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.