Title: Battle Programmer Shirase: Complete Collection on Blu-ray

Director: Hiroki Hayashi

Studio: AIC, GANSIS

U. S. Distributor: Maiden Japan, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: Aug. 6th, 2019

Format: Blu-ray / 125 Minutes / 5 Episodes

Genre: Sci Fi, Comedy, Techno Silliness

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B

Synopsis:

BPS: Battle Programmer Shirase contains episodes 1-5 of the anime directed by Hiroki Hayashi.

What is it that passes behind those dry, sorrowful eyes? Akira Shirase, the solitary programmer who has an unusual aptitude for problem solving: He is called a legendary hacker, and few know his true identity. What has he lost, what has he gained, and what has he seen in pockets of the vast internet? How now does he feel, on what is false and what is true and what exists in code? This is the man they call Battle Programmer Shirase – also known as BPS!

Commentary:

Sometimes I am baffled why any unfinished series ever get re-released and Battle Programer Shirase is certainly one of them. The fact that the original 15 short episodes were condensed into 5 standard episodes is puzzling enough, but the story is a great reminder of the rather silly humor that the early to mid 2000’s brought.

Battle Programmer Shirase is very silly and with the perverted setup at the beginning of every episode works for 5 episodes, but it would have become boring if the series was longer. I guess there are some s\good things that come from an unfinished series.

Overall Grade: B

I wanted to give Battle Programmer Shirase a much lower grade, although I just couldn’t. For everything it failed to give us it was still funny and silly. I found it very easy to watch and also appreciated the taste of Japanese culture at was tossed in.

I cannot be too sure if the series would have failed if it was completed or if it would have become a classic. I have a feeling that it would have lost its way and become another forgettable series from 2004. As it is now I can honestly say that it is a curiosity that almost delivers. The animation looks more like the late 1990’s and much of the plot feels dated. With all of that said I did enjoy it and will be happy to force friends to watch it from time to time.

If you want a taste of the early 2000’s that is not bashful about reminding us of how the neet generation in Japan really lived, then you should check out Battle Programmer Shirase.

Title: Armored Trooper VOTOMS OVA Collection 2

Director: Ryōsuke Takahashi

Studio: Nippon Sunrise (Sunrise)

U. S. Distributor: Maiden Japan, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: July 23rd, 2019

Format: Blu-ray (Standard Definition) / 9 OVA / 290 Minutes

Genre: Sci Fi, Mecha, Space Opera

Age Rating: TV MA

Overall Personal Rating: C

Synopsis:

Armored Trooper VOTOMS OVA Collection 2 contains 9 OVA episodes including the Genei ~ Phantom Arc, Woodo, Kummen, Sansa, Nulgerant, Cocoon, Infanti, Case; IRVINE VOTOMS FINDER, and Chirico’s Return all directed by Shisho Igarashi.

The fires of war don’t create heroes, only legions of the wounded and the dead. For a pilot of an easily-destroyed VOTOMS unit, every foray into battle is one more calculated bet with your own life as the prize, another day of cheating death. When your commanding officers send you into a fight that can’t be won, or set goals that can only be achieved through massive sacrifice, then a decision has to be made. Are you going to be a hero? Or a survivor? The brutal realism of the acclaimed anime series returns, as men and machines are thrown into the meat grinder of war, in the epic second Original Video Animation collection!

Armored Trooper VOTOMS Collection 2!

Commentary:

Well, I guess that it would make sense that if I wasn’t impressed with the first collection that I wouldn’t be impressed with the second and honestly I was not impressed. The plot was still rather redundant even if it is an old series and the writing is very heavy handed. I do have to say that I didn’t find the melodrama to be as tiresome as some of the early Gundam series from the same time period, but I did feel like I was being hit in the face with a frying pan from time to time.

I wish I could say that I connected with any of the characters and I almost began to care and alas I just couldn’t get there.

Overall Grade: C

The animation felt like it was late 80’s early 90’s work and that is not a time period that showed off the great talent of animators in Japan. What it proved was that most of the studios were sweatshops that just wanted to crank out the series and make money off of merchandizing. Oh, that’s right it is still that same in both eastern and western cultures.

Okay, if you take Armored Trooper VOTOMS OVA Collection 2 at face value and add in the fact that this series was produced 30 years ago then you have to tip your hat to it for making it this far and actually managing to be re-released in Blu-ray format. There is a real resurgence in the Mecha genre and many of the oldest series are beginning to see the light of day again. Armored Trooper VOTOMS OVA Collection 2 is one of the better series to come back to life. So, if Mecha is your world then you are well aware of Armored Trooper VOTOMS and will be sure to grab this one. If you are interested in what helped make this massive anime genre the you should at the very least check Armored Trooper VOTOMS OVA Collection 2 out, but be sure to start at the beginning.

Title: Asura Cryin’ Complete Collection on blu-ray

Director: Keizō Kusakawa

Writer: Katsuhiko Koide

Studio: Seven Arcs

U. S. Distributor: Maiden Japan, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: July 17th, 2019

Format: Blu-ray / 26 Episodes / 650 Minutes

Genre: Mecha, Fantasy, Supernatural

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

Some people are haunted by memories, but Tomoharu is haunted by his friend Misao, who died in a horrible plane crash that Tomo somehow survived. While having a girl that no one else can see hanging around is a little odd, it’s not until Tomo’s mom gets remarried, leaving Tomo alone, that things get really weird: A mysterious girl appears with a package that Tomo is supposed to guard. A second girl breaks into the house, demanding something called an “extractor”. And both girls can inexplicably see Misao! As more people target the package and Tomo, the mystery only deepens. What’s in the package, why are so many people after it, and is it connected to the plane crash or something even more sinister? The shocking answers will be unleashed!

Commentary:

If you consider that Asura Cryin’ was first released in 2009 you will understand the odd mix of CG and hand worked animation. Even though I was never a huge fan of early CG I have to say that I didn’t really mind it here. The overall look was good and has stood up to 10 years of overall progress in the anime world.

The story starts out rather fun and a little confusing, but quickly settles into a rather standard harem sci fi story line. It is not until we reach the last group of episodes that the story really comes together.

There are plenty of exciting moments and some rather confusing ones too. The real strength of the series comes in the characters and their relationships. This look like there should be some obvious winners and losers here but anime tends to toss a few twists in from time to time and Asura Cryin’ is no different.

Overall Grade: B+

Overall Asura Cryin’ is a solid harem with a somewhat questionable sci fi/ fantasy mixed together. I thought thing progressed somewhat slowly from episode 7 to 18 and then picked back up for the reminder of the series. I also felt like they rushed the ending which made for a slight letdown.

All in all I did like Asura Cryin’ and do think it would be a great addition to those harem / sci fi / fantasy lovers. I also want to thank Maiden Japan to continuing to give us series that are well worth the viewing that may have been missed in the past.

review provided by Katie

Title: Kanamemo Blu-ray

Director: Shigehito Takayanagi

Studio: feel.

Author: Rika Nakase

U.S. Distributor: Maiden Japan

U.S. Release Date: June 25, 2019

Format and Length: Blu-ray / 13 Episodes / 325 Minutes

Genre: Comedy, Ecchi, Shoujo Ai, Slice of Life

Industry Age Rating: 14 and up

Overall Personal Rating: B

Similar Series or Titles to Check Out: Yuru Yuri and Kiniro Mosaic

Synopsis:

Middle schooler Kana Nakamachi’s life drastically changes when her grandmother passes away. Leaving behind an empty house, Kana learns that no one can provide her lodging due to her young age. Eventually, she stumbles upon the Fuhshin Gazette, a local newspaper delivery business who is able to provide her with a place to stay if she works for them in return.

The small store is staffed by several unique people: the sweets-loving Yume Kitaoka and her girlfriend Yuuki Minami; the frugal Hinata Azuma; the alcoholic Haruka Nishida; and the young but mature Saki Amano. It is not all fun and games at the Fuhshin Gazette, though, as Kana must deal with long working hours, energetic dogs guarding mailboxes, learning to ride a bike, and confusing delivery routes. Add in a small rivalry with Mika Kujiin, a girl from a competing store, and Kana will have more than enough to keep her hands full!

Commentary:

Kanamemo Blu-ray is a very predictable yet light-hearted slice of life series. The comedy aspect is very hit or miss and while the ecchi is present, it does not take over the episode. The only main plot that I noticed was when Kana’s grandmother passed away and she ran away from the house when the movers showed up, thinking they would take her too. She ends up trying to find a job with room and board included and she eventually stumbles upon the Fuhshin Gazette. Her job there includes cooking all meals and delivering the newspaper on foot since she cannot ride a bike. She has to navigate neighborhood streets and avoid dogs and never be late delivering an issue of the newspaper. 

The other characters were very typecast and very predictable. The yuri couple, Yume and Yuuki, are adorable and in their own world most of the time. Hinata loves money and is studying to take her entrance exams. She does anything to make money and also gambles a bit. Haruka is the ecchi drunk. She loves sake and actually brews it at college. She also loves to grab and molest younger girls. You would think she would have a permanent lump on her head from the others hitting her to make her behave. Saki is also known as Shorty and she is the manager of the Fuhshin Gazette. She is also in elementary school and is known to act very cute and innocent to get new subscribers.  

One thing I do appreciate about the characters in general is that they’re shown as having goals and lives outside of the paper. Even Haruka is trying to become a sommelier. Although, in her case, that pretty much just translates to drinking a lot. I also like the way Kana’s character arc and consequential development are handled. If you exclude Haruka, I also like the dynamics you get with the characters. They work well for comedic purposes and characterization purposes. All of these characters are shown as having positive aspects to their personalities, except Haruka and negative as well, which helps make them a bit more rounded. For example, Saki can come across as cold and, possibly too serious, but she also displays genuine concern for her employees. Yume can be childish but she also has a kind heart and tries to bring joy to those around her. Yuuki can be possessive and needy when it comes to Yume but she’s also a hard worker, loyal and she mitigates her jealous tendencies with understanding. 

The voice actors did a great job and really brought the characters to life. The opening and closing themes were catchy but I do not remember them well after a few days. The art was decent. The backgrounds were soft and brightly colored. 

Kanamemo is one of those series that really works when it’s doing what it’s good at. Unfortunately, it also has a massive flaw that really hurts it. And her name is Haruka. Without her, I could say this was great, maybe even fantastic, and whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who likes slice of life. With her, I have to pull back and say it’s just okay. If you can tolerate Haruka in all her horribleness, you’ll probably appreciate all the fun, charming moments it does have. And it may be worth watching just for the Yume and Yuuki scenes.

Extras:

Kanamemo Blu-ray includes clean opening and closing animations along with other Maiden Japan title trailers. Kanamemo Blu-ray was released with Japanese with English subtitles as the only language options. 

Overall Grade: B

Title: Hozuki’s Coolheadedness 2: Complete Collection on Blu-ray

Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda

Studio: Studio Deen

Music: Tomisiro

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: June 11th, 2019

Format: Blu-ray /26 Episodes / 650 Minutes

Genre: Supernatural, Comedy

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Grade: B+

Synopsis:

Hozuki’s Coolheadedness 2 contains episodes 1-26 of anime Seasons 2 & 3 directed by Kazuhiro Yoneda.

This is a tale of Hell. The many souls of the dead make their way to the underworld and face the judgement of King Enma. As Enma’s foremost aide, Hozuki is as busy as ever keeping things running. He oversees the punishments of the dead and instructs their tormentors, along with making an occasional inspection of the Mundane World. Together with his usual cohorts, Hozuki will encounter familiar faces from European Hell, a feisty princess, a crane, and other famous Yokai of legend. The exciting and rambunctious days in the underworld continue on!

Commentary:

Hozuki’s Coolheadedness is one of those series that you will either love or hate. In my case I found it very enjoyable, but I loved the first season so the next 26 episodes were very easy to watch, for the most part. I found the mixture of standard story and flashbacks to be both informative and at times a little bothersome. I was happy to get a better understanding of Hozuki and the others, but the silliness that was infused made it hard to watch from time to time.

The best part of the series is going on adventures with Hozuki and feeling relaxed no mater what may come.

Overall Grade: B+

The animation of this series is well above average and added a great deal to the overall enjoyment of it. The writers seemed to know what they were doing even if the really silly parts felt forced there was an overall solid style provided that allowed these characters to thrive.

The only thing about this second set is that it felt less original and a bit more contrived. There were too many moments that were forced and because of this the story fell flat. I am not saying that this less than outstanding writing and directing showed throughout the entire 26 episodes, but there were several times you could tell that it was overly contrived.

All in all, I can say that I enjoyed this set and will return to watch it more than once. I know that I will return to the first season and then come back to this and sit back and let the fun wash over me like a warm stream. If you haven’t seen any Hozuki’s Coolheadedness and you like solid comedies with the historical supernatural mixed in then Hozuki’s Coolheadedness is the cats pajama’s.

Title: He is My Master: Complete Series on Blu-ray

Director: Shouji Saeki

Studio: Gainax, Shaft

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: June 25, 2019

Format: Blu-ray / 12 Episodes / 300 Minutes

Genre: Harem, Comedy, Fan Service

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Grade: C

Synopsis:

Yoshitaka Nakabayashi may be young, rich and not unattractive, but as runaway sisters Izumi and Mitsuki Sawatari quickly discover upon becoming Yoshitaka’s new maids, he has some SERIOUS issues. Like his insistence on being called “Master”, and dressing the girls in costumes he creates himself.

Unfortunately, Izumi’s personal net worth is in the negative digits, and with Mitsuki and her pet alligator to support, she’ll just have to grin and bare whatever comes out of Yoshitaka’s twisted closet! But the costumes are only the beginning, and when Anna, a third au pair with obsessive issues of her own, joins the party the situation will go from bad to perverse. The rules of dealing with domestic help have never been so completely abused as when the madmen at Gainax (Evangelion, FLCL) unleash their most demented series ever!

Commentary:

Sentai has done it again. They have reached in their closet to try and resurrect an older series just to remind us of how far we have com in almost 15 years and also how far we haven’t come. He is My Master is a real reminder of how strange Gainax could be and how perverse anime hard core fans are. He is My Master is one of those series that does everything it can to ruin a sometimes decent genre by taking the silliness over the top. Me is My Master took comedy and fan service and left the writing on the floor. The basic premise of the series if a setup for creepy and almost abusive behavior to be seen as okay, but in reality it is not.

The only redeeming quality was the comedy that managed to find its way to the forefront from time to time. Other than that I ended up not liking the characters very much and most of the writing was flat.

Overall Grade: C

I understand that this series is pointed at a very specific audience and that this is the kind of stuff they enjoy, but if it was really geared to them the fan service would have been more explicit. Even that was lacking. Most of all the production quality, even for 2005, was way too low to make the series enjoyable.

So, if you are looking for some laughs and a reminder of how things used to be the He is My Master is a sure thing.

Title: Basquash!: Complete Collection on Blu-ray

Director: Shoji Kawamori (chief director), Shin Itagaki (episodes 01−15)
Eiichi Sato (episodes 16−26)

Writer: Tatsuo Sato

Studio: Satelight

U. S. Distributor: MAIDEN JAPAN, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: June 18th, 2019

Format: Blu-ray / 26 Episodes / 650 Minutes

Genre: Adventure, Mecha, Sports

Age Rating: B+

Synopsis:

On the planet Earthdash, the infrastructure is crumbling and everyone wants to escape to the technologically advanced lunar city of Mooneyes. Unfortunately for young Dan, who dreams of taking his disabled sister to the moon for medical treatment for her paralyzed legs, only their societies’ most elite are allowed to leave the planet. Dan’s big chance comes when he crashes a game of Bigfoot Basketball, which is played with giant robots, and accidentally revolutionizes the sport.

Taking the game to new heights of mayhem and destruction, he gains fame but not fortune or a trip to the moon. Instead, he’ll have to fight his way to the top of a radically changed game while solving a mystery that could affect the future of the entire planet!

Commentary:

I am not going to mislead you and make you think I was looking to enjoy this series because I thought the concept was more than a little silly. As I watched the first few episodes I began to realize that there is a lot more here than a simple Mecha Basketball anime. In fact I found it to be something more than just a little entertaining. I found it to be filled with a rich cast of characters and some dramatic points that helped keep the series focused. I am not real sure how I feel about Dan, he is somewhat annoying and even though he is all about helping his sister that chip on his shoulder is more of a hinderance to his character than a help.

Overall Grade: B+

Maiden Japan sure does know how to pick some very special titles. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 and Den-noh Coil are two surprising titles and now I have to add Basquash! to the list. The animation is very good and carries off a rather high production value along with the depth of story and characters. Of course the writing makes all of it come alive while the animation make the story easy to watch.

I never thought I would be recommending a Basketball Mecha anime to anyone and would have never thought I would have enjoyed it, but this is one strangely fun anime that I have to give the thumbs up on. Check out Basquash!, you just might find it worth your time.