Michael Gombos, Dark Horse's Director of Asian Licensing, is a veritable wellspring of manga information. So when we asked him for an honest review of the live action Gantz movie we knew he wouldn't sugar-coat it. Here's Michael now with his review of the beautiful, bloody ballet that is the live action Gantz movie!
Last week, Gantz premiered in Los Angeles, and while invited, I wasn't able to attend the event. Some other Dark Horse folks made it down to the premiere, got to shake hands with the stars, and engage in the post-premiere festivities.
The movie will be released as a dulogy (with the second installment coming this spring), and I must say, this is something that I have looked forward to for quite some time. I have to say that it is with some apprehension that watched the film, and while all-in-all I thought it was presented as a very good action movie, there are some points that I think most fans might be critical of, and so I thought I'd note them (these are presented sans-spoilers, but if you're reading this you're most-likely familiar with the series anyway, and summarily, should be fine).
— Subs over dubs. Always. This is widely been the popular approach, but it's been the way to go since the get-go. Not only are you able to hear the actual actors' voices — and their intonation and inflection — but you can feel the emotion that they're trying to convey. And, from a feasibility standpoint, with subtitles, you needn't worry about stretching or shrinking lines to match the movements of the actors' mouths. You can elucidate what is being said in the foreign language in the most perfect way possible, and as a plus-alpha, get to avoid those scenes that — although meant to be serious — have some pretty contrived dubbing trying to make the lip-synch work. I'm fairly certain that the DVD/Blu-ray release of Gantz will have subtitles available, and am really looking forward to that.
— Gantz lite: The film features two of Japan's biggest stars, and I understand having to tone-down the over-the-top violence and sexuality in order to make a movie that's not only palatable to the general public, but allows actors who are involved in the "wholesome" Johnny's Jimusho to be cast. It's a sure bet that Gantz fans will see this, but what about the non-Gantz fans? And, this certainly isn't specific to Gantz's case: many movies based on comics go through the wash, dry and iron, so it's to be expected. I also feel that, conversely, because the book was toned-down, it's a great way to lead new fans to the books to see what the actual series is like. If sleek, sexy and violent are selling points of Gantz — and I believe they are — there is only a smaller portion of each available in the big-screen version, but maybe that's good — maybe that will lead people to look for what really happened, and pick up the book.
Overall, Gantz is a good action film. It didn't feel heavy, or bogged down, and moves pretty well. I'd like to hold my final verdict until the second installment is released, but I can only say what is oft-said in this situation: Before you see the movie, read the book!
--Michael Gombos
Gantz Volume 15 is in stores now!
Last week, Gantz premiered in Los Angeles, and while invited, I wasn't able to attend the event. Some other Dark Horse folks made it down to the premiere, got to shake hands with the stars, and engage in the post-premiere festivities.The movie will be released as a dulogy (with the second installment coming this spring), and I must say, this is something that I have looked forward to for quite some time. I have to say that it is with some apprehension that watched the film, and while all-in-all I thought it was presented as a very good action movie, there are some points that I think most fans might be critical of, and so I thought I'd note them (these are presented sans-spoilers, but if you're reading this you're most-likely familiar with the series anyway, and summarily, should be fine).
— Subs over dubs. Always. This is widely been the popular approach, but it's been the way to go since the get-go. Not only are you able to hear the actual actors' voices — and their intonation and inflection — but you can feel the emotion that they're trying to convey. And, from a feasibility standpoint, with subtitles, you needn't worry about stretching or shrinking lines to match the movements of the actors' mouths. You can elucidate what is being said in the foreign language in the most perfect way possible, and as a plus-alpha, get to avoid those scenes that — although meant to be serious — have some pretty contrived dubbing trying to make the lip-synch work. I'm fairly certain that the DVD/Blu-ray release of Gantz will have subtitles available, and am really looking forward to that.
— Gantz lite: The film features two of Japan's biggest stars, and I understand having to tone-down the over-the-top violence and sexuality in order to make a movie that's not only palatable to the general public, but allows actors who are involved in the "wholesome" Johnny's Jimusho to be cast. It's a sure bet that Gantz fans will see this, but what about the non-Gantz fans? And, this certainly isn't specific to Gantz's case: many movies based on comics go through the wash, dry and iron, so it's to be expected. I also feel that, conversely, because the book was toned-down, it's a great way to lead new fans to the books to see what the actual series is like. If sleek, sexy and violent are selling points of Gantz — and I believe they are — there is only a smaller portion of each available in the big-screen version, but maybe that's good — maybe that will lead people to look for what really happened, and pick up the book.
Overall, Gantz is a good action film. It didn't feel heavy, or bogged down, and moves pretty well. I'd like to hold my final verdict until the second installment is released, but I can only say what is oft-said in this situation: Before you see the movie, read the book!
--Michael Gombos
Gantz Volume 15 is in stores now!