Can YOU "Believe It"? I Don't Know If I Can. (Naruto Unleashed - Series 1 Volume 1 (DVD))

Member Name: BTlover

Product:	Naruto Unleashed - Series 1 Volume 1 (DVD)
Date:	16/12/07 (76 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Finally, a uncut version! And the first 13 episodes. ^_^

Disadvantages: Possibilities of better parts of the show being released soon...

As is currently known about most popular anime coming directly from Japan, it will be an even bigger hit in other countries. Though, before that, it is usually the truth that there are those who watch these shows long before the United States and Britain through what so may consider 'illegal' means. In other words, fan-subbing. In fact, one of the main reasons that they continue to watch the Japanese version with subtitles is because of the content. Most times, censorship comes into play within the outer states, blocking out any unsuitable content within a show, such as blood and sexual innuendo. So, what perhaps should happen if you have an anime series involving ninja who can use changing techniques to become a nude woman and clone himself multiple times, allowing him to beat his opponents to a bloody pulp?

Well, release two different versions of the show, of course! It is a marketing scheme, after all. But, yes, Naruto Unleashed Series 1: Volume 1 is the 'super unadulterated mature special awesome wow' version of the two brotherly box sets.. In other words, UNCUT. I know, seeing that word may worry you, what with multiple teen sex comedy movies out on DVD having unrated on every single cover nowadays. But, this is uncut for the absolute best decisions. Allow me to further explain:

As some fans may know, the U.K. version of Naruto was run by Jetix, a company that specializes in Sonic X and Power Rangers (but, mostly Power Rangers), whereas the United States version was made through Cartoon Network. Apparently, the USA versions of the first few episodes of Naruto weren't too edited. However, a shocking and truly brutal edit of Naruto was put on the air in the U.K. Yes, this version had things taken out, even sharp weapons (essential things for a show about ninjas), that had no reason to be taken out.

Now, seeing as this gives a lot more incentive for the British consumer than the American consumer, this set is the deal of a lifetime for the Naruto fan that craves so much and wants the full uncut no-holds-barred give-me-death-or-give-me-liberty version.

The actual story comes down to this: Naruto Uzumaki is a lone child who carries a fox demon within himself, feared by everyone around him who believe he is the demon incarnated. However, Naruto is a very crazy and wild child, just as a fox, and attempts to prove his worth for his village of Konoha, or Hidden Leaf Village. He aspires to become Hokage, the leader of the village, to gain the attention he brutally deserves. However, first he must rise through the ranks along with his teammates Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha, combined with their interesting and talented teacher Kakashi. As a team, they learn new techniques and meet new enemies and allies for their quest for a better life.

Now, the actual reason as to why this is Series 1: Volume 1. Because of such popularity and demand, the first 13 episodes of the 1st Series have been released, so you are mainly claiming only half so far. However, almost all the episodes have a real bang in them. Fight sequences don't feel too played out, they actually do feel logical in a way. Not to mention, "Naruto" doesn't mind having all of the main characters fail at a test so easily in the fourth episode. In fact, that episode is a rather good example of how it is noticeable that they are not trying to rush such over-powered techniques so quickly. In fact, that it is not how strong you are, but how smart and intelligent you are with your skills.

However, when there aren't any fight sequences, the series begins to truly drag on for a while, with constant flashbacks and forcing information down the watcher's gullet. It's almost hard to focus on the sub-plot when the story is a little hard to get into, thanks to some over-dramatic-ism on part to the English dub voice actors.

Actually, I did rather like the dub voice cast, that is, the main characters. Maile Flanagan does a unique way for the character of Naruto, making him sound rather energetic, but gives Naruto one of the most annoying catchphrases you will ever hear: "Believe it!" Yes, I am dead serious. Naruto says "Believe it" more than ten times in each episode. Over 130 times in this set's entirety. However, the rest of the cast does fine, with the Hokage sounding an old man, Sasuke sounding like the arrogant and stuck-up 'too-cool-for-school' kid you want to punch, and Sakura sounding like a girl (what were you expecting?).

So, what other things were added for this special uncut edition? Well, how about the original Japanese opening and ending songs with clean animation and optional subtitles? I don't know about others, but I cannot stand the English dub opening. Too much hard rock and incomprehensible changes to everything that the opening is comparable to all of the English soundtrack of Dragonball Z (ironically, the creator of Naruto was inspired by Dragonball Z). Ah yes, how could this set be truly complete without English subtitles to the Japanese dub track? Yes, all those Naruto fans who liked fan-subbed versions will like this version, giving everything needed.

Well, as far as the DVD set goes, that is all. The DVD does work perfectly, all the animation moving swiftly, the soundtrack playing magnificently. But, yet, I feel like I just watched through an 'ok' series, not one that will make me go wow at everything. It is, to my mind, that there is even bigger and better plotlines later on within the series. So, a better question for now would be: Should I truly get this box set, even though there may be a better part of the series released?

The answer, I believe, is yes. Any person who is a dedicated fan of Naruto will find it absolutely enjoyable, cool, and stunning. Not to mention, they finally get to see some of the stuff that was too much for British television. So, therefore, I give this a 3 out of 5

Summary: An uncut look, but the few fighting sequences in only 13 episodes can leave a person starved.