Shelf Life

Chasing Trains

There are two language tracks on the disc—English and Japanese. However, the English version has completely been changed. The original music has been removed, from the opening theme to all the instrumentals. In its place is generic electronica, hard rock, and sweeping melodies worthy of a Jeep commercial. (Though, to be fair, the original Japanese soundtrack is bland, tinkly, and somewhat reminiscent of an old video game.) Why they would make those changes is a little uncertain. If a parent was going to buy their kid a DVD, wouldn't they rather reach for one of the discs that already have mass market appeal, like Naruto? Why would they take their chances on a show that has received almost no marketing whatsoever?

Luckily, there's the Japanese track, right? Not so much. All the music and dialogue is intact, but everything's been dubtitled. So there you have it. A disc that's designed to appeal to kids, that no parent would buy—that has features for sub enthusiasts that no purist would buy.

The story's not even that great, either. It certainly is nothing terrible—but it is standard. A world is being ravaged by monsters, and the only people who can defeat them are Busters, fighters who get to level up every time they slay something. Beet, our pint-sized hero, is determined to save the world and gets some help early on when local warriors make the ultimate sacrifice for him. As the years wear on, he kills bigger things, hoping to someday waste off every last monster. A notable goal. Would it be fun as a kids' show? Yeah, it kind of is, but who's going to buy this DVD, huh?[TOP]

Although there's aspects of the show that still grind at me a bit, like the sometimes inappropriate comic relief that the two waitress girls offer, Rumbling Hearts is turning out to be a solid series that has well lived up to its hype. The pain and confusion that the characters go through will have you reeling in heartache, and if you find yourself being driven by the ups and downs of human social interaction, you'll definitely find yourself embracing every minute of this show. It's definitely one for the shelves.[TOP]

The last volume of CPR is very similar to the first two—heavy on the character side stories, light on the doujinshi-making aspect. Unfortunately, that's what drew me so much to the first series. I loved watching the process unfold in front of my eyes, and the lovable characters just made it better. With Revolution, though, while the folks are just are entertaining as ever, I find myself thinking a lot, “Who cares?”

Even though the episodes are all manic dips into your typical anime activities (dealing with curses, splashing around in water), the series keeps making an effort to retain its doujinshi-making roots. The characters are almost always working on a new manuscript, and are almost always rushing to hit a printing deadline. Since there's only two Comic Parties a year though, it makes me wonder-- just how is the timeline working? How is it that these characters are always coming to ComiPa every two episodes when it just doesn't come around that often? Once I realized that, it almost made me feel like I was reading the Boxcar Children again, where every book was another snapshot of the Aldens' endless summer vacations or multiple winter breaks. Surreal. Maybe if there was a more structured timeline in CPR, I'd be less confused by all the random activities that happen. It's fun to watch, but it doesn't really serve a purpose. Frankly, it's almost a let-down after the original series, which preserved a linear storyline much more readily than Revolution. Still, if you're a hardcore fan, you'll probably just get a kick out of seeing your favorite characters, even if they're stuck in an endless loop of hitting deadlines.[TOP]

Somewhat tragically, the problems that faced the series earlier are still there. Tactics possesses a beautiful atmosphere, rich in its storytelling potential and serene graphics, but rather than just taking the morbidity and running with it, every serious scene is broken up by comic relief or girls “nyaa”ing at the camera. It's unfortunate, because almost every other part of the series is very well crafted. The animation is solid, the suspense is carefully timed, and even the imagery is meticulous and beautiful (the last few minutes of the first episode with the images of the butterfly and its subsequent end are almost chilling). It may not be a very deep series, but as far as entertainment goes, it definitely gets the job done. I just wish that the series could see its potential and plunge headlong into its dark, supernatural side, without being afraid to become too serious. If you like your shows to skew a bit on the sinister side, though, Tactics is an oft overlooked show that's well worth your time.[TOP]

Charming and romantic, Train Man is one of the best non-anime releases you'll see from an anime company this year. Easily. His trials and adventures are a snapshot of love and the brouhaha of dating. As his friends cheer him on, transforming him from a shy recluse to a confident young man, you can't help but feel uplifted, as though you're there with the rest of them. Dating is serious business, and if Train Man can overcome nerd stereotypes, anyone can. By the end of the movie, it's apparent that not only has he changed, but so has the rest of his friends. No longer is it just a tale of a man who fell in love with a girl, but a story of hope and determination, of supporting your fellow friends in the direst of romantic times.

It's no surprise that this story has raised the ruckus it has. With the original forum transcript published into a book, a TV drama, four manga series, and this film, it's easy to imagine how many lives have been cheered from this simple story. Even if you sneer at romantic films or think you're too macho for anything without guns, this is a movie well worth seeing. Whether for a quiet movie night alone, or a perfect date movie with a loved one, this movie will captivate you.[TOP]