8.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Mugen is a fierce animal-like warrior with a unique Bboying (break-dance) inspired fighting style. Jin has a more traditional style but don’t think of this as a weakness because his skills are amazing. The two contrasting samurai warriors are far from friends, yet their separate paths seem to cross anyways. Mugen is wandering aimlessly through the city when he stumbles upon a teahouse where he meets Jin and Fuu (A ditzy waitress, but don‘t think she doesn‘t have anything hidden up her sleeves). Fuu convinces them both to come with her in search of a mysterious samurai that smells like sunflowers and their journey begins. This modernized hip-hop tale breaks the barriers of the common, historical, samurai anime.
Starring: Kazuya Nakai, Ayako Kawasumi, Ai Maeda (IV), Daisuke Gōri, Fumihiko TachikiForeign | 100% |
Anime | 94% |
Action | 36% |
Adventure | 16% |
Comedy | 8% |
Dark humor | 7% |
Drama | 3% |
Period | 3% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p (upconverted)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Japanese: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
Region B, A (C untested)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A brilliant anime masterpiece, Samurai Champloo is a perfect blend of action, adventure, comedy, and hip-hop beats. One could tell the series was destined for greatness from the opening title cards: a slick logo emblazoned on a spinning vinyl. The series stars Fuu (a brave and free-spirited girl accompanied by her flying squirrel side-kick, Momo), Mugen (a hot-tempered wanderer who exudes a cool charm), and Jin (an expert swordsman): a trio of unlikely allies. Joining forces, the team is unstoppable.
The group goes on a unique odyssey in search of the mythic samurai who smells of sunflowers. What mystery lies ahead for them? From acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), the anime is a truly creative gem that absolutely must be seen by any and all anime fans. Featuring a eclectic mix of hip-hop music by Nujabes, Tsutchie, Fat Jon, and Force of Nature, the series was a genuine blast of energy from start to finish. A non-stop thrill ride that would never let go.
A samurai mix-tape in style.
For more information on Samurai Champloo, please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
For more information on the video presentation, please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
For more information on the audio presentation, please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
NEW to the release is a special collectors edition steelbook. The limited edition packaging is truly gorgeous in hand and feels all the more special to behold. The artwork features the trio of heroes: samurai Jin, vagabond Mugen, and kick-ass girl, Fuu. The colorful and bright art looks amazing. Collectors hoping for a special edition of the beloved anime classic have something special to appreciate here.
The on-disc supplements remain the same. For more information on the bonus features, please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.
Samurai Champloo remains one of the best anime series produced: director Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop) was at the top of his game when he produced this energetic, adventurous, and slick series. Having written coverage on the series original DVD releases, it feels like a joy to revisit the anime all these years later for a special Blu-ray steelbook edition. A true anime classic deserves a collectors edition and this one fits the bit perfectly. With outstanding animation, great characters, memorable music, and samurai-action, Samurai Champloo is essential. Highly recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
Standard Edition | ストレンヂア 無皇刃譚
2007
2000-2001
2005
2010
2008-2009
鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
2009-2010
Collector's Edition
2007
2004
2005
2008-2009
スペース☆ダンディ
2014-2015
2002
2006
カウボーイビバップ
1998-1999
The Complete Series
2007
2006
2007
Episodes 29-56
1993
Collector's Edition
2005
2007-2009