Wrath of the Ninja: Collector's Series

Three surviving ninja with magical weapons are pitted against the vicious warlord Nobunaga Oda, after he unleashes his undead army across Japan: a novice girl, a nice-guy warrior, and a canny but battle-weary swordsman, who must overcome the loss of their loved ones while also finding the strength to fight together. Anime set during the Sengoku (or Warring States) period are a dime a dozen, although the inclusion of Nobunaga, a historical figure famous for beginning the unification of Japan, as a villain is a nice twist. This double-disc set includes both Wrath of the Ninja, a feature film edited together from the original 1987 OVA series Yotoden: Chronicles of the Warlord Period, and the complete OVA series itself, which is preferred since the film is a confusing mishmash (and horribly dubbed to boot). Still, even though the OVA series is improved by more comprehensive and comprehensible plotting, Yotoden is not a particularly notable entry in the feudal ninja fantasy canon. For new anime fans, the series looks and sounds dated (especially the soundtrack), though for old-school fans this may be a nostalgic trip back to the ‘80s-style anime that initially hooked them. Presented in a dual-language format, and rated 16-up, DVD extras include historical and cultural notes, and an art gallery. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (R. Brenner)