Alt. Ep. Title: “Butt Pirates, Camel Toes, and Vibrating Catgirls!”

Another attempt to bulk up the Anime Otaku section. A movie that I remember enjoying back in 2003 that I felt like revisiting on Blu-Ray in all its HD glory. Unfortunately, my tolerance for overly dramatic Japanese style angst (often present in JRPGs as well) has decreased significantly over the years. However, when all is said and done I still prefer the movie over the TV series.

Significantly above average animation quality especially when compared to the series. The world of Gaea and its inhabitants were well realized and exciting to behold. Although, the distinctive character designs from Nobuteru Yuki might need some getting used to. Memorable soundtrack score from Yoko Kanno. Solid action scenes that are unfortunately too few and far between for our tastes. The organic design of the dragon armor (Escaflowne) was unique and reminded us of a biological gundam with a cape for that added theatrical flair. The one dimensional characters ranged from forgettable (Hitomi) to downright annoying (Dilandou). Overall, a worthwhile rental for fans of fantasy anime but not much more than that.

The Hard Cast is trying desperately not to fade away into angst ridden confusion and we need your help to Escape-A-Flow from Mesopotamia before the camel toe on camel toe action begins. Oh yeah, and Happy Mother’s Day!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 6.25
  
• -VICTOR: 6.5
  
• -SPANISH: 6 or 5.9.5
  

Episode Length: 35:55
Escaflowne Movie Trailer
Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Escaflowne: The Movie [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Escaflowne – The Movie (DVD)
Amazon: Escaflowne: TV Series Collection
 
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Alt. Ep. Title: “Immature Maturity + Lead Aenema = Boom Climax!”

Another wacky title that has long been on our to do list. An anime movie that is so off-the-wall batty that it practically defies description. A highly potent mix of Ren and Stimpy vulgarity and Looney Tunes logic. Dead Leaves leaps off the screen with its fast-paced kinetic visual style and intense attitude. It manages to astound and shock for almost it’s entire 55 minute running time! 

Retro and Pandy are probably some of anime’s coolest psychotic mutant bad asses that happen to have an extreme case of amnesia. Although, I bet that the list is fairly short. The varied if somewhat dull color palette and hyper-chaotic choreography definitely stand out and keep the excitement pumping. The wacky characters, obscene humor, and appropriately silly dub also add a lot to the experience. If you like your anime to have obscenely exaggerated comic book style sensibilities than look no further than Dead Leaves!

The Hard Cast is bustin’ out of this joint with our mutant gene clusters and we’re looking for some criminal clone cohorts to act as cannon fodder. If you’re ready to swear allegiance to your new Penile Masters then grab a gun or an all-mighty cock drill because Triple 6 and Triple 7 are on the prowl. While we’re at it let’s try not to get turned around in the exact opposite direction. Woo-Woo!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 8.25
  
• -VICTOR: 8.?
  
• -PATRICK: 8
  

Episode Length: 31:52

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Dead Leaves DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Coagulated Expectations!”

A double-whammy of an episode! Both the anime and live action versions of Blood: The Last Vampire are the topic of discussion. Adapting one form of entertainment medium into another is always a tricky process and there’s usually a loss of quality somewhere along the way. Unfortunately, this was definitely the case with these two movies.

I’ve always been a fan of the Blood anime movie despite it’s very short running time. I was quite excited when I heard they were making a live action movie and I definitely had high hopes. That is until I got a chance to see the trailer at which point I immediately lowered my expectations. Whereas the anime has moments of extreme terror and intense violence that are very effective. The live action adaptation is marred by sloppy over-ambitious fight sequences and absolutely god-awful CG. Due to the longer run time the story is greatly expanded in the live action movie but for the most part is poorly handled and takes away from the mystery that was present in the anime. The live action is a rental at best and the anime is a must see if you’re a fan of the genre.

Saya is MIA and has probably gone rogue. The Hard Cast is seeking new vampire hunters so if you look good in a Japanese school girl outfit, have an unreasonably strong desire for vengeance, and don’t mind fake-ass peanut butter CG blood than step to the front of the line!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 8.5 (Anime) 6 (Live Action)
  
• -VICTOR: 8.5 (Anime) 6.5 (Live Action)

Episode Length: 36:38

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Blood: The Last Vampire DVD
Amazon: Blood: The Last Vampire [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Blood – The Last Vampire DVD (Anime)
Amazon: Blood: The Last Vampire [Blu-ray] (Anime)

 
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Alternate Ep. Title: “Poisonous Coochie Ninjasscre!”

One of the most iconic anime movies of the 90′s! Viewed by many as Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s masterwork although for me it’s tied with Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Definitely not for the kiddies what with the rampant rapeage and hardcore gore. Tons of sword swinging action, memorable characters, and plenty of over-the-top samurai/ninja antics.

If you’re looking for feudal era style action with a heaping dose of demonic mythology you really can’t do much better than Ninja Scroll. A fairly solid story of vengeance, betrayal, and shadow conspiracies holds everything together. The 8 Devils of Kimon made for some interesting villains and their unique abilities are definitely fun to see in action. The final showdown between Jubei and Gemma was epic to say the least and has certainly earned its place as a golden moment in anime history. Keep your fingers crossed that Kawajiri will someday soon grace us with a worthy sequel.

Dakuan has entrusted The Hard Cast with the task of finding worthy operatives to uncover Lord Gemma’s diabolical plans to overthrow the government which would thrust Japan into an era of turmoil and chaos. Do you have what it takes to resist the temptations of the poisonous coochie (aka: poichie) or will you end up paying the ultimate price?

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS: 9
  
• -VICTOR: 8
  
• -STEVEN: 7.5
  

Episode Length: 39:59

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Ninja Scroll (Essence of Anime) DVD
Amazon: Ninja Scroll (10th Anniversary Ed.) DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Starfox ripped this movie off!”

A fun 80′s anime sci-fi cult movie with a classic story, characters, and animation. This one’s got a strong Buck Rogers/Star Wars vibe going on which is a good thing in my book but may not be everyone’s cup of intergalactic tea (made with the finest moon water). Plenty of sci-fi elements: warp travel, over-the-top weapons, space dogfights, space pirates, crazy vehicles, and robots.

Probably the strongest element of the movie would be the energetic/creative action scenes which are plentiful and lots of fun. The story and world they created for Crusher Joe was well thought out and interesting especially for an animated movie. Quite a few memorable lines of dialogue and the characters had solid chemistry as well as a sense of history. Unfortunately, the movie runs about 30-40 minutes too long and could have better used that time to flesh out the characters and back-story instead of having useless scenes (disco club) which add nothing. If you can get your hands on this movie and you don’t mind old-school 80′s animation then we recommend that you give Crusher Joe a chance.

The Hard Cast is looking for some new crusher recruits to help us take on the challenges of an ever-expanding universe. So if you think you got what it takes then strap in because you’re in for the HARDest ride of your life!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Crusher Joe – The Movie and the OVAs
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Lost and Forgotten”

If anyone ever said that you couldn’t make a cell animated anti-war movie and have it be powerful/moving then that person never experienced Grave of the Fireflies. This is just a good movie period. A believable storyline with realistic characters and situations. It kind of creeps up on you throughout the movie but before you know it you can’t help but care deeply for the two main characters.

The last act just hits you like a ton of bricks and you desperately start to feel like you yourself want to help these children. If you’ve ever wondered what the effects of WWII were like for the civilians of Japan, how it ripped apart families and left a trail of helpless orphans in its wake. Then you have to see this movie.

If you see those bombers flying overhead and can hear the air-raid siren blaring then make your way to The Hard Cast for shelter.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Grave of the Fireflies DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “A New Dawn for Ko-Anime!”

The first big budget sci-fi Korean animation makes a pollution filled splash all over the members of The Hard Cast. Not to say that we weren’t thoroughly impressed by the flashy CG filled animation because this movie is quite a sight to behold. While not completely seamless, the integration between the 3D and 2D elements for a 2003 title is quite good.

Unfortunately not as much tender loving care was put into the story or character development as the animation. The premise of a polluted post-apocalyptic world where the technologically advanced oppress  and discriminate against the lowly worker classes until they eventually rebel and break their chains of slavery had plenty of potential to be both entertaining and emotionally charged. It’s just too bad that Wonderful Days failed to fully take advantage of this potential. Still, fans of high quality animation (eye candy) and sci-fi anime should still give it a look. Just keep your expectations in check.

If you’re ready to hop into a turbo-glider and fight for the freedom of your people then let The Hard Cast supply you with the arms to end the tyranny of the unjust!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Sky Blue (2003) [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Wonderul Days (Sky Blue) Animated DVD
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Astral Projection FTW!”

Overwhelmingly positive review/discussion of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s masterwork! Yeah, you could kinda say that we liked this title a bit. Just a bit. Truly top notch production values, great action, memorable characters, and a solid story. A bad-ass anime movie, Vamp D is practically guaranteed to give you a massive goth-gasm of epic proportions!

If you think you’re ready to suck this title dry then give us a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D – Bloodlust DVD
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D DVD
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D, Vol. 1
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “WaTaTaTaTaTaTa…Jagi was a BITCH!”

Once revered as the most violent, action packed animated film of all time! This classic is back with a vengeance and ready to blow away the non-believers in a tidal wave of destructive force!

I’ve been a fan of the anime series for a long time so I was thrilled when Eastern Star released the remastered version. A brutally good time!

If you think you’re ready to venture out into the wastelands then hop into the indestructible buggy that gets bad gas mileage and tune that radio to The Hard Cast. Just be sure to bring some wet-naps because there could be a little bit of blood.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Fist of the North Star: The Movie DVD
Amazon: New Fist of the North Star – The Complete Collection DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Jubei-Lite”

Not to be confused with the adult film Sword in the Stranger this was a fun little martial-arts action anime movie that got the job done. Mostly follows the basic action/adventure storyline formula without any real surprises. Some solid fight choreography and likable characters. A fairly positive experience overall by all involved.

If you’re not ready to commit seppuku just yet why not take a listen our podcast. You just might get a few pointers.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR
• -EDDIE

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Sword of the Stranger DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “I can see the pink!!!”

Damn there are some really sick, demented, sexually repressed, perverted, maniacs in Japan. It’s insane the lengths these pervs will go to just to snatch a peek at a woman’s blossoming fruit. I mean come on, seriously… I can’t believe how much I have in common with these guys!

Despite the repetitive nature of these vignettes there’s still a lot of laughs to be had. Overall though I think Colorful is best viewed in short bursts.

When you’re ready to look up that skirt and you think you need a wing man give The Hard Cast a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Colorful DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Hands Off My Woman!”

Lots of history for me on this title. This OVA was one of the big reasons why I started collecting anime titles back in the day. Bastard! really has it all: cool story, bad-ass characters, lots of humor, fan service, fantasy elements, and decent animation quality for the time. Definitely lots of fun to be had with this title. They just don’t come much cooler than Dark Schneider!

If you think you’re ready to stop Abigail from resurrecting the dark god of destrution, Anthrasax, then cast a spell to summon forth the awesome might of The Hard Cast! We’ll be more than happy to deal with that son of a bitch for ya!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR
• -EDDIE

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Bastard – Complete Collection DVD
Amazon: Bastard!!, Vol. 1 Manga
 
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