Reviews written by mart
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Be My Last (CD+DVD)(Japan Version)
Be My Last (CD+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(25)Our Price: US$17.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:January 10, 2008 Out of this world!It should be against the law to write a negative review about this song! I listen to a wide range of music from different genres and Hikki is on the top of my list, and if she wasn't, this song would put her there. Her vocals are like a puppeteer's strings pulling at your emotions....hard! This song may be one of the most emotionally powerful songs I have ever heard, it takes your emotions hostage from beginning to end. The video is fantastic too, if a little complicated. I rate and recommend this song as highly as I possibly can! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Guilty (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Edition)(Japan Version)
Guilty (ALBUM+DVD)(First Press Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(12)Our Price: US$38.25Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
January 10, 2008 Very Very Good!I'm a new listener to Ayu and I'm a little dissapointed with the semi-negative reviews. I love this album, having heard very little ayu stuff before I was surprised how good this was. My favourite tracks are Talkin' to Myself, Marionette, Decision, Together When... and GUILTY. The music videos for Talkin' to Myself, Marionette, and Together When... on the bonus dvd are awesome. Nice photobook too. I highly recommend this album! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Utada Hikaru Single Clip Collection Vol.4 (First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Utada Hikaru Single Clip Collection Vol.4 (First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$38.25Related promotions:December 21, 2007 BrilliantThe tracklist for this dvd is: 1- Colors, 2- (Casshern theme song) 3- Be my last, 4- Passion, 5- Keep tryin'. There are no week songs on this dvd, and the videos are awesome, I am completely in love with this dvd and listen to/watch it a lot. Tracks 1,2,3 and 5 have 'Making of' videos which are very interesting and fun to watch, and the first press limited edition dvd comes with a bonus disc containing two 'live over the internet' songs: Be My Last and Passion. I highly recommend this dvd to all Hikki fans. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Big Bang 1st Mini Album - Always
Big Bang 1st Mini Album - Always
(18)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:December 10, 2007 It's HOT!Big Bang have started to explore different music styles with great effect, each song on 'Always' is unique and has a different sound. This mini album will certainly grow on you, and personally I think that it's worth buying simply for 'Lies'. It's awesome! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Big Bang 2nd Mini Album - Hot Issue
Big Bang 2nd Mini Album - Hot Issue
(13)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$16.99Save: US$4.00 (24%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 10, 2007 So CaTcHyI loved Lies from the first mini album and since then all of their recent stuff has grown on me so much. This '2nd mini album' is awesome with a wide range of styles, something for everyone. This cd is easily worth the money, Big Bang have really started to turn up the heat! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Utada Hikaru - ULTRA BLUE (Korean Version)
Utada Hikaru - ULTRA BLUE (Korean Version)
(5)Our Price: US$16.99List: US$23.99Save: US$7.00 (29%)Related promotions:December 8, 2007 Amazing!Every time a hear a song by Utada Hikaru, my soul stirs! This album is even more amazing than her others. It's full of unique and creative tracks that will blow you away. If you are reading this review because you are wondering whether to buy Ultra Blue or any other 'Hikki' cd, trust me, listening to Utada's latest album is an awesome experience. Don't miss out! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.1 (Japan Version)
Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.1 (Japan Version)
(33)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:December 8, 2007 Breathtaking!!!Utada Hikaru is one of the finest singer/songwriters in the world and manages to capture an emotional depth in her songs that elude most other artists. This album is stunning, I lose myself whenever I listen to it. If you have any doubts about purchasing this cd or any other 'Hikki' album, erase them now and endulge yourself in the musical genius that is Utada Hikaru! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Epitaph (DVD) (DTS) (Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
Epitaph (DVD) (DTS) (Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$39.99Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 4, 2007 Brilliant and Genuinely Scary!I watched Epitaph last night and it has definately left a psychological imprint on my brain and thrown my emotional well-being right out of whack. It starts off at quite a medium pace while managing to keep you nailed to your seat, and it doesn't take too long before it scares the S*!T out of you! Then it starts to get very confusing, and continues to confuse you, until the end, at which time you understand a lot more, but nowhere near enough. Epitaph is a complex supernatural, psychological horror/thriller murder-mystery that needs to be viewed more than once to give you the chance to take it all in and then tie together the numerous strange and frightening events that take place throughout the film. Although I should probably mention that the same could be said for 'A Tale of Two Sisters', which is arguably Korea's finest moment of horror film making. Even after one viewing I can sense that Epitaph will rejuvinate Korea's horror genre a great deal after a lot of recent missfires.
The Film: Epitaph is set in 1942 in Ahn Seng hospital, and is divided into three parts which are presented as flashbacks (except the very beginning and very end which are set in 1979): The first part is about a male intern at the hospital who starts to have feelings for the corpse of a beautiful woman who was murdered and became frozen in ice, while also feeling the pressure from his female boss who wants him to marry her daughter. This first part of the film is more suspenseful than scary, with the exception of one scene! The second part is about a little girl who is the only surviver of a serious car accident, and seems to be haunted by her mother who died in the crash. This middle segment of Epitaph has a couple of absolutely terrifying moments, and I don't scare easy! I've had the rather scary images in my head all day, and they wont go away! Then there's the third and last part, about the doctor (who has a limp) who is followed around by the ghost of his dead wife. This part is more like a supernatural, psychological thriller, a very good one! And there's a beauty of a plot twist near the end but don't worry, I wont give anything away!
So to sum up. On its initial viewing it's very confusing, very interesting, and entertains from start to finish. The cast's performances are superb throughout, and did I mention that there are some oh-my-god-I'm-crapping-in-my-pants scary bits that'll stay embedded in your head forever! I have a feeling that after I've seen Epitaph a few more times and understand it more thoroughly, I may even rate it as high as 'A Tale of Two Sisters', which is my all-time favourite horror/thriller. Now the main question - should you buy it? Abso-bloody-lutely! I'm just still trying to make more sense of it, I definately have to watch it again soon. By the way, the dvd package is brilliant, it folds out, and it comes with postcards and a poster, are you still reading this? Buy it now!!!!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A Bittersweet Life Director's Cut Version DTS Limited Edition
A Bittersweet Life Director's Cut Version DTS Limited Edition DVD Region 3
(21)Our Price: US$28.99List: US$34.99Save: US$6.00 (17%)Related promotions:September 3, 2006 Artistic and powerful!!A Bittersweet Life is about an enforcer who's loyalty to his boss has never been questioned and who performs his duties unflinchingly, only to have his world turned upside down after displeasing his boss. Lee Byung Hun's performance is fantastic and the film is artistic, visually slick and violent. For me, it's the little things that make it a great film, like the part when he slowly finishes his pudding before going down to deal with some trouble makers who have wondered onto his turf. It has a different feel than most other films in the genre but has become one of the best in my dvd collection. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Daisy: Director's Cut Limited Edition DTS
Daisy: Director's Cut Limited Edition DTS DVD Region 3
(18)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$41.99Save: US$14.00 (33%)Related promotions:September 2, 2006 Superb action-drama!!!First of all I just want to say that I don't reveal any important parts of the storyline in this review, and secondly, the Director's Cut Limited Edition box comes with two versions of the film: the 'International Director's Cut' which is just over two hours in length, and the 'Korean Theatrical Release' which runs for about one hour and fourty minutes. This review is for the 'International Director's Cut' as i haven't watched the 'Korean Theatrical Version' yet. And just to clear it up, one review on Yesasia claims each version has a different director, this is not true as both versions of the film are directed by Andy Lau.
As a devoted collector of Korean cinema I was eager to get my hands on this dvd set, now I have....Great. The plot is about an interpol agent and an assassin who both fall in love with the same girl, an artist who sketches and paints portraits in the town square. The first half of the story is revealed to the audience through the three main characters one at a time. Then, once all three characters have told us their story the film continues in the present. It is a love film, but it is also an action film, and for me the balance between love and action is just right, putting this film near the top of my list of favourit films to come out of Korea. It is extremely moving and although the action sequences may be few and far between for some people, they are very realistic and hit the screen hard (the first major action scene was quite a shock and scared the crap out of me). The acting all-round is excellent and very realistic and as a big fan of Jeon Ji Hyun I was very moved by yet another breathtaking performance. Some viewers may find this film difficult to enjoy due to its intensity (the tone of the film shifts quite drastically about a third of the way in from light and happy to pretty sad and dramatic), that said, it's what makes the film as good as it is. Personally I was hooked from the moment I pressed play to the very end. So if you like top-notch Hong Kong action, full-on Korean drama and Jeon Ji Hyun, you'll love Daisy.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Save the Green Planet DTS
Save the Green Planet DTS DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$18.99List: US$22.99Save: US$4.00 (17%)Related promotions:January 2, 2006 1 OF A KIND !!!This film was a flop at cinemas due to it being catogorizated solely as a comedy, ooops!!, anyone expecting to see a comedy will be very surprised indeed. The story revolves around an earth loving guy who kidnaps a top businessman who he believes is a prince of an alien race from andromaeda and the world as we know it will come to an end unless he stops it, sounds like a comedy doesn't it? Well, while it is very funny in places it is also very violent, in fact most of the film contains inventive ways of torture that are quite graphic, plus there are elements of a detective drama, and to top it off it slowly but surely becomes extremely sad and difficult to watch if you are not ready for anything other than a comedy. Being a huge fan of extreme violence, drama and comedy in asian cinema, i loved it, the acting is very moving and the special effects are brilliant. It grabs hold of you by the face, throws you around the room and drops you behind the couch leaving you in a trance-like-state not quite knowing what's hit you, just that you've seen something brilliant and totally unique. I strongly recommend this film for anyone except the faint hearted!!. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
X JAPAN COMPLETE II (10CD+7DVD+2bonus DVD)(Japan Version)
X JAPAN COMPLETE II (10CD+7DVD+2bonus DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(6)Our Price: US$346.99Related promotions:November 5, 2005 X - ellent !!!!!!!The only song i had heard before buying this box set was 'Tears'(amazing ballad), and i read that X-Japan were a rock/metal band which 'Tears' is a long way from so i had no real clue as to what i might get. To sum up it didn't take very long before i was a new fan and completey hooked to it (and still am), they play some of the most beautiful ballads, Forever Love, Endless Rain, Crucify My Love, to some fantastic hardcore rock and metal tunes like Rusty Nail, Dhalia, and Art Of Life (seriously kicks butt) and their performances are a lot different than western concerts that i've seen in that they are so moving, you can really feel the emotions of music thruogh them. Since i got it i have tried to buy whatever cd's and dvd's i can get hold of because a lot of there stuff is getting more and more difficult to get, my opinion is that X-Japan Complete II is very much worth the money and one of the greatest music items i have ever seen and heard - X-ellent, a must have!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Battle Royale 1 & 2 Special Boxset (DVD) (Korea Version)
Battle Royale 1 & 2 Special Boxset (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$23.99List: US$37.99Save: US$14.00 (37%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 16, 2005 SHOCKING AND MOVING !!!I bought Battle Royale (the first one) on the off chance that i might get to see a half decent japanese action movie, what i got was the most shocking and moving film i have ever seen. It didn't take long to get into it (infact you're kind of thrown into this one) and before long i was totally absorbed by it, 'what would you do if you were faced with this unimaginable and horrific situation?' i couldn't help asking myself all the way through, it is without a doubt the most emotional film i have seen with that amount of violence in it. The soundtrack is also very moving and the end theme song by 'Dragon Ash' is fantastic. The second movie is also very action packed, violent and moving with the story carrying on a while after where the first finishes, this one does have a slightly different feel to it, and the first one is so good that it does make it very hard for the sequel to live up to it, but the Battle Royal experience is one you need to have - it shocked the nation when it was released and it shocked me!! AWESOME!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Zatoichi ((DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
Zatoichi ((DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(21)Our Price: US$44.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:October 16, 2005 Unexpected but brilliantI was unsure about purchasing this movie but now that i have i'm glad i did, as with all 'Beat' Takeshi films there's always unexpected content and style but i never thought i would see comedy too (which is brilliant), the story is quite complex in that there are sub-plots for many of the characters but i found that it made it even more interesting, as far as the swordsmanship goes, i thought the action sequences were very good, Takeshi makes a great Zatoichi, and he also received the silver lion prize for best director. The effects are obviously CGI but still very well done, so if you are looking for a good samurai movie i think you would be suprised by 'Zatoichi'!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Memories of Murder DTS
Memories of Murder DTS DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$19.99List: US$23.99Save: US$4.00 (17%)Related promotions:October 14, 2005 NO.1 KOREAN MOVIE !!!For me this is the most enjoyable korean movie you can see, based on true events (very accurately too) of serial killings that went on for many years and at a time when the government didn't have any recources to offer the policemen on the case, it shows how the officers involved had very little experience with serial killings, one of them trying to get any criminal he can find to confess, another who resorts to beating the suspects and a new policeman on the case who introduces the idea of using psychology to catch the killer. It concentrates very heavily on the characters of the film and is very funny at times due to the streak of dark humour, it also has a very realistic feel that puts you there, so unless you are an action junkie who has no time for depth, if there is only one korean movie you get to see you have to see memories of murder. (English viewer) Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Voice DTS
Voice DTS DVD Region 3
(6)Our Price: US$34.99List: US$42.99Save: US$8.00 (19%)Related promotions:October 14, 2005 Quality !!!Voice is a very well made movie, more of a thinker than an obvious horror and i thoroughly enjoyed it. the acting is superb and the visual effects are wonderful, this is easily the best of the girl school horror series (unless you're not interested in characters and plot) and i highly recommend it. (English viewer) Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A Tale of Two Sisters
A Tale of Two Sisters DVD Region 3
(30)Our Price: US$18.99List: US$27.99Save: US$9.00 (32%)Related promotions:October 4, 2005 A HORROR MASTERPIECE !!!!This was the first korean horror i had the great pleasure indulging myself in and to date it is the most gripping, frightening, intelligent and interesting horror i've seen. The music is surreal and beautiful, full of suspence, and at times I found myself lost in it. As far as the story goes there is a lot to wrap your mind around but you get ample time to do it in, however i would recommend seeing this movie a few times, once you have you realize that every detail is critical to the overall story and it all adds up wonderfully, which is rare for storylines in most horrors where throwing loads of screaming girls and buckets of blood in seem to be enough for most horror fans, however, as well as being very psychological there are some seriously frightening and deeply suspensful sections which are very realistic and hard to watch, the effects are excellent. I have seen 'Phone', 'ring', 'the grudge', 'Bunshinsaba' and many other great asian horrors, so if you are a fan or a first timer of asian horrors it would be a crime to let this masterpiece pass you by!!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Fighter in the Wind
Fighter in the Wind DVD Region 3
(15)Our Price: US$30.99List: US$37.99Save: US$7.00 (18%)Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
October 4, 2005 POWERFULL PICTUREI became an asian movie lover about a year ago and this movie proves once again that the korean stuff is some of the best. I don't know anything about the real character this is about but the action scenes blew me away and gave me some severe adrenaline rushes each time I have seen it (about 5 times so far). I have been a manic movie buff in general for years and seen thousands of movies, some foreign, but the asian stuff is awesome - don't just see this movie - OWN IT!!!! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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