Ajin: Demi Human - Part 2 (2017/Netflix)/Haikyuu!!: Season Two (2015 - 2016/both Sentai Blu-rays)/Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay (2018/DC Comics Animated/Warner 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)

4K Ultra HD Picture: B+ Picture: B+/A-/B Sound: C+/B+/B+ Extras: C*/C/B Main Programs: B-/A-/C+

Not all animation is for children anymore and now, that is not just restricted to Japan. We'll see how in these sequel/follow-up releases to titles we've covered before...

'Ajin' - immortal human beings. Nagai Kei finds himself in a war between human governments and the Ajins in Ajin: Demi Human - Part 2 (2017). Ajins are consider non-humans and have no rights and are hunted down for inhuman experiments. Sato-san, a mad Ajin and his followers have started a war against the humans and will not stop until he destroys the government. Kei finds himself allying with a group of humans believing the possibility of co-existence. Along with small group of Ajins they are all that stand in the way between Sato-san and mass destruction.

Kei was a normal high school student until he discover he was one of the few immortal Ajins around the world. An Ajin cannot die, but resurrects and heals completely after each death, also they can summon powerful invisible IBM (Invisible Black Matter) 'black shadows' to fight and overcome impossible odds. He learns that governments around the world are conducting inhuman experiments and research to weaponize the Ajins for their own purposes. After saving some Ajins from a secret government experiment, Sato and his group of Ajin have declared war against the government (as well as blackmailing them) to their demands. Reluctantly Kei teams up with the humans who once hunted him. Together, they work to stop Sato and his plans for mass murder and weapons of mass destruction to turn Japan into a Ajin only country.

Things begin to heat up in the second part of this series, there is action, government conspiracies and non-stop twists. Extras include movies, clean opening and closing animations, though a mitre expansive Premium edition is also available with more goodies.

Episodes this time include...

I'm getting sick of this - Sato declares war on the humans and announces he will assassinate 15 high profile government employees who have known about the Ajin. Kei and Ko surprises Tosaki and joins his team to stop Sato.

I'm surrounded by idiots - Kei and Ko trains with Tosaki and his men. Meanwhile, Sato, true to his word begins assassinating his targets.

But I am always scared - Kei wonders why his IBM always does the opposite of what he says and learns that his mental condition is related to his IBM's behavior.

They make me sick - Kai, even in jail continues to stand up for Ajins. Unknown that his cellmate is an Ajin, Kai befriends him. Meanwhile, U.S. agents begin to investigate Japanese government and it's Ajins.

Kuro, please... - Sato continues his murder spree. The US agents abduct Tosaki to find out his secrets.

Must be tough being a lap dog - U.S. agents torture Tosaki. Shimomura, Kei and Ko attempt to rescue Tosaki but the agents escape in a car with Tosaki.

Kuro, just once more, please! - Shimomura, Kei and Ko manage to rescues Tosaki before the agents reached the American Embassy. Tosaki is angered when he finds out they missed the chance to catch Sato. Sato plans to kill the final person on his list. The government announces they have created an anti-Ajin force to fight Sato.

This country is going to get a little unsettled - Even against highly train soldiers Sato continues to out wit and overpower the anti-Ajin forces. Kei and his team manage to lay a trap for Sato.

You've the one messing up my life - Kei and his teammates are unable to stop Sato. Sato kills off most of Kei human teammates and escapes with secret chemical weapons from the government. Kei, Shimomura and Ko get arrested, but Tosaki frees them and they become fugitives.

I won't do it - Sato takes over an army base and announces that he will use the government own WMDs against them. Kei is depressed after their failure to catch Sato and the death of his teammate and leaves...

"At this rate...it really will be war!" - The US government gets involved and sends in troops. Humans afraid of Ajin threaten to kill anyone related to Ajins, including Kei's sister Eriko. Kei tries to save her, but then they are both saved by Kai. Kei realizes unless he stops Sato, he will never find peace and returns to Tosaki's group.

But that makes it interesting, so whatever - The US Military plans to nerve gas the entire region to stop Sato. Kei, Tosaki, Izumi and Ko enter an underground maze and tries to bury Sato alive, but Sato continues to remain one step ahead of everyone and collapses the entire tunnel system.

I'll make you a promise too, Mr. Sato - Kei and Sato have a showdown just minutes before the US plans to release the gas. Kei manages to stop Sato, and he and his friends about to arrested until Tosaki reminds them the deal was for Sato and Tanaka only, the other Ajins are pardoned and under Japanese protection. Later Japan now announces Ajin are considered humans again and have rights. Sato escapes from his transport and Tosaki asks Kei to help hunt him once more.

We'll cover more of the technical playback performance after all the reviews, but you can read more about the previous season debut season at this link...

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/14872/Ajin:+Demi+Human+-+Part+1+(2016/Netflix/Sent

Karasuno High was once a powerhouse volley ball team, but with Hinata and Kageyama they have a chance to rise to glory again. Hinata is really short, but he is known as the Little Giant for his super fast reactions and quick spikes that surprises his opponents. Kageyama is known as the King of the Court, knowing exactly how the set the ball for the perfect spike and to break through defenses. Together, can Hinata and Kageyama help lead Karasuno High to the nationals once more?

After last season's lost in the inter-high preliminaries, Haikyuu!!: Season Two (2015 - 2016) has Karasuno High has summer training camp to learn and prepare for the spring games. As the team begins their summer camp they are joined with a new manager Yachi. It's a new season of sweat, tears and blood as Karasuno finds new techniques to become a stronger team. With each game the team grows and new rivalries appear between opponents and teammates alike ...that Karasuno is not a team to be taken lightly.

This is a great sports anime, a story of a bunch of underdogs dreaming to become champions. The series teaches not only about talent, hard wok, practice and skills, but also teamwork and sportsmanship. A single game can sometimes be covered a single episode, or it can be over multiple episodes with inner monologues and narration explaining the game/story. Extras include clean opening and closing animations and trailers.

Episodes this time include...

Let's Go to Tokyo - Karasuno has been invited to summer train camp in Tokyo to play some of their toughest rivals.

Direct Sunlight - Before their summer training camp, Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya and Tanaka have to get passing marks in their classes before being allowed to join in the summer camp.

Villiager B - Kiyoko recruits a cute new manager joins Karasuno, Yachi, but can Yachi stand being surrounded by hot, sweaty guys?

Center Ace - Hinata and Kageyama arrive fashionably late to camp, but can they turn around the game for a chance to win?

Greed - Both Hinata and Kageyama realize they both need to up their game and skills, but until they perfect their new techniques they are unable to work together.

Tempo - Kageyama learns from Oikawa on how to be a better setter. Hinata learns from Karasuno's former volleyball coach on how to get new techniques for his quick attacks.

Moonrise - Karasuno plays against Fukuro High and they begin to try out new techniques and skills to improve their game.

Illusionary Hero - Tsukishima recalls his past and his own limits and is afraid of failure and disappointment like his brother.

Vs. Umbrella - Karasuno plays against Nekoma and Hinata plays with his rivals to learn how to play against future opponents.

Gears - Karasuno continues to lose their matches during practice, but the other teams realize each player are growing at incredible speeds and they will become a stronger team.

Above - Training camp comes to an end and the teams have a barbecue together.

Match Begins - Karasuno head off to the preliminaries and the other teams wonder on how Karasuno has improved over their summer training.

Simple, Pure, Strength - Karasuno faces off with a team that has a super tall player. Can skill defeat natural advantage?

Growing Fast - Tsukishima wonders can an average team player like himself without any special skills be any help to his teammates.

Playground - Karasuno begins the qualifiers for the semifinals and plays against Johzenji, a team known for it's wild and unpredictable plays.

To the Next - Karasuno wins against Johzenji and plays against WakuNan next who has a defensive play style.

The Fight of the Spineless - Daichi is injured and is forced to leave the game, Ennoshita subs in as sub captain and Yamaguchi subs in as a pinch server.

The Losers - Even without their captain, Karasuno manages to keep up the pressure and win against WakuNan.

The Iron Wall Can Be Constructed Any Number of Times - Seijho plays against Date Tech, whomever wins will play Karasuno next.

Wiping Away - Karasuno faces off with Seijho and manages to keep up with them this time, but Seijho has a new player/secret weapon.

The Breaker - Seijho new player is Kyotani, a.k.a. the Mad Dog, along with Oikawa's powerful serves they turn the tide in their favor.

The Flight of the Previously Spineless - Yamaguchi is subbed in as a pinch server and manages to even up the score when Seijho pulls ahead.

Team - Both teams have won a set and now playing the 3rd set, both teams are tired and beginning to show they are reaching their limits.

Switch For the Utmost Limit - The score continues to remain close to the last round, but Hinata and Kageyama manage to turn the game around and win with their new quick spike attack.

Declaration of War - Karasuno manages to make it to the finals and get ready for the game tomorrow. Oikawa bumps into Ushijima and gives him a warning ...that even an eagle can be taken down by a murder of crows.

Here again, we'll cover more of the technical playback performance after all the reviews, but you can read more about the earlier Collection sets at these links...

Collection 1

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/13540/Haikyu!!:+Collection+1+(2014/Sentai+Blu-ray

Collection 2

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/13726/Haikyu!!+:+Collection+2+(2015/Sentai+Blu-ray

So that bring us to the U.S. side of more mature animation, Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay (2018), the new R-rated DC Comics Animated film that serves as a sequel of sorts to the 2016 live-action hit that had a very mixed critical and fan response. Like that releases, this one is jammed full of violence and sexual innuendos that may be a bit much for the younger crowd. Featuring the same high grade animation from DC/Warner, the film is pretty fun and edgy and on par with previous new releases from the studio but nothing too incredibly fresh. Hopefully, the live action Suicide Squad films will be this fun in the future as the franchise still holds promise, despite the so-so original.

Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Killer Frost, Copperhead, Captain Boomerang, and Bronze Tiger make up the Suicide Squad in this installment. After Amanda Waller ends up with a secret terminal sentence, she ends up ordering the Squad (aka X-Force) to obtain a powerful mystical object that is of particular worth to her. Of course, they have to kick a lot of butt in order to obtain this object, with many familiar (and new) foes in their path.

The voice cast includes Christian Slater, Tara Strong, Vanessa Williams, Billy Brown, Liam McIntyre, and Kristin Bauer van Straten.

The animated film is presented here in both a 2160p HEVC/H.265, HDR (10; Ultra HD Premium)-enhanced Ultra High Definition image on the 4K UHD format and the standard 1080p Blu-ray. The film has a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and a DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 lossless mix, both of which are of high quality and have no distractingly bad qualities. The difference in image between the 4K UHD and the Blu-ray isn't quite as significant as it is in high budgeted live action films, but still maintains a smooth and clean image that is a slightly better looking upgrade. The score sounds a direct rip off of Robert Rodriguez's theme to Sin City but fits the tone of the film.

A digital UV copy is also included.

Special Features include...

Commentary

A Sneak Peak at DC Universe's Next Animated Feature, The Death of Superman

Outback Rogue: Captain Boomerang

Nice Shot, Floyd! The Greatest Marksman in the DCU

The Power of Plot Devices: MacGuffins and Red Herrings

A Sneak Peak at DCU Batman: Assault on Arkham

A Sneak Peak at Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

From the DC Comics Vault: Beware the Batman, Instinct - Episode 11 from Season One.

From the DC Comics Vault: Young Justice, Terrors

Introductory Trailers

This animated film is still pretty enjoyable even if it's not the freshest fruit in the basket, you can read more about that first film and in 4K at this link...

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/14630/Counter+Clockwise+(2016/Artsploitation+DVD)/In

Both anime releases, like their predecessors, are made for TV and are in 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image transfers, looking about as well as their predecessors, also sounding about as well in their Japanese and lesser English DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless presentations. However, Ajin offers a 5.1 lossless mixes that are not as clear or strong as they could be. Haikyuu has DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo mixes, but they somehow come across as well or better sat times.

- Ricky Chiang & James Lockhart (4K)

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/