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Reviewer: Zeroshen Format: Digital Versatile Disc, Original Japanese Dialogue w/ English Subtitles Viewed: “Jubei Ninpucho” |
| Story Overview:
What started as a plague outbreak in Shimoda Village slowly unravels to reveal a plot to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate. Ninja Scroll (known as Jubei Ninpucho in Japan) focuses on a ninja named Jubei Kibagami, who is accompanied by female Koga-ninja Kagero, and Tokugawa Government spy Dakuan. Jubei, under un-wanted circumstances, and his compatriots try to stop the Eight Devils of Kimon from taking over Japan, and eventually the world. Each Devil has a deadly ability to aid them in their takeover. For example one has the ability to turn his body into hard stone, while another can re-attach severed limbs. These powers are unique in this story, and give quite a challenge for Jubei. However, Jubei is a master ninja, who offers his amazing skills to those who have gold, or a worthy cause. Kagero also has a special ability. Outside of being a skilled ninja, her body is saturated with poison, making her immune to it. However, it means death to whoever kisses, or makes love to her. She is unable to become close with anybody, and she cannot deny her feelings for Jubei. These are the ingredients for quite the dilemma. Although it may not seem like it, Dakuan is incredibly agile, and has the special ability to blend in with his surroundings, which is a cunning ability for a spy. Ninja Scroll is a very well told story, containing violent fighting scenes, involving romance, and memorable characters. Winning the Citizens Award at the 1993 Yubari City International Adventure Fantastic Film Festival, Ninja Scroll will be remembered as one of the greatest films in the history of Japanese animation. Animation: This film uses the same cel animation method shown in Ghost in the Shell. While watching, press the slow motion button and you’ll see what I’m talking about. This helps the animation flow much better than traditional frame animation used is most other anime. The main character designs are fantastic as well, each having a distinct look. While watching, you might notice the color red used often. Blood in this movie flows by the gallon. Your first experience with the stuff begins with Tessai’s first attack on the Koga ninja. The “raining blood” is depicted well when dropping on the blades of grass. The fighting scenes are excellent, with characters using amazing skills, which are depicted with great detail. There are no funny faces made in this one (swirly eyes, sweat drops, etc.). Just life-like looking faces, but you can still tell its anime-style. I can on and on about how great the animation is. In a word: Perfect. Music: Another great thing about this film is the music. Very nice-sounding orchestrated themes, well suited for a Feudal Japan atmosphere. When the action scenes come up, the music really plays well with what’s going on. In the scene where Jubei confronts Mujuro Utsutsu, the blind Devil, the music builds up while the confrontation is beginning, getting you all hyped up about what’s going to happen next. Then, when the fight begins…silence. Yes, in this scene music is not needed. But I emphasize on this because the music did such a great job of building up the event, and then let go for the fight to speak for itself. Genius… DVD Features: This DVD is produced by Manga Entertainment (Ghost in the Shell, Perfect Blue). The case has the classic picture of all the main characters in a very nice collage-type illustration. The back features a scene taken from the fight with Jubei and Mujuro Utsutsu. An insert is included, with a very nice Jubei and Kagero picture on it. The DVD itself sports a picture of Dakuan on the right of the disc. Nicely put together. The DVD menus feature a variety of still pictures in the background. I would think a film of such a high caliber would receive interactive menus, but this isn’t totally bad. Nice, soothing wind instruments play on the main menu, but nowhere else. The main menu features four options: Play the Movie, Chapters, Language Selection, and Additional Materials (Extras). The first three options are pretty much self-explanatory. But the language selection is a little different, giving an option to view the film in English with SDH, or Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. A unique option, since most anime DVDs only have subtitles for the Japanese dialogue, and don’t take the time to subtitle the English dialogue. The Additional Materials menu has four extras: A Guide to Ninja Scroll, Manga Video Commercial, Manga Video Fan Club Trailer, and the Ninja Scroll Theatrical Trailer. The Guide to Ninja Scroll extra contains a story synopsis and character profiles for Jubei, Kagero, Dakuan, and the Eight Devils of Kimon. The story synopsis option gives you a nice overview of the entire story, which is another unique addition to an anime DVD. The character profiles are nice and brief, since this is a movie and not a series. The Manga Video Commercial is a compilation of scenes from Manga’s other films, made into a music video. The song featured is “Ultra” by KMFDM. This is a very well put-together music video, and a very cool song. The Manga Video Fan Club Trailer is just a feature that scrolls through various Manga films and merchandise. And finally, the Ninja Scroll Theatrical Trailer is just what it is: a trailer for the film. It’s a nice one! Overall: Simply put, the Ninja Scroll DVD should be part of any anime fan’s collection. Although the DVD is not put together as well as recent releases, it’s still impressive, with a dash of innovation. Ninja Scroll is not for the weak at heart. Many scenes contain extreme violence with lots of the red stuff. Also included are adult situations, language and nudity. What more can an Otaku ask for? I highly recommend this anime movie. It serves as a great starting point for those new to anime, and a milestone in the eyes of veteran Otakus. Zero’s Ratings: Story: 10/10 -A classic
tale of swords and fantasy.
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