Naruto Shippuden—The Movie: Blood Prison

The hugely popular, multi-volume Naruto fantasy franchise (with extensive manga, anime, and video game versions) centers on the perilous adventures of a headstrong teen warrior-ninja—one of many such guardian-types in his beloved village—who sports awesome “Chakra” superpowers. In this 2011 feature-length anime, ramen-loving Naruto Uzumaki is framed for a crime he didn't commit and forsaken by his friends (a conspiracy pulled off so absurdly easily it's no surprise that it turns out to be a narrative trick). Naruto lands in an escape-proof island prison, where disgraced ninjas dwell in enforced harmony, bound with spells that not only stifle their martial magic but will also kill them if they stray too far from formidable warden Mui. Of course, Naruto still makes rebelling and escaping a part of his regular routine—inspiring the other inmates—and in the process learns that power-hungry secret societies are behind all of this, harboring a scheme to open a dangerous “Box of Enlightenment” of wish-granting mojo. Ultimately, the plot turns into a monster-vs.-ninja smackdown reuniting many of the Naruto past cast members, including a giant toad and an immense hip-hop cross between a bull and an octopus. Needless to say, all of this will make more sense to longstanding fans of the series. Presented on DVD and Blu-ray in a dual-language edition, rated TV-14, extras include a bonus Naruto short, an interview with Japanese voice actress Junko Takeuchi, and an art gallery. Recommended. (C. Cassady)