The all things Anime related thread.

[Fenris]

Bakemonogatari 14 - Very good, the twist at the end was a touch predictable but not in a bad way as it's still an interesting plot point. Some very nice animation and random changes of art style as is a staple of the visual aspect of the anime.

I was slightly surprised by the change of character of the current oddity because it came rather out of the blue and the rationalisation for it was wafer thin, however it could all be some clever ruse and and going by the above twist that is quite likely.

The next episode, number 15, is the last and honestly could make or break the series, I can see the twist mentioned above either changing the story in a way that is reminiscent of the ending of True Tears but that would make the entirety of episode 12 redundant and require screwing up all 3 main characters personalities.

However I remain hopeful and doubt the above will come to pass purely because if it did as I mentioned episode 12, the most emotive of the series, would be ruined and the main characters motivations made completely unclear.

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Damn...

Amazon.co.uk just cancelled my pre-order for Vol2 of Spice and Wolf
"We are no longer able to offer this item for sale. Our supplier has informed us that this item has been discontinued and is no longer available.

Please accept our apologies for any disappointment or inconvenience caused."

Really hope that means the series hasn't been cancelled, although Im hoping it's just a misunderstanding because the book hasn't actually been released yet, so the book hasn't been released to BE discontinued!

 

[memyselfandi]

No, it's likely to be their system rather than any new information regarding the release.

I've had it with DVDs before where they have been delayed and been on pre-order for ages only for Amazon to cancel the order a month before the DVD came out even though the new release date for it is confirmed.

 

[Werewolf]

Aye, Rightstuf haven't delisted it yet and they are normally pretty fast when something changes, so i'd go with the Amazon system having a hiccup for some reason.

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Im hoping so, I've sent them an email about it. Right Stuf, Amazon.com and Yen Press still have it listed. I got the email 10 minutes before getting ready for work (the deep joys of being on shifted work), and wasn't best pleased!

Edit: Actually they just emailed back and pretty much confirmed its just an issue with thier supplier rather than the book release (in slightly broken english).


"I understand from your message that the item "Spice and Wolf: v. 2" has cancelled from your order ********. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Please know that we had planned on receiving this item from our supplier. As we are unable to supply this item, it has been cancelled from your order. Rest assured that you haven't been charged for this cancelled item. Secondly, I have checked on our website and yes, it is going to be released on June 22, 2010 on publishers website and available as pre-order on our partner website Amazon.com. Please know that we are just retailer of an item and rely solely on the information provided by supplier. However, Although "Spice and Wolf: v. 2 (Paperback)" isn't currently available to us, we will be happy to notify you when it becomes available for ordering."

Phew...

 

[memyselfandi]

Had some mixed viewing today ...

Firstly, Evangelion 1.11 (US BR release) ... well, yep it's the first parts of Evangelion edited into a film format. With the work they have done on it yes it looks and sounds great. Still has the problem for me that it is fundamentally Evangelion which I find ok, but not the high and mighty series which it is considered to be in some quarters ...

Next, approximately the first 15 or so episodes of Gundam Seed (up to them landing on Earth(?)) ... this was ok, but at times seem to be a bit, well, dull. The fighting was nothing that spectacular and a bit repetitive .... you were also left wondering why the "badies" hadn't just destroyed the "goodies" before now due to their superiority in fire power?

And this evening ... something completely different .... episodes 14-19 of ToLoveRU ... including, of course, the pool and onsen episodes ...

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Sounds like me last night, planned to take a bit of a time out, but then lovefilm intervened (bearing in mind the last series I have seen have been S&W and K-ON).

I finally got round to watching the start of Escaflowne properly (my ex tried to get me into it about...5 years ago, and I've seen it mentioned/recommended SO many times I figured I really ought to). The DVD picture quality seems REALLY poor though, so will take a look round and see if I cant find a better quality version of it somewhere, as it looks interesting at the least, not sure if I'll stick with it though.

Also watched the first episode of RahXephon earlier, and really not sure what to make of that yet, but I've got the first disc to watch over (which has 5 episodes) and I'll see what I think after that. The english dub doesnt seem bad so far, so I'll give it a couple of episodes and then see whether to stick with it or go japanese audio and subs.

Heard the main VA for Rah is the same guy who voiced Sousuke in FMP as well. Given I was already going to watch that soon, if I don't get on with either of these series I think that was a pretty sign of what to go watch next.
Gurren Lagann is also on my list of to watch because from what I've heard it sounds interesting, and Lovefilm have added it recently (black lagoon too).

 

[lsg1r]

Still has the problem for me that it is fundamentally Evangelion which I find ok, but not the high and mighty series which it is considered to be in some quarters ...

same here, I want the series but I begrude paying 40 quid for 26 episodes and a metal tin when I can get 50+ for the same price (black lagoon, gits) or 10 more (eureka seven, gundam seed/destiny).

Next, approximately the first 15 or so episodes of Gundam Seed (up to them landing on Earth(?)) ... this was ok, but at times seem to be a bit, well, dull. The fighting was nothing that spectacular and a bit repetitive .... you were also left wondering why the "badies" hadn't just destroyed the "goodies" before now due to their superiority in fire power?

watched the film and had the same opinion, still want the series to add to my collection

And this evening ... something completely different .... episodes 14-19 of ToLoveRU ... including, of course, the pool and onsen episodes ...

Ah the obligatory pool episode, what anime with female characters can miss this off

Sounds like me last night, planned to take a bit of a time out, but then lovefilm intervened (bearing in mind the last series I have seen have been S&W and K-ON).

I finally got round to watching the start of Escaflowne properly (my ex tried to get me into it about...5 years ago, and I've seen it mentioned/recommended SO many times I figured I really ought to). The DVD picture quality seems REALLY poor though, so will take a look round and see if I cant find a better quality version of it somewhere, as it looks interesting at the least, not sure if I'll stick with it though.

Also watched the first episode of RahXephon earlier, and really not sure what to make of that yet, but I've got the first disc to watch over (which has 5 episodes) and I'll see what I think after that. The english dub doesnt seem bad so far, so I'll give it a couple of episodes and then see whether to stick with it or go japanese audio and subs.

Please tell me this is a rented (lovefilm) or borrowed disk as it's much better value getting the combined 1-7 option for 20 quid - wasn't out when I bought mine
I thought the english dub was pretty good on it too, think I actually watch it in english (one of very few that I do). Wait a while, it does get better but it's also a thinker like I've said

Have to say I've got to a point where I'm very very picky over my anime and even went and watched some 'reality' tv (fashion house from 4 on demand via youtube) when I'd normally watch anime Think I may need a break from it before complete anime overload

 

[robgmun]

Had some mixed viewing today ...

Firstly, Evangelion 1.11 (US BR release) ... well, yep it's the first parts of Evangelion edited into a film format. With the work they have done on it yes it looks and sounds great. Still has the problem for me that it is fundamentally Evangelion which I find ok, but not the high and mighty series which it is considered to be in some quarters ... ...

I had the impression that was animated from scratch

 

[Demoniser]

Id imagine he means the plot (unless i assume wrong). A large majority of shots are identical to that of the original tv series though. 1.11 really is just the plot of the first few episodes condensed into a film and given an awesome modern makeover. Eva 2.0: You can Not Advance is where it really starts to diverge certain events being retold in a different fashion and many new bits.

I Really hope 2.0 (or 2.22 as its known on dvd) will get licensed for a western release soon.

 

[lsg1r]

It was just the cad that was reanimated as far as I know

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Please tell me this is a rented (lovefilm) or borrowed disk as it's much better value getting the combined 1-7 option for 20 quid - wasn't out when I bought mine
I thought the english dub was pretty good on it too, think I actually watch it in english (one of very few that I do). Wait a while, it does get better but it's also a thinker like I've said

Have to say I've got to a point where I'm very very picky over my anime and even went and watched some 'reality' tv (fashion house from 4 on demand via youtube) when I'd normally watch anime Think I may need a break from it before complete anime overload

Yep both from Lovefilm. I was suprised at just how bad that Escaflowne dvd really was though. It looked like an old VHS

Im sure RahXephon does get better, the first episode is a little ...WTF... however, but I'll give it the 5 episodes and see how it goes

And if I dont like it theres plenty of other stuff I can go watch

 

[lsg1r]

Yep both from Lovefilm. I was suprised at just how bad that Escaflowne dvd really was though. It looked like an old VHS

escaflowne is quite old so quality isn't necessarily going to be as good as newer conversions.

 

[Demoniser]

Im sure RahXephon does get better, the first episode is a little ...WTF... however, but I'll give it the 5 episodes and see how it goes

And if I dont like it theres plenty of other stuff I can go watch

RahXephon really is an strange series. Its been ages since ive watched it but it does get more interesting as it goes along when the major plot points start to trickle in. Its definitely not your typical sci fi/mecha combination. Certainly one of the most unique in its genre imo.

 

[Alexrose1uk]

I wasnt expecting anything amazing from Escaflowne, given the age but the DVD copy really IS that poor. Im pretty sure I've got VHS that looked better. Its definately a series that could probably do with being remastered.
I mean it came out the same year (I think) roughly as Gundam Wing, and that looks much better, the DVD honestly has one of the blurriest, grainiest, roughest pictures I've seen

 

[memyselfandi]

Id imagine he means the plot (unless i assume wrong). A large majority of shots are identical to that of the original tv series though. 1.11 really is just the plot of the first few episodes condensed into a film and given an awesome modern makeover. Eva 2.0: You can Not Advance is where it really starts to diverge certain events being retold in a different fashion and many new bits.

I Really hope 2.0 (or 2.22 as its known on dvd) will get licensed for a western release soon.

Yep, I was referring to the plot instead of the animation itself. I don't know how much has been re-animated and how much it just cleaned up original footage.

I expect that we'll probably hear announcements regarding 2.x with release dates around the same sort of dates as 1.x. I believe that the German release for it has already been announced.

I wasnt expecting anything amazing from Escaflowne, given the age but the DVD copy really IS that poor. Im pretty sure I've got VHS that looked better. Its definately a series that could probably do with being remastered.
I mean it came out the same year (I think) roughly as Gundam Wing, and that looks much better, the DVD honestly has one of the blurriest, grainiest, roughest pictures I've seen

I agree with you on the picture quality of Escaflowne ... the boxset I had of the series was really poor (I say had as I have a feeling I 'bayed it as I just couldn't get into the series at all). Easily one of the worse, non-dubiously sourced, releases I have ever seen.

Ah the obligatory pool episode, what anime with female characters can miss this off

lol .... bounce bounce

Spent some more of this morning cataloguing my Anime DVDs ... now have ~4 Billy sized shelves worth left to do plus the Japanese releases (~2 shelves). Quite surprising at the moment how much is R2, I'd have expected proportion to be quite a bit lower than it is (at the moment it's probably 5:3 R1:R2).

More Gundam SEED now ...

 

[Makunouchi]

Just started watching Baki the Grappler.

It could be the worst anime I've ever seen

I'm going to keep watching it though because I like looking at incredibly muscled men, LOL

 

[mrk]

I like looking at incredibly muscled men, LOL

 

[bakes0310]

Hi a newby when it comes to anime, but ive done some research and i like the look of the following:
Gangtz
karas
fullmetal alchemist
samurai 7
Basilisk

I ordered karas and samurai 7 already so when i finished ill get the rest.
Have i made a mistake and picked terrible anime or are they GOLD

 

[Phatjayunoi]

RahXephon really is an strange series. Its been ages since ive watched it but it does get more interesting as it goes along when the major plot points start to trickle in. Its definitely not your typical sci fi/mecha combination. Certainly one of the most unique in its genre imo.

The main romance story is definately one of it's huge points and I like how it merges musical themes with the James Churchward lost continent myth of Mu, along with connections to the Maya and Ryukyu Island cultures as well.

It certainly is a weird take on the mecha genre, with tributes to the old Raideen series as well.