What happens when a Shinigami (a death god) is bored ? He drops his death note to earth, where a brilliant 17 year old student finds it... as it turns out, this death note allows him to kill people just by knowing their names and having their faces in mind... what will he do ?
Will ''absolute power corrupt absolutely'' or will this brilliant student be a good person ? (i am not going to tell you the answer...)
I suggest getting the British edition of the dvds and watching in the original Japanese, not dubbed into English or french.
And oh, get some juicy apples, will ya ? (you will understand once you watch the show)...
The art is amazing, the sound (un-dubbed) is amazing, the imagination of such a story is just great... and the cliff hangers just make you want to watch the entire thing back to back, as fast as you can...
PS : this is a mature series. It's generally PG13 but becomes Rated-R about halfway. In general, it's not graphic, but the ending is a bit over the top bloody (I hide behind my knees... don't forget you're reading a sensitive person here), and the entire concept of the show isn't for children. There are manipulative characters, torture (albeit not graphic), shootings, murders...
Note : this review has been updated and slightly expanded 28/03/2022.
The show is based on a manga series, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. There were 12 volumes, released in Weekly Shōnen Jump, from December 1, 2003 – May 15, 2006.
I had read them in French and plan to add a review later on.
Death note received further releases :
Between the Shōnen and the manga show, a prequel novel was released in August 2006.
In late August 2007, after the manga show, an anime movie Death Note: Relight - Visions of a God, followed in December 2007 by novel Death Note: L - Change the World, and, successively more manga in February 2008, an anime television movie in August 2008, as well as 8 live-action between 2006 and 2017, 3 video games in 2007 and 2008, and yet another manga in 2020... I haven't read, seen or played any of those, so I cannot attest to their quality or any details, but I can direct you to wiki's long article and its links to further info, if you wish.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Death note... the 2006 Madhouse anime television series, in the media.
As I mentioned earlier, I have the Zone 2 UK dvd edition, EAN 5022366901949... I had bought it years before Brexit, so I cannot suggest this edition if you're in the EU, unless you find it second hand, or don't mind the extra import taxes... Otherwise, you're left to find your local edition and hope they have your needed subtitles.
My edition is comprised of 9 dvd's for the series' 37 episodes ; in Japanese 2.0 stereo, subtitled in English.
Image format : in color, widescreen 16:9 anamorphic.
Feature running time : 840 minutes (14 hours) approx + 93 minutes (1h33) Special features.
The dvd extras :
Production artwork gallery,
Behind the scenes : interviews with English voice actor and recording sessions,
Japanese animation director and character design interview,
Audio commentaries,
Clean opening and closing,
Trailers
This manga is a masterpiece! (* o *)
ReplyDeleteOriginally the series was published on paper (manga view), then appeared in television series and films (anime) at three films.
The scenario is well put together, ideal length of story: neither too long nor too short (even though deep down I always want more XD) - making it captivating throughout its duration.
The plot is clever, a terrible psychological correctness. I never read the manga on paper but from what I've heard, the screen is very loyal.
I agree with you for the original version, Lucien (french version is not one of the worst I've heard it's not too bad even for french version, but we must see original with subtitles because the voice of Raito, and especially L, are really exceptionally well chosen). The music is perfect, easily listened, and it is in perfect agreement with the series. Moreover it stays in your head long after watching the episodes. The shinigami Ryukyu brings humorous touch to the film, but not only, it is a well thought out and well worked character. I find a little tiny negative point: the character of Misa Amane, I find a little annoying at times ....
Finally here ... the characters are charismatic, the atmosphere is so special, so perfect music, the graphics are beautiful and the plot is the thunder!
I must buy tomes! I have to read them! \ (^ o ^) /
I've got Ryuk earring at home! :D
*. * I dream to have a model of Ryuk it full size! (The dream ! *.* )
This series is wonderful! <3
I had learned about the manga after I'd already watched the entire series once ; I found only the French books and found that the show was indeed very faithful, but also that the books completely lacked the emotional and suspense I had on tv... IT made it a bit difficult to trully appreciate because normally one has to read first, and then watch - I think that would've been much better.
ReplyDeleteI also found the length appropriate, especially since many shows last hunders of episodes and never come to a real end (which is good only when the series is great, but not when it's just garbage, isn't ?)
I agree with your other comments, and who wouldn't want Ryuk statute? LOL!
I find it very original, a god of death, who's also bored like his fellow gods of death, haha
yes exactly ! :) I'm sure that the emotional impact in the books will be smaller than the TV !
ReplyDelete