Panic

Starring:William H. Macy, John Ritter, Neve Campbell, Donald Sutherland, Tracey Ullman, Barbara Bain, David Dorfman, Tina Lifford, Bix Barnaba, Nicholle Tom, Thomas Curtis, Andrea Baker (III), Steve Moreno, Erica Ortega, Greg Pitts (II), Stewart J. Zully, Miguel Sandoval, Nick Cassavetes, Steve Valentine
Director: Henry Bromell
Studio: Live / Artisan
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
When Sarah (Neve Campbell) strikes up a conversation with a sad-eyed man called Alex (William H. Macy) at her therapist's office, she asks, "Are you one of those middle-aged guys who's tired of his marriage and thinking maybe a beautiful young thing could help him out?" She's right, but the source of Alex's depression is far from typical: he's a second-generation hit man who wants out, but his mom and dad won't let him quit.

Donald Sutherland makes Alex's laconic and utterly monstrous father the most frightening parent since John Huston in Chinatown. A series of flashbacks show how he introduced Alex to his trade, beginning with shooting squirrels in the woods. We never find out whether Alex's father has mob connections, and the fact that it's just a business to him ("This one's a big job, lots of moola, I'll buy your mother a Lexus") makes him all the more chilling. Alex's mother (the steely Barbara Bain) knows all about the family business, but his wife (Tracey Ullman) thinks he runs a mail-order company, and the only person he confides in is a therapist (John Ritter). When he meets and falls for Sarah, Alex realizes that he alone can stand up to his father, and he needs to act before his own son becomes the next apprentice.

Customer Reviews:

Compulsory For Anbody Thinking of Using.......2007-06-27

I was a little taken aback by the film's "PG" rating. Drug use is treated frankly, there's some strong language and fleeting nudity. But then I thought why shouldn't young people of a certain age see this film. They are the most vulnerable in being ensnared into the drug culture and maybe they should heed the film's cautionary message. I also found the timing of this film's release, 1971, interesting because it comes at a time when the drug culture was in full bloom and we were only a few years removed from "Easy Rider". The selling point is, of course, Al Pacino who is nothing short of amazing as the small-time thief who goes from pecking to full-blown addiction. I thought this was more Kitty Winn's picture, though. Her character could be anybody's daughter who for reason's unknown takes up a serious drug habit. The film is essentially a love story between Pacino and Winn's characters. I couldn't decide whether the love between the two brought a little light to their dismal straits or that they were enabling each other into a worse addiction. For obvious reasons the film's message is timeless because, unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. Pacino and director Jerry Schatzberg would later collaborate on another seventies gem, "Scarecrow", that is well worth checking out.

Pacino Can't Save a Tired Script.......2007-06-26

I can't help but compare this film to Drugstore Cowboy, another drama detailing the life of heroin users. The comparison does not favor Panic. While Drugstore Cowboy feels like a story written by someone who really knows what it's like to be a junkie (it was), this tale feels like it was written by an intellectual who had never touched smack but thought it would be cool to write a story about strung-out people. The whole thing feels affected, stale, acted out. You can't help but love Al Pacino, overacting in an endearing way in the earliest days of his career. And Kitty Winn, the actress who plays Pacino's partner in crime here, is cute and charming in a Margot Kidder/Karen Allen kind of way. But actors' charms aside, the film is bland and sterile. Skip this and go watch Drugstore Cowboy, which will make you feel like you are really inside the world of a group of heroin users.

Al Pacino's first starring role, a stunning debut........2007-04-08

Thirty-six years (1971) after it came out it is finally being released on DVD. This stark and grim film was heavily criticized by critics mostly because of its brutal and honest drug content. Filmed on location in New York City, THE PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK, marked the real beginning of what was to become the amazing career of one of the greatest actors to ever grace the screen the legendary Al Pacino. Great movie that I am happy is finally making its way to video. The movie had been released in Europe for some time but never in the United States that is until now. I will definitely be purchasing this underrated movie classic that for years has become among die-hard Pacino fans one of his most sought after movies ever. To the studio that finally thought about releasing this movie after so many years of waiting I thank you kindly.

The Boredom in Needle Park.......2007-02-12

This film drags along at snails pace, without any discernible plot. Although occasionally one is hinted at, it never seems to unfold. The "highlights" are a couple of extended, graphic heroin injection scenes, and otherwise two hours of muddy, low register mumbling of street jive and drug talk. After an hour it became a struggle just to sit through, but I forced myself to keep watching, convinced it was all leading to 'something'. Unfortunately it wasn't, and nothing happens.

Pacino himself is not remotely convincing as a down and out addict, and he doesn't fit in at all with the junkie crew. The lone saving grace is Pacino's creepy brother Hank (played by Richard Bright), who convincingly portrays a career burgular. His scenes and character draw you in, but unfortunately he vanishes midway, and we're back to dragged out scenes of Pacino and his girl slumped in bedrooms, high and staring vacantly into space.

Maybe this film will be of some interest to the Pacino-completist, but my personal advice would be to steer clear. And this is coming from both a Pacino fan, and a fan of 70s American cinema. Otherwise if you still want to proceed, a shot of heroin may be necessary before viewing.

Pacino and Wynn.......2007-02-05

A true (*****) star movie is one that: 1.) Makes you think 2.) Makes you cry 3.) Makes you shudder 4.) then think again.
Ordinary People, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Goodfellas, Shawshank Redemption, and "I Want To Live", are five star movies.
This IS a five star movie.
The writing is rough, the characters are flawed, camera angles are off, yet this film is gripping to the core. I first saw this film on AMC when AMC was a pay channel. My first impression was,... how can a film end this way?
On second viewing,... what a masterpiece.
Pacino is at his (RAW) best. Wynn,... how can anyone act in this manner if they truly aren't like this in true life?
Moving and thought provoking.
(*****)

Average customer rating:

Pretty Good "Cute" Movie - 3.7
highly entertaining
great movie
More Chicken Little
Great movie for 3 year old

Chicken Little
Starring: Joan Cusack , Don Knotts , Catherine O'Hara , Wallace Shawn , and Patrick Stewart
Director: Mark Dindal
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000DWMYQ8
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Amazon.com

A classic fable gets fused with War of the Worlds in Disney's Chicken Little. In the small town of Oakey Oaks, young Chicken Little (voiced by Zach Braff, Garden State) struggles to live down the embarrassment of having once thought the sky was falling. But when he gets struck again by a hexagonal, sky-camouflaged, hi-tech doohickey, he and his friends Ugly Duckling (Joan Cusack, School of Rock), Runt of the Litter (Steve Zahn, Sahara), and Fish Out of Water discover that aliens are preparing to invade Earth--but since no one believed Chicken Little the first time, why would they believe him now? Though kids will enjoy the bright whizz-bang action sequences of Chicken Little, discerning parents will find the movie tedious. Technically, it has the computer animation quality of Pixar--but with none of their intelligence, heart, or simple storytelling skill. The basic idea of connecting the fable to aliens is amusing, but the script routinely bogs down in clumsy father-son issues that seem like material edited out of Finding Nemo. The jokes rarely have anything to do with the characters, but are mostly pop-culture references that are sadly out of date. The action sequences were obviously created with the inevitable video game in mind, for which the movie is little more than an advertisement. Chicken Little falls flat. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Experience a fantastic world of breathtaking action in Disney's hilarious new movie CHICKEN LITTLE. It's "the perfect family film," raves Scott Mantz of Access Hollywood. When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion and prove that the world's biggest hero is a little chicken. Overflowing with incredible music and bursting with exciting bonus features, including alternate openings, an exclusive "making of" featurette, games, and much more, this sensational DVD is truly something to cluck about.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good "Cute" Movie - 3.7.......2007-06-29

Some of it is a little ridiculous to absurd and that is why the movie is "cute". The writers definitely had to stretch their imagination too much to come up with some of the ideas in the film; yet it was an interesting take on the Chicken Little story. It does keep you interested. When you find out certain things your reaciton is "Oh you've got to be kidding". There are some very funny scenes, particularly towards the end. You've gotta like the Chicken Little at the end, he's COOL! I will watch it again and probably include it in my library for my young children to watch.

highly entertaining.......2007-06-20

Highly enjoyable. Fun twist on the old. Getting tired of the Disney formula (child missing one or both parent(s)disfunctional and/or ignorant
parent or family member(s) raising misunderstood child)
Love the fact that being yourelf and not conforming to the stereotypical cheerleader and jock theme is encouraged throughout the movie. The characters had depth and personality, the animation was fun, the jokes and little remarks kept the movie rolling. Most younger kids won't get the jokes, or the references but then again kids aren't usually even paying attention to those details. It was just fun to watch.

great movie.......2007-05-27

This is a great movie for the young and old. It has a great story line and is funny. A good DVD buy.

More Chicken Little.......2007-04-11

I Love This Movie! I can't say it any clearer. The story carries the day in a classic tale with a twist. The fun is fun for all, reaching both young and old. If you don't like this movie, you just don't like having fun.

Great movie for 3 year old.......2007-03-17

I bought this for my grandaughter's 3rd birthday. She loves it and sits with all her animals around her.

Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection

Average customer rating:

Big robots, mercenary 16 year olds, and a can of whoop***
Great Series... too much filler
Excellent
My son loves these.
Don't miss it...

Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection
Starring: Satsuki Yukino , Tomokazu Seki , Yukana Nogami , Michiko Neya , and Shinichirô Miki
Director: Kôichi Chigira
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu - Complete Collection
Full Metal Panic Fumoffu - Full Metal Pandemonium (Vol. 1) + Series Box
Rune Soldier - Complete Collection
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Starter Set
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02

ASIN: B0007WFU9C
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Amazon.com

In this winning comedy-adventure, writer Shouji Gatou and director Koichi Chigira combine mecha battles, psychic abilities, and teen-age romance, infusing the mixture with a rambunctious comic energy reminiscent of Generator Gawl. High school student Kaname Chidori may be a "Whispered," an individual who possesses vast, untapped mental powers. The KGB and other sinister organizations want to capture individuals with those powers, so the anti-terrorist mercenary corps Mithril dispatches a mismatched trio of officers to protect Kaname: Melissa Mao, Sousuke Sagara, and Kurz Weber. Sousuke tries to blend in at Jindai High, but his military bearing, hair-trigger reflexes, and literal-mindedness get him into trouble with the teachers and Kaname. At a time when many anime series feel like variations on Evangelion and a few other prototypes, Full Metal Panic offers an upbeat, appealing originality. This set contains the entire seven volume series. (Unrated: Suitable for ages 14 and older: violence, brief nudity, alcohol use, risqué humor) --Charles Solomon

Description

Collection of Mission:01-07

Customer Reviews:

Big robots, mercenary 16 year olds, and a can of whoop***.......2007-07-06

Full Metal Panic! revolves around Kaname Chidori, a 16 year old girl who has something special to contribute to whoever can get her, an ancient knowledge known as Black Technology is in the bloodline of "The Whisperers" and sure enough this 16 year old is one of them. Mithril, the secret mercenary organization striving to keep peace, sends Sousuke Sagara, a 16 year old Sergeant in the orgnization to be her body guard without revealing that he is in the organization or that he is her body guard...and so our story unfolds...a popular 16 year old and a gung-ho 16 mercenary who has had no experience in the teenage world...

The character design is something that the designers should be proud of. From flowing, and I must say, beautiful long hair and hell, even the shorter haired female characters looked impressive, and the guys, who actually look like men in military life and not guys pumped up on steroids with bulging muscles. Although anime, the characters do par up to what an actual persons size would be.

The Story line was a very good one indeed, if I do say so on behalf of the team that made the show. The story was an excellent that made you want to see more and one where you had to watch to understand what was happening, yet it was easy to understand once you saw it, so no guessing and racking your brain out trying to figure out what the hell is going on. The plot also provides an excellent combination of laughter and seriousness. I found countless areas in the show where there would be a serious event occuring and all of a sudden I see a lower class officer get knee'd in the naughty zone for being a pervert. I mean even the stand in characters provided a laugh if you pay attention to them. An unlike my review with the Chrono Crusade Set, this combination doesn't stop, it is that mixture of laughter and seriousness to the end which provided for an excellent viewing, one of the best in which I've seen.

I'm going to bring up the music tracks in this series into review as well. For those who care about what music is like in anime, this series chose very good tracks to use for opening and closing songs I believe. You would expect it to be maybe hard rock or something of the sort since the series does deal with mobile suits, but instead you have the lovely melody of a female singer, which I have to say, sounds absolutely wonderful, a good break away from the ordinary music you hear today.

This series does not have alot of downfalls but it might for those who care about the follwing. Blood and killing is common in this series, and when I say this I don't mean it lightly. Although it doesn't show all of the incidents happening to the actual person, you see what caused the after effect. For example, there is an episode where one pilot runs his knife through anothers cockpit. Blood starts to poor out of the cockpit, so although you don't SEE what happened to the pilot, you know WHAT happened to them. I myself am not a huge fan of killing and the sort, but with things like this I thought they fit the purpose and fell right in line with the story, while sending the message home of what war is like. The next thing that might bother people is the cussing, which I didn't have a problem with. I thought this was almost ESSENTIAL because it seemed more natural, especially with mercenaries in a military type organization.

I wouldn't get this for anyone thats TOO young, but I'd stick with the ratings of the board if your planning on getting this set for someone. Whoever likes this sort of thing, like me, will absolutely love it. I mean hell, I liked it so much I ordered the sequel (Full Metal Panic! Fumoffu). This is an excellent choice for any anime collection.

Great Series... too much filler.......2007-05-23

I must have watched the first 3 DVDs nonstop. It either keeps you on the edge of your seat or falling off of it laughing. It's a comedy with mecha and weird science in the background, and sometimes turns serious. The only thing that could detract from it was the random fan service (of the "advantagous camera angle" type). If they had stopped the series there I would have said this was the best anime ever. Over the next 3 DVDs they take everything you love about the series, throw it in the garbage, and do lots of episodes with fan fiction quality. *sigh*
Thankfully the show redeems itself on the last story arc. No comedy, but it felt like the writers found the show again. It packs a nice punch at the end. They still don't tell you everything, so I'm looking toward the 2nd series.
Yes dear anime watcher, you should get this, but feel free to skip some later episodes. (I mean, I did)

Excellent.......2007-05-12

The product was great, the delivery was remarkably fast, all at a great price!

My son loves these........2007-05-10

My son watches these movies over and over. He continues to enjoy them and more often than not, he is laughing out loud.

Don't miss it..........2007-05-05

This is good stuff...

If you ever experienced the "one that got away" this series will tell you why! LOL...

Soske is completely in his own world... based on his character development he should be... but still the lesson is there for the rest of us...

The one that got away... probably had good reason to go!! LOL...

Personally I can think of the "one that got away" and it happened simply because I wasn't in her world...

Should one take a life lesson away from this?? PLEASE don't go there... but should a person watch this and laugh till tears of resonance flow... well it might happen... hehe...

Funny stuff indeed and well worth the purchase!

Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 04

Average customer rating:

full metal panic fever
Wonderful anime series
W00T!!
Please dont let that be all she wrote!!
FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST !!!

Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 04
Starring: Tomokazu Seki , Satsuki Yukino , Daisuke Namikawa , Akio Ôtsuka , and Shinichirô Miki
Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
Manufacturer: Funimation Prod
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Full Metal Panic! Second Raid - Tactical Ops 03
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Starter Set
Ah! My Goddess Season 2, Vol. 1: Reunited and It Feels So Good
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny, Vol. 8

ASIN: B000JJ4WFG
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

The third and darkest season of Full Metal Panic! comes to an appropriately dramatic (and zany) conclusion as Sousuke tackles his personal demons. Alone in a largely deserted Hong Kong, he confronts the sadistic terrorist Gauron and his own weird upbringing. After Kaname knocks some sense into his head--figuratively and literally--Sousuke acts like a proper hero: he arrives in the nick of time, in a mecha that crushes everything in its path. As the voice of Sousuke, Chris Patton convincingly moves from despair to righteous anger to hilarious confusion; as Kaname, Luci Christian matches him mood swing for mood swing. Sadly, this disc concludes the Full Metal Panic series, but another sequel remains possible. The extras include a 30-minute OVA in which Theresa Testarossa tries to reconstruct what happened the previous night, when Melissa Mao tricked her into drinking alcohol. Among the problems: what's become of her favorite stuffed animal--which turns out to be Bonta-kun from Full Metal Panic Fumoffu. (Rated TV 14: violence, brief nudity, risqué humor, profanity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Description

As the Chinese conflict rages on, hostilities reach a fever pitch. The final countdwon hastens near. The SRT offensive is launched, but Sousuke has abandoned his post. Cryptic messages from a bloody past lead the young mercenary to face his demons, the battle within no less than the one without. Life and death hang in the balance as the clash between good and evil scales new heights. Piloting the Arbalest into the dawn, the last act is set to begin. When the smoke clears, Sousuke's path will be the one that he forges for himself.

Customer Reviews:

full metal panic fever.......2007-05-23

this is a must have for any full metal panic fans. the down side is that it's only 3 episodes and it's diffently hard to understand nearly anything if you've never seen full metal panic before.... however to counter that would be to simply state that this is the 2nd seasion! get back to the first seasion and be wowed there!

Wonderful anime series.......2007-05-12

What can I say this anime is one fun ride. Full Metal Panic is one show that has everything you want: action, drama, love, comedy all wrapped into one anime. I am not sure how they do it but they do it so well.
I love the two main characters Kanami and Sousuke. They are strong characters that you can't help but love them in action.

Story is well done. Beautiful animation. Some funny stories. Some action pack stories.

I hope there is a fourth season for this show.

W00T!!.......2007-05-06

Still the best high school comedy/mech anime out there. This last volume of The Second Raid is definitely a fitting way to end this arc, but it also leaves the door open for more FMP. If you haven't seen the first Full Metal Panic things might be a little confusing, and I would definitely recommend watching it on Youtube or something, but they do a pretty good job with flashbacks and getting you up to speed on the older characters. If you have seen the whole series than you'll definitely enjoy volume 4 of TSR. So to all the die hard FMP fans: definitely pick up volume 4, and keep your fingers crossed that another series is released soon because a world without FMP is certainly no world at all.

Please dont let that be all she wrote!!.......2007-05-02

I don't often write reviews or opinions, outside of myspace of course, but i just finished Tactical Ops 4 and i am left disappointed...THAT IT'S OVER!! This is my opinion, I have grown to love this series more than any other in my meager collection and i fell a great sense of lose at the fact that this is over. All of the characters is this entirely too short series are so well thought out that i believe that anyone would be hard pressed to find another anime with more character depth (again my biased opinion). Well....if i don't stop myself there i will spend too much time writing something that you will probably skim, so i will leave it at this: BUT THIS SERIES!!

FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST !!!.......2007-03-25

Having watched the entire FMP series, and I mean all of it (FMP, FMP fumaffou - sorry for the misspelling - and FMP the second raid), I shall present to the reader the following review scheme:

- A complete story outline of FMP the second raid, something that I also did in the last three volumes, but SPOILERS WILL BE INCLUDED!!! (Therefore, if you are not familiar with the series, skip this section or otherwise, everything will be given away to you. If you have not watched the final volume of the series than avoid the last part of the story outline or otherwise you will know how the show ends).
- Extras of the DVDs
- An overall opinion of all three FMP series so that for someone who just comes across these series to grasp a complete picture of it (as much as this is possible of course); and finally,
- Buying it or not? And if yes, how to buy it!

STORY OUTLINE (SPOILERS INCLUDED):
First of all, the story starts where the first season ended (with a few `modifications' made). The anime begins with Mithril being involved in military attacks in the Baltic region while its leader has acquired advanced weaponry technology anti-ECS missile (missile able to detect systems with ECS invisibility). In order to protect hellicopters filled with refuges Sousuke must use the the Arbalest's Lambda Driver, which he still tries to learn how to control. Later on, the viewer will be introduced to the main villain of the series, Gates, who is a member of an organization called Amalgam and basically opposes Mithril and was the one which provided the leader of the Baltic nation with the advanced weaponry. We are also introduced to Xia Yu Fan and Xia Yu Lan, twin sisters who we later learn were raised by Gauron.
After a school side-story, the next mission takes us to Nanjiing, so that Mithri can safe hostages. There, Mao wil hide between the hostages by pretending she is one of them, will have to fight against Xia Yu Lan; Kurz Weber (who is piloting the only Zy-98 Shadow-type Arm Slave in the battle) will have to fight against Xia Yu Fan and Sousuke (who asked to take a M9 instead of Arbalest was denied because he is the only one who can operate the Arbalest and the Lambda Driver) will be left alone with the unreliable Lambda driver to deal with Gates, who is operating a Venom-type Arm Slave. During this battles we will also witness some betray going on (sorry guys, if I say more I will take the suspense away).

Yet, we should also not forget that a love-story between the two main protagonists is going on which will become apparent during Sousuke's constant absences from school and that Kaname becomes worried about him in many aspects; while Mao will start to worry about him as well. Sousuke, starts to reflect upon his own feelings about Kaname and would prefer to remain a student by her side instead of being a soldier etc. Furthermore, and going through various `misinterpretations' that Sousuke Sagara usually does, Kaname and him get closer and he realizes how much Kaname is depending on him. The specific episode ends when Sousuke (who is beginning to realize his feelings for Kaname) is ordered to withdraw from guarding Kaname immediately, with all guard duties being entrusted to another agent, codenamed "Wraith."
After being called back, Sousuke falls into a slight depression, not wanting to pilot the Arbalest and wishing he were back at Jindai High. We are introduced to the new Uruz-1, Lieutenant Belfangan Groseaux. He tests Sousuke's ability with the Arbalest, a test Sousuke fails miserably. Meanwhile Kaname is becoming increasingly suspicious that someone is following her. She discovers that Sousuke has left for good and realizes she is now completely alone. She decides to find out who is following her, and through a series of events discovers Wraith, who informs her that aside from himself, someone else seems to be following her. We discover this person is Xia Yu Lan, the younger twin. She shoots Wraith and then attacks Kaname. Kaname escapes, but is pursued and manages to surprise Yu Lan and shoot her with a Taser. After this she is met by Leonard Testarossa, Tessa's brother and a fellow Whispered. He is an agent of Amalgam and has orders to kill Yu Lan. He orders one of his bodyguards (a miniature AS unit) to kill her. When this is done he expresses that he seems to have fallen in love with Kaname and steals her first kiss, which infuriates her. In exchange for her forgiveness, Leonard allows her to take back Wraith who seems to still be alive.
To make the long story short the viewer will follow the Mithril team to another mission, this time in Hong Kong, in which power games and betrays will go on and someone is piloting an AS unit eqiuped with a Lamda Driver as well. In terms of `performance' Sousuke will hit rock bottom and fails completely because he cannot concentrate due to reoccurring thoughts of Kaname. These distraction eventually cause him to crash the vehicle he is driving. Mao tells him she won't work with him unless he can focus. Sousuke realizes he can't and abandons the mission. Meanwhile tensions between North and South China force Mithril to order an assault on the enemy AS before it is found. While they battle the AS, Sousuke wanders through Hong Kong, eventually meeting a Chinese Woman who resembles Chidori. He goes with her to her apartment, most likely to have sex, but due to her appearance thoughts of Chidori constantly fill his mind; (don't worry, He decides to leave) ending up wandering in the streets and meets an old enemy who amongst other things tells him that Kaname died. Sousuke kills him, this time for good. Meanwhile, Mithril is in great need of Sousuke and Tessa orders that Sousuke is been send the Arbalest so that he can rejoin the team and defeat the enemy; but, his will to fight is gone. Without Kaname he is lost.
As Sousuke tries to leave he is confronted with Kaname, who used Wraith to find Sousuke. After beating him up she tells him he needs to pilot the Arbalest and save everyone. Feeling renewed confidence at seeing Kaname alive Souske finally realizes that he is the only one who can pilot the Arbalest and works together with the Al to fully make use of the Lambda Driver.
The final episode, is basically the climax of the show and when the main villain is about to kill everyone Sousuke arrives just in time, makes full use of the Lamda Drive and saves everyone.
The Second Raid ends with Sousuke finally understanding what he wants to do with his life: Pilot the Arbalest for Mithril and attend school with Kaname. He works out a deal with Mithril that allows him to do just that. We are left with both Kaname and Sousuke having realized their feelings for each other, but neither of them being able to admit it.

Extras of the DVDs: Well, because I bought these DVDs separately and a box-set is not out yet, I can speak of what comes along with the separate DVDs that a potential buyer will get. All four DVDs come along with a small booklet that gives you additional information of various characters that appear in the show, of various missions, of Mecha types or circumstances, like, why China is divided in two regions. Besides it, another booklet is included in the DVDs that basically advertise other anime shows that are out there and that you can buy. As far as the DVDs extras concerns, well, other anime previews, some character drawings (I think that is how it is called), some interviews with the creators of the shows, non-credit opening and ending etc. and the first three have previous of the next episode to come; basically, nothing special.
The dub and sub are perfectly down (therefore, if you prefer the English version you are lucky) as is the animation. As for the opening and ending songs they are similar - I am referring to the music - to the ones that you already know from the first and second FMP.

OVERALL OPINION:
OK, for simplicity reasons I will call the series FMP 1, FMP 2 and FMP 3 (which stands for FMP the second raid) accordingly.
FMP 1 starts off with a pattern very well known to the anime viewers, especially when it comes down to Mechas (giant robots etc.), which is: good vs. bad guy, love triangles (FMP 3 has actually a love quadangle, man my English is bad, well you get the picture), high school students with special powers and sometimes serious issues, action, people die etc. So, what makes FMP different at all? Well, in my humble opinion I cannot provide you with a clear cut explanation but for some reason the chemistry in these series works perfectly and differentiates FMP from the rest of its genre. It does indeed have something for everyone, from comedy - or should I say, slapstick comedy - to drama, twists in the scenarios (especially FMP 1 and FMP 3), fan service and a lot of slapstick comedy (especially FMP 2) and so forth.
In other words: FMP 1 keeps a balance between hardcore action, romance and comedy and on character development. FMP 2 concentrates more on the everyday life of the high school students, to the development of the feelings that the love triangle share with each other and on slapstick comedy. FMP 3 on the other hand, gets straight to the point (only 13 episodes long). In all three shows the action and how the mechas spread out or fight is professionally done as in real circumstances. I do not know if the creators had planned to develop like this FMP from day one but if you start watching FMP 3, there, it is assumed that you are familiar with the main characters and of what is basically going on (let us say, the Lamda drive of the Arbalest).
Now, because I have posted this review in FMP the second raid, volume 4, a few words about these specific four volumes. FMP the second raid is a very good series and I do highly recommend it to everyone. Here, everything will be tested: How strong is Kaname's and Sousuke's (but spoken like Soske) love? How will Mithril fight against corruption amongst its own ranks and Amalgam? How will the team make it? Can Kaname fight back without Sousuke by her side and can she save him? What will Sousuke decide to do and can he safe them? Well, in the end, all of these questions and more will be answered. FMP 3 is packed with action, romance and emotions all over the way. Furthermore, because of the circumstances that the main protagonists are encountering and probably because of its `short length' it remains almost serious through the entire series and there are no filler episodes at all; meaning, that every episode advances the show straight to the final confrontation.

Buying it or not? And if yes, how to buy it:
My personal recommendation would be to buy it. However, buying all three FMP may be a little bit expensive for everyone; especially for anime fans like me who sometimes cannot wait and buy the DVDs as soon as they come out. Lucky you, specifically the ones who just stumbled upon these shows, FMP 1 and FMP 2 are already available in Box Sets and compared in buying them separately, will be cheaper. Therefore, buy the Box Sets of FMP 1 and FMP 2 and not the DVDs separately. As for FMP the second raid, if you haven't bought any volume yet, then wait a couple months and it should come out in a Box Set as well (something that usually happens with all shows). If on the other hand you have already started to buy the DVDs separately probably means that you are familiar with the series, love them and will continue till the end.
Bottom line is: That I do highly recommend the entire FMP series and it probably is a `must have' in your anime collection.

I hope that I could help you...

Before the Music Dies (Featuring Dave Matthews, Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, and Branford Marsalis)

Average customer rating:

EVERYONE MUST SEE THIS!!!
Excellent documentary about the music industry...
A new guide to understanding our industry
Great Edutaining Film...
not as good as I expected

Before the Music Dies (Featuring Dave Matthews, Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, and Branford Marsalis)
Starring: Dave Matthews , Erykah Badu , Eric Clapton , Elvis Costello , and Bonnie Raitt
Manufacturer: BSide Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000KGGP8U
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Amazon.com

Before the Music Dies is an extraordinary documentary and cautionary overview about the state of the music business in America. Written by Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen (and directed by Shapter), each of whom lost loved ones who happened to be musicians, Before the Music Dies is a journey through a vital music scene in the U.S.—-artistically speaking—-that is no longer nurtured and supported commercially. Shapter and Rasmussen take a chapter-like approach to demonstrating how every phase of getting music from artists to consumers is under the control of conglomerates and bottom-line analysts primarily concerned with keeping investors happy. Thus, we see musicians with enormous potential eschewed by the handful of major record labels that are still around. Meanwhile—-as Eric Clapton, interviewed for the film, puts it—-entire teams of makeover people and technicians exist to turn tone-deaf but attractive women into pop stars. Also highlighted is the record industry's love-hate relationship with file-sharing and downloadable music stored on sundry listening devices, which threatens control over commercially-packaged content as well as the enormous profits reaped from highly-priced CDs. Several case studies—-especially the story of singer-songwriter-bluesman Doyle Bramhall II and how he survived ill treatment by a major only to find success on the same independent label as Dave Matthews-—is fascinating. Interviewees include Branford Marsalis, Bonnie Raitt, Matthews, Elvis Costello, and Erykah Badu. --Tom Keogh

Product description

BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES tells the story of American music at this precarious moment. Filmmakers Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen traveled the country, hoping to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive, and whether corporations really had the power to silence musical innovation. The answers they found on this journey-ultimately, the promise that the future holds-are what makes BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES both riveting and exhilarating.

At the heart of BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES are interviews with musicians, industry insiders, music critics, and fans that reveal how music has reached this moment of truth. Featured performances from a truly diverse group of artists, ranging from The Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu to Seattle street performers and Mississippi gospel singers show us that great music is always out there… as long as you know where to look. BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES will renew your passion for great music, and inspire you to play an active part in its future.

Customer Reviews:

EVERYONE MUST SEE THIS!!!.......2007-03-29

Point blank. EVERYONE has to see this. I mean EVERYONE. Show it at schools. Show it in mass release. Every theatre all over the world. The power is in the people and the people aren't doing much these days to make change. This documentary makes you want to rally at your local radio station!

Excellent documentary about the music industry..........2007-03-28

I first saw this film at the Independent Film Festival of Boston a year ago and I have loved it ever since. It is a fantastic inside look at the radio and music industries and the way they control the way the average consumer takes in music. It opens you up to a whole new way of thinking (unless you didn't already think this way) and offers solutions for how to make better choices about what you lend your ears to. If you are a music lover or musician, you MUST see this film.

A new guide to understanding our industry.......2007-03-14

I've been in the music industry for over 30 years and all I've seen and done has changed so much that I needed this information to remember and pass on to the younger generation.
This is a testiment to all I've been teaching and I will use it as a tool in my future growth as a professional in an ever changing industry.
I'm giving a copy of this DVD to many of my coworkers as well as passing it on to teachers in the production educatioin as well.

Great Edutaining Film..........2007-03-11

This film was great! It had a lot of information from very reputable artists in the music industry. As an artist myself, I knew alot of this information before, although a novice would find this information very useful. I think everyone should watch this film, so they truly know the inner workings of the industry, especially in terms of radio and the major label industry. It is wise to know the system, and then it will be more clear why we constantly hear the same music over and over... it is merely a reflection of this country's culture, the money & power is concentrated, therefore the music is concentrated (with a handful of artists getting all of the airplay). Let's use this as a tool, to educate and rally people around the importance of balance in music, where all is appreciated, not just profit...

not as good as I expected.......2007-03-09

I saw the great reveies, but I wasn't too impressed. I'm a die hard music fan. I found this to be boring at times, however, it did have some good information and was interesting.

However, certain segments, such as the one on Doyle Bramhall, and when they explain how easy it is to make a music star were drawn out and boring. They could've cut it down/edited some things out and we still would've gotten the point.

Average customer rating:

Where's the 3D?
Question

Chicken Little [Blu-ray]
Starring: Joan Cusack , Don Knotts , Catherine O'Hara , Wallace Shawn , and Patrick Stewart
Director: Mark Dindal
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

Action & Adventure | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Animation | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Comedy | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Happy Feet [Blu-ray]
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ASIN: B000MQ58VI
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Description

Experience a fantastic world of action and adventure in Disney's hilarious egg-stravaganza, CHICKEN LITTLE on Blu-ray Disc®. Bursting with laughs, this "perfect family film" (Access Hollywood) soars higher than ever in this breathtaking new format! When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Be part of the excitement as Chicken Little and his hysterical band of misfit friends hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion. Marvel at the sights and sounds of this outrageous tale, presented in astonishing 1080p and spectacular 5.1 48 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio. The sky's the limit with Blu-ray™ High Definition!

Customer Reviews:

Where's the 3D?.......2007-04-01

Having just seen Disney's "Meet the Robinsons" in the astounding new Disney Digital 3D process, I'm a little taken aback that The Mouse missed the chance to release "Chicken Little" in 3D. I understand this movie had a limited run (80 screens?) as a Disney Digital 3D presentation last year. So where's the DD3D DVD?

I grew up during the 3D craze of the early 1950's, and I'm here to tell you Disney Digital is the real deal. The old red/green system never came close to producing a watchable image, even in black and white, let alone color. With Disney Digital I saw a bright, clear, totally colorful 3-dimensional image so good I quickly forgot I was wearing the new polarizing glasses. In terms of technical visual process, "Meet the Robinsons" is the same sort of giant leap forward we had with "Toy Story" in the '90s, "The Abyss" in the '80s, and "Star Wars" in the '70s. I'm eagerly looking forward to "Meet the Robinsons" as a 3D Blu-ray offering later this year. Disney has once again set a new standard in film making.

In the meantime, I can't wait to see what Robert Rodriguez does when he gets his grubby mits on this process. His recent "Spy Kids 3D" and "Shark Boy and Lava Girl" were worthy 3D efforts, but they were based on the old two-color technology and were well nigh unwatchable in 3D. Wouldn't surprise at all me to see a "Sin City 3D" (in the digital process) exploding out of cineplex screens sometime next year.

Before that we will have Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" retooled in DD3D for this coming Hallowe'en. Woo hoo! The 3D trailer showing with "Robinsons" is amazing!

Question.......2007-02-19

I am curious, what is the difference between the blu-ray and the regular dvd?Does the blu-ray still work in the regular dvd player?Thank you.

Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu - Complete Collection

Average customer rating:

One of the best anime
Okay, what the heck!!
Too short...
lighthearted fun
over the top

Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu - Complete Collection
Starring: Full Metal Panic Fumoffu
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Anime | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02
Full Metal Panic! Second Raid - Tactical Ops 03
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Starter Set
Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 04

ASIN: B000J3FBW0
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Amazon.com

The popular broadcast series Full Metal Panic (2002) began as a rambunctious mixture of mecha, magical girl and high school romance genres.Student council vice-president Kaname Chidori was a "Whispered," an individual whose untapped psi powers made her a target for sinister organizations. To protect her, the anti-terrorist mercenary corps Mithril sent Sergeant Sousuke Sagara to Jindai High, where his military bearing, hair-trigger reflexes, and extreme literal-mindedness always got him into trouble. For the second season, Fumoffu, the filmmakers dropped the mecha and magical girl elements to focus on the mismatched romance between Kaname and Sosuke, with hilarious results. When a girl leaves him a love note, Sosuke notices his locker has been tampered with and blows up the bank of lockers; when he gets stuck in line at the cafeteria, he fires off a pistol and shouts out his order. Sousuke infiltrates a local amusement park by disguising himself in a plush walk-around suit of their mascot Bonta-kun, who looks like a giant hamster. The martial arts attacks make a wonderful foil for the character's super-cuteness, and the result is like watching Hamtaro go postal. Kaname, who temper makes Yosemite Sam look serene, screams at Sousuke and belts him with an outsized paper fan. Voice actors Chris Patton and Luci Christian make Sousuke and Kaname the funniest anime couple since Ranma Saotome met Akane Tendo. The character-driven slapstick and take-no-prisoners silliness may remind American viewers of old Hollywood cartoons. (Rated TV PG V: comic violence, nudity, alcohol and tobacco use, risqué humor, including real and fake profanity)--Charles Solomon

Description

Otaku lvoe Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU Whereas the first Full Metal Panic! Series was a sci-fi drama with flashes of comedy, FUMOFFU doesn't even pretend to be serieous! Action-packed and full of laughs, FUMOFFU is a must-have for any anime fan!

Customer Reviews:

One of the best anime.......2007-06-20

This anime is hilarious and intelligent. Compared to more serious animes, such as the original FMP, this one has a much better replay value. It is funny time and again, and you will want to show it to your friends and watch it again with them.

Okay, what the heck!!.......2007-05-13

I bought this series on good faith, I love FMP (both the 1st and the...3rd?). Anyway, this is such a different series than the 1st series that i was a little caught off gaurd. Ultamitely, i found that after about 2 episodes my girlfriend and i lost interest...So, long story short, i would not suggest buying this.

Too short..........2007-05-05

I agree with others here...

If you have seen the original you will enjoy this...

Soske is clueless... and it (painfully) reminds me of how I just missed my dream girl, as a youth, because I just "didn't get it!".

It is quite fun and is worth watching! Both for the quality animation and the silliness that comes from the clash of cultures...

Worth the buy!

My only real beef with this... to darn short!

lighthearted fun.......2007-04-30

ok, we all know what the first series was like? if not read the reviews. well, this Fumoffu series from FMP is different. remember the funny things that happened in the highschool during the first series? well this second series is all about the funny highschool stuff. very little mecha, but tons of laughs!

over the top.......2007-04-24

Fumoffu is hilarious! Only Sagara would think of blowing up the locker to destroy a love letter or a challenge to a dual(martial art style). Lots of laughs and a six foot plushie? What's not to like.

Panic in the Year Zero/The Last Man on Earth

Average customer rating:

One good, one OK
Great stuff
The post apocalyptic world is not a pretty place
Last Man
Last Man Standing(I don't know what that's supposed to mean)

Panic in the Year Zero/The Last Man on Earth
Starring: Franca Bettoia , Antonio Corevi , Christi Courtland , Emma Danieli , and Carolyn De Fonseca
Director: Ubaldo Ragona
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000787YOA
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Amazon.com

Vincent Price gives an atypically restrained performance as the sole survivor of a worldwide plague that revives its victims as bloodthirsty vampires. During the day, he canvasses his abandoned hometown, tracking down and stalking his former friends and neighbors, always making sure to return before nightfall, when the dead rise to assault his fortified house. Hope arrives in the form of an apparently normal young woman (Franca Bettoia), but her agenda proves to be even more sinister than that of the vampires.

Based on the 1954 novel by coscripter Matheson (whose displeasure with the final product spurred the use of a pseudonym), this Italian-made production is best known for its influence on George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. The similarities between the two films go beyond the presence of shuffling zombies and housebound heroes; both feature taboo-breaking scenes of interfamilial murder, and both end on bleak, dystopian notes. While The Last Man on Earth lacks the political and darkly satirical shadings (and graphic gore) that make Night of the Living Dead a more memorable experience, the combination of Bava-esque Gothic atmosphere and bleak, documentary-style camerawork by directors Ragona and Salkow (the brother of Price's agent Lester Salkow) lend themselves to moments of pure frisson that compare laudably to Romero's film. Matheson's novel also provided the source material for the awkward 1971 Charlton Heston vehicle The Omega Man. A planned third version, helmed by Ridley Scott and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was shut down in its earliest stages due to skyrocketing budget costs. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

One good, one OK.......2007-06-14

"Panic in the Year Zero" is an outstanding movie. It is as timely today as it was when made. "The Last Man on Earth" is OK and Vincent Price carries the day. It did show its European production style with a lot of fits and starts and no smoothness in continuity.

Buy the set for "Panic in the Year Zero" which is thought-provoking and a good survival primer. Watch "The Last Man on Earth" on a rainy day.

Great stuff.......2007-05-26

I remember seeing Panic when I was just a little (like maybe eight or nine years old) kid. It was on TV and I thought it was great. Having watched it now, as an adult and having grown up during the Cold War, I see just how great it really was. In a sense, it was visionary in its portrayal of society's reaction to a nuclear attack. Miland's performance was incredible as were the other actors in the film. Add to that fact that Miland also directed this film and I believe it truly shows the man's talents and genius. Yes, there was a level of nostalgia for me as I watched it, but the film points to some very significant issues that I feel we all need to address.

I have not yet watched Last Man but will do so soon.

The post apocalyptic world is not a pretty place.......2007-02-26

I bought this(these) movies basically because I enjoy the MGM Midnite series(bringing you b-movies gems of the past at a decent price).
Panic in the yEar Zero is a good/alright movie-it's the first movie that Ray Milland directed, and it was written by Jay Simms,who also wrote the cult favorite "Creation Of The Humanoids".
The real reason I bought this was to get a decent print of "The Last Man On Earth"-written by Richard Matheson(under a pen name of Logan Swanson).
There are other print on dvd around (and probably a lot cheaper too)but this is a great print, and as a extra BONUS there's an video interview with Richard Matheson as well.

Last Man.......2007-02-16

I really just bought this for "The Last Man on Earth". For years I have picked up various copies of this movie only to be disappointed by the quality of the picture and sound. When I saw this MGM version I bought it and hoped for the best. I can honestly tell you this is the best version I have seen. Fantastic sounds and picture for a 40 year old movie. Based on the Matheson novel "I Am Legend", this movie is a must for Price fans and fans of the vampire/zombie genre. Panic in the Year Zero is really just a bonus for me. I had never seen the movie. Though it is very dated, I guess it was quite racey for the times, and probably very scary with the Cuban Missle crisis right around the corner. This film is of nice quality as well. This is well worth the asking price.

Last Man Standing(I don't know what that's supposed to mean).......2007-02-02

I received this movie in a very timely manner and it was in great condition. The DVD looked like it was transferred directly from the film itself. It was grainy and had that old theater quality,which at first I was a little annoyed by, but as the movie continued, it sort of made everything a little more authentic, like listening to a record on vinyl.

The movie itself was a mixed bag. Anything with Vincent Price is at least worth a look, and this movie served as not only a very close adaptation of a well known story(I am Legend by Richard Matheson) now under production at a major studio, but as a direct inspiration for one of the best horror films ever-Night of the Living Dead. All those facts about the movie peaked my interest and I was very excited to be able to see it. I came away from the experience satisfied, if a tad underwhelmed.

The plot of the movie revolves around a plague that has devastated the world population. All the victims of the disease die, then return as a weak strain of vammpire. We're not talking abuot typical vampires though, they have all the weaknesses but none of the strengths. They're physically weak, and their brains function at minimal capacity. Vincent Price plays a man who is apparently the only surviving member of humanity. By day he wanders the streets collecting supplies and finding the vampires resting places and killing them. By night he holes up in his barricaded house and waits out the inevitable attempts to break in by an ever growing grouop of the undead, one of which was an old friend. In the last quarter of the movie, he stumbles upon another survivor who is not what she appears.

The pluses of the movie are several, Vincent Price being one as his performance oozes a quiet desperation and his excitement at finding someone else alive is palpable. He has the weight of carrying the film and does so wonderfully. The night attacks have a great creepiness about them and you can definatly see a direct link to NOTLD in these scenes. The biggest difference being the fact that these living dead creatures talk. One of them(Vincents characters friend) pounds away endlessly at the barred window calling his name over and over in a dry, monotone wail. Its a great spooky moment. The scenes during the day are well done too. Showing the monotony of having his set routine planned out every day and there are several striking images, most namely a giant fire pit that burns constantly giving him a place to dispose of bodies. The shortcomings of the movie however almost balance out the good stuff. the movie is a little dated and the acting of most of the secondary characters(primarily introdcued in flashback) verge on cheesy in that old Hollywood Melodramatic vain. Scenes of Mr Price and his family(who contacted the disease) vary from forced to heartbraking as Mr Price has to deal with watching his daughter die. For the most part though these scenes are a little overexplanatory and sometimes unnecessary. These scenes provide some of the main frustration with the movie, portraying the bleakness and hopelessness of the story but done with clunky overbearing acting, along with that old hollywood opinion that audiences can't figure things out for themselves, so explain,explain,explain. Mr Price has several voiceovers at the beginning of the movie as well that seem extraneous. His voiceovers when used as a tool to set up the story and portray his lonliness work very nicely, but when used to illustrate very simple points the really don't need verbalization, become very frustrating very quickly.

All in all though,if you like classic horror and if you want to see an old school end of the world flick that has the guts to tack on a bleak ending that most movies of that era wouldn't, you could do alot worse.

Full Metal Panic! Second Raid - Tactical Ops 03

Average customer rating:

Yay.
Very Sad and Dark
FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST (PLUS OVERALL STORY OVERVIEW)!!!

Full Metal Panic! Second Raid - Tactical Ops 03
Starring: Tomokazu Seki , Satsuki Yukino , Daisuke Namikawa , Akio Ôtsuka , and Shinichirô Miki
Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
Manufacturer: Funimation Prod
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 04
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Starter Set
Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu - Complete Collection
Ah! My Goddess Season 2, Vol. 1: Reunited and It Feels So Good

ASIN: B000JJ4WF6
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Amazon.com

The pace quickens, the action intensifies, and the tone darkens as the third season of Full Metal Panic! starts building to its climax. Kaname uses every trick she can come up with--and a few she learned from Sousuke--to expose the individuals who have been stalking her. Away from her familiar high school setting, she proves resilient and inventive, outwitting the Mithril agent who's replaced Sousuke as her guard. But she can't kill the Chinese assassin and has to be rescued by an unlikely knight-errant: Commander Testarossa's brother Leonard and his mecha-body guards. As Kaname discovers untapped inner reserves in dangerous situations, Sousuke is running on empty. Unable to concentrate on his assignment as a mecha pilot combating an unknown foe in Hong Kong, he fails to fulfill his orders for the first time in his life. Disheartened and distracted, he walks away, into the unknown. (Rated TV 14: violence, violence against women, profanity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Description

The Fan Favorite For Sci-Fi Action Franchise Continues!

Tensions are at an all-time high as the world spins rapidly out of control. Kaname is left alone when Souske disappears from class, and this time he seems to be gone for good. The spunky Whispered may be a survivor, but how much can one high school girl survive? Meanwhile civil wars looms around the corner as a rogue AS decimates entire city blocks in Hong Kong. The SRT searches the fractured city for clues as to the origin of this new threat, while Sousuke rushes to master his nerve and the Arbalest both... Time is running out on peace!

Loaded with DVD Extras:

3 Japanese Audio Episode Commentaries

2 Behind the Scenes Documentaries

Customer Reviews:

Yay........2007-03-29

I got my movie sooner than expected. It was in a new like condition. Very nice and thanks!

Very Sad and Dark.......2007-03-14

No, I am not saying that this was a horrible disc and you shouldn't buy it. I am saying this because all three episodes on this disc are very gloomy. I will give a quick summary of each episode.

Episode 8:
After Sousuke is giving orders to stop protecting Kaname Chidori and return back to the Tuatha de Danaan (or TDD-1), he is in for a rude awakening. First, he stops by to see the submarine commander Teletha Testarossa (Tessa for short) who pretty much tells him that she gave the green light for Sousuke to return to the submarine-which means stop guarding Chidori-and start piloting the Arbalest full-time. Sousuke in his usual way disagrees, but doesn't come right out and say it. This causes Tessa for an outburst (tears included) and Sousuke just clamps up. From there, Sousuke meets his new Lieutenant and fails horribly at the test the new Lieutenant gave him.

Episode 9:
Switch back to Kaname and see how she's doing. Well, she starts to suspect that someone is following her and decides to man up (or girl up in her case) and confront them. After getting a hotel room with a complete and total stranger, she gets to meet Mithril Intelligence Agent "Wraith"(F.Y.I. this "guy" is actually a girl). Wraith then tells her yes, she has been following her, but so as someone else. Enter Xia Yu Lan, the younger twin, who shoots Wraith and goes after Kaname. She attempts to kill Kaname, but fails after falling for an old trick in the book. Then enter Leonard Testarossa, Tessa's brother and a fellow Whispered. He orders his bodyguard (mini-AS) to kill Xia Yu Lan. And finally, he does the stupidest thing any guy could ever do-kiss Kaname on the lips...which leads to him getting slapped. And Kaname having a breakdown because Sousuke wasn't there to comfort her...like usual

Episode 10:
Mitrhril is sent to Hong Kong to stop a rogue AS unit. (You get background on Melissa Mao) After reviewing possible scenarios, Mithril orders Melissa and her comrades on a very simple-yet tedious-mission: Search for the AS...not fun. Anyway, Melissa teams up with Sousuke, as they are passing through various checkpoints, Sousuke screws up royally by not focusing on the road (rather on his situation) and causes a traffic accident. Luckily, the AS shows up, kills a few guys and runs. Melissa and Sousuke get back in the van, with Melissa telling Sousuke that she doesn't wanna be responsible for his death and needs to man up. But instead of the usual Sousuke accepting the situation for what it is, he says okay and gets out of the van. Leaving the viewer (you) with a very simple question: What is Sousuke going to do?

Overall, I think I would have to say that this DVD is very dark compared to the other two. But it is a must buy because you get to see Tessa reveal how she feels about the "love triangle", Kaname finally revealing how she feels about Sousuke, and Sousuke finally realizing that though being a solider is great,its nice to have someone in your life who cares about you for WHO you are, not WHAT you are...

FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST (PLUS OVERALL STORY OVERVIEW)!!!.......2007-02-07

To begin with, I will try to give a detailed and overall plot summary of the entire series -as much as it is possible- without giving to many spoilers away but SPOILERS WILL BE INCLUDED! Therefore, if you don't want to be given anything away to you, than do not read further.

First of all, as I described the first season this series have something for everyone and I do recommend them to anyone!

To the story:

First of all, the story starts where the first season ended (with a few `modifications' made). The anime begins with Mithril being involved in military attacks in the Baltic region while its leader has acquired advanced weaponry technology anti-ECS missile (missile able to detect systems with ECS invisibility). In order to protect hellicopters filled with refuges Sousuke must use the the Arbalest's Lambda Driver, which he still tries to learn how to control. Later on, the viewer will be introduced to the main villain of the series, Gates, who is a member of an organization called Amalgam and basically opposes Mithril and was the one which provided the leader of the Baltic nation with the advanced weaponry. We are also introduced to Xia Yu Fan and Xia Yu Lan, twin sisters who we later learn were raised by Gauron.
After a school side-story, the next mission takes us to Nanjiing, so that Mithri can safe hostages. There, Mao wil hide between the hostages by pretending she is one of them, will have to fight against Xia Yu Lan; Kurz Weber (who is piloting the only Zy-98 Shadow-type Arm Slave in the battle) will have to fight against Xia Yu Fan and Sousuke (who asked to take a M9 instead of Arbalest was denied because he is the only one who can operate the Arbalest and the Lambda Driver) will be left alone with the unreliable Lambda driver to deal with Gates, who is operating a Venom-type Arm Slave. During this battles we will also witness some betray going on (sorry guys, if I say more I will take the suspense away).

Yet, we should also not forget that a love-story between the two main protagonists is going on which will become apparent during Sousuke's constant absences from school and that Kaname becomes worried about him in many aspects; while Mao will start to worry about him as well. Sousuke, starts to reflect upon his own feelings about Kaname and would prefer to remain a student by her side instead of being a soldier etc. Furthermore, and going through various `misinterpretations' that Sousuke Sagara usually does, Kaname and him get closer and he realizes how much Kaname is depending on him. The specific episode ends when Sousuke (who is beginning to realize his feelings for Kaname) is ordered to withdraw from guarding Kaname immediately, with all guard duties being entrusted to another agent, codenamed "Wraith."
After being called back, Sousuke falls into a slight depression, not wanting to pilot the Arbalest and wishing he were back at Jindai High. We are introduced to the new Uruz-1, Lieutenant Belfangan Groseaux. He tests Sousuke's ability with the Arbalest, a test Sousuke fails miserably. Meanwhile Kaname is becoming increasingly suspicious that someone is following her. She discovers that Sousuke has left for good and realizes she is now completely alone. She decides to find out who is following her, and through a series of events discovers Wraith, who informs her that aside from himself, someone else seems to be following her. We discover this person is Xia Yu Lan, the younger twin. She shoots Wraith and then attacks Kaname. Kaname escapes, but is pursued and manages to surprise Yu Lan and shoot her with a Taser. After this she is met by Leonard Testarossa, Tessa's brother and a fellow Whispered. He is an agent of Amalgam and has orders to kill Yu Lan. He orders one of his bodyguards (a miniature AS unit) to kill her. When this is done he expresses that he seems to have fallen in love with Kaname and steals her first kiss, which infuriates her. In exchange for her forgiveness, Leonard allows her to take back Wraith who seems to still be alive.
To make the long story short the viewer will follow the Mithril team to another mission, this time in Hong Kong, in which power games and betrays will go on and someone is piloting an AS unit eqiuped with a Lamda Driver as well. In terms of `performance' Sousuke will hit rock bottom and fails completely because he cannot concentrate due to reoccurring thoughts of Kaname. These distraction eventually cause him to crash the vehicle he is driving. Mao tells him she won't work with him unless he can focus. Sousuke realizes he can't and abandons the mission. Meanwhile tensions between North and South China force Mithril to order an assault on the enemy AS before it is found. While they battle the AS, Sousuke wanders through Hong Kong, eventually meeting a Chinese Woman who resembles Chidori. He goes with her to her apartment, most likely to have sex, but due to her appearance thoughts of Chidori constantly fill his mind; (don't worry, He decides to leave) ending up wandering in the streets and meets an old enemy who amongst other things tells him that Kaname died. Sousuke kills him, this time for good. Meanwhile, Mithril is in great need of Sousuke and Tessa orders that Sousuke is been send the Arbalest so that he can rejoin the team and defeat the enemy; but, his will to fight is gone. Without Kaname he is lost.
As Sousuke tries to leave he is confronted with Kaname, who used Wraith to find Sousuke. After beating him up she tells him he needs to pilot the Arbalest and save everyone. Feeling renewed confidence at seeing Kaname alive Souske finally realizes that he is the only one who can pilot the Arbalest and works together with the Al to fully make use of the Lambda Driver.
The final episode, is basically the climax of the show and when the main villain is about to kill everyone Sousuke arrives just in time, makes full use of the Lamda Drive and saves everyone.
The Second Raid ends with Sousuke finally understanding what he wants to do with his life: Pilot the Arbalest for Mithril and attend school with Kaname. He works out a deal with Mithril that allows him to do just that. We are left with both Kaname and Sousuke having realized their feelings for each other, but neither of them being able to admit it.

Now, a few details about the series besides the story:
- It is 13 episodes long but fully pacted with action, the viewer will go through an emotional rolercoaster, has many twists, solid story and is by far the strongest season of all three.
- The animation is even upgraded when comparing it with the first season
- Music and dub are perfectly orchestrated
- As for the price, a logical concern to everyone, well, it is the typical as the usuall price of anime (the price spectrum usually varies between 23 - 29 dollars.)

To sum up, if you liked the first and second season, than this one is defenitely highly recommended for you.

I hope that I could help ^_^

Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02

Average customer rating:

Awesome!
FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST (PLUS OVERALL STORY OVERVIEW)!!!
SOUSUKE WILL KILL FOR A HAIRCUT

Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 02
Starring: Tomokazu Seki , Satsuki Yukino , Daisuke Namikawa , Akio Ôtsuka , and Shinichirô Miki
Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
Manufacturer: Funimation Prod
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

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Full Metal Panic! Second Raid - Tactical Ops 03
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Starter Set
Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid - Tactical Ops 04
Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu - Complete Collection
Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection

ASIN: B000JJ4WEW
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Amazon.com

Multiple plot lines split off as the third season of Full Metal Panic! continues. The mercenary corps Mithril faces internecine quarrels as its leaders cope with a double agent. Melissa and Kurz go into action for the first time this season, with some help from Sousuke--although it keeps him from studying for midterms. Sousuke and Kaname get a rare, intimate moment when she gives him a much-needed haircut (after he nearly shoots up a salon). Mithril orders Sousuke to abandon the mission to protect Kaname: the sinister-sounding Wraith will assume that duty and Sousuke will return to piloting the super-mecha Arbalest. For the first time in his life, Sousuke is torn between obeying orders and genuine emotions. Kaname panics after passing one of the Chinese assassin sisters in the street, then discovers Sousuke has disappeared. The extras include more footage of location-scouting in Hong Kong and commentaries from some of the Japanese voice actors. (Rated TV 14: violence, violence against women, profanity, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Description

More Metal, More Panic! With a traitor in hiding, Mithni goes on the hunt. One crashed party and a high-speed gunfight later, the turncoat's information has the mercenary group abuzz. There's a new threat to world peace: Amalgam., an unknown element with advanced mech technology, this mysterious organization has been running things from behind the scenes. As dissension spreads throughout the ranks of the Mithni, Sosuke faces his own internal struggle. Spread thin between schoolwork and war, the powers that be have decided to lighten his load...beginning with Kanamel. Even loyalty has its limits!

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2007-02-28

Not much to say- much better than the first disc. If you liked any other Full Metal Panic, you should like this one. Fantastic!

FULL METAL PANIC! THE SECOND RAID TOP'S THE REST (PLUS OVERALL STORY OVERVIEW)!!! .......2007-02-07

SOUSUKE WILL KILL FOR A HAIRCUT .......2007-01-24

Last volume, a lot of Mithril agents bit the dust and now it's payback time as Mao and Kurz team up to hunt down and capture the traitor in their midst who is now hiding with a Mafia don in Italy. Sousuke has to break from his midterm exams and Chidori's constant castigations to rescue the two from the busted result. Another organization, named Amalgam, was behind the attacks in Volume 2 and the viewer already knows that its psychotic leader wants to get his hands on the Arbalest. But Mithril only finds out about Amalgam now and is quite divided on how to deal with the situation, especially because they don't know how or if more of it's own agents have switched sides. This is what happens when you buy loyalty with money, since in the end, Mithril is a mercenary group. One topic under discussion is taking Sousuke away from his guard duty of Chidori!

I felt this second volume was a little more balanced between its serious and comedic sides than the first installment even though it sometimes melded the comic absurd with brief moments of intense gore. Or maybe I'm just getting reused to the style of the first season. I love this show in all its incarnations so far but the frosting on the cake happens in the best 6 or 7 minutes of all the series when Chidori gives Sousuke a haircut after he almost kills a hairstylist at a fancy salon. It's just her and Sousuke alone, and there is such a gentleness as she touches his hair and you can tell he completely trusts her....who am I kidding? You can tell he completely loves her, and she loves him! It's scenes such as these that you hardly see in any form of film, be it live action or animated. Beautiful. This is a great show, but why only THREE episodes per disk now? Seems like a bit of money grubbing. You're paying around $7 per episode which is a bit steep. They should have released the series on 3 dvds instead of 4 to give the consumer more value for his money.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Fatal Needles, Fatal Fists

Brotherhood of the Wolf

Parent Trap [2 Discs] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Action Pack ( Big Trouble In Little China / Fight Club

Chocky