Karas: The Revelation

A sequel to Karas: The Prophecy (VL-7/06), this is a strikingly handsome production that boasts brilliantly subtle 3-D effects, compelling action sequences, off-kilter humor, and a marvelously surreal vibe as it follows androgynous young men with samurai swords who face lumpy gangsters with guns, while ethereal girl-wizards flit in and out through holes in the air. Karas: The Revelation serves up baffled cops, a creature that is part-human and part-insect, and enough bloody violence to make Quentin Tarantino drool, all culminating in a loud, frenetic, impressively staged battle. But what's it all about? A two-minute recap of the first installment offers some explanation of the war between humans and humanoid demons for the control of a large city, but the rush of names and data will simply confuse the uninitiated (and the first part was already narratively murky to begin with). Presented on an unrated dual-language disc (the English-dubbed version features Jay Hernandez and Matthew Lillard among other voice performers) that is suitable for ages 16-up, DVD extras include voiceover talent interviews and pencil sketches. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (P. Hall)