Death Note Complete [DVD]

All of these reviews are about the anime, so I'm going to write about the DVD box set contents, so people know what they're getting for their money. ^.^

* The Packaging:
The box set houses 9 thin DVD cases. Each DVD has a different character printed on the cover, and is 'dedicated' to that character i.e. most of the artwork, galleries & voice actor interviews on that disc are based on the cover character.

* The main contents:
Each DVD has 4 episodes of Death Note, DVD 9 has 5 episodes. In total there are 37 episodes of Death Note.

The language settings:
You have 4 options
1: English Dubbed
2. Japanese
3. Japanese with English Subs
4. English Dubbed with English Subs*

* The english DUBs and english SUBs are not the same (as the SUB is the literal translation whereas the DUB has been altered to fit the animation). So if you want to watch the English dub with english subs on at the same time (e.g. for the hard of hearing), they will not match up.

All of these are in Dolby Digital 2.0 sound. The sound is still very good though. ^.^

* The extra contents *
- Production Artwork galleries on 8 of the DVDs (images of initial artwork in a slide show)

- Behind the scenes - interviews with the english voice actors and clips of their recording sessions
Each of the 9 DVDs has a 20 minute behind-the-scenes recording session with a different character (usually the character on the cover of the DVD case). Being able to see Kirby Morrow (Mikami) in action ('Delete, Delete, DELEEEETE!') is just awesome. XD

- An interview with the director and one of the character designers
- Audio commentaries by english voice actors (on a few selected episodes: 7, 17, 23, 25, 30, 37)
- Clean opening and closing (opening and closing animation without credits)
- Trailers of other animes (Bleach etc.)

This also comes with a 67 page illustration booklet. This has sketches of all the main characters, and full colour images of some of the locations.

*The DVD extras & booklet contain spoilers.*

A hit series in it's native Japan and now a growing phenomenon in the west, Death Note the entire anime series has been comprised in one boxset. If you have never seen death note, this is the time to do so. The story revolves around Light Yagami, an intelligent, good looking and confident teenager with a strong sense of justice. At the start, Light comes across a mysterious book called the Death Note. Inside it are some instructions and rules of use; some of the main ones being 'the person whos name is written in this note shall die' and 'if the cause of death is specified within 40 seconds, it will happen, if not, the person will simply die of a heart attack. Light initially takes no notice of the Death Note, however, when he later tries it out, he is astonished to see that it really works. With this power at his hand, Light plans to create a new world by ridding the world of all criminals. Later on, Light is introduced to Ryuk, a Shinigami from the demon world, and the real owner of the Death Note. Seeing potential in Light's sense of justice as well as his willingness to kill, Ryuk decides to act as a spectator to his actions. As Light goes about creating his utopia, he soon earns the name Kira (which comes from the english word - killer) and he also attracts the attention of genius detective L who has never failed a case. Soon thereafter a deadly game of cat and mouse is set up with either side convinced that they are justice and determined that they are going to win. So begins the epic thriller that is Death Note.

If your a fan of anime or manga, you're bound to have heard of this title. If you haven't seen it already, then you need to buy this set set as this is one series that deserves to be in every true fans collection. The collection consists of 37 episodes over 9 discs, most of which will fly by so quickly as it is really difficult to watch just one episode at a time. The series is crafted so beautifully that each episode draws you in and keeps your attention hooked throughout. The number of twists and turns in this series is unbelievable, making this one of the most intricate and well thought out animes ever. The sheer concept of the series alone is enough to draw you in with the argument whether Light/Kira's Death Note killings are justified and whether he has the right to play God. Depending on which side of the argument you side with, you may find yourself either rooting for Kira, or hoping that he gets whats coming to him. The cat and mouse situation between Light and L is ingenious as they go about outsmarting eachother. Just when you think one of them has won, they throw another twist in your face that you would never have seen coming. This series is also good at creating some genuinely unbearable tension, especially in the really early and really late episodes.

Created by studio Madhouse who produced hits such as Ninja Scroll and Trigun, Death Note is series that looks absolutely gorgeous. The sheer detail of the animation coupled with the rich colour pallet and a delectable display of CGI really makes the series look high budget and unique. As for music, the series has quite a few good tunes, some of the best are the opening and closing theme songs. The first set of theme songs are from a J-rock band called Nightmare, and the second set are from a Japanese metal band called Maximum the hormone. All of these tracks are really catchy and also go well with the feel of the show. Another thing that deserves mention is the terrific english vocal cast. If, like me, you prefer not to read text then you will be pleased with the dub for this series. The voice of Light is brilliantly portrayed by Brad Swaile who played Rumina Asagi in Tokyo Underground and Keisaku Satou in Shakugan No Shana. Battlestar Gallactica fans may recognise the voice of L who is played by Allessandro Juiliani who also plays Felix Gaeta in the cult sci fi series.

Death Note is a series that is just too addictive. The quality of story and plot lines, as well as the numerous twists and turns are so well thought out and brilliantly devised that it rivals major American shows such as 24 and Lost. This is one series that wont take you long to watch as I said before, it is really difficult not to watch more than one episode at a time. Although the series does see some weaker episodes at around the sixth and seventh discs, the pace really does pick up to deliver a truly memorable and beautiful finale. Death Note is truly a series you need to have on your shelf.

Death Note is an excellent example of how well anime writers can adapt a small idea and create something original and imaginative. The story is based around the idea of Shinigami, Death God(s), who in this series use humans' deaths as a means to prolong their own lives. They are depicted in different ways in other anime.

The main character is Yagami Light- an intelligent and ambitious teenager who stumbles upon a "Death Note" in the middle of his schools courtyard. Inside the book are written instructions on how the book works, which he tests on some thugs that are assualting a woman in the street. When Light realises that he has the power of a "God" in his possession he decides to start killing off all the criminals who have committed the worst crimes.

Light believes that fate has given him his calling, to be the Leader of a new order where people will live obedient and peaceful lives, free of crime and war. The city begins to stir, through both fear and admiration, that there is someone who is willing to step up to the responsibility of getting rid of scum that the law protects. He is subsequently given the name "Kira" (to sound like killer). However, the police department see his actions as nothing but cold blooded murder and a huge task force is set up to hunt and catch him.

I will stop there as I only want to give you a general idea of how the series begins, if I go into any more it will spoil the experience when you watch it. The series is an extremely clever game of "cat and mouse" as Light strives to continue living his normal life but also adopting his alter ego as Kira, doing his utmost to avoid police detection.

What's also interesting is the realistic, yet alarming, change that a person goes through in order to simply survive. Human nature's ability to adapt simply for self-preservation is shown in shocking and (at times)breath taking form. Death Note will take your mind through several twists and turns as you struggle to figure out how things will work out. Ultimately, you pose the question: how much power can one handle?

The series is relatively short, there are only 37 episodes spanning the nine discs. It won't take you long to watch them all but it is thoroughly enjoyable and gripping, and you will be surprised how your views change towards each character as the fast-paced action reaches a climax.