Search - Lone Wolf and Cub Collection 1 (TV) on DVD

Manga Comes to Life

Steven Fujita | Long Beach, CA | 11/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was happy to see this collection on the dvd shelf because I really want to buy the series, but kept putting it off because of the price of the previous releases which only had two discs per release. With this release, there are six discs, and cover the first three volumes of the previous releases.

There is a debate between which is better, the six movie series which starred Tomisaburo Wakayama, or the television version, which starred Kinnosuke Yorozuya. And to be honest, I like both equally.

While the movies combine some of the plots of the manga, each episode of the tv series cover one storyline. The premise, in a nutshell, is official executioner for the shogun, Itto Ogami, is framed by the Yagyu clan, and instead of committing hara-kiri, escapes and raises money to someday exact revenge on the Yagyu and restore his family's name. He raises this money by becoming a hired assassin, traveling with his three year old son, Daigoro.

The relationship between father and son seem stoic, but there is a clear bond between the two. Ogami is an assassin, but it seems he only kills bad guys. It is these two factors that make these episodes work. He puts his son in constant danger, but you forgive him because of the life he leads. He kills people to earn money, but you forgive him beacuse of the people he kills. They live a brutal existence, and you root for their survival.

Kinnosuke Yorozuya is a much more soft hearted Ogami than the one Wakayama plays in the movies, and what's really impressive is the blend of being stoic and showing affection for his son and showing emotional compassion towards his clients all at the same time. As far as the action, it's classic chambara tv action. Certainly not on par with what Sonny Chiba would do a decade later with the fight choreography, but on level with what you would have seen in any other samurai drama.

This collection has the first 13 episodes of the show. No extras, just the episodes and some movie trailers of I suppose movies that are part of the dvd library of Tokyo Shock.

"

Well it's about time!!

AKE | Anaheim, CA | 03/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's finally here! The TV show that spawned some 10 Lone Wolf & Cub/ Shogun Assassin movies. The show ran for three years, with over 20 episodes in each season. The show holds up better over time than the movies which suffer from a cheesy 70s soundtrack and gallons of bright red paint/blood. For the most part the plots in the movies come directly from the TV show, so you may get that "Haven't I seen this before?" feeling.

The premise for the show is basically the same as the movies. Ogami Itto, high executioner for the shogun has his family murdered and is framed for plotting to kill the shogun. He is ordered to commit suicide, but instead goes on the run with his son Daigoro as an assassin for hire, working for anyone that can pay his 500 gold fee. Lord Retsudo and his Yagyu clan, who has been charged with killing Ogami by the shogun and also wants revenge for Ogami being chosen as high executioner over Retsudo's own man, constantly pursues him.

While the movies can best be described as blood and gore action movies, the TV show is more focused on a deeper story, mainly centered on the concept of samurai honor. For example, Ogami teaches his son that a samurai never begs. When Daigoro gets separated from his father (which happens quite a lot!) he nearly starves to death, yet still refuses to take handouts from kindly strangers. There is still plenty of action and sword fights (and yes, the Gatling gun baby cart is still there!), but it's not just mindless Rambo-esqe violence.

I only wish the release format they are using was different. This set apparently contains four 1-hour episodes. There are over 70 episodes in the series. It could take several years to release the entire run!

UPDATE: My guess about 4 episodes in this release was incorrect. There are 5 episodes total on 2 DVDs, which make it a slightly better value. Also they have updated the subtitles, although I cannot tell if it's for better or worse. You may notice subtle changes like Ogami Itto is now Itto Ogami, and "My sword and son are for hire" is now "My son and expertise are for hire". I assume they've been change to more accuratly translate what is being said, but that doesn't mean it's easier to understand.
"

Overpriced Release

Pigumon | Bay Area, CA | 05/28/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"As it should be, this rating is for this particular release, NOT THE CONTENT.
The TV show is great, it gets 4 - 5 stars.

But this is another overpriced american release... 5 episodes per volume?

You should never have to pay more than $1 per episode.
~70 episodes divided by 5 per volume times $20 per volume???

That's $280 for only 3 seasons!!!!

Typically a season box is between $20- $35. They've jacked the price up because fans will pay for it. It's really sad. It happened with Star Trek, Twilight Zone, etc. I'll have to wait till they go on clearance or get the Hong Kong release."