Dval's stats
- Review count272
- Helpfulness votes432
- First reviewDecember 3, 2011
- Last reviewSeptember 24, 2016
- Featured reviews1
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count7
- Helpfulness votes8
- First review commentMarch 9, 2012
- Last review commentMarch 17, 2015
- Featured review comments0
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![Witchblade: The Complete Series [5 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
This hard hitting release from the hard hitting anime series Witchblade offers all 24 hours of the show, following the story of a women named Masane - who lingers on the brink of society until destiny places in her hands a sword that men have sought for centuries, because of the immense power it brings.
Customer Rating
5
Awesome anime series for non-kids.
on December 3, 2011
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Plot: Only a woman can bear an ancient weapon called the Witchblade. Men seek to control it for their own gain. Witchblade is really the first American comic to be successfully transformed into an anime series. The anime version of Witchblade is set forth a few generations in the future of the American comic/manga version. The main heroine (Masane) is both blessed and burdened by the Witchblade as it gives her the power to protect her daughter but also puts them in danger (in more ways than one) by its presence.
24 episode series seeks to cram a lot into the time frame. Aside from Masane and her daughter there is very little character development. Almost an over-abundance of fan-service in this series as well. No actual nudity, but the outfits Masane and other women "transform" into when activating their blades leave practically nothing to the imagination.
Witchblade has a couple characters that provide comic relief, but the majority of the storyline is drama and action-filled. The amount of action in this one had me rushing through to see the entire thing. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for, but it's sad/happy ending.
The most surprising feature with this series was the amount of extras. An entire disc with 3 hours of bonus features! Each disc has a couple previews as well as interviews with the Japanese cast. The bonus disc takes you on a trip to Madcow studios #original producers of the comic# and also walks you through the creation of both the comic and anime. This was one of the few times I actually sat through and watched every single extra on a series.
The voice acting was my only dislike from this series. Seemed to take a few actors a while to get into the roles.
Overall, it was a great series and I think for the price #only $30!# it's well worth purchasing. Also, it's one of the few non-Funimation series to hit the stores. Was very refreshing.
24 episode series seeks to cram a lot into the time frame. Aside from Masane and her daughter there is very little character development. Almost an over-abundance of fan-service in this series as well. No actual nudity, but the outfits Masane and other women "transform" into when activating their blades leave practically nothing to the imagination.
Witchblade has a couple characters that provide comic relief, but the majority of the storyline is drama and action-filled. The amount of action in this one had me rushing through to see the entire thing. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for, but it's sad/happy ending.
The most surprising feature with this series was the amount of extras. An entire disc with 3 hours of bonus features! Each disc has a couple previews as well as interviews with the Japanese cast. The bonus disc takes you on a trip to Madcow studios #original producers of the comic# and also walks you through the creation of both the comic and anime. This was one of the few times I actually sat through and watched every single extra on a series.
The voice acting was my only dislike from this series. Seemed to take a few actors a while to get into the roles.
Overall, it was a great series and I think for the price #only $30!# it's well worth purchasing. Also, it's one of the few non-Funimation series to hit the stores. Was very refreshing.
What's great about it: Surprisingly, there are a TON of extras. Carried in store (didn't have to order)!
What's not so great: Voice-acting isn't horrible, but you might just want to watch the Japanese audio with subs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Black Butler: Season One, Part One [2 Discs] [DVD]
(2)
Evangelion: 1.01 You Are Not Alone
(25)Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
This fantastical release from the romantic comedy anime series Chobits includes all 24 episodes of the show, following the story of Hideki Motosuwa, a poor student who happens across a life-sized robot girl named Chi, who at first seems like she might have a short circuit, but soon turns out to be far more than meets the eye.
Customer Rating
5
Classic anime series for everyone
on December 3, 2011
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Purchased this series about 2 months ago. Had read/seen different things for Chobits here and there but we finally got this series in at the local BestBuy and I purchased it after 2-3 days of trying to decide.
English voice actors are actually pretty decent for this one. Recognized a few of the same voices from a lot of other anime series as well but that's not hard to imagine seeing as how Funimation covers most English anime releases.
Great storyline behind this one. Story is set in the future where most humans have devices called persocoms (personal computers# which vary in size and appearance but all look like humans. Persocoms act according to the programming that has been installed into them and can function as maids/servants, friends, GPS, phones, internet, etc... Hideki #main character) has just moved to the city from a farm and stumbles upon a persocom in a pile of trash along the side of the street on his way home one night. After dragging her home, his life turns upside down.
Came into the series expecting more of a kids show, but it has a healthy dose of fan-service and adult humor throughout. Hideki is so naive it has you just shaking your head all the time and praying you were never that bad. Chi is adorable as can be and just gives you that "Awww so cute!" feeling. The other characters in the series filter in and out. Some can be annoying, but they're generally pretty funny.
Still have about 6 episodes left to watch, but the series has definitely made me fall in love with it.
Great storyline behind this one. Story is set in the future where most humans have devices called persocoms (personal computers# which vary in size and appearance but all look like humans. Persocoms act according to the programming that has been installed into them and can function as maids/servants, friends, GPS, phones, internet, etc... Hideki #main character) has just moved to the city from a farm and stumbles upon a persocom in a pile of trash along the side of the street on his way home one night. After dragging her home, his life turns upside down.
Came into the series expecting more of a kids show, but it has a healthy dose of fan-service and adult humor throughout. Hideki is so naive it has you just shaking your head all the time and praying you were never that bad. Chi is adorable as can be and just gives you that "Awww so cute!" feeling. The other characters in the series filter in and out. Some can be annoying, but they're generally pretty funny.
Still have about 6 episodes left to watch, but the series has definitely made me fall in love with it.
What's great about it: Great price for the entire series. More than just a 1 season (12 episode) series. Good voice acting.
What's not so great: Not much in terms of extras
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Dval's Review Comments
Eliminate your unwieldy collection of remotes and start using one device. A Geek Squad Agent will program your new learning remote control (such as a Logitech Harmony remote) for easy operation of your TV and home theater components. Perform commands like Watch a DVD or Listen to Music with the push of a single button.* This service takes about an hour to complete. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains a redemption code. You can then schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-GEEK SQUAD (1-800-433-5778) and following the prompts for Home Theater and Installation.** Please print your Geek Squad confirmation e-mail and be ready when the Agent arrives at your chosen location.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5its work for reciver by wifi bettween 2flooer
By saadcitystar
from nashville
its work for reciver by wifi bettween 2 flooer my reciver in 2 flooer and my tv is doween stires,so its work doween stirs in tv samsung by wifi
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Interpreting
March 9, 2012
I try not to be a grammar-junkie, but I think "saadcitystar" is trying to say that he/she's happy with their remote programming. It sounds like he/she purchased a Harmony remote with RF (radio frequency) instead of IR (infrared) that is capable of sending signals over about a 50' range and can even go through walls, cabinets, etc...
If purchasing a remote programming by itself, the service is $99.99, but if you're having other services done as well (audio setup, wall-mounting, calibration, or networking), the service actually drops down to $59.99.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
![Hide and Seek [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2066/20661297_sa.jpg)
Overall
4 out of 5
4 out of 5Throwback album
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Album came out back on Tuesday and it arrived on Wednesday. Love the quick shipping here.
Hide and Seek isn't quite the same as previous albums from The Birthday Massacre. Couple of the songs have a little bit darker feeling to them, but the overall sounds took me back to music from the 80's and early 90's. Really loving it.
Wouldn't really say that there's any songs that just jump out at you, but it actually works out good for this CD. Really enjoying every single song so I can just keep the entire thing going on repeat. Would be nice to have a killer hit like "Blue" or "Red Stars" thrown in, but the whole thing more than makes up for it.
There's also a Vinyl version available as well, but you'll have to order that through other means if you want it. Definitely recommend this one to any fans.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Update
December 4, 2012
Have to update this as I've had this CD going for the past month in my car. Truely great CD. Very little pops out because all of the songs are so good. Should have given this one 5 stars.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
This release from the chilling anime series Gunslinger Girl includes all 13 episodes of the show's first season, following the girls of the Social Welfare Agency, who appear from the outside to be orphaned schoolgirls, but are actually trained to be cold blooded killers. Extras with the release include voice director commentary, textless songs, and more.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Killer girls from...
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action
"Officially, the social Welfare Agency is a government sponsored corporation that's in the business of saving lives. At least, that's the ruse. In reality, it's an agency on the fringe of technology. They give terminal patients another shot at life using cybernetic implants. This conditioning process then shapes the patient into an effiecient machine for handling all of the goverment's dirty work. They've been given a second change at life, but at what cost?"
Basic plot: Little girls that were about to die have been given a second shot at life, but in return they're basically assassins for the government. The first season here doesn't really do much more than give us a character intro for 6 different girls. The story takes place in Italy which is a huge change of pace for most anime. Plot only got an average score because of the lack of one thus far.
Cinematography: The graphics are very visually appealing. Seeing everything out in the Mediteranean is a good change from the streets of Japan. The character designs themselves aren't very well done, though. They're really kind of normal. However, there's a ton of detail put into the outfits, guns, and scenery. Found it kind of odd, but the Blu-ray version is definitely nice and crisp. No jagged edges around the faces like on DVD versions.
Acting: Loved the English voice-acting and didn't touch the original Japanese. Kind of want to just to hear they're versions of each girl.
Extras: Non-existent. Not a single trailer, commentary, or even a textless opening or ending. Bare bones.
As the first reviewer posted, the story is a little disturbing. If you can get around little girls being used as military dolls, then the action is quite nice and I really enjoyed it. Just not the best series out there. Should definitely pick it up if you like anime, though.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Part 2
January 3, 2013
Completely forgot about the extras on disc 2. There are actually quite a few. The voice-actor commentaries about their own characters are really enjoyable. Would bump the Extras up to 4 stars, but it wouldn't change the overall rating.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5meh...
By lobb152
I just didnt like this movie as much as the other two.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
February 13, 2013
Any particular reasons why? Story, cast, etc...?
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
This mind-bending release from the psych-horror anime series Deadman Wonderland includes all 12 episodes of the show, following the story of a high school boy who is unjustly jailed for the murder of his class in a prison system that fits him with a collar constantly injecting him with poison. The poison can be neutralized if he can take regular doses of the antidote often enough, though these can only be obtained through prison work.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Supernatural prison
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Supernatural, Action, Drama
Length: 12 episodes + OVA
Length: 12 episodes + OVA
"Ganta is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers. He's framed for the carnage, sentenced to die, and locked away in the most twisted prison ever built: Deadman Wonderland. And then it gets worse.
At Deadman Wonderland, convicts are forced into brutal deathmatches for the amusement of the masses, the cheers of the crowd drowning out the screams of the dismembered. Even when Ganta befriends Shiro, an unusual female inmate, his dark fate crushes all hope – until he discovers the strange ability to wield his spilled blood as a weapon. Ganta learns his new skill might be related to the murderous man in red and uncovers disturbing secrets that could expose those who stole his freedom. He's determined to see justice served – but first he'll have to fight for his life in a prison that holds a million ways to die."
Deadman Wonderland is a decent series that gained attention in America after Cartoon Network aired it on the Toonami animation block when it was reincarnated back in 2012. I caught the first 2 episodes, but never got around to watching the rest. The series is filled to the brim with blood, gore, and action. The English dialogue is pretty racy as well. It does an excellent job with the shock factor. You just know someone is about to die, but it can be a little hard to predict how it's going to happen. Sadly, the series is quite rushed and a ton of knowledge is never made known. There also isn't really a true ending. Red Man remains a mystery, sort of. What relation does Shiro and Ganta have? Don't want to spoil any of the ending, but it pops up just as many questions and doesn't really answer anything. It leave tons of room for a 2nd season, but I haven't seen anything in the works, yet.
I enjoyed the series overall even with the rushed ending and lingering questions. My brother was also a fan and admitted that he was a little confused with the entire thing. This is a great value on a pretty good series. Pick it up!
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Reply
August 7, 2014
That's correct. First two black discs are the DVD version while the last 2 light blue discs contain the BD versions.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Keep your air clean and healthy with this Therapure 90TP50RM01 mini air purifier that is designed for areas up to 5 sq. ft. Stainless-steel collection blades allow easy cleaning and ultraviolet light destroys airborne viruses.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Not what I was looking for, much better
By kakky
from Houston
Came in looking for a new portable radio. Salesman guided me to a blue-tooth speaker to connect to my phone instead. Can also use this with my MP3. Works much better than the radio would have and great sound. Helpful salesman did a bit of technology training to help me get it set up.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Wrong item?
August 18, 2014
Hey there. I think you may have gotten the wrong item for your review. Sounds like you purchased a bluetooth speaker instead of an air purifier.
+5points
5of 5voted this comment as helpful.
This set serves up every episode of the anime series Coppelion.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Great anime!
By ACEACE
from CORONA
Picture and cgi excellent. Story excellent. But I gave it 3 stars because the sound is pcm only. That means stereo not 5.1 dolby digital much less DTS. Why they don't spend the money on the sound affect on Bluray is completely troubling.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
sound in anime
March 17, 2015
It'd be great to have more titles with full 5.1 or 7.1 dolby digital sound, but it's pretty rare outside of the big movies. Really long answer so I'll just paste the response from the animenewsnetwork for you.
Audio is important, and many fans are becoming more and more concerned with making sure that they're getting the best quality audio possible when they fork over the money for a shiny disc of their favorite show. But with so many different formats, which one is best? Which ones should you be asking for? Sometimes the difference is negligible or non-existant, other times it makes a huge difference.
Let's start with the easy one: why some shows have 5.1 mixes for the dub, but not for the original Japanese. I've answered previously on this column that most TV anime doesn't bother with anything more than a stereo (2.0) mix because the Japanese broadcast standard doesn't really support 5.1 audio, and given how big home theater systems aren't as common in Japan for a number of reasons, they generally don't bother remixing for 5.1 when it comes time to release the discs on home video. However, when making the dub, an American publisher might think 5.1 is worth the extra work. If they're already set up to do 5.1, the audio has to be remixed anyway, so it is an opportunity to have a nice added feature for dub fans.
5.1 mixes require special equipment, take a lot more time, and are harder to check for errors (and requires a lot more office space to do so), so it's often not practical to do 5.1 mixes for everything. They can also cost more money. The decision to make a 5.1 mix is made on a show-by-show basis, based on whether the Japanese is 5.1 (usually just movies and some high-end OAVs) and how much the show is predicted to sell.
As for what format in which they're stored on a disc, these days you generally see 4 different kinds of audio tracks:
• Linear PCM (Completely uncompressed, basically just a WAV file. Takes up a lot of space, especially in 5.1.)
• Dolby Digital (AC3) (Lower quality, like an MP3, but takes up a lot less space. Supported by DVD and Blu-ray.)
• Dolby TrueHD (Blu-ray only. The full quality of the WAV file, but compressed to a more manageable size. Still much bigger than AC3, however.)
• DTS Master Audio (Blu-ray only. For the end user, pretty much identical to Dolby TrueHD.)
• Linear PCM (Completely uncompressed, basically just a WAV file. Takes up a lot of space, especially in 5.1.)
• Dolby Digital (AC3) (Lower quality, like an MP3, but takes up a lot less space. Supported by DVD and Blu-ray.)
• Dolby TrueHD (Blu-ray only. The full quality of the WAV file, but compressed to a more manageable size. Still much bigger than AC3, however.)
• DTS Master Audio (Blu-ray only. For the end user, pretty much identical to Dolby TrueHD.)
When you make a DVD or Blu-ray, you are tasked with squeezing a lot of data onto a finite amount of space, so compression can be very important. Wasting too much bandwidth on audio means you might have to sacrifice video quality. The above compression formats are essential ways to get the most quality out of an audio track without having an unwieldy amount of data to contend with.
Audio quality obsessives swear that Dolby Digital AC3 audio has a lot of distortion and they can DEFINITELY tell a difference. I am skeptical. I've definitely heard bad AC3 encodes that definitely affected audio quality, particularly in very early DVDs, but there has never been a double-blind study that shows even audio experts can tell a difference at higher bitrates (and quite a few proving that nobody can tell at all). At any event, the presence of "lossless" audio (in either LPCM, DTS-MA or Dolby TrueHD) has become an important marketing bullet point for Blu-ray discs, so whether people can REALLY tell the difference or it's all a placebo effect, who am I to argue.
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