Sword of the Stranger - Standard BD [Blu-ray]

Great movie and good quality. You wouldn't tell this movie was made years ago.

Ok, this film doesnt really do too much new in terms of story or characterisation... when it comes to these areas you can pretty safely say youve seen most of it before. Thats not to say that either story or characters are dissapointing in any way, its just that it all seems very familiar- you have the brooding but kind hearted samurai complete with a dark myserious past that haunts him, you have the nieve young boy who wants to fight for the things he loves no matter the cost and you have your typicall double crossing villians to oppose them.But the places that this film scores highly for me don't really come in the concept, this film is all in the execution.The animation in the fight scenes is by far the most fluid and flowing I have ever seen in an anime, combined with amazing choreography every piece of action is simply jaw droppingly brilliant to watch.The way that the characters look or have been drawn is also very impressive... once again there isnt really anything new here but it all feels far more polished and detailed than in any other anime movie on the market at the moment.The soundtrack for Sword of the stranger is also something to be admired, certain moments sent chills up my spine, it really is THAT good. I actually sat through the whole of the credits (something I very rarely do) just to hear one of the peices of music in its entierty.Ive already mentioned that the story doesnt really do anything new or particularly surprising, but it has to be worth mentioning that the pacing of this movie is spot on in every respect- action sequences always kick in at just the right moment and the plot is slowly built up in very intense manner all leading to the amazing final conclusion.If you're looking for a complex and deep story then maybe you might want to subtract a star or two but no matter your preferences I really do think that this film should be seen by all anime fans at some point, it really does set the benchmark for animation quality and I feel that it has to be seen to be believed.This film has a complete thumbs up from me.Loved every moment.Thanks for reading!

To be honest there isn't a lot to NOT like about this anime. Sure you COULD give it a four star review if you wanted to be really picky (but you would have to be QUITE picky). It's true that the story isn't that original - young protagonist in great danger, meets a warrior who becomes (somewhat) a bodyguard and many awesome battles ensue. OF COURSE there's more to it than that, but im not a fan of spoilers! Sadly, not many films manage a truly original story nowadays but this one does do exceedingly well for what it has. What can you compare it to? Well, anyone who likes animes such as "Samurai Champloo", "Shigurui: Death Frenzy" and the like, will almost definitely love to add this to their collection. For anime fans that are interested, the film was directed by "Masahiro Ando" who is famous for his work on "Cowboy Bebop" and "Ghost in the Shell". Conclusion, to buy or not to buy? :PROS:- Fantastic artwork: detailed and very fluid- Soundtrack: Very good (especially love the main theme)- Great battles (and lots of them)- Voice cast: I quite enjoyed the English Dub (didn't find any characters annoying or emotionless-monotones)- Good pacing: At no point during the film did my mind wander; I didn't think any scene to be boring or pointless fillerCONS (if that) and Points of Note :- Doesn't include (some may be turned away by this): monsters/demons, magic, fan-service or silly facial expressions.- Large lack of extras: You get a theatrical trailer for the film itself and a couple of others for different anime but thats it DVD-wise.

This is going to be a review of the case and extra content because I assume that, if you are thinking about buying this show, you've already see it and have decided you liked it enough to purchase the physical copy.This version of the film comes with both the DVD and Blu-ray discs.The box is extremely well made. It feel strong, has a matte finish and everything is covered in beautiful artwork. Nothing about these look or feel "cheap".It also comes with an art book that fits nicely into the box alongside the discs.There are quite a few extras but nothing spectacular (No commentary). Mostly trailers and shorts.It is a good addition for any collection as long as you don't mind the price.

This is one of my favourite animated films. The animation is stunning even today. (I watched it again last week!) The fighting scenes are artfully animated in a very unique style and whoever pioneered this style has obviously been snapped up to work on some of the latest animated Batman films, but in those the effect is overused so it loses its impact. Here from the opening to end it is used delicately with finesse and consideration. The music is emotive and you become fully invested in the characters. I always listen to the Japanese audio and use subtitles, and I would highly recommend this for this film because Yuuri Chinen as Kotaro is just excellent. He has an anger and desperation in his read that, for me, just makes the movie. Add on the excellent fight animation and the beautiful watercolour scenery of the Japanese landscape and as I said this make Sword of the Stranger a strong top 5 favourite.