 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT | | | ▪ | ASPECT RATIO: | | 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN | | | ▪ | AUDIO: | | ENGLISH DD 5.1 AND JAPANESE DD 2.0 | | | ▪ | RUNNING TIME: | | 100 MIN | | | ▪ | RATING: | | TV MA | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 06/23/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 06/22/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
The penultimate volume of the series renders secrets to the light, ominous predictions of the future, and tragedy about to beset all. It begins with a tale of Huang. Showing his past and how he first was taken in and made a dog of the Syndicate, we discover a world of silent pain in Huang’s soul. A love born of chance and a tragic reunion show how romance since Heaven’s Gate comes at a terrible price. At the same time, Hei’s given the task to kill the leader of a rising Gate cult who is also a Contractor. In carrying out his mission, he in part uncovers Huang’s past and plays a part in the tragedy that follows in the present when past and present meet. It is an interesting episode that again questions how cold and emotionless the Contractors are. They feel love, rage, sorrow and more, and if that is all true, than how different are they from the humans who subjugate them to their terrible will? Just what does the Syndicate want anyway? The answer to that happens in the next two part story. A scientist heavily involved in Gate research is abducted by the terrorist group EPR. Questions of their involvement with the American embassy are in the works, but is the US a collaborator or a victim? Chief Kirihara continues her investigation and comes too close to the truth and the Black Reaper. The return of November and a brief reunion between Hei and Amber all set the stage for the finale to come. The Syndicate’s motives are learned and it puts to the Contractors the simple question of whether EPR are terrorists or saviours. Hei cannot accept the latter. His anger towards Amber’s betrayal colors everything before him. Meanwhile November is about to find out the truth to an ominous prediction about his death. This volume has been one of the most attention-grabbing as it sets the groundwork for the final episodes and reveals much while raising more pressing questions. The story continues to let the chips fall where they may, proving that no one is safe from the final axe fall.
EXTRAS:
Bonus features include textless songs, production artwork, trailers, and audio commentary on episode 22 with the English staff of Zach Bolton (ADR Director), John Burgmeier (Head Script Writer), and Spencer Prokop (Chief Script Writer for episode 22).
IN SUMMARY:
Two more tales hold mysteries, revelations, and deadly reunions in the penultimate volume of Darker than Black. |
