▪	RELEASED BY:		BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAIMENT
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		1:33:1 FULL SCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		130 MIN
		▪	RATING:		13 UP
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		07/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		07/20/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Right at the start of the DVD, when it opens to the FBI warning, you know you’re about to experience something special.  A voice recording session over the FBI warning serves as an introduction to both the process and the humour in AiVA.  It sets the tone perfectly for the in-depth documentary.

Containing five episodes that are approximately twenty-five minutes each, AiVA shows anime clips, the recording sessions and features a rich treasure trove of interviews with a wide variety of voice actors.  The series covers talent from all the big companies that record anime in North America, including FUNimation, ADV Films, Right Stuff, Bandai and even the now defunct Central Park Media and Geneon.  Interviews cover a wide range of topics split up to the five episodes.  They include discussions on, “What is a voice actor?” a look at, “The Process,” which goes into the nitty gritty details of dubbing,  “Finding a way in,” is a revealing episode about the hardships of getting started as a VA and what motivates people in this fascinating niche,  “Advice,” offers an honest bevy of sage words from those voices of experience and the final episode, “Is it worth it?” sees the actors respond with a moving honesty about what drives them and how they feel about what they do.

The riveting honesty is well met by the in-depth exploration that AiVA offers the viewer.  It not only covers the ins and outs of the business, but also the highs and lows, addressing misconceptions and revealing the reality.  Actors, casting directors and voice directors are frank about the obstacles and the joys to be found in this elite work.  The interviews are with a huge range of actors, showing their diversity as well as their commonalities.  Some of the faces – and voices – in this documentary include Luci Christian, Crispin Freeman, Wendee Lee, Stephanie Sheh, Lisa Ortiz, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Lex Lang, Sandy Fox, Christopher Bevins, Mike McFarland, Carrie Savage, Laura Bailey, Justin Cook, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and stars of TV and film such as Michelle Rodriguez (Lost, Girl Fight, Resident Evil) and Lance Henriksen (Millenium, Near Dark, Aliens.)

The above are only some of the people who took the time to speak openly to the viewer.  Everything you ever wondered about and wanted to know regarding voice acting in anime is on this disc.  The future volumes of AiVA will cover voice acting in video games and US animation.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include, “Vocal Warm-Ups,” which shows a variety of techniques the different voice actors use; “Virtual Voice Actor,” which offers a choice of male or female character and takes you through a dubbing session that you can participate in; “Words of Wisdom,” is a treasure of heartfelt advice offered by the myriad of voice actors seen throughout the documentary; “Additional Footage,” which has some bonus interviews with some of the Vas regarding their fandom of anime.

IN SUMMARY:
Adventures in Voice Acting is the must-see DVD for anyone who wants to know anything about voice acting in anime.  An excellent, in-depth documentary for both anime and voice acting fans.

OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.adventuresinvoiceacting.com/