Hakuoki:
~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ Record Of The Jade Blood: Season 2
(2010/Sentai Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Episodes: A-
PLEASE
NOTE: This is not to be confused with the 'Theatrical
Version' we reviewed here...
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/14360/Hakuoki:+Demon+Of+The+Fleeting+Blossum:+Th
After
the battle of Koufu, the Shinsengumi continue to face overwhelming
odds and losing battles. Forced to retreat, Chizuru watches them as
they fall one by one protecting their beloved Commander Hijikata. As
the war worsens. it becomes obvious the Shinsengumi are on the losing
side of the war. However, the Shinengumi also fight a secret war,
the war against Kodo and his 'Furries' and the Oni in Hakuoki:
~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ Record Of The Jade Blood: Season 2
(2010).
Chizuru
was once a captive of the Shinsengumi, now she can't imagine her life
without them, specially with handsome Commander Hijikata. The
Shinsengumi was an elite fighting force for the government and
par-took in an experiment that gave them enhanced fighting and
healing abilities, but when the government fell, the Shinsengumi were
hunted enemies to the country. Even with of the 'Water of Life'
which gave the Shinsengumi super strength and healing could not stop
the changing times. Then they learn each time they used their
powers, it shorten their life drastically. Chizuru must face her own
past, as the last surviving female of the Demon clan, can she truly
expect to live in peace side by side with the human she loves?
This
was a historical fantasy of the handsome men of the Shinsengumi,
while they were on the losing side of a war, they will always be
remember for their courage and duty towards loyalty. This series is
filled with heroic, honor and dishonest characters as our previous
coverage bares out.
The
1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image here is not quite as
good as the Theatrical Blu-ray, but is still pretty fine throughout,
while the lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo in English is
passable, but the Japanese version sounds really impressive and both
have Pro Logic-like surrounds as before. Extras deliver more this
time and include Extra
Chapter ~ Edo, Hakuoki Sweet School Life ~ Chizuru in Danger!?,
The
X-Day that Calls Forth a Storm,
clean opening & closing animations, and trailers.
Episodes
include (with some spoilers)...
Like
a Flame - As the Shinsengumi regroups in Edo, Hijikata
continues to worry about about the future of the Shinsengumi. Kondo
returns with illusions of grandeur.
The
Corridor of Setbacks - As Kondo leads the Shinsengumi into
battle, but his decisions leads them to the slaughter.
The
Distant Visage - As the Shinsengumi are surround once more,
Chizuru suddenly meets with Kaoru, who reveals he is her brother.
After failing to turn Chizuru to his side, Kazama appears and kills
him.
Eternal
Heartfelt Loyalty - The Shinsengumi discover that the powers of
the fury are not infinite, it uses their life force and shortens
their lives. Kondo surrenders himself to allow the other Shinsengumi
to escape.
A
Fleeting Dream - Kondo is executed. Hijikata continues to
retreat with Chizuru and is forced to drink her blood to repress his
fury impulses and faces off with Kazama again.
The
Shinning Light of Daybreak - Harada and Shiranui teams up to
fight Kodo's Furies. As Hijikata recovers from his wounds, Okita
single-handedly defends the town they are hiding in, but turns to
dust after the battle is over.
Blade
of the Sun - Saito continues to defend Aizu and the Shinsengumi
are temporary united, but with the fall of Aizu, Saito stays behind
to to buy time for the others to escape.
Scattering
Cherry Blossoms - Chizuru gets captured by Kodo, but Sannan-san
infiltration allows Hijikata and Heisuke to rescue her, but Heisuke
and Sannan-san turn to dust after using all their powers.
The
Blooming Hepatica - Hijikata parts from Chizuru, but Chizuru
chases after him and promises to stay with him to the end.
The
Ephemeral, Pale Cherry Blossoms - Hijikata faces off with Kazama
one last time. Kazama finally acknowledges Hijikata and declares him
an Oni. Hijikata fights and defeats Kazama. Hijikata and Chizuru
fate then fades off to an unknown future.
-
Ricky Chiang
