Death Note, one of Japan’s most unique and compelling anime series, has finally released its Volume 8 DVD as of December 30th. Episodes 29 through 32 are all present on this DVD, along with some interesting special features that even the biggest Death Note fans may enjoy.
One of the interesting things about Death Note is that the anime has been adapted into three different films over the years. However, two of those films have yet to be released in North America, and the only one commercially released wasn’t widely available in theaters.
Story Line
What would you do, if you discovered a book that could kill any criminal only by writing their name? For a young man named Light Yagami that dream has come true. After a bored shinigami (Japanese gods of death) named Ryuk drops the Death Note from the shinigami realm and into the human world, Yagami discovers the book and his entire life is changed forever.
Light, who is the son of a police chief and always wished that the world could be purified and all evil could be erased. After finding the Death Note and discovering its powers, he takes up the name Kira and starts killing of criminals.
The only catch to the whole situation is, Light has to see the persons face whether it be online or on the news, and then write that persons name down in the book. Aside from writing that persons name down, he can also give them a cause of death, or control them only if it’s within the physical possibility of that character.
After a good number of murders, a mysterious private detective who calls himself L challenges Light. As it turns out, L has been responsible for solving many of Japan’s hardest cases. L begins to take over the Japanese police forces for that area and attempts to search for Kira.
Needless to say, Death Note has some of the most amazing plot twists of any media format. The anime itself has even been called the Ultimate Game of Cat and Mouse by numerous sources. Watching Light and L attempt to outsmart each other is somewhat like a roller coaster ride all the way to the end.
These particular episodes (29-32) focus on two new detectives from other governments that begin to suspect Light Yagami. Early in the series viewers learn that Light will do anything not to get caught, including kill innocent people, so how does one capture such a ruthless enemy?
DVD Features
Death Note Volume 8’s special features aren’t bad at all considering the lack of special features on most anime DVD’s. This DVD in particular has both English and Japanese subtitle options, English and Japanese voice over options, production art, audio commentary, and behind the scenes video from English voice actors.
Conclusion
Overall, Death Note Volume 8 is possibly one of the best anime DVD’s to come out during the 2008 holiday season. Its special features will keep hardcore Death Note fans happy, and maybe draw in some new ones hopefully. This DVD gets a four out of five!
Looking to purchase Death Note Volume 8 on DVD? Click Here!
Final Score
4/5 – Above Average – (5 Being Perfect. 1 Being Horrible.)
