Inuyasha Arashi to Matsuri no Horaijima!
Reviewed by:
Trish Pellerito (February 24, 2005)
An advantage of studying the Japanese language is the opportunity
to experience culturally unique things and ideas such as Japanese-style
"durama shi-di" (drama CD's) which feature the casts of popular television
series both live and anime - performing new stories on CD using an
old-time radio program style. The seiyuu (actors) perform familiar
roles; the sound effects and theme music are identical to the given
series: all that's missing is the visual! If the seiyuu are especially
good, it's easy to raise the curtain on the "theater of the mind"
and enjoy the show. "Inuyasha Arashi to Matsuri no Horaijima" (roughly,
"Inuyasha Storm and (the) Horai Island Festival") doesn't waste time
starting Act I.
"Inuyasha Arashi to Matsuri no Horaijima" is the second "durama shi-di"
solo release based on Rumiko Takahashi's blockbuster Inu-Yasha manga
franchise. Unlike the first CD, (Inuyasha Jigoku de Matteita Shichinintai)
which expanded a major story arc in the anime, "Matsuri" transports
Inu-Yasha back to Horaijima the backdrop for the 4th feature film
"Guren no Horaijima". Continuing the principle character roles are
Kappei Yamaguchi (Inu-Yasha), Satsuki Yukino (Kagome), Kouji Tsujitani
(Miroku), Houko Kuwashima (Sango) and Kumiko Watanabe (Shippou). (And,
if you're wondering
) Ken Narita, Noriko Hidaka, Yuuichi Nagashima
and Kenichi Ogata are featured in their respective roles as Sessho-maru,
Kikyo and inu-family retainers Jaken and Myoga. Another nice surprise
is the participation of supporting seiyuu who haven't been very involved
with the previous Inu-Yasha drama CD's. Asako Dodo, Katsumi Suzuki,
and Aikiko Nakagawa perform as Kagome's Mom, Grampa and brother, Sota.
Nami Okamoto (Kagome's friend, Ayumi) and Mamiko Noto (Rin) supply
ample amounts of "kawaii". Another fan pleaser are voice cameos from
Taiki Mitsuno (Kouga) and Izuma Ohgami (Kagura), who round out the
largest Inu-Yasha CD cast yet.
"Matsuri" is a unique production. Normally, recordings such as "Matsuri"
are either released after a film premieres or later, with the film's
home DVD release as a bonus. This time, ShoPro chose to release "Matsuri"
for sale on December 8, 2004, well in advance of the "Guren no Horaijima"
movie premiere. This timing created an interesting dilemma the film
"Guren no Horaijima" helps to explain some the story elements driving
"Matsuri." Fortunately, as the CD plot thickens, it evolves into an
independent story. The plot-line is definitely inspired by its companion
film as Inu-Yasha and company return to Horaijima to visit the island's
festival (matsuri). Like "Guren no Horaijima", the characters must
solve a series of riddles and puzzles enroute to their goal. Unlike
the film, our plucky hero team encounters situations providing plenty
of comedic entertainment for the fans!
Yearning for a fresh Inu-fix? "Matsuri" finds the Nihon-jin seiyuu
in fine form! Even if you don't understand a lot of Japanese, the
familiar delivery and infliction of the lively cast communicates volumes.
The Inu-seiyuu wear their characters like a comfortable pair of jeans
and it's clear they enjoy their work! There are new perversions for
Miroku, plenty of "Osuwari" action, and suprises around every turn!
There are three really standout bits during the performance: Miroku
and Kagome's mother, terrifying tongue twisters, and Jakken's drunken
rant priceless! Even the dour Kikyo is entertaining as she trudges
around Horaijima, muttering to herself (
like the neighborhood 'cat
lady'.) Fans will enjoy a special and very sentimental cast interview
at the end of the recording.
Technical: The disk is recorded as a CCCD Region 2 data format. The
disk is easily playable on most Region 1 or All Region equipment and
newer computer disk drives. The disk is copy write protected by AVEX
with the latest Yucca program, so no cheating! The sound is well engineered.
Sound reproduction is crisp: no popping or distortion, and studio
fresh. The sound effects and vocal nuances are crisp and clear; soft
sounds are equally audible.
Extras: The First press comes with a special omiyage card. The CD
booklet has attractive graphics and lots of information about the
production and staff. The CD disk is decorated with the eye-catching
character-related artwork we've come to expect from the Region 2 Inu-Yasha
releases.
Grades:
Story/Plot: B
Voice Performances: A+
Sound Production A
Packaging: B+
Price Points: B- (priced a bit better than most import licensed media.)
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