Search - Inuyasha - The Movie 2 - The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass on DVD

They've Done it Again--Another Fantastic Movie

Brett Weissbart | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 12/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As always, it must be noted that those experiencing an Inuyasha film for the first time may be somewhat surprised, as the animation quality and design of the characters is somewhat different from the regular series. This change certainly doesn't hurt the movie, but it might prove to be a slight distraction during the first few moments of the film. In addition, The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is missing an introduction similar to that found in Affections Touching Across Time, in which the characters and basic plot are introduced in order to familiarize viewers who might not be comfortable with the IY phenomenon just yet. Since this second movie continues to play on elements developed in the television series and first movie, it might be suggested that newer fans watch a few episodes of the regular series before diving into this DVD.



Inuyasha fans (such as myself) who enjoy character development over action scenes probably find many episodes of the series to be hit or miss. However, viewers from both sides of that spectrum will definitely be satisfied with The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass, as once again the story arc proves to be a perfect combination of character interaction and action scenes. This particular film starts out particularly fast, with the team in the middle of a fierce fight with Naraku. The conclusion of this battle leaves Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Kagome, and Shippo with some time to catch up with their normal lives. The creators used this time to conjure up some creative (and funny) situations involving the characters, which proves to be welcomed breather before the plot begins to pick up a faster pace and more serious atmosphere.



The final encounter scenes between the team and Kaguya are extremely well developed; several plot twists and unexpected events make this to be a particularly nail-biting experience for the audience. This is definitely saying a lot, considering that the entire Inuyasha series is crafted to keep the viewers on their feet. The climax of this intense encounter leaves the team in the worst situation possible-Inuyasha's full demon coming out in full force once again. As always, Kagome is the only one who has the power to help Inuyasha overcome the transformation. This powerful moment in the movie left tears in my eyes, as the emotions evoked by the scenes leading up to this situation are enough to draw anyone into the story.



As always, the ending is a happy one, with everyone's favorite team of heroes overcoming a seemingly invincible foe once again. The cherry on the top of The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is a feel-good moment between Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and Miroku that occurs after the credit roll. Even though it's obvious that the two couples in the group, Inuyasha/Kagome and Sango/Miroku have grown closer together, they still refuse to admit that anything significant had occurred during their most recent adventure. Of course, we can't have a major Inuyasha production without the obligatory "Sit!", so the movie ends with Kagome throwing it at Inuyasha once again. The film tops off just over 1.5 hours long, which is perfect, as I felt as if I couldn't take the emotional stress of that roller coaster ride for much longer.



As with the first movie's DVD, Viz has put about an hour's worth of special features onto the disc. Aside from the standard lineart and movie promos, they've included a 40-minute subtitled television production that counts down 30 of the most popular things (characters, situations, and objects) that are associated with the World of Inuyasha. Proving that even television in a language unfamiliar to many viewers can still be hilarious , the creators of this production (which appears to have been released prior to this film) have included several great components that are weaved in with movie promos and television clips. One of the highlights of this bonus footage was the re-creation of the Inuyasha plot using character plush dolls. Viewers are also treated to a bit of Inuyasha in Japan, a brief look behind the scenes at the IY production facility, a boomerang expert recreating his own Hiraikotsu (Sango's weapon), and a chance to yell at "Sit!" at the screen and watch Inuyasha get pounded to the ground.



Overall, the Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is deserving of every five-star review that it has received thus far. The only thing left missing is Movie 3, which hopefully will hit store shelves in another couple of months."

Heh. I've already seen it

Thomas F. Hooker | Accomac, VA | 10/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My friend managed to find a download of it, and put it on network so that I could watch. As is it is pretty awesome.

Basic plot: The party appears to have killed Naraku. Miroku's hand has healed, Kagura's heart is back, and all seems back to normal. But Kanna's mirror leads them to another mirror, one occupied by Kaguya an immortal of legend sent to the moon from Mount Fushi (Eternity), which is now called Fuji. She leads Kanna on a quest to find five treasures representing the five elements of Chinese religion, which includes Inuyasha's fire robe. Releasing her has its price, as she plans to stop time for eternity.

Spoiler: Kagome and Inuyasha kiss in this film."

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW . . . Applause

L. Mintah | USA | 02/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Inuyasha: The Castle in the Looking Glass, is the best Inuyasha movie thus far. In fact, it is one of the best of all the anime movies. The art is simply dazzling. Gorgeous beyond words. The backgrounds and the lighting look so real, that you feel like you could dive right into the movie. Bravo!! You could even watch the first three quarters of the movie with the sound off, the animation is so incredible and awe-inspiring. Kagome, Sango, Inuyasha, and Miroku's beauty/attractiveness is up a few notches. Each of them looks like a supermodel version of themselves in the series. Sango has longer legs, Miroku is more handsome. Both he and Kagome have more beautiful, intense eyes.



The story is about the demise of the vile, disgusting Naraku, and the ramifications his death has with our heroes and villians. With Naraku gone, a new menace manifests. She is Kaguya, the Moon Princess. Kaguya wants to plunge the world into eternal night with a perpetual full moon. For the promise of freedom, Kagura and Kana help Kaguya break out of her prison by collecting five sacred items for her, one of which is Inuyasha's Fire-Rat robe.



The first three-quarters of the movie seem predictable. Like I said, you can watch it with the sound off and still know what is going on. But look out! The last quarter is jaw-droppingly intense, with a couple of twists that will have you on the edge of your seat.



A raven-haired beauty trapped for ages in a mirror seeks to plunge the world into eternal darkness? Sailor Moon, anyone? It would seem like this villian is a mimeograph of the one in Sailor Moon Super S, but Kaguya has chops of her own. She looks very beautiful in her purple robe and strange head ornament, and she has another outfit that looks very demoness-like. (Love the red eyeshadow).



Sesshoumaru, Jaken, Rin, and Kaede are not in this movie, although they are in the stills in the closing credits. Koga is not featured at all, in case you were wondering. Kikyo plays a small but important role. She is sad, conflicted, and haunted as usual.

There are lots of delightful, scream-out-loud-with-laughter moments in this movie. By all means, if you can afford it, buy this one. It bears repeated viewing. I myself cannot wait to watch it again.



Yes, yes, Inu and Kagome kiss in this movie! Granted, it is not much of a lip-lock, but fans got what they wanted. "Castle" was not written by or approved by Inuyasha creator Rumiko Takahashi. It is independent of the ongoing series. What really happens to Naraku, Kagome, and Inuyasha remains to be seen.



The song at the end of the movie is absolutely wonderful. The song is accompanied by adorable stills of the characters, some tying up loose ends of the movie, others just for awwwww's. Extras on this DVD are disappointing. How many trailers and art galleries can we see? I know Takahashi-san is private, like most manga creators - but we have made her very wealthy. How about an interview? How about interviews with the English voice actors, like ADV did with Pretear? Come on, be creative, people!!"

An Inuyasha-fan Must-See and great movie!

Ayami Yamakita | Tokyo | 10/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is probably my second favorite of the Inuyasha quartet of movies. This is a really awesome movie for any Inuyasha fan, The old Japanese voice track has been redone wonderfully and watching the Japanese is the coolest thing. The plot is also awesome. I've been ranting long enough, so let me cut to my normal chase.

The picture quality is good enough. Though, some people have commented that the characters do not look like themselves. That is because the animators who made the regular series did not animate the movies. But, the picture wuality is excellent and there is no required tracking adjustment needed.

The sound is excellent. Since it's been a while since the old Japanese track has been redone, but it has been masterfully reinstated to perfect sound quality. Since the English in newly recorded, it must be in excellent condition, though I never watch the English myself.

The plot was masterfully done to fit into the story. Unlike the first movie, which was excellent, everything ties into it's point in time in the series. The first movie had a few anachronisms. But, this is a plot that has plenty of romance, action, humor, and everything."