Director: Hayato Date
Starring: Kate Higgins, Chie Nakamura, Maile Flanagan, Junko Takeuchi, Yuri Lowenthal, Noriaki Sugiyama, Ben Diskin, Akira Ishida, Brian Donovan, Hideo Ishikawa, David Lodge, Houchu Ohtsuka
Running Time: 325 minutes
Certificate: 12
Extras: Trailers, Production Art
Once again this box set throws us into the world of ninjas, talking frogs, epic battle sequences, and a lot of drama. Although this may sound exciting, the first episode is nothing but talk, as the character of Sasuke hears long and plodding explanations of his brother’s actions. It’s never the best way to start off a collection with such a dull episode, but they couldn’t exactly end the last box set with it either.
Episodes 141-153 are included here, which showcase an array of stories including the continuation of Sasuke and Itachi, Naruto having to protect a young warrior as she return to her village, Sasuke taking on Eight-Tails, and Naruto being delivered the news of his master’s death. There is certainly a lot going on and sometimes the stories can get muddled or confusing, especially during the crossover stages. Having so many characters and stories to juggle can become tiring when watching the series as a whole, and so perhaps it will be best for viewers to make their way through the episodes gradually.
Naruto is pretty much at the centre of proceedings this time around, which makes it a fascinating watch. As the viewer, we are aware of Jiraiya’s demise and so, in a way, we must harbour our own form of guilt considering Naruto doesn’t find out until the last two episodes of this collection. On top of that, Naruto has even more demons to deal with as he protects Hotaru, but discovers she has a forbidden Jutsu (ninja power stuff) implanted in her body. Dealing with the themes of sacrifice and the greater good is something NARUTO SHIPPUDEN usually gets right and here is no exception.
The biggest concern with this series is the English dubbed voice of Naruto himself. A lot of women voice younger male characters in animation, but Maile Flanagan’s voice just fails to convince. It always sounds too feminine, which can become distracting. What doesn’t help matters is that Naruto is very emotional throughout this collection, meaning he shouts a lot.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 12 will hold a lot of great moments for dedicated fans, a number of interesting episodes for fans of exciting storytelling in general, and utter confusion for those just dipping in and out. The animation may not be breaking boundaries, but it is always captivating. Containing the end of Season 6, the whole of Season 7, and the very start of Season 8, means most viewers will be pushed and pulled around, but when teamed with Box Sets 11 and 13, it will form a complete image.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 12 is available on DVD from 18th March.
