Reviews on video and audio equipment...
Philips DVP-642 review by OAE staff
We recently got ahold of this model to test, and it plays the divx files you find on the net very well, and can also play any burned DVD without any glitches. For under $60, this makes a great xmas gift. We found ours at Wal-Mart on sale.
Dell Video Projectors review by OAE staff
We finally got our video projector. It is a Dell model 2300MP, and it may be a bit on the pricey side ($1300+) but to us, it is worth every penny. It had great resolution, and had a very large viewable picture (equivalent to a 37" TV) and can be shown in a lighted room. If you are considering this unit, come to any OAE meeting, and come check it out.
Non-Anime Related shows...
Review by Kell Komatsubara
Huo Yuanjin, heir to the Huo Wushu martial arts school, learns the true meaning of martial arts through the lessons of life. From a kid with asthma growing up, becoming the champion of Tianjin and the subsequent realization of what he has done(Killing master Chin in the fight because of something his stupid disciple had done), and the god son of Master Chin kills both his mother and only daughter. He then finds his way to the mountains and a rice paddy, where he meets Moon, a blind girl living with her grandmother. Through this experience, he learns more about life, and that there is more to it than just fighting. It is about doing things for the greater good of the people. When he finally does return to Tianjin, it is over run by the westerners and reads a newspaper headline. From there, he goes to Shanghai and fights O'Brian, a LARGE caucasian fighter who has beaten all of the asian fighters he has met so far. In a memorable fight scene, Huo takes O'Brian out, and in fact, saves his head from getting impaled by nails in the ring. The Jin Wu Sports Federation is now born, and he is now challenged by a group of foreigners to a 4 on 1 competition... The rest we could say, is history.
(One last note: This is the first time, I've seen a Chinese movie depicting a Japanese character not being a REALLY bad guy, and having actual morals(Tanaka, the Japanese martial arts practitioner) saying Huo won the fight...)
"Saishuheiki Kanojyou: Live action movie"
(My girlfriend, the ultimate weapon)
Review by Tama-Chan
This movie is about the love between a boy and a girl and the trials they go thru during life…. We all wish! This movie is about the troubles and the hardships of starting a relationship and keeping it alive. It stays true to the Anime with the exception of the ending and does including some very beautiful CG scenes that really bring out the story. The story behind this movie is that a boy named Shuji and a girl named Chise get together and try to find love, but just as they get together a war begins with a foreign enemy destroying their home town of Sapporo. Suddenly a strange entity attacks the assault forces and protects the city, right infront of Shuji’s eyes. That entity turns out to be Chise with a large gattling gun and a pair of wings…
"Shibuya 15"
Review by Kell Komatsubara
I accidentally found this show. A real mind twisting, action packed show. Every chapter has a new twist, and what you thought was, you soon find was not and as you go on with the show you get a glimpse of what the future of education may be. One warning, the ending to this show, was very upsetting, as in typical tragic japansese cinematic fashion a major plot twist comes about just when you think a happy ending to all of this will come about...
"Linda Linda Linda"
review by Kell Komatsubara
For the first time in Hawaii, it was showed at the HIFF spring showcase. HIFF director Andersen Le gave us the hot tip and we were nonetheless impressed at the show. The music from the punk rock band "The Blue Hearts" from the 80's inspires a group of high school girls in a rock band but with the twists and turns of high school life, find them in adversity and how to overcome them, incluing teaching someone who barely speaks japanese to sing a japanese song...
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
review by Takahashi Ryousuke
We went to watch this movie last saturday. The four children, escaping from a war torn Europe, end up at the kind Professor's mansion in the country. In this mansion, they find a closet, that leads to the world of Narnia. If I were to tell any more, it would be giving away the whole story so I will leave you with this. Go see this movie! It's worth the price of admission.
.......................................................................................