ACF 1962: BLACK MAGIC M-66 Region 1 DVD available today

Black Magic M-66

Directed by Masamune Shirow

and Hiroyuki Kitakubo

Japan, 1987, 48 minutes
In Japanese with English subtitiles
S.R.P. $19.98

Years and years ago, in what now seems like an ancient era in home video, I bought an English-dubbed VHS tape of Black Magic M-66 that was put out by Manga Entertainment. Today Black Magic M-66 finally becomes available as a Region 1 single-disc DVD from Maiden Japan.

Sybel learns of the crash of a military aircraft

Based on a 1983 manga by Masamune Shirow (one of the directors of the anime´), Black Magic M-66 was an original video animation (OVA), meaning that it was created for the home market, not for theatrical release or television. Having seen the English-dubbed version, I was excited to learn that Maiden Japan was releasing it with the original Japanese language soundtrack and English subtitles.

Pursued by the military, Sybel races to rescue Ferris

This futuristic animation begins as a military aircraft flies through a severe storm, has engine trouble, and crashes in a forest. Two coffin-like containers, each marked M-66 are disgorged. Their contents were M-66 anti-personnel automated soldiers. Now activated, the units set off on their test program mission, which one of the scientists involved in the project foolishly left loaded in their memory. The target of this termination program is Ferris, the granddaughter of Professor Matthew, who created the units. The M-66 automated soldiers are programmed not only to destroy their target, but anything that gets in the way of their completing the mission.

A military aircraft about to land

Meanwhile, intrepid freelance video reporter Sybel has her shower interrupted when her scanner picks up news of the crash. She sets off with her assistant and becomes involved in an action packed adventure to destroy the M-66 units before they destroy Ferris.

Ferris (left) and Sybel

There's nothing much in the way of significant extras on the disc, just an "Also Available from Maiden Japan" collection of trailers and the credits for the DVD. It's also unfortunate that there isn't an optional English-dubbed soundtrack available; perhaps Manga Entertainment still has the rights to distribute a dubbed version.

An M-66 unit approaches Ferris and Sybel

Still, Black Magic M-66 is an OVA classic. It belongs in the collection of anyone who takes their anime ´ seriously.

ACF rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; very highly recomended.

ACF 686: Ghost Hound Complete Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray

GHOST HOUND COMPLETE COLLECTION
ON BOTH DVD AND BLU-RAY EDITIONS

Section23 Films has announced the release of the hit series GHOST HOUND. The Complete 22 episode Collection is available on both DVD and Blu-Ray. Both releases include a New English Dub!

From Masamune Shirow, the creator of Ghost in the Shell & Appleseed, and Production I.G.

Title: GHOST HOUND COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time: 550 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Format: DVD
SRP: $69.98

Title: GHOST HOUND COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY EDITION
Running Time: 550 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Format: BD
SRP: $89.98

SYNOPSIS:
When he was three, Taro Komori and his sister were kidnapped, but the kidnapper was run over and killed before the ransom could be delivered. The police eventually found Taro, but not before his sister died. Eleven years later, Taro still has nightmares of the events surrounding the kidnapping and is haunted by a tall, featureless specter. Now, Taro searches for answers in the Hidden Realm, but something sinister is brewing there. The spirits are restless and a malevolent ghost is appearing with increasing frequency. In the "real" world, an out of favor religious cult is finding dozens of new converts, especially among high ranking politicians. And just what the scientists at Dai Nippon Bio are up to is a question in need of an answer. Can Taro and his friends find the answers they need in time to save their friends and families? Unseen spirits, ghosts and out-of-body experiences all combine in an intriguing exploration into the workings of memory and our perception of the world. Don't miss the latest masterpiece from Masamune Shirow and Production I.G: Ghost Hound!