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Shakugan No Shana: The Movie Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Review

“Shakugan No Shana: The Movie” is a winner.

After powerful Crimson Denizens (creatures from another realm) begin to terrorize humans in Misaki City for their power of existence, a seemingly average teen named Yuji becomes mixed up in this crazy ordeal when he becomes saved from the Denizens by a Flame Haze named Shana (who hunts and destroys Crimson Denizens for a living). Yuji then learns that his average life is over as he becomes a Mystes (a human drained of power of existence that also contains a treasure) and as such becomes guarded by Shana (who serves Alastor the God of the Crimson Realm). Things become more troublesome for poor Yuji when he learns that a villainous treasure loving Crimson Lord (Fraigne) and his Rinne pal Marianne have evil plans for Misaki City.

In case you are unaware, “Shakugan No Shana: The Movie” isn’t actually an original movie. It’s an edited down version of the first season story arc (and the first light novel) that cuts out scenes and exposition and adds a few new scenes. While some fans would no doubt rather watch season 1 instead, the 87 minute movie actually plays better than the episodes it is culled from.

As someone who had issues with the first season (review coming soon), this movie is a much more engaging entry point into the show. When watching season 1, the constant exposition and convoluted universe the characters inhabited grew tiresome and made it hard to connect to the show. With the film, however, the story flows better as we clearly follow Yuji on his new path in life. Granted, the good vs. evil/supernatural teen hero angle has been done to death, but the show has enough original mythology to make it worth a watch.  

Video/Audio:

The movie, which is presented in widescreen 1080p, doesn’t exactly look flattering in hi-def compared to other Blu-ray Funimation releases, but it still offers up superior quality to the DVD version.

This set contains English and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio tracks. The English dub is top of the line here as is the original language Japanese track. This is a rare instance in which you can’t go wrong with either track (especially since they are both 5.1 as well).

Extras:
* Trailers for “Tenchi Muyo!,” “Shakugan No Shana,” “Is This A Zombie?,” “Baka and Test,” “Toriko,” “Level E,” “One Piece,” “Soul Eater,” and Funimation.com.
* Promo videos, a U.S. trailer, and DVD commercials for “Shakugan No Shana Movie.”
* “Shakugan No Shana-Tan: Theatrical Version”- A 6 minute cutesy, chibi short.
* “Why? What? Shana! Ask Anything Question Box: Review Lesson”- Shana and Yuji give viewers the rundown on certain show specific terminology.

Summary: Some folks may gravitate towards the first season of “Shakugan No Shana,” but if you have a limited amount of time and want to give the show a chance, the movie is the best option.

April 28, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Shakugan No Shana: The Movie Blu-ray Review, Shakugan No Shana: The Movie Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Review, Shakugan No Shana: The Movie Review