▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		130 MIN
		▪	RATING:		T+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		06/16/2009
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		07/01/2009
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Death Note is the story about a brilliant young man named Light who finds a Death Note on the ground. The strange and eerie books claims that whoever’s name is written therein shall die. He tests it and when it proves to be true, instead of horror, he is elated. A man with an extreme sense of justice, he vows to use the Death Note to create a utopia ideal with him as its god. Aiding him and trapping him at the same time is the original owner of the Death Note, the shinigami Ryuk. There are rules to using the book and Ryuk gives them only when he absolutely has to, but his true agenda appears to be one of wanting to simply see what evil Light will accomplish. It is a deadly way to alleviate one’s boredom. It is one that will prove to have the direst of consequences.

Light’s killing of murderers and other known criminals gain him a following that’s perfect for his achieving god-like status. Known only to the media and his followers as Kira, he does not only gain the attention of admirers, but also the police. The special task force assigned to capture the serial killer known as Kira is headed by none other than Light’s father. When that fails, and international attention rises at the threat Kira poses, a genius is brought in to capture Light. The prodigy only calls himself L. Soon the two are locked in a battle of wits and wills where only one can win and the winner will decide the fate of the world.

It is a mesmerizing story. This special is a new edition, re-editing the TV series to tell it from the point of view of one of its most enigmatic characters – Ryuk. It does not cover the entire scope of the story, but instead through clever editing and added new scenes, gives viewers a streamlined and provocative look at the tale in this special streamlined version. It starts after the events of the original story had concluded, showing Ryuk in the world of the shinigami, a wasteland, and looking back on his time in the Human World with Light. It offers some unique insights into the story as well as Ryuk’s feelings towards Light and what happened. Therefore it offers a new perspective for viewers to enjoy and perhaps some surprises on how Ryuk feels about the entire Death note saga with Light.

Of particular impact in this special was the scene at the cemetery where Light shows an uncharacteristically uncontrolled side to Ryuk. Another scene, far more subtle, is when he thinks he has achieved his new world order on the cusp of a number of killings. Take note of when you see Light walking along a panel of windows. The reflection shows something quite different than the actual moving Light, or perhaps it should be said that the window shows the real Light versus the façade he portrays to others.

The animation is superb and captures the original manga artists beautiful yet darkly atmospheric style wonderfully. The new additional scenes are worked in seamlessly with the rest of the anime that was re-edited from the TV show. The overall production quality is exceptional. Between the striking visuals and evocative and brilliant storytelling, Death Note is a must see in any incarnation.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include original Japanese promos, trailers, manga ads, trailers for the Death Note movies, and special video “Death Note Rewritten with the Japanese Cast and Crew”. This documentary includes video interviews with Tetsuro Araki (Director), Toshio Nakatani (Producer), Kappei Yamaguchi (L), and Mamoru Miyano (Light).

IN SUMMARY:
Death Note: R – ReLight tells the thriller from the point of view of the mysterious Death God that started it all – Ryuk. It is unique in perspective and a feat of genius re-editing that also features all new additional scenes and perspectives on the saga.