Black Lagoon, 001

After being captured by the crew of the Black Lagoon—modern pirates, or mercenaries of the South Pacific—the Japanese abductee Rokuro becomes “Rock,” held hostage by an eccentric trio of American crewmembers: Dutch, captain and former soldier; Revy, a gun crazy femme fatale; and Benny, an electronics expert. The Black Lagoon crew takes on various retrieval jobs for clients ranging from eccentric art collectors to the Russian mafia in the first four episodes compiled in this dual-language disc (the first of three volumes), rightfully rated 16-up thanks to the potty mouth antics and Tarantino-level violence (although there is little blood). Boasting Hollywood live-action film style sequences (think: John Woo), Black Lagoon is likely to appeal to Cowboy Bebop fans. This first volume is also available in a “limited edition” double-disc metal case, with DVD extras including behind-the-scenes footage, a music video, promotional videos and more, priced at $39.98. Recommended. [Note: Black Lagoon, Vol. 2 is slated for release July 24, with Vol. 3 debuting on Sept. 18.] Aud: P. (K. Fletcher-Spear)