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- Review count4
- Helpfulness votes7
- First reviewJuly 17, 2010
- Last reviewJune 17, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentJune 11, 2011
- Last review commentJune 11, 2011
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ddavie1's Reviews
![Appleseed Alpha [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray] [2014]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7091/7091161_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Excellent, period!
on June 17, 2015
Posted by: ddavie1
from Saint Petersburg
There is very little about the entire Appleseed series of movies that 99% of anime lovers won't thoroughly enjoy. Frankly, even if anime isn't your 'goto' medium, it will be difficult to beat Appleseed's quality of story, characters, artwork and more. From the original alone it has easily withstood the test of time; for me personally it's almost more enjoyable every time I rewatch it (which happens a couple times a year). Alpha is no different!
Without giving anything away so it's as enjoyable as possible, basically Alpha is best noted as a prequel to the original Appleseed. A lot the of the same characters are still present...only, it's all for the previously (and relatively untouched) back story. Alpha shows us the path *TO* Olympus and the fight to get there - not just the struggle within Olympus. If you like to round out the stories and characters you commit your time to, and enjoy immersing yourself to the point they are actually people versus characters on the page (or screen in this case), then Alpha is worth every penny...on sale or otherwise!
Currently it's listed for 15 bucks; it's worth twice as much in my opinion or anyone who enjoyed the original and wants to delve further into the story & the characters. Especially for Duenan and Briareos. (In addition, regarding the English dub, Luci Christian (Duenan) and David Matranga (Briareos) positively knock it OUT OF THE PARK! And while I enjoy English dubs whenever possible (so I can keep my eyes on the action / screen, not reading the bottom 1/8th of my television screen), additional credit where it's due: Luci and David are phenomenal. They both, CONTINUALLY bring their A-Game and never disappoint in the slightest! There is truly, almost nothing negative to say about this prequel. And that's rare, regardless of genre. (There are a couple tiny glitches in the CGI at one point, but it's so brief it's honestly hard to catch at all unless you're studiously hunting for quality errors. I just BARELY caught it myself, and had to rewind to see if it was possibly the physical disc itself, just my eyes getting tired or something, etc., and noticed the hiccup. But it's truly gone as quickly as it happens and does NOT detract from the story or presentation in the least. I'm very surprised I even caught it because I was so intently watching, heh heh.)
Nevertheless, if you're a huge fan of the original and looking for more of the same or expansion of the original, or even just retelling (a reboot) of the original Appleseed, you will not find it here. Alpha is NOT the original story, save for the the fact it's the same people; they are making their way TOWARD Olympus, and not yet fighting for the (their) home / city. And Alpha is strictly about that story! In fact, if you're in the mood for an Appleseed concentrated day and need to rewatch the original anyway, this is the perfect time to pick this up and watch first - then rewatch the original. You'll be able to begin the series anew, with a greatly expanded focus on their time prior to arriving in Olympus...then of course the struggle within the city as only they can manage it.
Sorry for the long-winded comments. Basically, if you like the original and typically prefer as much history as possible on the characters & story you're investing your time in, then Alpha is most definitely a valued, and necessary addition to ANY collection! Also, while we all like saving money - and I recommend doing so whenever possible; I am certainly no different - Alpha doesn't need to be on sale just to make it worth buying. And whether here at BB or through an alternate vendor, you can almost always find it for $15 with the quickest of online hunting! :-)
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
![Fushigi Yugi: Season Two [4 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2057/20571822_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
1
Packaging the reason for overall vs individual...
on September 29, 2012
Posted by: ddavie1
from Saint Petersburg
I rented the series about a year ago and really enjoyed it - and typically after seeing one I like I purchase for my "library" to watch again whenever and to support the anime production companies. I really enjoyed Fushigi Yûgi very much; but thankfully I've seen it before today's purchase b/c ALL 4 DVD's ARE SCRATCHED BEYOND USABLE!! It is most definitely being returned first thing tomorrow morning for a new one.
Miaka is a 15-year-old girl like any other - boys on the brain She and her friend find an ancient Chinese book "Universe of the Four Gods" - all about a girl who searches for 7 jewels then makes her dreams come true. But just reading it makes the ancient spell begin its work and they're sucked into the story itself. (Literally drawn in, in fact.) Miaka is suddenly seen as the one to become the Priestess of Suzaku and it becomes her destiny due to all the believers / people she meets when drawn into the story. Once that happens she is of course all wrapped up in the people and their lives that show her a world of magic and adventure...both good and bad, some romance and even a little espionage for lack of a better word.
As for the packaging however, I have never purchased a new product like this with so much damage inside the case. All 4 dvd's were loose and 'floating' in the case but you couldn't hear them because of a thin foam sheet that gave the illusion they were seated on their spindles...but they were very much NOT seated in place. In fact, all 4 discs (& the little foam "quasi-guard" fell out as soon as I opened it. They were scratched so badly from shuffling over the spindles all but 1 were completely unreadable by my player. One disc I refused to even insert because of the damage to it - the foil was basically flaking off. All 4 spindles were typical w/ 3 small clips to hold the dvd in place until you press the center "button" - but all 4 spindles also had at least 1 broken clip so none stayed in place. I assume that's why the foam was placed inside because there's nothing else inside the case and the way they stack, 2 to a side of the case, there would be no reason for the inner foam sheet if the dvd's were clipped in. It almost looks deliberate - just to get it on the shelves so to speak.
Nevertheless, the story is quite good - it could have taken a little more fine tuning before going in the can but I don't believe it suffers greatly for it. It's still good, full of funny and interesting characters, places and more. I think most anime fans will enjoy Fushigi Yugi and recommend watching without the slightest hesitation.
What's great about it: I love the story - could have used a little more time in development in my opinion but still worth it!
What's not so great: THANKFULLY, I've seen it before today's purchase b/c ALL 4 DVD's ARE SCRATCHED BEYOND USE! UGH!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
4of 5voted this as helpful.
![Hellsing Ultimate Series OVA 1 [Limited Edition] [2 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8144/8144171_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
All Hellsing volumes are perfect
on February 12, 2011
Posted by: ddavie1
from Saint Petersburg
They are not for young viewers because the gore can be intense - face it, he's a vampire. But Arucard is not any vamp...he is THE vampire. Literally unstoppable, the seemingly "pet" formula he has with the Hellsing family is comical and strategic. Every time someone (something) thinks they have obliterated him, his power goes to work and he's back, large brimmed hat and all!
Training his "vamp friday" give us humor as well but also gives Arucard someone to talk to - even if he is does typically tell her to shut up. She catches on quickly. The Hellsing family leader sir Integra is a sociopath unparalleled in reality and is perfect in her placement. I love this entire series - never a dull moment!! I recommend to any vampire fan, or anime fans period!!! You will not be able to look away!!!
What's great about it: Different than all the others with vampires
What's not so great: there aren't more seasons...
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Pumpkin Scissors [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9780/9780078_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
sergeantbobs bit of sunshine
on July 17, 2010
Posted by: ddavie1
from Saint Petersburg
While we disagree on the reviews of this series and I liked Pumpkin Scissors very much - thought it was funny, good English dubbing, action where it's supposed to be, etc. Although I've never read a review comparing it to Full Metal Alchemist (one of my favorites!!) so maybe if I went in thinking FMA, I'd have hated it to because the 2 titles couldn't be more different if one was live action!
However, sergeantbob...if you still have it, I'll gladly give you the 5 bucks for the full set, regardless of special features or anything as long as all the dvd's are playable.
What's great about it: EVEN THE TITLE cracks me up!!
What's not so great: story does have some slow points but always catches back up again.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
ddavie1's Review Comments
![I Am Number Four [Blu-ray] [2011]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2466/2466102_sa.jpg)
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5This Four is Definitely an Eight
By HotButterReviews
from New York
D.J. Caruso, director of Shia LaBeouf's Eagle Eye and Disturbia, makes a cast change in favor of Alex Pettyfer for the this sci-fi action flick. Written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar from Smallville and Spider-man 2 credits, I Am Number Four is equal parts origin story, love story, sci-fi thriller and actioner.
Following the life of a young man, his life is turned upside during a beach party with friends when the emblem around his neck starts glowing in front of everyone. Henri, his protector and father figure, quickly erases all traces of their life and uproots them to Ohio. Now named John Smith, the young man is torn between staying off the grid to hide from the Mogadorians and blending in by going to school and socializing.
Alex Pettyfer as John or Number 4, is a flawless prettyboy who somehow manages to alienate himself and become a target by a group of bullies. Maybe it is because he is an alien. You feel for him because of his predictament and nomadic lifestyle, and root for him as he starts gaining his "legacy" powers. Timothy Olyphant as Henri brings all of his Justified and The Crazies charm to the role. Kevin Durand, from the 3:10 to Yuma reboot and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, plays the Mogadorian Commander who leads a team of his kind in the pursuit of eradicating the only beings that could stand in his way of destroying another planet. Durand is a chameleon of sorts in a lotof the roles he plays, but he always shows a a nonchalance and is at ease in the role. The cast is rounded out with love interest Sarah (Glee's Dianna Agron), loser alien hunter Sam (Callan McAuliffe), jilted ex-boyfriend Mark (Jake Abel) and experience teleporter Number 6 (Teresa Palmer).
For the full review @ HotButterReviews.com, go to bit.ly/dUXkfm
ddavie1
Saint Petersburg
small correction
June 11, 2011
The review is pretty much spot on - I agree with nearly everything regarding the actors chosen and they seem perfect for their roles, all playing their parts very well. I especially liked Olyphant who for me, always did his best work as the 2nd fiddle so to speak - I never liked him as much as the main character. Here, he isn't the main but his role IS pivotal enough that he needed that quality and he was perfect. He's a warrior from their former planet, sent along to protect "John" and teach him, etc until he's ready / able to control his powers, etc - we see how important this is when John starts to really come into his new abilities, tries a little earthly teenage "rebellion" and Henri shows him (without any special powers of his own) that he can very much take care of himself and overpowers John with little trouble...John sees that he IS NOT ready.
In the beginning during the beach party however the emblem is on John's leg and begins to "light up" or maybe better described as burn, VERY brightly. **Possible Spoiler** ahead - this burning emblem is the 3rd on his leg and lets him know that 3 of his kind are now dead; thus the title. Odd to me he is #4 when it's quite apparent he will (or is) going to be the leader of the group that was supposed to be nine strong - but the Mogadorian's followed them from the decimated home planet to kill these remaining "kids" knowing what their powers will mean to the Mogadorian if they aren't proactive in their extermination of the entire race. All of them do not have special abilities...just the 9 kids.
As for the rest, I agree with the review here - it's a good, fun movie. And I am fairly certain (and very hopeful) the sequels will be just as good. I am eager to see the full abilities come to light for these teenage saviors and pray it doesn't end with just John; otherwise there will be plenty of plot holes that are not the type we are, as viewers supposed to fill in on our own...definitely worth watching!!
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