Noein: To Your Other Self, Volume 4

Noein follows pre-teens Haruka, Yuu, and their friends in present-day Japan, where Dragon Cavalry fighters from 15 years in the future have returned to the past in order to find something called the Dragon's Torque, which is necessary to defeat Shangri-La, an enemy in the future. The twist in this somewhat muddled science fiction drama, which draws on quantum physics to create a multidimensional universe, is that one of the DC fighters claims to be Yuu (in the future). In this fourth of five volumes, as the final battle draws near, Haruka—who is herself the Dragon's Torque—begins to use her extraordinary powers. The artwork here is mixed: computer graphics are seamlessly integrated with traditional animation to give the warping into other dimensions and fighting sequences more oomph, but the character designs are weak (especially the figures from the future who have a rudimentary, sketch-like appearance). Compiling five episodes on a dual-language disc that is unrated (but suitable for 13-up), DVD extras include a stills gallery (an on-location featurette with cast and crew is listed on the jacket, but that extra is actually on the third volume of the series, not this one). Optional. [Note: Noein, Vols. 1-3 are also available, with Noein, Vol. 5 slated for release on Sept. 18.] Aud: P. (K. Fletcher-Spear)