Great Animes That To You May Never Have Seen

Venus Wars - . The new frontier of Venus has degenerated into a dystopia ravaged by the civil war between Ishtar and Aphrodia. Bubbly reporter Susan Sommers arrives in the capitol of Aphrodia just before it's captured by Ishtar. She falls in with a bunch of teen-agers who live for a sort of motorcycle version of Roller Derby. Daredevil rider Hiro and his friends reluctantly join the struggle to free Aphrodia from the invaders. Not surprisingly, Hiro proves an ace at piloting the mono-cyles that are the Aphrodians' secret weapon in the key battle

Venus Wars


I's - Iori Hazuki is a beautiful high schooler with ambitions of becoming an actress. Ichitaka Seto is an indecisive sort with a crush on Iori from afar. Itsuki Akiba is Ichitaka s cute childhood friend who has returned from abroad. Put all three I s together and you have a tale of love, comedy and dreams.
The course of true love never did run smooth, and hapless Ichitaka has a ton of obstacles to overcome to win the heart of his classmate and budding actress Iori: pranks and misunderstandings, stalkers and romantic intervention, but most of all staying true to one's feelings. Are the two I's destined to find happiness together, or does fate have other ideas?

I's







Here Is Greenwood - Kazuya Hasukawa's belongs to only one woman, but the day she moved in was the worst day of his life. Why? Because she is moving in to be his brother's wife. Distraught and desperate to escape his heartache, Kazuya leaves home and puts his fate in the fickle hands of dormitory life. He finds himself exiled to Greenwood, a housing facility for outcasts. Will Kazuya retain his sanity, or will Greenwood live up to its reputation as an asylum?

Here Is Greenwood


Boys Be... - There are two sides to every love story, and Boys Be... reveals what's really going on - from the guy's point of view! Meet three normal high school guys with just one thing on their minds: girls. Quiet Kyoichi has been friends with Chiharu ever since they were young, but lately, his feelings have begun to change. Lecherous Makoto, a self-proclaimed master of the rules of romance, is ready to sweep the ladies off their feet. And Yoshihiko, a handsome sports nut, is unfortunately a bit clueless in matters of the heart.

Boys Be...


Makato Shinkai Collection Trilogy

Voices Of A Distant Star - Mikako and Noboru are separated at the beginning of high school in 2046. She's accepted into the training program for mecha pilots to fight the aliens who attacked human settlements on Mars. As she moves across the miles and, ultimately, light years, she sends messages that the forlorn Noboru patiently awaits.

Voices Of A Distant Star






The Place Promised in Our Early Days - In this alternate world, Japan was divided after World War II: Hokkaido, renamed "Ezo," belongs to "the Union;" the rest of archipelago is an American dependency. Ezo is dominated by the Union Tower, a seemingly topless needle. Middle school students Hiroki and Takuya dream of visiting the Tower, and start building an airplane. They're joined by Sayuri, who nurtures a crush on Hiroki. As the characters move into high school, Sayuri falls into a coma. Hiroki and Takuya learn that her dreams are linked to the Tower and to experiments in contacting parallel universes.

The Place Promised In Our Early Days Trailer


5 Centimeters Per Second - Beginning with the lyrical image of cherry blossoms falling at five centimeters a second Makoto Shinkai paints a breathtakingly vivid tableau of young love desire loss and hope. Told in three breathtaking chapters we follow the young dreamer Takaki through his life as cruel winters cold technology silence and finally adult obligations and responsibility converge to crush the delicate petals of true love. Finding beauty in everyday objects and moments Shinkai reveals he is a master of animation and haunting beautiful storytelling. Fall in love with this gorgeous thoughtful film hailed by critics and audiences alike for its beauty truth and innovation in animation.

5 Centimeters Per Second

A Look At Sony 3D TV

I can safely say that the future is now. I always knew that sooner or later that everything will be in 3D. Just look at what Sony has planned for us. Full Blu Ray 3D, 3D games and 3D TV. I cannot imagine what it would be like to play a game like Killzone 2 or Metal Gear 4 in 3D. But for now we just have to look at Gran Turismo.

Dreamcast Portable

This is just amazing in case you never seen this, you must watch this. This guy made a portable Dreamcast system. As a Dreamcast fan I'm dying to see Dreamcast on PSN or XBOX Live. Heck I would love Sega go back into the hardware with an handheld system. Anyway here the portable Dreamcast below.

The DreamTrooper

Densha Otoko (Train Man) Movie Review

Story
Based on a true story Densha Otoko tells the story of a Otaku (Japanese term for geek), who rescues a damsel in distress and falls for her. Now before you start saying this is your typical geek gets pretty girl story, let me reassure you that THIS IS NOT! What separates Densha Otoko from others geek get girl movies, is that Densha Otoko doesn't have a bully as an adversity. The girl isn't some chick who needs the nice guy to save the day. In this movie the adversity is the main character himself Train Man. Train Man has to overcome his own lack of self confidence. He has to find the love in himself in order to get to girl. He does this by going to his local message board and getting help from his fellow website friends. I don't want to spoil anything but if your a geek this story is a must see. It's very touching an encouraging for geeks who lack confidence.



Acting & Direction
The movie stars Takayuki Yamada and Miki Nakatani who play Train Man and Hermes. Hermes is the girl who gets saved on the train. I found the acting to be brilliant. Takayuki plays Train Man and he surely delivers in his performance. The way he shows his insecurity carries the movies and it will get to the point, where you will start cursing at the screen (I know I did). Miki plays Hermes wonderful and while watching it you cheer for her being able to withstand such an insecure guy. Just watch the scene where Train Man acts like a coward and look at her facial expressions. This film is Directed by Shosuke Murakami. Murakami really captures Tokyo Japan from the Otaku's eyes. You will see local videogame and anime spots. Hear the latest J-Pop music (at the time) It's a pure sight to see.

Music
I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK! It uses some of my favorite instruments, the piano, flute, violin and more. The main theme is just pure delight to hear for your ears. If you manage to find the soundtrack I suggest you give it a listen. It really captures the emotion of Train Man and Hermes, that is all you need from a soundtrack.

Final Grade - I give Densha Otoko is an A+ this is a fun, light hearted but serious on the theme at the same time.

Here is the Trailer

Kingdom Hearts Birth Of Sleep New Trailer

Will they just release the damn game already? This might be the Best PSP game since Final Fantasy Crisis Core. There is no doubt Square Enix is going all out for Birth Of Sleep. Check out the amazing trailer below.

Soul Eater Autograph Poster

Thanks to the whole "Soul Eater" cast for staying at the convention to sign everyone's autograph. *Muah* to the Laura Bailey :). I'm like her biggest fan.

Best Wrestling Games Of All Time

Here is some of our picks for the best wrestling games of all time.

Royal Rumble (Sega)


Royal Rumble was the first videogame ever to feature 6 wrestlers at a time. With an impressive roster. Great gameplay and you can even go for the Tag Team titles and WWF Belt.



WrestleFest


We spent hours in arcades losing our precious quarters to play this great wrestling game. This is the greatest wrestling arcade game of all time to us. With a never before seen Tag Team Steel Cage and another impressive Royal Rumble.



WCW/NWO Revenge


THE BEST WCW GAME EVER! This used the same engine as which we would later see in No Mercy. Amazing Roster, Amazing Gameplay. Just press play and see for yourself.



WWF No Mercy


Probably the greatest wrestling game of all time. Ladder Matches, Full Entrances, Wonderful Story Mode, Great Gameplay. What more could you ask for. To not have No Mercy on the list is a crime.



WWF Smackkdown Here Comes The Pain


Best Smackdown period.



WWE Day Of Reckoning 2


A lift meter, great CAW's customization, stamina meter. Wonderful entrances, dating Stacy Keibler in story mode. What more do you want?

Final Fantasy Meets Hip Hop

I've been searching Youtube and manage to find some amazing remixes to some Final Fantasy themes. I thought I share this with you guys today. I was totally blown away by these talented Youtubers. Check it out below.



FF7 Victory Fanfare Remix

Final Fantasy Instrumental "Different Dimensions" Sampled Hymm Of Faith From FF10


Final Fantasy Instrumental "The Great Summoning"


Final Fantasy VII - Rap Remix (Instrumental)


Liberi Fatali


Mako Poison (Final Fantasy VII Hip-Hop Remix)


FF 10 MT. GAGAZET HIP HOP REMIX


Final fantasy X hip hop instrumental

Justin's Top Five Favorite Anime Series He Can't Live Without

This was not an easy list to make at all. But after watching many Anime shows past and present, these are the five Anime shows that I know I can't live without.

5. Dragonball Z


Why Dragonball Z?
Well DBZ is the 2nd Anime that I have ever watch. I grew up watching Dragonball Z. Think of the impact DBZ has had on the Anime world. Yes it's no real deep story like Neon Genesis, and it's no Grave Of Fireflies. But DBZ is action pack and the characters are one of the most memorable ever. From the style of animation, to it's catchy background music. This show capture the Manga style flawlessly.

Favorite DBZ Moment?
If I had to choose only one it will be when Vegeta killed himself to destroy Majin Buu. It was very powerful and emotional because you can see Vegeta has now finally developed. (See Below)


4. Gundam Wing


Why Gundam Wing?
Out of all the Gundam series out there such as, Gundam 08th MS Team, Stardust Memory, Gundam 0079 and of course Mobile Suit Gundam. This Gundam to me was the best of the best. The story and characters was really top notch. There are so many great battles and I felt that this was more emotional than the others.

Favorite Gundam Wing Moment?
Favorite moment is the last episode where Heero gives Relina a birthday present. The song in the background "I Believe We Would Meet Again" by Yasuo Uragami is just perfect. (See Below)


3. Eureka Seven


Why Eureka Seven?
That's this show is a masterpiece. Not to mention it's fun, fun, fun. I love the characters in this one. From Renton to Moondoggie. I love to see the characters grow. I love how Renton grows from a dreamer to being a savior of the entire planet. There is more but you have to see for yourself.

Favorite Eureka Seven Moment?
There are so many great moments with Renton and Eureka. But when he saves her for the first time, and she realizes that he is the one. I would say that is my favorite moment. (See below)


2. Neon Genesis Evangelion


Why Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Simple because Neon Genesis Evangelion is one deep Anime. You really have to watch it at least three times, to capture and understand all the themes. I love the main character Shingi Ikari because he reflects me, more than any Anime character. The battle with depression, not knowing yourself, learning to come out of shell. These reasons is why I love Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Favorite Neon Genesis Evangelion Moment?
It would be the end of the series where Shingi finally realizes his worth in the world. (See below)


1. Robotech
Why Robotech?
This is the Anime that started it all for me. This has everything romance, drama, action, great themes. Plus Robotech was the first Anime to featured an intteracial couple. This show is just magic.

Favorite Robotech Moment?
The debut of Minmei song "We Will Win"

Neon Genesis Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone Review

"I must not run away, I must not run away." - Shingi Ikari

One of the best Anime series of all time has returned in a brand new way. Funimation brings to us a retelling entitled "Neon Genesis Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone." This movie is part 1 out of 4 movies to be released. Is this remake worth the price of admission? Or should we stick with the original?

Story
Tokyo-3 still stands after most of civilization was decimated in the Second Impact. Now the city endures the ceaseless onslaught of the deadly Angels, bizarre creatures bent on eradicating the human race. To combat this strange and ruthless enemy, the government agency NERV constructs a fleet of towering humanoid machines – the Evas – and Shinji Ikari is called into action, reluctantly taking his place at the controls of Eva Unit 01.

Living a life of loneliness and questioning his existence, Shinji struggles to accept responsibility for mankind’s battle for survival in this visually striking rebuild of one of the most important anime of all time. Shinji will fight the Angels alongside the only person who might understand his plight – Rei Ayanami, the elusive and frail pilot of Eva Unit 00. In this film experience not to be missed, Shinji and Rei will struggle to learn a simple truth: when carrying the burden of humanity’s survival on your shoulders, you are not alone.

Justin On Story - If you have seen the original you will be happy to see, that they have maintain the original story. The only problem I have with this is, that if you never seen the original you might miss a few plot points. The character interactions are a little different now. Shingi is less of a whiner in this retelling. Instead he is a little more comfortable, but he still does questions himself. Misato is more of a big sister/ mother to Shingi in this one.

*Spoiler Alert* There is a scene when Shingi is scare and Misato holds his hand to comfort him.

Commander Ikari and Shingi relationship are not really established, you don't get the feeling why Shingi should hate his father. However keep in mind that this movie only follows the storyline of episodes 1 - 6. Hopefully we will see more of why Shingi is so withdrawn from people. It's just moves a little too fast, it jumps from on set piece to another. However I'm happy that they did mention the "Hedgehog Dilemma."

Animation

Picture Comparison

Original


Remake


Animation - Compared to original as you can see for yourself. This remake has one of the best animation I've seen in a while. It is truly a work of art. From the landscape of Tokyo 3 to the updated look on Misato and the others. The color use is superb.

Music - The music is composed and arranged by Shiro Sagisu. You will hear the same themes used in the original series, such as "Rei Theme, Misato Theme, Hedgehog Dilemma and etc." The great part about the music is that it's fully orchestrated by the London Studio Orchestra. Plus an added bonus an all new theme song by my Utada Hikaru entitled "Beautiful World." Press play below to hear the new theme song.

Beautiful World By Utada Hikaru.


Voice Acting - There is no doubt that when it comes to Anime there are two sides. People who only want the Japanese dub with English subtitles. Then the people who only want the English dub. Luckily Funimation provides us with both options. Most of the original cast returns. Spike Spencer returns as Shingi Ikari and is brilliant as ever. Allison Keith returns to play Misato. There have been voice changes to Rei, Commander Ikari and others. Rei is now played by Brina Palencia and she does better if you ask me. Voice acting is very good in this one. Have no fear Funimation pulled out all the stops.

DVD Features - Unfortunately the only features we get are trailers. I was hoping to see behind the scenes look of voice recording. Unfortunately it seems we get the short end of the stick. Maybe when if they release an ulitmate collection we will see some goodies. Here is hoping.

Final Grade B+ - Neon Genesis Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone gets a B+. Great animation, wonderful story with a few missing plot points. Dvd features is a huge let down, but this a must have in your Anime collection.

Neon Genesis Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone Trailer

Love Is Everything

This is my favorite animated short that I have done. It's also my biggest hit with 317 views so far. I hope you enjoy it. Oh Yeah NONE OF THIS IS SCRIPTED. EVERYTHING WAS OFF THE TOP OF THE HEAD. PURE IMPROV!


Story - The Biggest Nerd Josh Stone seeks aid from his friends to win the heart of the hottest girl in school. Can Josh gain the confidence to talk to Kelly? Based On A True Story.

Love Is Everything


Justin's Commentary