Springsteen & I [Blu-ray]

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The Universe: 7 Wonders of the Solar System [Blu-ray 3D]

You'll hate yourself in the morning
I wanted to like this, I really did. I like science. I especially like physics and astronomy. And, as a relatively new 3D owner, I'm still pretty tolerant.

Here's what the product info doesn't tell you. This is not an IMAX movie, or any other feature. It's one of those History Channel science shows. There are short segments on each of the "7 Wonders of the Solar System". The science is pretty simplistic. (The Sun is Hot, the Earth is Pretty, Saturn has Rings). The places where we come back from commercial and they recap what has been in the previous part of the show and what's coming up after the next commercial break comprise more than 10% of the content. They might have improved it by at least editing this as if we were going watch it commercial free.

The 3D quality? Very poor. The primary 3D is an animated frame that shadowboxes the edges of the 2D content. By animated I mean drawn, not moving - it's pretty stationary. The poor little animated...
3D Review by a 3D Connoisseur
My ratings are based mainly on the QUALITY OF THE 3D, not the video content.

Not counting the repeating graphics, There are about 14 out of screen effects that extend about 10% of the way, from the screen to the viewer. Another 3 around 25%. For 10 seconds stars fly OOS around 50% and one makes it to 70%. Rocks OOS around 25% for 10 seconds, leafs blow by up to 25% for 15 seconds, a satellite graphic, swings out to 40% and a dolphin's nose extends to over 35%. 18 times the same simplistic space ship council extends 10% and at least 8 times a graphic overlay floats at 20%.

Some short segments were so flat they didn't appear to be in 3D at all.
Excess parallax easily visible in a few scenes.
And yes, as other reviews have said, the graphics add a cheese factor.
Repeating graphics and some repeating scenes.

*** If your not interested in the subject matter, don't buy it just for the 3D ***

MY 3D RATING = POOR to FAIR
(poor,...
"7 Wonders" is Wonderful
This 3D Blu-Ray exceeded my expectations. I was expecting the same episode that originally aired on The History Channel, probably with some gimmicky 3D effects added in (yes, I bought it anyway, hoping that I was wrong). However, I was surprised to see (what I believe to be) some new, 3D interview footage and some new narration recorded specifically for this release. The 3D effects are very good. Seeing tiny Mercury eclipse the giant Sun in 3D is breathtaking as are some of the beautiful images of the rings of Saturn. Sure, most of it is CG, but that's fine because it looks really great. The only poor CG has to do with the spacecraft in which you are supposedly touring the solar system. Really, my only complaint is that there is some substantial crosstalk in many scenes, mostly when you see an object against the blackness of space. If that weren't true, I would have given this release 5 stars instead of 4.

My 2-year-old son is showing a lot of interest in...
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The Office: Season Nine [Blu-ray]

Office devotee
I love the show. I can't be respected as an objective reviewer. I have watched every episode. It has been a great escape the day to hubub....I will say this: One of the greatest aspects of this show has been that it has remained as politics-free as can be. In a world where even the cartoons are shoving politics into any open orofice; this show has been such a gift
The Heart and Soul of the Series
The final season of the Office stands as an example of a show that reached beyond a form of entertainment and became a lasting legacy that transformed American television, for the better, and in the most heartfelt way.

The entire series began well, became amazing, and then somewhere began to stumble, only to catch itself to keep from hitting the ground, ending upright, tall, and with much to be proud of. Few shows will ever hook us the way the Office characters did thanks to the outstanding performances of the best and most devoted ensemble of actors a television show could ever hope for.

The final show speaks for the entire series, and it leaves us with warmth, dignity, and a great deal of heart. Much thanks is due the cast and crew at `The Office' for redeeming the show's original integrity and soul, and for presenting its viewers with a remarkable and unforgettable journey.

Throughout the final season we are saying `goodby' to a show that...
Setting An End Date Pulled Show Up From Rock Bottom
Despite being a loyal fan of "The Office" for many years, the show hit such a rock bottom after the horrific eighth season that I actually considered dropping out entirely. Luckily, the show producers (and NBC) must have realized the same thing, as the decision to label this the "Final Season" did wonders in terms of all-around quality.

There are three main reasons why this final season made "The Office" watchable again (minor spoilers)...

1. The departure of Andy Bernard for the first portion of the season. The show had pretty much completely wrecked that character during that eighth season, so (despite all that the "Nard Dog" had brought to the show in previous seasons) his absence was needed just to get away from his terrible character for awhile.

2. With Andy out of the picture, the focus shifted again to where it should have been all along...the incredible ensemble cast. Whereas the eighth season focused WAAAAYYY too much on guest stars and...
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Modern Family: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]

Review Specifically of the Blu-Ray
If you're reading through reviews on the Amazon product page, you are probably familiar with the riotously funny sitcom Modern Family. The show has been discussed and lauded by more eloquent souls than I, but I would like to comment on the quality of the Blu-Ray, for those interested.

Modern Family was filmed using very high quality cameras in the 16:9 aspect ratio which lends intself perfectly to a Blu-Ray transfer. For a television show, the quality is simply stunning (for comparison's sake, it blows The Office: Season 5 out of the water). Colors are very realistic and buck the trend of over-saturation while still offering plenty of "pop." With few exceptions, detail is crisp and contrast is again excellent. Audio quality and clarity is equally as impressive, although being an ensemble comedy, don't expect much from the rear channels.

The extra features consist of roughly 20-30 minutes (per disc, three discs total) of additional family interviews not aired...
Funniest show on ABC... wonder how quickly it will get canceled.
Truly one of the funniest shows on TV right now. This "mockumentary" comedy series was created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, people behind Frasier and Just Shoot me and is just as funny as these two. Multinational, multisexual and exceedingly complicated (extended) family and their hilarious antics filmed by the Dutch TV crew.

Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill - he is back!!!) is the track-suit wearing oldest member of the family who is married to a Columbian goddess Gloria (Sofía Vergara), who brings her son Manny into the family.

Jay's Daughter Claire (Julie Bowen) a neurotic mother is married to Phil (Ty Burrell), a very awkward, know-it-all dad (he is not) and their 3 kids.

Jay's gay son Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), who just adopted a Vietnamese baby.

Show consists of great characters, excellent cast and expertly written scripts. This show is funniest on any network. Start with...
The best tv comedy out there today!
I never have before bought or even wanted to buy a DVD series of a television show, but this show is so funny and each week, I can't wait to see what's in store for the next upcoming episode. Season 1 is not even through it's airing at this time, but each weekly episode is strong and not one has never left me not laughing into hysterics. What a great cast! I'm so glad ABC signed on for a 2nd season. I've been saving each show on my TiVo (and how long can that last before you need to free up space)and later just love to playback an episode to watch...I'm always guaranteed a good laugh, no matter how many times watched. When this becomes a DVD set, I'm going to be one of the first in line to purchase it! I can't wait for its release!
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The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-ray+DVD+Ultraviolet Digital Copy)

love it
A cast of geniuses playing geniuses. Acting geniuses playing science geniuses. Brilliant, lovely actors all of them. The scenes in the "Bath Item Gift Hypothesis" when Penny gives Sheldon his "Saturnalia" (Christmas present) - his miracle gift - a signed napkin from Leonard Nimoy - is the BEST television I have EVER EVER SEEN!!! And I was RAISED on television. The laugh out loud factor keeps me happy ALL DAY... I can think of what I watched the night before and settle into a warm feeling that I will be seeing another episode later... And the DVD's ARE wonderful because there are no commercail interruptions...
Some of the same format as M*A*S*H*. And as brilliant writing ... doctors with a sidekick nurse - scientists with a sidekick waitress/actress. God, wouldn't I love to be in Penny's shoes...
Having grown up around scientists from MIT and CalTech, I can honestly say that Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are insightful and gloriously honest!
I hope it just keeps going and...
The best show on TV continues to expand and develop!
I started watching in season three and have purchased all the DVD sets of this show and anticipate with excitement the DVD set for Season Five.

I think the show has changed and is progressing in a positive direction. The characters are growing and maturing and with the addition of Bernadette and Amy, brilliantly played by Melissa Rouch and Mayim Bialik respectively, there is added depth and increased laughter.

I think the show is still fresh and funny and as long as it remains that way this viewer will continue watching!
THE UNIVERSE IS STARTING TO CONDENSE
In the cult tradition of SPARTACUS, the halls of every science department now echoes: "I AM SHELDON"!

Currently into its fifth season, THE BIG BANG THEORY proved to be one of the most funny TV sitcoms ever aired. Even if the show seems to have slowed down form its initial explosive impetus, I had not laughed out loud this hard ever since the best days of FRASIER and SEINFELD - and BIG BANG is **consistently** brilliant!

Sheldon Cooper is unavoidably the king of the show - the massive black hole this Universe revolves around if you will. A child prodigy, now a 24 years old theoretical physicist PhD with absolutely no social skills or known sexual drive. Sheldon may be on the verge of unifying the fields but cannot drive a car to save his life or break a smile even remotely resembling that of a mere homo sapiens.
His equally super-intelligent (yet sexually confused girlfriend), Amy Farrah Fowler, (which Sheldon finally claimed) received a far more enlarged...
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Simpsons: Season 16 [Blu-ray]

What's the deal?
I rarely look forward to anything, much less put actual money aside for something. This is killing me - you must release season 16 on DVD! Why do you choose to torture us like this? What could be the motivation of your terrible choice of not sharing season 16 with your buddies? I mean, I'm totally willing to pay money, you know? Isn't that kind of the goal when you release a product - to make money?

My god, man. I've never gotten on my knees before, but just say the word, JUST SAY THE WORD!
Where is season 16???
You were producing these seasonal DVD sets every 6 months. Now it has been an entire year since season 15 without so much as a pre-order yet. It looks like you have done nothing to produce the DVD's for the remaining seasons. Where is season 16? In fact, I would like to have all of the remaining seasons... except 20, of course. There are those of us who are still buying these simpson season episode sets on DVD. If you are losing customers it is because they are dying of old age or ailments before you produced the DVD's. If you haven't noticed, large numbers of people are dying in their 50's now. The longer you wait, the more customers will die. You had better hurry up while there are any of us left to buy them. Your audience will only dwindle with time...

At the very least... do all 24 years worth of "Treehouse of Horror" since those are clearly the best episodes. I had to put all 15 years worth of Treehouse episodes in separate Jewel cases so I can access them without...
One a year ? Come on guys...
Okay so I currently have my 15 seasons or should I say 16 with the release of the twentieth anniversary. But were 9 seasons back,there are collectors out there,and think of the hard work the show runners put in the show and we can't even watch them at will. We have to wait year after year. I wanna remember season 16 and up,i'm not gonna illegally download the show because I pay my respects to the show and all the hard workers that work on it. Family Guy does theirs all mest up with the whole volumes thing. But hey exleast there caught up on Dvd. I would think the people that release Family Guy on dvd do The Simpsons. So why not catch this show up ? It kills me deep down inside,along with the other fans. I'f I could have a petition going around for this I would try my hardest to rid this way the show is published. Why not exleast 2 seasons a year,or 3 ? Just do it till were caught up at seasons 24 and will be good to go. Then you can go back to releasing once a year. Please listen to...
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Futurama Vol. 8 [Blu-ray]

Futurama's Last Volume!
Yep. The Last Season/Volume of Futurama is in the Volume 8 set. Not many good episodes, but most of them range from Good-Awesome! Love the show, and the series finale is great. Any Fan should pick this up.

Disc 2 of the set is probably where you'll find the better episodes, the final 4 are all Great! And The Inhuman Torch is the best sci-fi episode that they've done in years. I'd recommend picking this up, because of these episodes alone. They got better with making eps in this season, the final 6 really show it. and you might even find it better than the last 3 volume sets.


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Modern Family: The Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]

One of the best shows ever
We love watching this as a family - even though there are definitely some "inappropriate" spots, it's hilarious and the characters really do love each other, so it's not meanspirited.
Season 4 grows on you!
The writers of this show set the standard for half hour comedies. This ensemble of actors compliment each other so well, each episode leaves you wanting more. The difficulty with Family centered sitcoms is that the "kids" grow up. The multiple layers of ages in the young actor roles will provide many seasons of staying power - much like the Cosby Show has done. Regardless of the week's story line, the three family dynamic continues to broaden and become richer. Ouststanding cast, crew, writing and production.
The show got it's swing back here
The last season of MF was okay, but in Season 4 episodes like The Butler's Escape, Arrested, and The Future Dunphys show how the show has taken to laughing at itself. This season worked well.
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Robot Chicken: Season Six [Blu-ray]

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South Park: The Complete Sixteenth Season [Blu-ray]

OMG, they killed-- oh, wait, never mind
I have watched South Park since its inception. The first two seasons were a hoot-- really, some very funny, original, and creative stuff, which was made all the better by the fact that the drawing was deliberately and self-consciously not at all slick. In later seasons-- and importantly, recent seasons, South Park has become uneven in the quality of the episodes, in terms of humor and creativity. At times, the humor and creativity and originality has been compromised for the sake of preachiness. At other times, the episodes are classics. But even at its worst, an episode of South Park will still contain a gem or two that can't be found anywhere else-- for example, in the most recent episode, where Butters sinks a cruise ship with a golf ball. That's why I continue to watch faithfully.
Been watching this show since around time it first came out
I Bought every season when i was little and sold every season for the next season im building my seasons back up and got about half them back slowly working on completing them with old box look and all. This season i watched tv and was a great season zipline cracked me up cartmen token episode cracked me up And love hearing commentary from matt and trey cant wait hear what got say. All i have to say is southpark is original and hope it keeps airing even after matt and trey die let someone else they know keep show good and keep it going FOREVER! its just that good
Oh Long Johnson
"South Park" has been one of the few animated television series that seems to have only gotten better with age. Every season, the show seems to improve a bit more. The animation of the show, despite being glorified versions of their construction paper cut outs from 15 years ago, has evolved drastically over the years and now features the likes of cel shading, computer animation, and even live-action segments. The writing of the show only gets more imaginative with each season as the show continues to put a viciously comical spin on current events, celebrities, and movies. It's taken 16 seasons to finally check out the show on Blu-ray. Even if you're a massive fan of the show, the mindset is that maybe the show doesn't really require fans to watch the show in high definition. But the show looks and sounds damn good in the format.

"The Complete Sixteen Season" features all 14 episodes from season 16 in a sleek two-disc Blu-ray package (or three-discs for the DVD). While the...
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Bones: The Complete Eighth Season [Blu-ray]

Reaching for a new level...
The air might have gone out of this series after forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan and FBI special agent Seeley Booth finally became a couple with a child last season. Happily for fans, the show has found new ways to keep things interesting and fun.

The end of the seventh season of "Bones" left Bones on the run with her infant child after being framed for murder by the highly skilled serial killer Christopher Pelant. The opening of the eighth season finds Booth and her colleagues at the Jeffersonian Institute trying to clear her name. Fortunately for the series, they succeed, although Pelant eludes justice to pose a future threat.

This eighth season continues to feature crime-of-the-week murders for Bones, Booth, and the Jeffersonian lab rats to solve through clever forensics and Booth's old-fashioned police work. One of the most interesting episodes is told through the eyes of the murder victim, with the assistance of a psychic (a...
Never thought they could come up with a better end to bring you back for the next season but they DID!~!!
I just love this series. Each season ender makes you wonder if they will leave you hanging on the cliff waiting to see just what will happen next season....Yup! they did it again and I cannot wait to see what happens to Bones next season! What a GREAT show!
The dreaded never-ending storyline
One of the things I liked most about "Bones" was that each season was pretty much self-contained. There were story arcs that spanned multiple episodes through the season (such as the Gravedigger and Gormogon storylines) and ongoing plot developments (such as the truth about Brennan's parents and Hodgins' and Angela's developing relationship) but by and large each season wrapped up the loose ends by or in the season finale. Unfortunately, that pattern has been broken with the introduction of Christopher Pelant. While I realize that the forensics team members require a challenge equal to their considerable abilities to keep the show interesting, some of Pelant's technological feats are, quite frankly, ridiculous and highly contrived. That, however, isn't the true problem with the concept. Pelant (much as Red John in "The Mentalist") is a loose end whom the writers have allowed to remain one step ahead of the protagonists and can continue to do so indefinitely. Eventually it gets tedious...
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Glee: The Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]

glee
i love this show. I enjoy the music selection as well as the storyline. Great entertainment!! Keeps me laughing and wanting to download music.
Season 4 Doesn't Mirror Season 1-3
Basically, began watching after enjoying "Don't Stop Believing" remake video from pilot. Although considered mostly a "teen dramedy" I strongly suspect older adults enjoyed Season 1-3 due to great song arrangements from different genres and decades and strong acting ability from diverse characters. The show had an overall good message of acceptance due to the diverse nature of characters. Most knew the students did not look 15(exception "Curt") and likely no one cared. There was chemistry between characters, esp. Lea Michelle and Cory Monteith (Rachael and Finn.) The show was funny with it's quirky humor, esp. Jane Lynch as Coach Sue Sylvester. Perhaps her portrayal as ultra-conservative coach of the Nat'l ranked cheerleaders set on destroying "Mr. Shue's" (Mark Morrison)Glee Club seemed more outrageously funny knowing her character's portrayal couldn't be more opposite than her real life (based on interviews). Each character was well-developed. The show took on controversial subjects...
Love the music
I loved every number they did laughed cried with them and learned allot over the period of time watching the show, its funny, informing fun easy to watch with kids and wife and grand kids also, one added feature is when we go out to a night club, over the four years I know about every song played by local bands, it has really opened up my range of music I love and like, thanks
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Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season [Blu-ray]

As Good as The Shield and The Sopranos
I'll try to keep this short. If you've read the other reviews, you know the premise of the show. It has received many accolades and some awards. But you know what, there are many really good shows out there now, and it can be hard to keep up with all of them. So if you are still undecided as to whether this show is worth an investment of your time and money, I hope this helps.

If are an avid fan of the Sopranos and The Shield, you will love Breaking Bad.

Do you remember how both of those shows would, at their very best, leave you staring at the screen, with your heart pounding, saying to yourself "Holy S---"? Well, there are moments like that in Breaking Bad. Like the Sopranos, it effectively mixes dark comedy and violence. Like The Shield, it has episodes and plotlines that are incredibly intense. And like both of those shows, it features a protagonist leading a double life. The performance of Bryan Cranston, like those of James Gandolfini and Micheal...
The best thing on TV these days
I watch A LOT of TV and I can honestly say there has never been a show that was so riveting and so gripping from beginning to end as Breaking Bad. This show is a masterpiece through and through.

During the first season, we come to see how Bryan Cranston's character (acted brilliantly, by the way) could not be any more desperate. And just when you think things couldn't get more low, in comes season two with more problems and more desperation.

I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen this season, but my God, if you haven't seen it, get this DVD collection it will be so worth your time.
Surpasses the first in every way
Now that everything was established in the short first season (writers strike) the second season gets things really going.

I will not spoil but I will say this show is now falling into history. It's one of the greatest shows of all time and will most likely only get better from here.
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Shakugan no Shana: Season Three, Part 2 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

For Better Or Worse, Shana and Yuji Face Their Desinty.
The final battle that began at the beginning of season 3 continues. The fight has spilled over into the human world, and many lives are lost. Yuji's betrayal has shocked everyone, and left the Flame haze army at a major disadvantage. He clearly has a goal in mind. But being the emotionally clueless guy that he is, fails to make his intentions clear to Shana. He revels that he wants to create a replica of his city on the void. This will serve as the permanent home for the denizens. Shana does not accept this, and the 2 continue to fight to the death. They are not alone. Many others are involved. Some that have become dear friends and some that neither of them know. But many of them are lost along the way. In the end, will Yuji and Shana be together, or will they be torn apart? Can Yuji forgive himself for perpetrating this terrible war upon the world, and can Shana stop him? All the questions we have had up to now will be answered. For better or worse, this is the end.

I was...
Okay, let's do this
I had no plans to write this review because I'm pretty sure my opinion is going to get torn to shreds. However, someone said they liked my view on the second season, and as we all know, we must cave to random strangers on the internet. So, this one's for you, Adam. :-)

Reader, ye be warned here. Spoilers are in this review. I will do my best to limit them and try to keep major ones out of this review, but in order to talk about the first part of the season properly, I must include some details. I apologize.

Season 3 starts off immediately where season 2 finished. And I mean IMMEDIATELY. Yuji is still walking in the snow and still appears before Shana. Shana gets super excited that Yuji has chosen her, runs into his arms, they kiss, and together set out to finally shut down Ball Masque, the group that's responsible for almost killing Yuji and Shana on multiple occasions.
No, wait. That's not what happens. Instead, Yuji looks at Shana, and then wanders off...
Sigh...
Okay, if I was afraid my part one review for season 3 was going to get destroyed, I am utterly dreading this review. Still, I must press on. I hope die hard fans of the show can forgive me...

So, Shakugan no Shana is over. This is the end of the line. It was a fun journey, traveling along with these characters and watching their adventures. The first season was a great hook and took a nice spin on some rather cliche anime and manga tropes. Season 2 stumbled a bit in part one, focusing almost solely on girls' jealousy and love, but part two came back swinging with (to me at least) one of the best anime fights ever--the one against Sabrac. Season 3 part one was a bit difficult to get through whenever Yuji started talking, but the war between the Flame Hazes and Denizens more than made up for it. Now, we finally see how it all ends...
Wait, seriously? That's how it's going to end? Are...are you kidding me? Just...ugh.

Let me back up. Please note, there are...
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Aria: The Scarlet Ammo (Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Beyond what I expected
Aria: The Scarlet Ammo is one of those "on a whim" purchases that I made after reading a little about it previously, and I am quite pleased with this anime. The characters are interesting and fun, yet dynamic enough not to be the same boring character profiles that you tend to run into when you watch a lot of anime. The story is interesting and seems relatively sound. The art is quite good, I am one who prefers a clean and detailed anime art style and Aria: The Scarlet Ammo definitely makes the grade. I wish it were longer though as there were some things that were discussed but left untouched since it is a shorter anime.

A quick summary:
All characters involved are the grand children of famous characters or real people; Sherlock Holmes, Joan d'Arc, and Arsene Lupin to name a few. They of course, being this is anime, have inherent skills that put them a cut above average humans and this type of thing becomes a factor in the story.

The...
Looks good, but its been done before.
Butei High School is a school that trains young people to be detectives. They receive an education as well as combat skills training. Kinji is a 2nd year student that has the ability to go into a "berserk" mode when he gets to excited. Even though he is a lower ranked Butei this ability makes him a hot commodity. One day he meets a girl named Aria. Aria is the highest rnked Butei and she partners up with Kinji to solve different cases. Her objective is to prove her mothers innocence and have the 7 life sentances against her lifted. They go through many trials together and become very close.

This anime has nothing original. We all know there is nothing new under the sun, but that doesn't mean something unoriginal can't be fun. This anime has some pretty good characters, an interesting story, and good animation. If you've seen Shakugan No Shana, then you have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this show. Despite being an unoriginal idea, this anime is very enjoyable...
Aria: The Scarlet Ammo
This was a great anime. The storyline, character development, animation and voice dub. The rating is TV 14 for action, violence and drama. By drama they mean awkward situation of a sexual nature, it goes with the storyline so I don't think anyone minds it.
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Shakugan no Shana: Season Two, Part 2 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Some Interesting Divergences
At the end of the 1st season, Shana and Yoshida expressed their intentions to fight for Yuji's affections. This is where this season picks up. The 1st 2 episodes are kind of strange. A denizen has the power to trap the 3 friends in a dream world. Past events reoccur and confuse them. There are a few episodes that explain some events in Marjorie's tragic past. There are also some light hearted episodes where they all go to an amusement park, Yuji's Dad returns, and a school festival takes place. Most of this collection is spent developing the relationships between the characters. There are also a few new characters introduced. The origin of the Midnight Lost Child is revealed and the Caprice of Beauty come to collect it. This set leaves you hanging right as this happens.

My only complaint with this season is that nearly all of the key voice actors have been replaced. It's a little strange at first, but the new actors are very good and pretty well known. It doesn't hurt the...
A Great 2nd Season! Every anime Fan should See This!
After learning the origin of The Midnight Lost Child, Yuji decides that he needs to train harder to protect himself. His new attitude creates a rift between Shana, Yoshida, and himself. Eita also distances himself after seeing Ogata's death. Even though she was able to be revived, the sight of his dying love leads him to abandon Marjorie. After some terrible experiences, the bonds that the group has built strengthen. The news about Yuji's unborn sibling also helps Yuji decide to stay in Misaki City. Just as he realizes this, and is about to choose between Yoshida and Shana, The Ball Masque appears. Hecate removes the Midnight Lost Child and uses it to awaken a giant monster. Marjorie, Wilhelmina, and Shana go to save him. But will they be able to prevent his disappearance?

This is an excellent 2nd season. My first thought was, "holy crap! All the voice actors are different." Yes, all the voice actors from season 1 were replace. No it's not a bad thing. It took a few...
Shakugan no Shana...takes a break?
I'm still up in the air about writing a review for season one. It has enough reviews already so I don't know if I could add anything to them. Season two part one though I feel differently. So here we go.

First, let's talk about probably the most obvious thing that viewers are going to notice: the changes. Big changes. Assuming you watch the show in English, like I do, you'll notice right away that every single voice actor has been replaced. And I mean everyone, even people who barely had any screen time. Of course, we know why Tabitha St. Germain couldn't renew her role, what with voicing the best pony ever, but the rest of the cast is a mystery. The new voices will take some getting used to, but they work--for the most part. Shana is now voiced by Yoshika Miyafuji from Strike Witches. Okay, so her real name is Cherami Leigh. The point is, Shana's new voice actor was the one I was most concerned about, but when I found out that it was the same girl who did Yoshika, I was...
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Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine [Blu-ray]

Extremely well done
Let me start off by stating Lupin the Third: the Woman Called Fujiko Mine isn't anything like all the previous Lupin series, movies and specials. For starter, this new series is a sexier and slightly darker take on the Lupin we all know and love, at least anime wise for me. Gone are the wacky hijinks and some of the crazy exploits Lupin and company are known for. Of course this is replaced by the much more mature take on Fujiko Mine and Inspector Zenigata. In this series, there's no more innuendos from Fujiko as she is flat out overt in her sexuality.

Lupin the Third: the Woman Called Fujiko is basically a story about how Fujiko becomes who she is and her first encounter of the Lupin gang. This series is all about Fujiko and her secret past while Lupin and company take a back seat. It's a nice departure and is pretty well planned out until the last couple of episodes where I felt they might have rushed the ending a little.

As for everything else, this series was...
A different kind of Lupin the Third series
Any fan who knows anything about anime knows who Lupin the Third is, but do they truly know about his compatriots? This series is primarily about Fujiko Mine, not Arsene Lupin, as the title implies. The mystery of Fujiko is the main drive for this series, and how she may be tied with a mysterious organization of owl obsessed fanatics. Yes, an owl organization. It sounds absurd, but it works in the confines of this series. In fact, the owl imagery is so unusual and random, it is downright scary.

The first thing a viewer would notice when watching this show is that Fujiko Mine doesn't seem to wear clothes a lot of the time. This is very apparent in the opening and the first few episodes. Because of this, and the dark elements of the story, this is not a series for younger anime fans at all.

Zenigata, Goemon, and Jigen are the other popular Lupin characters that also appear in this series. Their pasts are described finally, and they are particularly different than...
Pretty Good
I bought this show on a hunch that I would love it and I do its a perfect prequel to Lupin the Third
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Heaven's Lost Property: Season One (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

crass, lowbrow, ecchi - but very funny
If you are down on lowbrow anime pervert humor / ecchi comdey, regardless if there is some real cleverness & humor in it, then just walk away. This being another fantasy ecchi harem comedy, it has all of that & then some.

But this show really had me laughing. And there is an intersting mystery going on with some darker ominous undertones, creating some legitimate tension making you want to see the next episode. The angeloid characters are all well done characters with distinct different personalities & motivations. Our mian protaganist who ends up having to look after the angeloids, is an idiot. But one of the better idiots I have seen in these kinds of comedys, and well done character. It could be easy to dismiss a show like this as more fan service cheeasiness, but I think it does have some genuinely funny stuff going on throughout most of the show. The end credit animation & songs being different for each episode (and quite funny & clever) add a nice touch.
Heaven's Lost Property, Season 1
I really liked this show. The humor is very lowbrow and some of the plots get really dirty. It is not something a person would want to just tune into to fill a day without looking into first. That said, it is really funny and definitely worth watching.

On some levels, this show has a linear plot line that can progress from episode to episode. It deals with an angel and the boy she belongs to and her ability to give him anything he wants. Did I mention he is really, really, obsessed with females and their undergarments? Well, that comes up a lot, as does his connection to his childhood friend/neighbor/possible love interest. There are two other characters as well, the class president and the boy who wants to fly, and another angel evening out a cast that adds a lot to the humor.

Here's an example of a plot line, to see if it is something you would watch, noting this is done with humor but that it also involves some nudity and crass comments/suggestions. Having...
Great Anime but misleading Title
This is indeed a great anime, but the title is a little misleading as in this is only the first season and not the second one. So calling it the "Complete series" is misleading to me.
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Yu Yu Hakusho: Season Three (Classic) [Blu-ray]

Fantastic. Brings back great nostalgia.
I hadn't watched Yu Yu Hakusho in several years until I came across Funimation's release of the seasons on blu ray. I remember the series as a fun ride, though I didn't recall many specifics of the plot. I ended up purchasing the first 3 sets on blu ray. There was a pleasant sense of familiarity as I watched the sets. I can say with definite certainty that I will also purchase the last set as well.

As for this specific set, I believe it is my favorite of the 3 thus far. The action is intense from the very beginning as the set starts off in the beginning of the final round of the Dark Tournament. The fights are very exciting/over the top and take up the whole first disc of the set. The only negative I have is that I feel the final fight with Toguro draggs out a bit too long, but it is still epic an battle nonetheless. The disc wraps up with a fitting end to the arc. As for the rest of the episodes, they center around the Black Saga arc. Going into these episodes...
Excellent remaster
I already own a ten-year-old set of the Dark Tournament DVDs, and I'm looking to finally complete my collection, so I bought this to compare the two and see if the Blu-Ray version was worth the cost. It is! I'm really picky about video quality, and I was expecting a low-effort upscale job, but it turned out to be better than I could have hoped for such an old series. The colors and lines are vibrant and clear, and the artifacts that bothered me so much on the old DVDs have been smoothed away. They even relaid the text on the titles so it would be legible at 1080p. YYH was my first "real" anime, and it warms my withered, jaded heart to see it get such a loving remaster.

I remember when Suncoast tried to charge $25 for a four-episode disc. Now we can get the whole series in much better quality for $100. Definitely worth it.
A Great Season as well
For those who got the Season 2 set you'll have to get this to finish dark tournament anyway. But the season that follows is great as well, you'll see changes in the soundtracks and I think the show is a little more mature in this part of the series.
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Lost Girl: Season Three [Blu-ray]

Keeps getting stronger
Unlike some shows that lose steam after a couple of seasons, Lost Girl apparently improves with age. Having firmly established its mythology in seasons 1 & 2, season 3 introduces important new characters and delves deeper into the background of some of the central characters, including a visit to Bo's past. If you are a fan of Vex, you'll certainly enjoy the first couple episodes of the season. Bo and Kenzi continue to face down new enemies with their usual panache, although it seems they are separated more often in season 3 when confronting what needs to be dealt with.

The introduction of expansive lore and imaginative minor characters with each episode never ceases to amaze; the all-fired creativity of the show's world is largely unparalleled in television today, and remains among Lost Girl's greatest assets. I rarely rate a TV show with 5 stars, but in the case of Lost Girl it's hard to find a downside, other than scripts that sometimes could be a bit tighter. Season 3...
Love this season
Before this show, I hadn't really gotten into Canadian shows. I loved lost girl. I love the mythology, the story line, the strong female protagonist and basically everything else. It is beautifully shot, the actors and actresses are amazing (and sexy and funny), and the storyline is riveting!

I think this season really hit the shows stride. More of the politics and history was brought out, and Bo continues to be challenged. Bones- Linda Hamilton guest stars!
More Doccubus Please!
I am a huge fan of the Canadian series "Lost Girl". I love fantasy and sci-fi and Lost Girl takes it to the next level with snappy dialogue and well developed characters as well as a great 'love is love' message and a cool vibe about acceptance all around. The setting is the unseen world of the Fae (both light and dark) and the interactions they have with humans. The protagonist is a Succubus, a Fae that feeds on human sexual energy (way to bury the lede!) This is season 3 and season 4 is just around the corner. I hope they get renewed again.
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