Karas-Revelations

Picking up where Karas: The Prophecy left off, Keichi Sato's Karas: The Revelation celebrates the 40th anniversary of its producers, the venerable Japanese animation studio Tatsunoko Productions (creators of Speed Racer and Neon Genesis Evangelion, among countless others) as well as offering an action-packed conclusion to the thrilling six-part OVA (direct-to-DVD release) about the battle between supernatural forces on the streets of modern-day Japan. Comprised of the final three episodes of Karas, The Revelation covers the true identity of newly-minted Karas (spiritual protector of humanity from demonic forces) Otaha, who returns to his hometown to rescue a friend from gangsters. Meanwhile, evil Karas Eko (well-voiced by Matthew Lillard) continues his campaign of terror against mankind with the aid of a multi-headed dragon summoned by the powers of rogue demon Nue (Jay Hernandez of Hostel). Though complex for anime novices (and those unfamiliar with Karas: The Prophecy), the sheer spectacle of violence and action (as well as its sympathetic subplot involving two detectives and the emotional toll they suffer while hunting for the demons) and the impressive blend of 2-D and 3-D animation delivered by Karas: The Revelation will undoubtedly please longtime genre fans. The DVD is presented in anamorphic widescreen and offers Japanese and English language tracks, as well as interviews with the American voice talent. -- Paul Gaita