 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | MANGA ENTERTAINMENT | | | ▪ | ASPECT RATIO: | | 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN | | | ▪ | AUDIO: | | ENGLISH DD 5.1 AND JAPANESE DD 2.0 | | | ▪ | RUNNING TIME: | | 75 MIN | | | ▪ | RATING: | | 17+ | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 10/07/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 09/03/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Based on Ichiro Sakaki’s immensely popular novel series, Strait Jacket the anime is a gripping blend of horror, drama and action. Set in a parallel world, instead of regular technological advancements in electronics, the steam engine industrial movement was accompanied by the discovery and advancement of sorcery. Now it permeates in every department and industry from government to medicine, from agriculture to military. However, with the use of magic comes a price. The exposure and use of sorcery leads to the infection of Malediction, a curse which can eventually turn ordinary humans into grotesque demonic monsters. When this happens, the Magic Administration Office calls in the Tactical Sorcerists, people who risk their very souls let alone their sanity to defeat the monstrosities sorcery can beget. Both admired and feared, they are known as Strait Jackets. The anime is a three part OVA presented as a full feature film in the DVD. It is dark, dramatic and riveting. The tale begins when a terrifying demonic attack at a children’s hospital has the earnest Magic Administrator Nerin Simmons run into a rogue Tactical Sorcerist named Leiot. He is disrespectful, doesn’t obey the rules, is accompanied by a half-demon girl, and uses forbidden sorcery. He either wants to save the day or end his own life. Burdened by the tragedies his life as a Sorcerist has accrued, he seeks either salvation or damnation. Right away from the opening scenes, the anime sets itself up as an edgy horror thrill ride. Although action laden, it has strong psychological and emotional components with the story of Leiot and his ward Kapelteta. Through his interaction with Nerin, he may have inadvertently met a person who will not give up on him and will push him into living his life rather than seeking his death. But demons are not the only problem facing these people. Terrorist factions exist and they are willing to cause demon outbreaks for their own financial greed. However there is more to their deeds than even the Sorcerist and Magic Administrator know. When Isaac, a loyal Tactical Sorcerist realizes an unwanted tie to Leiot and seeks revenge, he ends up opening a Pandora’s Box of deception and vile betrayal. It sets into motion the tragic climax of the anime and a turning point perhaps for Leiot. The anime blends in its story and its visuals magic and horror to create a dark atmosphere. There are sci-fi elements as well with the use of Molds which are the tactical magic armor that is put on with the use of steam technology combined with magic to form the armored suits and weapons of the Sorcerists. Such edgy techno Goth aspects give it a sci-fi punk influence as well. The results are a visually striking film that blends various elements along with CG and 2D animation with high theatrical quality animation to grand visual effect. Often tense, it contains graphic violence that is well suited to the horrors the demons represent and the terrifying future the Tactical Sorcerists face becoming. Part tragedy, part horror, part combined Goth/techno with an unusual retro feel (check out the old fashion phones and cars), Strait Jacket is an anime apart from the regular humdrum fodder. It holds strong story telling, intriguing characters, and intense imagery. During its DVD release in North America, Strait Jacket will also premiere on the Sci Fi Channel in the US. It is also scheduled for screening at the New York Anime Festival in September.
EXTRAS:
Bonus features include previews of the Dead Space animated feature and game.
IN SUMMARY:
Mesmerizing, tragic, and filled with grotesque horrors, Strait Jacket is an intense anime experience story-wise and visually. Holding stunning animation, phenomenal technology, and charismatic characters, it is a must see for anime fans who prefer animation for adults. |
