Review by LainEverliving

If there was a better animated film of 2007, I have yet to see it. The new Evangelion movie is the ultimate treat for both new and returning fans, featuring fantastic animation, wonderful music, and the same classic Evangelion feeling the world has come to love. Written by creator Hideaki Anno, the script covers the first 6 episodes of the TV series, with some differences. The real highlight is the animation, which is completely redone. Chief Animation Director Shunji Suzuki's visual production vastly surpass the original, and nearly all other animated films, and the overwhelming use of CGI makes the package all the more stunning. All the original cast members return, and Megumi Ogata is again brilliant as the troubled Shinji Ikari, even occasionally outdoing her original performance. The music, which features some new songs by Shiro Sagisu, is also excellent. But the film's most incredible moments are in the final half hour, during the truly spectacular battle against the 5th Angel. If the sequence does not leave you breathless, you weren't breathing to begin with. Hideaki Anno and directors Kazuya Tsurumaki and Masayuki have created the ultimate Evangelion. Don't miss it!

All too often, anime music videos fall through the cracks and don't get the notice they deserve. However, it's impossible not to notice CLAMP in Wonderland if you ever get the chance to see it. This collection of two videos (one produced back in 1995, the other just this year) is a CLAMP fan's dream come true: the chance to see almost all your favorite characters together (including many, like those from Legal Drug, that have never been animated before!). The first video features some nice traditional animation (Chobits director Morio Asaka directed it) while focusing mostly on earlier characters (RG Veda and Rayearth make prominent appearences), while the second is full of top-notch animation and the latest digital effects. Animation studio Madhouse is at the top of their game here. There's also some good humor (fans of X will like the dueling scene in the second video). I got the first-press version with the artbook, which is really wonderful. Even without the book, though, the animation and catchy songs are more than enough to satisfy. If you're a fan of CLAMP, Studio Madhouse, or good music videos, this is a must purchase! Now go out there and grab it, or Mokona will cry!

Managing to speak volumes about the mood of the film it accompanies without any of the visual flaims that animation itself can provide, Tsuneyoshi Saito deserves praise for his soundtrack to the film addaptation of CLAMP's popular 'xxxHOLiC' manga series. Having not seen the film myself but being a big fan of the manga, I had high hopes on ordering the soundtrack that if nothing else it would prove a good listen and perhaps a sonic backdrop to my manga readings. Now that I've actually heard the album, I must say that not only am I impressed, but most hopefull indeed for the overall film. If it can match the music in the story, visuals, and acting, it's sure to be a strong offering. The soundtrack itself is filled with piano and strings, and at times bears a resemblance to Joe Hisashi's work on 'Spirited Away,' so for fans of that soundtrack, consider this a mysterious version in miniature. Rather than having a loud or imposing sound, the melodies seem quite suited to the haunted and abandoned house the film is set in and are ethereal as Yuko's pipe smoke. Do yourself a treat, and pick this up. It's wonderful background music, and as a soundtrack, I can't recommend it highly enough.

As has become the norm with Gackt's yearly Platinum Box offerings, a collection of music videos and behind-the-scenes footage comes packaged with a solid and attractive metal tin in a hard box that stands up better to handling and wear than those used previously. Of the music videos, all are good and several are excellent (most especially "Last Song"). What's really special in this set is the rare footage of Gackt performing a Valentines Day concert at the Venus Fort shopping compound in Tokyo. Singing with his usual passion, and accompanied not only by members of the GacktJob but also several classically trained string musicians, this unusual video showcases several of the wonderful songs from Gackt's 'Love Letter' album, which were rarely performed and not filmed anywhere else (with the exception of the title song, performed at the 2005 Christmas live at the Tokyo Dome). If you have a fondness for the 'Love Letter' album, this footage makes the purchase worthwhile just by itself. Also noteworthy is the metal tin tray, which could be used as an ashtray but is far too nice. Combined with the other features, it makes this Platinum Box a wonderful gift for anyone (yourself included!).

As Gackt's first best of collection, 'The Sixth Day' is a sort of summing up of one the career (thusfar) of one of Japan's premiere musicians of all time. Containing songs from the albums 'Mizerable,''Mars,' 'Rebirth,' 'Moon,' and 'Crescent,' a wide selection of Gackt's pop/rock/occasionally classical style available for sampling. Unlike the verisions of the songs on those albums, however, 'The Sixth Day' features (slightly) remixed takes on the tracks, which use all new recordings and some additional minor alternations. Gackt and his band are in their usual top form throughout, with racing guitars and violins the norm, mixed with crystal clear and flawless vocals unlike anyone else. And the varried messages of the songs, ranging from love and lust to sadness, loss, and happiness, are brilliant conveyed through the lyrics. For someone who has not yet indulged in the Gackt Experience, this is a perfect first album to get a feel for him and his music. If you already have all the albums in question, you might find the purchase a bit redundant, but as a collection of wonderful tunes it is not to be passed up. A highly enjoyable album, it may just become your favorite before you know it.

The companion piece to Gackt's first Best Of compilation 'The Sixth Day,' this album features more of Gackt's greatest hits as newly recorded acoustic versions. In a rare deviation from the typical ho-hum alternate versions that most artists turn out, every single song on 'The Seventh Night' easily stands equal with its original, and in some instances, actually above. Featuring some radical changes in orchestration and melody, the songs sound in many cases completely new and have a rich texture to them that makes them have much more soul than a typical 'remix.' In going acoustic, Gackt and company realized that they could create softer and more moving melodies which stand well on their own as unique musical creations. The album also features a wide variety of moods, so that no matter how you feel, you are likely to have something in the music which resonates. Gackt is in top form vocally, and Chachamaru leads up the accoustic playing with considerable tallent. It is hard to pick a favorite song from the album, as they are all wonderful and worthy of attention. All in all, this is a must have for all Gackt fans and a highly recommended title for everyone. You will not be disapointed!

Although many of Gackt's fans have been critical of this album and were dismayed at the lack of his typical rock and pop anthems, this unique collection of beautiful love ballads excellently highlights Gackt's one-of-a-kind beautiful voice and natural ability to convey emotion through his lyrics. As with the ealier compilation album 'The Seventh Night,' which had accoustic versions of some of Gackt's favorites, this album features the delicate accoustic fingering of Chachamaru and the beautiful violin accompaniment of You. Putting on this CD in the background while you are doing other work is a joy, as the soft melodies can help you relax, and the memorable lyrics of several of the songs (especially "Arittake no Ai de") are easy to hum or sing along with. Among the best songs on the album are the aforementioned "Arittake no Ai de," "Tea Cup," and "etude." It is my firm hope that Gackt will in the future try other albums like this one. Not every great song need be a rock song, and with strong offerings like 'DIABOLOS' filling in the harder end, the soft and sensitive songs of 'Love Letter' serve as a moving and beautiful testament to Gackt's unquestionable abilities as an artist.

Once again, Gackt has completely and totally outdone himself with a spectacular tour finale destined to go down in concert legend. Rehersed for over six months, planned for over two years, and costing over five-hundred-million Yen, this one-time-only event is one of the most impressive concerts filmed at the Tokyo Dome, easily ranking with X Japan's famed shows. This year, the show is directed by Gackt newcomer Tomoo Noda (a break from tradition, as previous concerts and tours were directed by veteran Makoto Hasegawa), but stage designer Yoshi Asano, lighting designer/director Ichiro Suzuki, and costume designer h.NAOTO return with on the technical end, ensuring a terrific look. Gackt has also marshalled together most of his dance team from last year, with dance leader Yosh and veteran Siva taking care of the choreography (with assistance from Ega, another multi-year veteran). And of course, Gackt-Job performs with all the spirit they are renouned for. Featuring music largely from the DIABOLOS album, but also from Crescent, Mars, and Love Letter, this is a great mix of absolute top notch songs. Don't hesitate. This is, bar none, THE CONCERT of 2005. Support Gackt, and buy it now!