:anime: First/Final/Only Impression:: **That Which Shall Not Be Named**

There is no show picture to show because the show doesn't deserve it, so you'll have to settle for this stylish picture of a question mark, instead.

Review: [Title Withheld (and with good reason…)]

Official Sites: Please…
Additional Links: None.
Video [Free/Pay]: You are better off not knowing…

When it comes to reviews here at HardDoor, my aim is not to tell you what you must or must not watch, but to discuss and provide critical analysis on it, leaving the decision ultimately up to you, the reader. I actually encourage you to watch the title anyway, so you can form your own opinion on it, as I personally do not like someone dictating to me something along the lines of the former. You will never find me saying "Avoid this like the plague!" or "Don't watch this title at all costs!", because it's not my thing. I think we are all our own people and I don't need to tell you what to do. A situation would really have to be something for me to do something like that.

Well, I'm making an exception for this one…

:anime: Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month:: BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad

BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (or just "Mongolian Chop Squad")

Official Sites: Japanese, English
Additional Links: ANN Entry
Video [Free]: FUNimation Videos, Hulu, Anime News Network (Sub / Dub)

As can often be the case in the world and life, some things don't get the attention they deserve, in spite how good they are. Such is the case with this month's free/low-cost anime pick…

BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad has never been a top seller in the U.S. Most of those who have seen it can testify to how good it is, but I imagine that number isn't a mighty one. FUNimation did a fantastic job with its dubbing and singing and has supported the title for a long time, but with it being re-released under its subtitle only (either to try to breathe life into its sales, or to avoid any legal trouble with the real-life, unrelated band), questions of its future on the market comes to mind. Hopefully, the worst never comes to past, considering the effort they put into the release and just how good the show is, but either way, BECK is worth of garnering more attention, hence its spotlight here.

:anime: Alright, Alright…FINE!!

For years, I have considered Revolutionary Girl Utena to be the "greatest show I would never own". Don't get me wrong, I have tons of respect for the series and count it as one of the best things I have ever seen across any media. The great writing, its copious layers, the enjoyable and memorable characters, its unique, almost-Seussian design and animation styles, the ubiquitous scores by Shinkichi Mitsumune (BGM) and J. A. Seazer (duels), its boldness: I have adored so much of it and what it has accomplished, and under most circumstances, I would have dropped down cash on it in a heartbeat and snatched up all of its sets (and probably the movie, too).

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::03.17.11:: Martinez Dismantles Dzinzurik…

Alt. Title(s): "Battle of the Serge", "Sergio/Sergiy", "Power Serge"…

:Sat.03.12.11:

Sergio Martinez TKO8 Sergiy Dzinzurik [HBO]

Sergio Martinez may have had a career highlight in his one-punch demolishing of Paul Williams this past November, but he may have possibly eclipsed that with his performance Saturday night against top contender Sergiy Dzinzurik. "Maravilla" dedicated himself to a hard, snapping jab early on before tattooing the rugged and ridged Dzinzurik with his usual odd-angled shots, with his hooks being the most dangerous ones of all, as they accounted for a bulk the five knockdowns delivered. Though he was able to score two and looked in control against an unwavering opponent prior to the 7th, he hadn't moved around the ring as much as usual for much of the fight and as such, especially with his unique posture and fighting style, was absorbing more punches than necessary.

:anime: It's That Time of The Year, Again:: Crunchyroll Hosts Global Shinkai Day!

Just a quick reminder, Crunchyroll is once again hosting its three-day celebration of the works of anime auteur Makoto Shinkai. "Global Shinkai Day" will be hosting the director's self-made first feature, Voices of a Distant Star, The place promised in our early days--his first feature-length film--, and his most recent film, 5 centimeters per second, which was just re-released on DVD by CR (with Bandai Ent.'s assistance). The festival was recommended last March as its "Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick", and while I'm not repeating picks again (something I try to avoid), I could not pass up another mention of it. Shinkai is a wonderful artist and a free event like this gives one a great opportunity to see his works for the first time (or revisit them all over again). The timing is also a bit ironic, since I made allusions to his visual style in my anime pick and review of the recent Wish Upon the Pleiades (Hokago no Pleiades).