Rating: Summary: An artistic cartoon Review: While most cartoons in America are either built episodic or used for minimal entertainment, Samurai Jack really stands out. The first thing you'll notice is that the artwork doesn't try to be cute or big. It's just...art. It's like one of those paintings with curved lines comes to life. The other elements that make SJ great is it's berserk action. While Powerpuff Girls is only martial arts, this series isn't afraid to use a sword or hack off some limbs. The violence is mostly on robots and is on par with Transformers violence.The movie itself was shown on Cartoon Network in August. On Cartoon Network, this is re-shown as Samurai Jack The Trilogy, since it makes up the first three episodes. These three episodes set the stage of what you can expect to happen later on. The bulk of the movie has Jack defend a group of talking dogs from bettle robots. The movie is pretty impressive to watch, especially with the addition of 5.1 audio. It also comes in Spanish, but with no subtitles, your on your own to figure it out. The extras are pretty good as well. You get a SJ Documentary (which was shown in it's entirety after the premiere on CN), a bunch of conceptual drawing and a bonus episode. You'd expect the bonus episode to be episode 4 since it goes in order with the movie, but SUPRISE, it's not, which is great since most people say series only get better later on. The bonus episode introduces Jack's newest Scottish ally. Overall, if you like action, art and generally a good plot that you can enjoy with everyone (and I mean EVERYONE, including teens), then pick this flick up. You won't regret it.
Rating: Summary: Best reason to tune into the Cartoon Network Review: Wow what a cartoon! If you've never seen Samurai Jack, this is a great place to start. I was first drawn to it because of it's unique style of animation. The visuals are minimal at points, however, it adds to the overall mood of the cartoon. The evil Aku resembles a figure out of folklore or mythology. The pacing of the cartoon is remarkable as well, with it's split-screen style action scenes, and quiet dialogue-free moments. This DVD contains a bonus episode, and a informative behind the scenes special on the making of the story. If you are enthralled by expressive animation, and bored by the current crop of mundane cookie-cutter cartoons on TV then Samurai Jack is your savior.
Rating: Summary: Avoid if you buy season one as well Review: Yes this DVD is nice, but all material also is included in Season one. So don't make the same mistake I did and avoid it if you are getting the first season. The movie is basically the first 3 episodes of season 1. As a standalone product I have no complaints if you have no interest in purchasing the series. Very stylized and entertaining. I just hate companies that rip you off by issuing the same thing as different titles.
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