hope begins.

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School – Despair Arc

Hope’s Peak High School is a special school that nurtures those with exceptional talents and abilities. While only top students are a part of the main course, anyone can join the preparatory course, like Haijme Hinata has. Hinata wants nothing more than to be part of the talented elite, but his desires lead him to a fateful encounter that drives the future of the school into despair.

 Endride

Beneath the earth’s surface lies the unknown world, Endra. After touching a mysterious crystal, Shun Asanaga finds himself in this new land and his only way home lies with helping the vengeful Prince Emilio. Recently imprisoned, Emilio vows to take back his rightful throne from King Delzaine. Check out the latest adventure from the creator of Rurouni Kenshin and the studio behind Durarara!!

 Love Live! Sunshine!!

Nothing is more appealing than the bright, sparkling world of School Idols! The girls of Uranohoshi Girls’ High School are swept into idol fever, wanting nothing more than to become the next-best School Idol group. And they plan to do just that. Chika Takami brings together eight of her classmates to form Aqours, their own idol group. As long as they don’t give up, any dream can come true!

 FIRST LOVE MONSTER

High schooler Kaho Nikaido is having trouble adjusting to her new life in Tokyo. It doesn’t get any easier when she is nearly hit by a truck and saved by the handsome Kanade Takahashi! Infatuated with Kanade, she works up the courage to confess. But he warns that if Kaho learns who he is, she won’t want him. What could possibly keep her from this stud? Maybe the fact he’s a…fifth grader?!

 Handa-kun

Seishuu Hanada leads a very interesting life for a high school student. He is admired by his peers as a calligraphy genius and held in the highest respect. Unfortunately, Hanada is under the impression that they hate him! He just wants a quiet life, but instead he’ll face countless challenges for his school idol position. Can he handle all the pressure and “bullying”? It’s hard being so clueless!

 TSUKIUTA. The Animation

Six Gravity and Procellarum are two rival male idol groups who happen to live in the same dorm. Six Gravity is made up of young men who represent the months of December to May, while Procellarum’s members represent June to November. Follow the daily lives of these twelve young men as they deal with the stresses of idol-hood, school, and living together. With music by famous Vocaloid producers!

 Time Travel Girl

Mari Hayase is on a mission to go back in time and meet eight of the most prominent scientists and inventors in history. With the help of her two friends Waka Mizuki and Jun Mizuki she’ll find herself up close and personal with famous figures like Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and so many more! What’s her purpose and mission? Hopefully not getting stuck in the past!

 Sca-red Rider XechS

The Blue World, a world symbolizing reason, is under attack by fierce creatures known as the Nightfly O’Note sent from the Red World, a world symbolizing instinct. Elected to lead the Blue World, 17-year-old researcher Akira Asagi will take charge of the combat unit “IS”. These six riders, also called the Scared Rider Xechs, will fight at the Ryuukyuu LAG to protect their world and each other.

One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy is a boy with big dreams. This daring rubber-man refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become king of all pirates. Like his hero Gold Roger, this is one captain who’ll never drop anchor until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth – the Legendary One Piece!

Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! LOVE!

The Battle Lovers are back! With things a bit calmer since the whole Zundar fiasco, the boys can get back to what’s important in life—like hanging around the bathhouse and lazing around! But when the Loveracelets start calling, they’ll have to jump back into the action. Will the arrival of two new students mean more allies or more chaos? Love is not over yet!

 Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars

In the country of Rimguard a mysterious event shook the country and its people just twelve years prior. As time passed, memory of the incident began to fade while peace reigned over the land. Sisters Yui and Rena live a quiet life in the Enastria Empire until a large mecha suddenly attacks their peaceful home, changing everything. The girls become caught in a vortex of destiny and godly revival.