Sailor Moon R part 1 is out!!

Hi everyone I got something in the mail this weekend Sailor Moon R part 1 Limited Edition by Madman!!

This front cover is soooo beautiful!!! Nice Marco Alberto Art work very crisp. This box reminds me so much of the German R box 1 1. It has stars,sparkles and a crescent moon. I love the color scheme Madman used.



When you flip over the box we see Mars on the back. She's also on the DVD spine. I can't wait to see Jups and V-chan on the next sets. There is also synopsis of what's happened so far in the series that's always a nice touch.  The extras included in this set are basic clean opening and ending. I'm hoping when we get to R part 2 and S we get some more extras.



The basic information given on the back is removable. When removed we get a nice picture of Sailor Moon holding the cutie moon rod.



The DVD cover art again like the previous sets is outstanding. Soo fancy. This image was used in previous SM DVD releases Mexican, French and German and now Australian release.

Opening the case I noticed a new change the DVD case layout is different. The DVDs were no longer being  stacked. This layout is much,much better and practical than the previous DVD release.

Here are the DVDs!!! Love the designs!





We have four disks with a total of 21 episodes total for this release. The disks are cute this time too. We get Sailor Moon Chibiusa,Moonlight knight and Ail and An. Loving Madman's choices for disk art.



Here's the reverse wrap. It's of all the girls in  school uniform. I think this is a great choice. Great on Madman for keeping things fresh and not following Viz for their choice in Reverse wrap art.



The limited Edition booklet is purple this time. The booklet just includes updated character bios and some images from this season.

Video:






Madman’s remastering process for the video continues to be very effective, resulting in a high quality DVD release. The quality may not be perfect, but that is understandable as this is not a Blu-ray release. The quality of this release is undoubtedly up to par. 


Audio:

The new background music is not quite as memorable as the music composed for the first season, but it still helps give the series that magic feel that has been present since the beginning. I love Ail’s flute. He frequently plays a short melody, one that sounds both mysterious and pleasant at the same time. It is a shame that it will most likely never be heard again in the series, but it is enjoyable while it lasts. The new ending theme song soooo catchy. 

 The voice acting in the original Japanese version is fantastic, The English dub is also fantastic. The voice actress for Chiba-Usa’s Sandy Fox does a surprisingly amazing  job. She reminds me of Tracy Hoyt and Stephanie Beard it's sort of a mix between those too and I just love that.
Gurio Umino’s voice actor Ben Diskin also does a great job in his role. 

I'm sooo pumped for Sailor Moon R part 2 to be out June 8 2016 and Sailor Moon Crystal set 1 by Madman date (TBA) But Madman did mention this week that Crystal should be out later this year. I might just wait until Madman releases Crystal and pick up R part 2 with it. 

 Hope you enjoyed my review leave a comment below.

You can pick up R part 1 now. Links below (NOTE) This is region 4 DVD.

 https://m.mightyape.co.nz/product/Sailor-Moon-R-Season-2-Part-1-Limited-Edition-DVD/25031471

https://m.mightyape.co.nz/product/Sailor-Moon-R-Season-2-Part-1-DVD/25031470

https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/35133/sailor-moon-r-season-2-part-1-eps-4768-limited-edition

https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/35132/sailor-moon-r-season-2-part-1-eps-4768

Sailor Moon Season 1 is complete!!!

Well, it’s here guys! I finally got Sailor Moon Season 1 Part 2 DVD this week, which marks the completion of the first season – YESSS! I got the limited edition version they sit nicely together in a box. 

The cover of this part is beautiful it's a great choice in cover art. THIS LOOKS BEAUTIFUL. Look at all the pink shininess! SOOO  MUCH FANCFULLNSSS!!

The back has Sailor Mercury on the back with Luna and the moon stick and close to the bottom we have Sailor Mercury's transformation pen. We have some basic info on what's included like extra's, languages, etc. We also get a bit of a synopsis on where we are in the story so far.

This DVD contains 22 episodes, with episode's 25-46. This volume actually excites me so much more than the first set, because the story really starts to pick up its pace once the fourth Sailor Soldier is introduced- Kino Makoto/Sailor Jupiter. AND SHE COMES IN RIGHT OFF THE BAT at episode 25. And of course, we also get the introduction of Aino Minako/Sailor Venus.

I'm really happy with the packaging of this volume. 
The discs look so nice with great colour choices. The design is also consistent with the first set and really pretty to look at which is a plus.


Here's the slipcover!!!! It's soooo beautiful!!! I really love the reverse wraps.

Here are the spines for both. 

I hope they continue this theme of one sailor guardian per part. 5 seasons x 2 guardians per season = all 10!

Here is season 1 together side by side.

Here's the menu for Season 1 part 2

I’m so excited about the release of the remaining seasons! Sailor Moon R (season 2) part 1 which was released and I will post a review. 

Now, please don’t mind me while I marathon through this set. XD

If you’re interested in getting a copy, you can visit Madman’s website. Other retailers links to get the whole season will also be below

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Sailor-Moon-Season-1-Part-2-Ep-25-46-DVD/24535105

https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/32066/sailor-moon-season-1-part-2-eps-2546

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-animation/sailor-moon-part-2/888960/

 Note: These are region 4 only. 

Samantha Thavasa Sweets Surprise!!!

I am surely lucky to be one of the hand picked winners to win a box of Samantha Thavasa Sweetsspecially flew in from Japan. They are so fresh that they are meant to be consumed within days. I really love the idea of freshness with no preservatives added.

Here's the inside. I really like the packaging and the sweet note that comes with your purchase. Such a nice touch!

The box of Samantha Thavasa Sweets consist of 6 donut-like confectionery, in the flavours of Raspberry, Strawberry, Green Tea, Mango, Glazed and Chocolate icing sugar. 😍🍩

My friend even sent me some cute sailor moon donuts!!🌙😍🍰🍩 

I tried one of these and these have more of a cake texture than that of a donut. Still delicious!!! The Sailor Moon donuts have a very fruity smell!!🌙😍🍰🍩

The taste is sweet yet not too over-powering.

Card Captor Sakura Collection 1 +2 + movie 1

YASSSS~ Cardcaptor Sakura collection is here! :’) let the happy tears begin!!!!!

I really enjoyed this anime when it was first shown on Teletoon in Canada. Sailor Moon had already stopped airing at the time, and I was curious to check out another mahou shoujo (magical girl) series.

 I was first drawn towards the pretty art style and was expecting to see her transformation (much like Sailor Moon), but of course that doesn’t actually happen because Sakura doesn’t transform XD. She simply puts on a different fancy costume designed by her best friend and wingwoman Tomoyo. Kind of trivial but cute :D

Cardcaptor Sakura follows the story of a cheerful girl named Sakura Kinomoto, a ten-year-old fourth grader who lives with her father and older brother Toya. One day, Sakura accidentally releases a set of magical cards known as ‘Clow Cards’ from a mysterious book found in her basement. These cards were created by a sorcerer named Clow Reed and contain spirits with unique magical abilities. Cerberus, the Guardian of the Cards emerges from the book and chooses Sakura to retrieve the missing cards.

The first 20 or so episodes mostly revolve around Sakura collecting the Clow Cards, with the overarching plot picking up  pace in Season 2. The show has plenty of humour, action and LOTS OF CUTEEEE (I’m a huge sucker for the romance ~Syaoran-kun <3).

13 years later and I’m re-watching the show again. This time around, I’m loving it. This is a series I will definitely introduce to my friends.

The English version that I grew up watching was censored and cut. Here’s the Cardcaptor Sakura collection, remastered, uncut and provided in original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Sweet!

Cardcaptor Sakura Collection 1: Clow Book! I LOVE THIS ART!

The DVD’s only special features are the textless opening and closing songs. These are pretty basic things to include. I don't really consider them bonus features in my opinion. It would be really nice if there were other bonuses included.



Each collection contains 5 discs and 35 episodes.

The slip cover is double-sided and contains two artwork's of Sakura in her various battle costumes.

Cardcaptor Sakura Collection 2: Sakura Book!

Here are both of the backs of both collections! 

Collection 2 contains both Seasons 2 & 3,  and also contain 35 episodes worth.

This collection also comes with extra features such as textless songs and an interview with Sakura Tange voice of Sakura. I like this collection better because of the extra content.

Again, the slip cover is double sided so you can flip it around if you want a different DVD cover. It would’ve been nice to have Sakura with her upgraded wand though ;D

Sakura: The Movie. This should be viewed after the end of Season 1, episode 35.

I AM SO IN LOVE with this O-Card Slipcase. Isn’t the manga art gorgeous?The manga art was so pretty that the inside art kinda paled in comparison. 

Inside the DVD case you’ll find a little movie guide. The guide is pretty small, so it doesn’t clip onto the case that well. When I opened the case, the guide book wasn't bent! =) 

The booklet contains some character profiles and some character sketches. is only a couple of pages. Nice little addition nevertheless.

All in all, very happy with the packaging :) I’m still waiting for the second movie to come out on DVD which will release in May, but in the meantime.. more Cardcaptor Sakura episodes!!

If you’re interested in owning a copy of Madman’s release, you can buy them here: 

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Cardcaptor-Sakura-Uncut-Collection-1-Eps-1-35-Subtitled-Edition-DVD/20784065

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Cardcaptor-Sakura-Uncut-Collection-2-Eps-36-70-Subtitled-Edition-DVD/20905451

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Cardcaptor-Sakura-The-Movie-DVD/22427024

NOTE: For Collection 2 it is sold out on the Madman website. Collection 1 and the first movie are still in stock. MightyApe is where I picked up all of my sets.

 (Note: They are region 4)

Sailor Moon Volume's 1 & 2 review!

Hi moonies. I have in addition to Sailor Moon season 1 part 2. I also was able to get Sailor Moon volumes 1 and 2 by Madman.
Madman will be releasing all 8 volumes for each season. Season 1 volumes will be Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, Tuxedo Mask, Queen Beryl and Princess Serenity.

These are individual volumes of the limited edition disks.
I love these covers.  They are simplistic and remind me of the Dic volumes from back in the day. Seeing these just brought me back to being a child and picking up the old volumes.

The fronts of the DVDs have Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury.  Here are the backs.The backs have the same info that was on the limited edition set.
 The inside is so pretty! The back and inside look like the Thai DVDs. I love that the art on the insides of these! The background has Sailor Moon's disguise pen. There are some pink stars with Saior Moon holding up her tiara.

 Mercury has her transformation pen butcovered in differnt shades of blue. There are blue stars with Sailor Mercury with her ice bubble.

The video is the same as the limited edition set. I spoke to madman directly they said only if these volumes sell well they will continue to release them.  I really hope all goes well for them! I would like to buy them all! The volumes are available on Target Australia and Mighty Ape

https://www.target.com.au/search?text=Sailor+moon

https://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Sailor-Moon-Vol-1-Eps-1-6-DVD/24343394

Sailor Moon Season 1 Madman DVD review!

Madman’s newly released Sailor Moon Season 1 Part 1 on DVD is here. Part 2 is on it's way so stay tuned! This by the way is the limited edition.

This new release features a brand new English dub by Viz Media. Having grown up watching the original English dub by DiC, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the change. However, I came into the first episode feeling happy by Stephanie Sheh’s take on Usagi. I loved how she reminded me of Kotono. I hope the other major characters have suitable voices too. But of course, if you prefer to watch it in Japanese, that too is available with English subtitles.

I know a lot of you might be curious about the video quality, compared to the US Blu Ray/ DVD released. Instead of following suit with Viz Media's masters Madman used the same video masters as the Italian release. Thus, making this the best release for English speaking countries.. I was very pleased with the video Everything looks so clear and detailed!  The Viz version blu ray is very saturated in my opinion and details were scrubbed away. This made it unwatchable for me.

 Here's an example. 

The first image below is the Viz Media Version Blu-Ray 

Viz decided to  "remaster" it by applying Digital Noise Reduction(DNR)filter, oversharpening filter, not properly de-interlacing the video  this was for all of (season 1), as well messing with the saturation/contrast levels. This resulted in blurriness, ghosting and extreme loss of details.  You can't even see the rain because of the extreme saturation and extreme noise reduction. One note I will make for anyone who has the Viz Blu-Ray/DVD the music track did tend to echo. This happened from Viz applying there filters to try to make the music sound better.  but it failed. Also note if you have the Viz DVDs the video is pillar boxed. 

Here's the Madman version DVD (same image)

This is much more improved versus Viz release. I can see everything a lot better, even the rain clear. Madman left the video untouched and doesn't present the same video problems that the Viz version did. So no ghosting, no DNR, etc.




Now let's get started. the packaging. The box is soo pretty it has Sailor Moon on the front with moons and stars. When you flip it to the back there is some info on what is included.  This box isn't sparkly like the Viz version but it still is really nice collector piece.  

When you flip it to the back there is some info on what is included with the set. 

The case has the first three Sailor Guardians in it Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars. The back has the same info as that paper on the collectors box. 


Now for the disks. these are so pretty and the designer did a fabulous job making these. In my opinion these are a lot nicer than the Viz release.

The back of the slip case. There is a reverse
wrap!!!! I love that it only features Jadeite and Nephrite of the four Generals. Spoiler free ;D

Now the Limited Edition booklet it has character bio's and some artwork. No episode guides like the Viz version. 

 .

The  DVD menu is very simple. Each DVD features a character on each disk and it has moonlight densetu playing in the back ground along with set up to view in Japanese or English dub and episodes column. The cursor for disk 1 is the Moonstick. I really wish these had the interactive menus like Viz's blu ray. 

Here's pictures below of  the interactive menu by Viz Media from their North American release

NOTE: this menu isn't included in the Madman Release.

 So far I really like the video quality and the packaging is amazing and far exceeds the US release in my opinion. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes and for the next parts to be released! I definitely recommend this and if you are not from Australia like me I also recommend importing this. Well worth it over the Viz release. Something I found interesting when I had received my set was. I found some images from the Viz Media release from their gallery. Interesting Madman took lots of elements from the Viz release. This set is definitely better. Looks like Madman will be going down the same route as Viz using the whole "simple, yet stylish look. Madman did do a better job at it. Here are the viz gallery images. 

I can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes and for the next parts to be released!

What do you think of this release? Did you get it? Comment below and let me know!

If you’re interested in getting a copy, links on where to buy are below.

(Update) Madman Sailor Moon Limited Edition Part 1 is out of stock currently on their site. Processing time for it to be back on there is 2-3 weeks. If you don't want to wait for Madman other retailers still have the sets but in limited quantities. There is also a standard edition which will not include the nice box and booklet. Links for that edition are also below!

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-animation/sailor-moon-part-1-limited-edition/765968/ 

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-animation/sailor-moon-part-1/674012/

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Sailor-Moon-Part-1-Limited-Edition-DVD/24127012

https://m.mightyape.com.au/product/Sailor-Moon-Part-1-DVD/23004114

https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/34680/sailor-moon-season-1-part-1-eps-124-limited-edition

https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/31176/sailor-moon-season-1-part-1-eps-124