All posts tagged: hanabee

AKB0048: The Complete Series – Review

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Sitting through 26 episodes of a series that’s completely outside one’s comfort zone is a difficult experience, and that’s how I felt when I had to sit through both seasons of the AKB0048 anime in this complete series collection. But when it was all said and done, I couldn’t help but appreciate AKB0048 for what it was and what it intended to do. For all intents and purposes, AKB0048 is a thorough and well put-together viewing experience for its intended audience. While it may share its namesake with a Japanese pop group of the same name, with constant references to its many band members and its catalogue of magical feel-good songs, this anime is no cheap cash grab to leverage off the brand of AKB48, as it uses the music and notion of a pop idol group to create a rather unique and self-contained setting. The futuristic world presented in AKB0048 is fully realized and aware, its characters having identities that are completely unlike the real-world celebrities that make up the group. It may constantly reference …

Humanity Has Declined – Review

Published by Jahanzeb Khan

  Humanity Has Declined is an usual show, even by anime standards that’s really saying a lot. We’re used to the random craziness of anime but Humanity Has Declined doesn’t so much go off the wall, it’s in fact a very intelligent show… too intelligent from what you’re probably used to. I’m not even talking about vaguely plausible scientific and philosophical theories that many sci-fi anime have demonstrated over the decades, as Humanity Has Declined presents its stories and ideas with utmost simplicity, but underneath its surface is layers of subtle symbolism that demand astute observation to notice. Humanity Has Declined is socio-political satire with a heavy dose of black comedy, wrapped and presented as a colourful and vibrant anime. It’s so cute and magical on the surface and yet so shockingly cynical and dark underneath, and when you see the themes explored and the way the characters are presented, you can’t help but be caught a little off-guard. On your first viewing it’s entirely possible and understandable for you to decided not to continue watching, as the …

Tsuritama – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

I’ve never really been a fan of fishing. When I was younger, my grandfather would take my cousin and I fishing every once in a while and I always remember it being more of a hassle to me than a fun day out with my family. Even now, as a ripe twenty year old, I’ve done a little bit of fishing but still I find it a little too uneventful to occupy my entire day. After all these years I don’t think I’ve ever caught a fish BUT that doesn’t mean I can’t see the appeal in it at all. In fact, I kind of admire those who can go out and actively catch fish because I simply cannot do so. Hanabee Entertainment have, once again, released this series across Australia and New Zealand but this time they’ve delivered in the perfect way: A Blu-Ray/DVD combo. Thanks to them I’ve been given the chance to finally experience a series that my fellow writer Luke Halliday has been bugging me to watch ever since I first met him …

Koimonogatari – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

What is it that truly makes love…love? It is this visceral feeling that wells up from inside someone but unlike anger it comes from a place of utter joy. It comes about through the spiritual connection of two people and is so pure that it is almost dangerously unstable. If we, as simply humans, could somehow harness the power of love we’d have enough to last us until the end of time…but what is it? How do you know the difference between it and lust? How do you know if it is lasting? How do you know if it is real? If it’s Nadeko Sengoku you’re asking; chances are before she commands a river of white snakes to dismantle your body she’ll tell you that the greatest love is one that’s unrequited. If it’s Hitagi Senjougahara you’re asking; she’ll probably explain that true love is only attained when one is willing to sacrifice themselves wholly for their partner. If you ask Kaiki Deishu…such things simply do not exist. This is a love story told with …

Little Busters!: Refrain – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

The thing about an Anime based on a series of visual novels is that there’s a pretty good chance the story featured won’t be a shallow or simple one. That’s the charm of a visual novel; they’re games that focus only on story rather than that of combat like other genres so you should be able to put your faith in the tale told throughout. A great deal of these visual novels revolve around strengthening bonds with other characters and moving forward in all different types of relationships. Now, of course, there are a whole bunch of visual novels that DON’T necessarily feature this but let’s not focus on them for this review. The “Little Busters!” line of VNs have been around since early 2007 and has only continued to expand. The latest Anime adaptation to be released is this one right here; “Little Busters!: Refrain” and thanks to Hanabee Entertainment I’ve been given the chance to experience the end of a series that began with the coming together of friends and finished with a …

Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They? – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

A little Anime titled “The Eccentric Family” taught audiences that what is fun is good but sometimes life just has a way of getting you down. Routine can be boring and boredom can lead to an odd but very real sadness. Doing the same things day in and day out eventually develops into a sort of perpetual monotony that can only be broken and reformed by a massive change of pace. Some people quit their jobs and get new ones, others do their best to change their overall mentality, some rearrange furniture and others go to lengths even greater than what I’ve just detailed. How is it that we get into these “ruts”? I believe it’s because being comfortable is more of a trap than anything else. Once you get comfortable you begin not to venture out of that zone and eventually become stuck. For the main trio of “Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They?” it takes the literal changing of worlds for them to reach a place in their life where they can actually …

Onimonogatari – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

The “Monogatari” series and I have an odd and ever-changing relationship. If you’ve read my reviews of previous “Monogatari” releases you’d know this very well because I usually always clarify that this Anime is one of my favorites but also one of my most hated and it only ever works to tear me up inside. Fortunately for me the inner conflict hurts so good that I continue to come back for more. The in-depth supernatural elements are what keep me hooked to the series but it’s protagonist Koyomi Araragi’s dry sense of humour and inflated “Lolita Complex” that force me to walk away from the screen in shame. While my views on the main character or constantly shifting, there’s one member of the main character cast I always delight in seeing and she just so happens to be the main focus of “Onimonogatari”…or so we think. Thanks, once again, goes to Hanabee Entertainment for providing this review copy and for fuelling an addiction that has only ever worked to well up a chiaroscuro mix of emotions. …

Hanabee licenses Akame Ga Kill, streaming now

Published by Luke Halliday

Do you like Akame Ga Kill? I thought so. Well the good news for you is that Hanabee Entertainment have acquired the license for the series. With a future home video release in the works, Hanabee have given us a special treat with the entire series now streaming on their website. Akame Ga Kill is a dark fantasy series based upon the manga of the same name. It follows Tatsumi, a young swordsman who joins an assassination group by the name of Night Raid after the gruesome murder of his two childhood friends sets him on a violent path to vengeance. Be sure to stay tuned for more details on Hanabee’s eventual home video release of the wildly popular Akame Ga Kill as it comes to light. -30-

Patema Inverted Review

Published by Luke Halliday

If you look at life from a different perspective, it might just turn your world upside down. That is the message Patema Inverted embodies and it does a damn good job capturing the beauty of that sentiment in the most literal of ways. You see, Patema Inverted is set in a post apocalyptic future where the world’s sense of gravity broke leaving half of the world flying off into the sky and the other half planted both feet on the ground, for reasons unknown. What results is one of the most mystifying experiences in recent anime history both in its sense of beauty and intrigue. Patema Inverted employs some rather intriguing ideas across its 90 minute run time. The topsy turvy gravity makes for some very distinct visuals with perspective changes captured by the inversion of the camera. I found it especially impressive that with a concept such as this, that the director Yoshiura didn’t seem to make any goofs with the gravity situation throughout the movie, keeping well within the foundations he has laid …

Lupin The Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine – Complete Box Set Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Pop culture does something with showing the life of a criminal that makes it look so appealing. Whenever we’re shown a character who lives a life of crime, they’re always very good at it: They never get caught, they’re always on the move and any time they’re in danger they always find a way out of it. Why is it that we’re constantly confronted with such romantic views of felonious lifestyles? Is it so we’re conditioned not to fear that which we should fear? No. Probably not. I think that maybe experiencing stories about semi-kindhearted badguys is a lot more enjoyable than watching another movie about a knight in shining armour. At least, that’s the conclusion I came to after watching the critically acclaimed Anime series from 2012; “Lupin The Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine”, which has been recently released in Australia as a complete collection thanks to Hanabee Entertainment. “Lupin The Third” has been around longer than many people can even remember but it is “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” that has brought this almost …

Hanabee Licenses Little Busters Refrain, Majestic Prince 2 and Ambition of Oda Nobuna

Published by Luke Halliday

What is it with Christmas time that just makes all the anime companies want to reveal their secrets? Well regardless of reasoning, in the spirit of giving Hanabee have just given out three big announcements for anime fans down under. First up Hanabee confirmed they will be releasing the hotly anticipated second season of Little Busters, Little Busters Refrain. The second season will release on the 4th of February 2015. Also confirmed for release is the second part of Majestic Prince, the wonderful mecha anime that saw a release earlier this year. Majestic Prince part 2 is slated for release on the 4th of February 2015 as well. Last but certainly not least is the announcement of Ambition of Oda Nobuna which will release on the 4th of February 2015 also. It will be available in both DVD and Blu-Ray formats with a dual language option. More Hanabee announcements are still to come as we head towards Christmas so stay tuned for more information as it pops up. -30-

Check Out Hanabee’s January Anime Releases

Published by Frank Inglese

Hanabee, one of the biggest and young Australian Anime distributors, have just announced a few of the titles that they’re set to release in January of next year and, before giving away too much, they’re so damn awesome! Announced just yesterday, these four new Anime titles are already up for pre-order on the official Hanabee site which you can jump over to by Clicking Here. 2014 is almost over and that means 2015 is on the horzion. With the coming of a new year also comes some new pop culture products like video games and Anime for us all to enjoy and Hanabee are starting off their 2015 release schedule in a big way. The following series’ will each be getting a release on the 7th of January next year and will be made available in both the DVD and Blu-Ray formats. “Problem Children Are Coming From Another World Aren’t They?” – The Complete Series DVD: $59.99 Blu-Ray: $59.99 One person’s problem can be another person’s solution. Bored of their world Izayoi, Asuka and Yo …

Ef: A Tale Of Memories and Melodies – Box Set Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Love. It’s such a fickle, dangerous but ultimately glorious thing. Human beings, big or small, short or tall, dumb or smart, all feel the need for love in one way or another. I believe that we were never to be in complete solitude. Instead, I think each and every individual’s true life work is to find a partner that shares with them the greatest gift of all. Finding that “one and only” can be a journey that may never end. It’s definitely one that’s treacherous. There are ups and downs, danger at every single corner but the reward for completing such a quest is something so much better than any material item. Unfortunately some people search their entire lives for love but never find it. It’s something that, once again, we as human beings each fear. Loneliness. At least, this is what I think now after watching one of Hanabee’s latest Anime releases “Ef: A Tale Of Memories and Melodies”. I always new life and love was supposed to be a little bit of a …

Otorimonogatari – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

We, as simple humans, go through life fulfilling our own prophecies. Ones that, whether or not we like, we’re destined to reach. They may not even be that existential, in fact they’re most likely trivial but that doesn’t make it any less real than the ground you walk on. We’re all products of our own environments meaning that, depending on when and how we were raised, we all turn out different. This is basic self knowledge, I know, just bare with me because I’m getting to a greater point. Some of us have grown up tormented by the negatives of life. Hardship and adversity are very real and they mold people in a limitless number of ways. Some of us grown with a need to be loved, others grown in solitude. Some of us play the part of the victim almost too well, whereas others consider themselves somewhat of a hero. These are the prophecies I speak of, these are the parts of the puzzle we as pieces fit into perfectly. Nadeko Sengoku, she’s always …

Kabukimonogatari – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

Time travel is far too fickle of a subject for just ‘anyone’ to be writing about. Few have written a story involving speeding through the fabric of our time and pulled it off perfectly. I, as a ‘wannabee writer’, would never go near such a story topic but I look to those who’ve done it with a level of deep respect, that is…if they do it right. The ‘Monogatari’ series, both the Anime and the light novels, revolves around supernatural occurrences in a town full of crazy characters. The series up until this point has been strictly about paranormal apparitions but has stayed true to its fantasy-type routes. ‘Kabukimonogatari’, the four episode section of what was originally called ‘Monogatari Series: Second Season’, takes somewhat of a turn to instead deal with the more science fiction issue of time traveling and the ways it can all go wrong. Much like the rest of the series, it is much more beneficial to have watched ‘Bakemonogatari’ before heading into ‘Kabukimonogatari’. Having watched the entirety of the series would …

Nisemonogatari – The Complete Series Review (Blu-Ray)

Published by Frank Inglese

To begin watching the ‘Monogatari’ series is a commitment comparable to that of marriage. There are ups and downs, smiles and frowns, things you may like and things you may not. It also seems as though it’s going to last forever and the only way you can possibly perceive getting out of it is through death. It’s a series I wasn’t too keen on many years ago when I first watched ‘Bakemonogatari’, the trailblazer for what is now one heck of a beloved series, but it seems as though I’ve come to love it. It was an odd experience: I didn’t know what to think about it, I thought it was great but then terrible. I thought the characters were good but then bad. I was going through one big mental contradiction but I stuck with it. Eventually I came to this season which just continued my introspective conflict. Titled ‘Nisemonogatari’, this season follows the story of series protagonist Koyomi Araragi’s younger sisters; Karen and Tsukihi. ‘Nisemonogatari’ switches gears, instead focusing on the younger of …

From The New World: Part Two – Review

Published by Frank Inglese

As humans, we don’t exactly know the truth of this world. Really, there’s only so much we can know! Think about it; we don’t even EXACTLY know how the universe started. We have a good idea about it but, honestly, a great deal of this world is but a huge mystery just waiting to be solved. Now what if I was to tell you that the world was an entirely different place before you were born? Not just the way people speak, the way they dress or their mannerisms. I mean ENTIRELY different. Unrecognizably different. Unbelievable different. It would be kind of daunting, right? Damn right! Conspiracy theories pop up all the time nowadays and most of them are thrown out the window labelled ‘silly’ or ‘ridiculous’ but what if some were true? What if the royal family really are a bunch of lizard-people eating our babies? What if the world destroyed itself hundreds of years ago and the life we lead now is just humanity’s attempt at reviving what has been lost for so …

Nekomonogatari White – Review (DVD/Blu-Ray Combo)

Published by Frank Inglese

The interesting thing about cats is that they always land on their feet. I suppose heights don’t really bother them that much. It’s not like they can easily die of head trauma due to falling. Even better is that they’re also thought to have nine lives so if one of those times the cat doesn’t live up to its reputation and unfortunately is killed, at least they have another eight to enjoy before true demise. That’s great…when the cat is a simple family pet and not a supernatural presence brought about by extreme stress. To be completely honest; I’m more of a fan of dogs. Cats aren’t really my thing and I think I have an idea why: They’re conniving, they’re sneaky and they’re elusive. They also, according to ‘Nekomonogatari White’, make for some pretty dangerous apparitions. Come on. It‘s time to wake from this nightmare. Tsubasa Hanekawa’s curse has just morphed itself into a tiger. A great white beast, that seems to only bring misfortune to Tsubasa in its wake. It’s first victim? Her …

Bakemonogatari – Box Set Review (Blu-Ray)

Published by Frank Inglese

Not everything is how it seems. I now realize that as an open-minded twenty year old: Life isn’t just what you can see. There are layers upon layers of human thought that can be sifted through and explored in and of yourself that, as a young man, I refused to do. I instead took everything at face value and, in all honesty; it was a boring way to live. I now like to imagine that all things are possible, both the physical and metaphysical. Why believe in one deity when you can believe in them all? Why only try to understand one system of belief when you can try to understand many? Ghosts are real. Aliens are real. Monsters are real. Creatures are real. I cannot prove this and, to be blunt, I’m not even sure I entirely believe this BUT wouldn’t it be awesome if I was right? That’s why we watch things like Anime, because it is leagues more exciting than real life and it’s series’ like ‘Bakemonogatari’ that perfectly blend the natural …

Devil Survivor 2: The Animation – Complete Collection Review

Published by Frank Inglese

Three kids, a God, and a plan for universal domination. This is ‘Devil Survivor 2: The Animation’. Many of you out there are probably thinking that you’ve heard this name before, well you have because it was originally a game for the Nintendo DS which, funnily enough, has just been announced to be a getting a remake for the Nintendo 3DS sometime next year. I suppose Hanabee, the Australian Anime distributors, knew something we didn’t as it is only now that this series is getting a release ‘down under’. Originally released over a year ago in Japan and streamed for the West thanks to Crunchyroll, it was an interesting experience being able to watch this series again in full English audio and without having to wait week by week. Before even putting the disc in I took a moment to think about what I was getting into: Does it still hold up after a year of animation progression and newer series’? Will I be able to appreciate the English voice acting when I’ve already heard …

Interview With Hanabee’s Karen Pak At SMASH! 2014

Published by Luke Halliday

During SMASH! 2014 in Sydney, we were able to sit down with Karen Pak the Product Manager for Hanabee during her brief downtime over the busy convention weekend for an exclusive interview. We discussed their latest title announcements made at SMASH! 2014, the nature of anime streaming and the brand new Hanabee streaming service. There is some detailed discussion of what Hanabee will implement in order to make themselves known as one of the big players in the anime streaming game as well as general anime release information for Hanabee’s 2014 schedule. Big thanks to Karen for taking the time out to sit down with us. You can check out the full video interview below for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section. -30-

Hanabee’s SMASH 2014 Announcements, Including Huge Title Acquisitions!

Published by Luke Halliday

During their special Hanabee Live industry panel at SMASH! 2014 in Sydney, the anime distibutor made several major announcements regarding title acquisitions and updates on existing titles and previously confirmed releases. The following anime titles have been officially confirmed to have been licensed for release by Hanabee: Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet – DVD and Blu-Ray, Dual Language Audio/Dub and Sub, 5th of November 2014. Otorimonogatari – Combo Pack of DVD/Blu-Ray, Subtitled Only, 5th of November 2014. Fate/Kaleid Season 1 – DVD and Blu-ray, Dual Language Audio/Dub and Sub, 3rd of December 2014. Fate/Kaleid 2wei Prism Illya – Streaming now on VOD service Hanabee.com.au Hanabee also confirmed some more details on their Rooster Teeth brand of products: RWBY Volume 2 – Simulcast on VOD service Hanabee.com.au, DVD and Blu-Ray release, 5th of November 2014 Rooster Teeth Season 12 – DVD and Blu-Ray, 5th of November 2014 On top of those major announcements, Hanabee also detailed the issues plaguing their release of Gatchaman Crowds which was set originally for release on the 6th of August. The …

Hanabee Announce 6 New Titles at AVCon, Including Valvrave and Watamote!

Published by Luke Halliday

Hanabee Entertainment have made some major announcements at AVCon over the weekend. They have confirmed that they have acquired the license to the following anime series: Valvrave the Liberator – DVD & Blu-Ray, 12 Episodes Subtitled Only, October 1st, 2014. Watamote – DVD & Blu-Ray, 12 Episodes Dubbed and Subbed, October 1st, 2014. Kasukimonogatari – DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack, 5 Episodes, October 1st, 2014. Rail Wars – Simulcasting on Hanabee.com, Episode 1-2 streaming live, July 21st, 2014. Fate Kaleid Season 2 – Simulcasting on Hanabee.com, 10 Episodes in total, Season 1 to come in future. Aldnoah.Zero – Simulcasting on Hanabee.com, Episode 1-2 streaming live, July 21st, 2014. This is certainly an impressive line-up of title acquisitions! It is great to see Hanabee pushing the boundaries with their streaming service bringing down some major titles for Australian anime fans. Stay tuned for more information on Hanabee and their acquisitions as it surfaces. -30-