Review by D
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Ponyo on the CliffFujioka Fujimaki & Nozomi OhashiSo catchy!
What an adorable song! It's very uplifting and catchy - it was stuck in my head for days! It reminds me a bit of Totoro's theme so I wonder if this film is trying to or will recreate the same essence? Either way, the song is very nice and will make you smile.
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Trick -Theatrical Version- [Regular Edition]Japanese MovieGreat
This film was my first foray into the world of "Trick" and I'm very pleased. The story was interesting, the script was very funny and clever, and the chemistry between the two main characters were great. It's advisable to watch the TV series prior to seeing this film since the film is for those familiar with it. However, it's not necessary to do so to see the movie, which is why I like it so much. You can get glimpses of the characters' relationships or the quirks of their everyday life because they "re-introduce" them in the film. I also appreciate how the script, though funny, is a bit more dramatic than the TV series; there was not that much slap-stick or repetitive comedy. If you enjoyed the "Trick" series then this film is one not to be missed.
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Love Is Beautiful [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]GLAYGood album
After Glay's release of "HEAVY GAUGE" in 1999, many of the songs on the following albums sounded too alike or had only slight differentiations. So, "Love Is Beautiful" is actually a welcome because a good portion of the tracks vary in sound and material (songs like "SCREAM" or "World's End" for instance). I also like how they've coupled with other artists like as Kyosuke Himuro, who has a style all on his own but blends well with the Glay team. Despite many of tracks are singles, the other original songs are great to listen to. A good buy for any Glay fan.
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Movie Dobutsu no Mori Original SoundtrackOriginal SoundtrackAnimal Crossing
If you enjoyed the peaceful melodies and tunes in Animal Crossing then this is a great buy. A lot of the BGM heard while playing the game is on this soundtrack with a few original additions (such as "Tanuki Shouten"). You may find yourself recognizing and smiling along to many of the songs. However, this is also a downside; many of the tunes are taken directly from the game (to be used in the movie) so many of the songs, which are more like jingles, are incredibly short - some are around 20 seconds and some are around 50 seconds. However, if this doesn't bother you then you'll find yourself in love with the soundtrack.
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Sachiko Kobayashi Zenkyoku Shu - HarusemiSachiko KobayashiGreat album
This was the first Kobayashi album I've ever bought and I do not regret it. Has some of her popular songs and other tracks (my favorites being "Moshi ka Shite Part II," "Shiawase," "Omoide Zake," "Haha Hitori" and many more). Kobayashi's sing-song voice is unique because she has great control over vocal vibration while maintaining a smooth and even distribution. In the sense that the the way she sings certain songs emits her comical and lovable personality - yet she can be serious and sorrowful too. A really great buy.
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"Tsuya" - Otona no onna ni naru tame no must itemV.A.Excellent
This is just a great compilation...not only does it have a cover drawn by the popular mangaka Ai Yazawa, but it also contains popular female artists singing some of their best hits (such as Sayuri Ishikawa, Teresa Teng, or Princess Princess). Most of these songs very classic sounding...from the 80's to 90's I assume. Since most of the songs range from ballad to light pop, this is a great CD to play in general or to relax to. There are also karaoke tracks if you feel like unleashing the songstress in you. This is a highly recommended album if it can be found anymore.
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Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics: CinderellaFamilyYes! In Japanese!
My first encounter with the Grimm's Fairy Tales was sometime in 1992 on the TV network Nickelodeon. They broadcasted quite a few episodes of this series with dubbing (of course) which was pretty great at the time (and, admittedly, even now). But I was thrilled to finally find a few episodes of this show in its native tongue: Japanese. This Cinderella episode was one I never saw in '92, so I'm not sure if there were parts edited out in the US broadcast; but, seeing and hearing the original language and opening and ending themes makes this a great buy. I am only disappointed that there aren't more episodes in a single DVD; regardless, I don't regret his purchase.
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Moon Child (English Subtitles) [Initial pressing only limited release]Japanese MovieNot all just action
Yes, this film does have action elements...many gunfights and spiffy-looking stunts fill a good portion of the film. Yet, I would say this is more drama than action; underneath all the shooting and fighting is a melancholy story about friendship and love with a vampire twist. It was the vampirism theme that drew me to this film so I wasn't sure how the singers, Gackt and Hyde, would fair in their acting. But they did a great job as well as the rest of the cast (and Hyde's Mandarin was pretty impressive). An overall great film.
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Heatguy J: Original Soundtrack -BURN-AnimationFantastic series, fantastic album
What can I say? Even after all these years HeatGuy J remains as one of my favorite series. The album contains the rock themes and haunting instrumentals used throughout the series but the tracks by themselves are well-done and mood-envoking. And the ending theme Kokoro no Sukima is just great.
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Skunk T-shirt (M) SA06310-10201SEX POT ReVeNGeAwesome shirt
I love how CDJapan is stocking more apparel brands...and their newest label, Sex Pot Revenge, is a great addition. This skunk shirt is so appealing because it's cute, cool, unusual...but my favorite reason is because it's different from designs you'd see in the States. Plus, the shirt is so versatile; you can wear it during cold or warm days. My only complaint is the cigarette smoke smell when I first opened the package...but not a problem (or a surprise). Great shirt!
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NANA 2 Original Soundtrack [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Original SoundtrackNeat extras but okay soundtrack
The second soundtrack to the ongoing film NANA, this album is fairly good...however, many of the first album's tracks are repeated in slight variations with only a few additional new instrumentals. This isn't a major problem since the album, as a stand-alone, is nice; but as a follow-up, it's mildy disappointing. The extra DVD was a treat though; it was great to see "music videos" of the two main themes with the old and new cast playing their film counterparts. As for the bonuses, the gloves and hair barrettes are cute and well made, although the barrettes are a bit fragile. Overall, a pretty good buy if you're a real fan.
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Katamari Damacy Soundtrack "Katamari Fortissimo Damacy"Game MusicGreat game, great music
I think "Katamari Damashii" is a fantastic game and I felt it was the catchy music that helped make it even better. I love the varied artists and style, ranging from enka to light jazz. Very excellent album!
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We Love Katamari- Original Soundtrack: Katamari wa DamacyGame MusicSame great tunes
The sequel's music, though not as catchy as the first, is still great and still wonderful to listen to. Some of the songs are uplifting, like "Katamari on the Swing" and some are very relaxing, like "Angel Rain." Great album, if you're a lover of music and fan of the game, this album is a must-buy!
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Nana Standard EditionJapanese MovieGood Film
This was a good film that summed up the first few chapters of the manga, but being a fan of the manga, I felt the film didn't cover everything as it should. I think the cast is pretty good, especially Oosaki, Nana and Yasu, and the music is very nice, especially Ito, Yuna's "Endless Story" which went well with the particular scene in the movie. Good film, but it could've been better.
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-Ballad Best Singles-WHITE ROADGLAYGlay is the best
I've been a Glay fan forever and nearly all their albums are great...I really love how they released this collection with all of their best ballad songs. Some of the songs are from recent years, such as "Aitai Kimochi", while others are from their older days, such as "Beloved." It's enjoyable to hear Teru's, the vocalist, vocal growth and change over the years and listening to "White Road" helps compare the differences. Wonderful album.