Re: Thanks for the info; I'll have to check that one out. (nt)

Posted by Pam (A) on December 27, 2004 at 04:06:47

In Reply to: Thanks for the info; I'll have to check that one out. (nt) posted by Audiophilander on December 27, 2004 at 00:31:59:

My review on Amazon.com goes something like:

The photography, costume and effects seem a bit more polished and the actors seemed to have relaxed more into their roles than in the first movie.

As for the story itself: Our legendary hero, Abe no Seimei, and companion, Hiromasa, become involved in the legend of the power struggle between the Yamato line and the Izumo line, for control of the government, and the legends of Susano-o-no-Mikoto, his sister Amaterasu Omikami and the Ame-no-murakumo-no-tsurugi (the famous sword that was later called The Kusinagi or "grass cutter" sword that is now part of the imperial regalia). Those with an interest in the Heian history, costume and legends should really enjoy this film.

I picked up the R1 version to compare with the R2 version:
The R1 is a single disk that includes the Dolby track but not the DTS, and the "making of" segment. It also includes an English dub track (curled my teeth but then I'm picky) and the subs are in a slightly larger, and maybe easier to read, font but is a different translation than the original sub, though similar, I liked the wording of the original better.

The R2 version is a 2 disk set with both DD and DTS tracks. The menu selections are in Japanese but have faint English wording next to them as well so you won't get lost. There is a small cellophane package inside the disk that contains a pewter onmyodo charm wrapped in heavy paper. The English subs are white and a bit smaller than the R1 disk but I feel that they are worded better. The 2nd disk is full of extras including theater openings with the cast, the "making of" segment, interviews with the cast members and a film tour of the historic sites around Izumo and Kyoto that were used in the making of the film. The extras don't have subs and sure made me wish I could read kanji.

The R2 is 6000 yen or about $60.00 so you'll have to decide if the extra cost is worth it.

Abe no Seimei lived between 926 and 1005 and worked in the govt. office of divination and it is recorded that he saved Fujiwara no Michinaga's life and was an exeptionally good onmyodo. Legend has it that his mother was a kitsune (fox-spirit/demon), thus the fox references in the movies. A lot of records were lost in the last 1,000 years or so, so the relationship between the Yamato clan and the Izumo clan is kind of obscure, but it is an interesting interpretation (the anime "Eight Clouds Rising" has a different interpretation). And here is an intersting archaeolgical tidbit

ancient Izumo temple (Open in New Window)

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Best DVD picks of the year: - Audiophilander 10:12:38 12/26/04 (17)

The Guess Who: Running Back To Canada? Puuleeze! - Duilawyer 15:22:39 12/27/04 (3)

Have you seen this DVD? It really rocks and Burton's voice isn't at all bad. - Audiophilander 16:30:31 12/27/04 (2)

I heard the audio, and yes, BC's voice is that bad. - Duilawyer 21:20:28 12/27/04 (1)

I still think that you're being waaaaay too critical. - Audiophilander 22:15:42 12/27/04 (0)

Ruminations on ROTK - yo mama 07:24:02 12/27/04 (2)

While I differ with you, I compliment your fair and reasonable appraisal. - Audiophilander 13:01:48 12/27/04 (0)

Re: Ruminations on ROTK - PCL 11:54:36 12/27/04 (0)

Re: Best DVD picks of the year: - PdL 13:35:09 12/26/04 (2)

Festival Express question - TA 19:09:36 12/26/04 (1)

Re: Festival Express question - PdL 23:37:19 12/26/04 (0)

Re: Best DVD picks of the year: - Dalton 12:52:06 12/26/04 (1)

Well, let's take a look at your tastes, or lack thereof. Oh, that's right, you didn't list any. - Audiophilander 00:29:57 12/27/04 (0)

Re: Best DVD picks of the year: - Pam 12:49:27 12/26/04 (3)

Thanks for the info; I'll have to check that one out. (nt) - Audiophilander 00:31:59 12/27/04 (2)

Re: Thanks for the info; I'll have to check that one out. (nt) - Pam 04:06:47 12/27/04 (1)

Re: P.S. - Pam 04:21:12 12/27/04 (0)

PS: Correction - Audiophilander 10:27:25 12/26/04 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: Thanks for the info; I'll have to check that one out. (nt) - Pam 04:06:47 12/27/04 (1)

Re: P.S. - Pam 04:21:12 12/27/04 (0)

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