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Karas: The Revelation
Score: 95%
Rating: Not Rated
Publisher: Manga Video
Region: 1
Media: DVD/1
Running Time: 90 Mins.
Genre: Anime
Audio: English Dolby Surround 5.1,
           Japanese Dolby Surround 5.1,
           English Dolby Surround 2.0,
           Japanese Dolby Surround 2.0

Subtitles: English

Features:
  • Rough Draft Version
  • Inside the Voice Over Booth
  • Trailer
  • Still Gallery

Karas: The Revelation is the second half in a beautiful anime series that began with Karas: The Prophecy. In Prophecy, we learn of the struggle to contain the spirit world that spills over and harms the human world. Throughout history warriors, Karas, are called to take down the malevolent demons before they can do too much damage to humans. These warriors are servants to very interesting women, Yurine. It reminds me of Hellsing in the fact that the warriors have their full power unleashed by their keeper. Unfortunately, after years and years of protecting ungrateful humans, an old Karas decides to pretend to be human, calling himself Eko (English voice by Matthew Lillard). He wants to make a mechanical army of demons to take over the human race. A new Karas is then called to replace him. A man called Otoha becomes a new Karas. When he transforms into the warrior, he can also transform into a giant crow and many other things.

Because of the large number of strange murders in the city, the Shinjuku District creates a special department to handle the cases, the "Intervention Department." The first member of the department is Sagisaka. He is determined that demons exist and he is going to prove it to the world. In a very X-Files like partnership, Sagisaka's department assigned him a partner, Kure, who doesn't believe in demons or the supernatural at all. He is supposed to be watching after Sagisaka. They end up on the trail of Nue (English voice by Jay Hernandez), a rogue demon who tries to help.

Prophecy ends in a battle where Otoha has to save his physical body from Eko's minions. Watching the battle is another Karas and her keeper. Revelation begins right after that battle. Eko discusses humanity and his plans with his minions. Nue explains a lot about the Karas and how there is supposed to be once Karas per city, but due to the circumstances in the city, there are actually two Karas' in it now. We also find out that Otoha is now human, and has no clue if he will ever become Karas again since his Yurine was kidnapped and he doesn't know how to find her.

I'm not going to tell you any more about the plot because that would ruin your enjoyment. I will tell you that we learn a lot more about Otoha and Nue both. Revelation answers a lot of the questions that Prophecy left. It is more emotional and draws you into the story even better than the first one did. Unlike some other anime, like Berserk where I loved the show until the last episode, I felt that Karas was ended well, possibly leaving room for more. Make sure you watch through the credits, since there is a very short additional scene at the very end.

I've mentioned how beautiful the movie is, but the soundtrack and noise effects are awesome too. The music fits the scenes perfectly, and it makes you feel the movie more. Normally, I watch anime in Japanese with subtitles, but in this case, I really liked the English translation work. The fact that it is dubbed isn't obvious at all. It's really nice to see, well rather hear, Matthew Lillard in a less comedic work. I think he's an amazing actor.

There are several bonus features included on the DVD. In the Voiceover Booth is twenty two minutes showing the actors in real life as they say their lines. Rough Cut Excerpt is almost thirty minutes of some of the scenes before the backgrounds and extras were added. They are in Japanese without subtitles, but it's still very interesting to see some of the work before it was finished, even if you can't understand it. The DVD also has the trailer for Karas: The Revelation and a still gallery of movie images.

If you liked Karas: The Prophecy, then you'll love Karas: The Revelation. It has just as many amazing fight scenes, but it is easier to keep up with what is going on since you already know the characters and story from the first one. If you haven't seen Prophecy yet, then I recommend you go get both. They're just beautiful, and worth repeated watching.



-Cyn, GameVortex Communications
AKA Sara Earl

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