Death Note: Rewrite

[Since writing this review originally, the two specials of Death Note Rewrite have been merged, this review refers to the first episode: Genshisuru Kami]

For all those who've seen the main TV series, this special episode is essentially a summary of all the events leading up until the end of L's arc in the overall story.

Story (8): Nothing new really. It simply takes the events of the main TV series and compresses it into the space of a little over 2 hours. I gave it an eight simply because it is essentially the overall story line which I was already familiar with. At first, I was a little bored to some extent with the story as I felt it was simply a bit of a cheat from the makers as, although it is meant to be the story told from the point of view of Ryuk, it just seemed like a shortened version of the story and didn't have the Ryuk-oriented spin which I expected. It does have some new scenes in there but they probably only constitute for about 15mins of the 2 hour 10 min running time. Unavoidably also, is because of the inevitable shortening of length you sometimes miss out on some of the more comical aspects of the show (in particular, that related to Matsuda and Misa).
However, if you can get past those facts, you can actually start enjoying it. If you watch it as though it is a summary of L's arc, then you'll likely enjoy it more than if treat it as some new item.

Art (9): All the same kind of animation from the show (which was very good), since it uses mostly the clips from the show.

Sound (9): Again very good. Uses all the original music and has the same voice actors for all the new, added parts. What I did like was the way that they managed to creatively use some of the music from the series to enhance certain scenes (e.g. the use one of the themes in the scene when chasing down the Yotsuba Kira).

Character (7): I gave this only a seven as I didn't feel the characters developed as wholly as they did in the series. For example, you didn't really get to the 'cleverness' going on in the battle of wits between L and Kira.

Enjoyment (7): I would say I enjoyed it a fair bit, but as mentioned above, it was nothing much new that I hadn't already seen.

Overall (8): If you're a fan of the series then I would say that this is probably a good recap for those who want to watch the series again but perhaps don't have the time to watch it all. A few more new scenes and maybe told more from Ryuk's point of view and it would have been a 9, but otherwise still a relatively enjoyable couple of hours.

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Before I begin, I want to say that i'm not basing this review on the movie itself, i'm basing it on what it did differently from the anime. The reason being that the two movies are identical to the anime itself and there are no drastic changes.

If you've watched Death Note you'd know it's a spectacular show, one of the best Anime's out there. The movies don't change that at all, if anything the movies further show how good the series is, as well as fixing some things for the better. If you haven't seen the series, i recommend watching it because it's well worth the time. These movies were made for the people I assume don't have time to watch all 37 episodes. However this show is great and should be watched all the way through, consider these movies more like OVA's for people who already completed the show.

That being said lets begin. Both movies are essentially recaps of the series' two story arcs. Episodes 1-25 are captured in the first movie (Visions of a God), and episodes 26-37 are told in the second movie (L's successors). I'll first say that there is not much new content here, if you've seen the series you're not gonna see anything major that you haven't already watched. Still, both movies are an entertaining time nonetheless.

Visions of a God doesn't do anything major. At times the story can feel a bit rushed but it does help in the sense of eliminating any parts that felt slow during the series itself. It does change a few scenes, one being the way L and Light Yagami first meet. This was done to shorten it, however It doesn't take away from the depth of the story which is good. At the end of the movie there is a scene that we did not see in the anime, and it was cool to see something new. The story itself is told from Ryuk (The Death God)'s POV, I do wish we saw a bit more monologue or we could hear what he was thinking more often during each event. Aside from some other minor tweaks there's not much else to talk about, if you've watched the series or at least the first arc you're really not missing much by skipping this. Regardless i'd recommend it to fans of the show anyway. While it isn't the perfect recap I liked watching it nonetheless and enjoyed myself.

The second movie is the standout in my opinion, improving the second arc that I honestly didn't care for that much in the regular show. In terms of change, L's successors changed much more than Visions of a God did. It didn't change the plot, more or less changed some ways it was told. The movie actually made me appreciate the second arc alot more. There are a couple of parts to the story that are left out, but personally I didn't mind and if you haven't seen the show I don't think you'd realize you're missing much. Anyway, the pacing of the story is alot better than the first movie, even though the second arc is shorter, I didn't feel like the movie ever rushed itself. Just as Visions of a God did, the movie did add some scenes giving a bit more depth. There aren't many drastic changes even though I think the movie told the story of the second arc better than the anime in some ways. There are some things left out but like I said I wasn't bothered by it. Overall I did enjoy this movie more out of the two and It made me like the second story arc better than I initially did so that's a plus.

The movies aren't anything spectacular but I do think they're worth the watch just the same. They do add some cool scenes that we otherwise would've never seen, and the movies eliminate slow pacing issues even though there aren't many to begin with. If you truly don't have the time to watch the anime then this is for you. However if you're at least interested in Death Note i recommend watching the anime before these two specials. The movie had few plot holes but still, the anime is much more vast. Like I said though, the two relight specials are a good enjoyable watch if you're a fan of the series like me.

If you agreed give my review a thumbs up please (: thanks!

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People who loved Death Note are sad because an epic anime came to an end. But for those fans, this anime movies (OVA) are like music in their ears and chcolate in their mouths. And I'm one of them. I have missed L and if you watch this, you won't regret it ever. Everyone is back in this. The music is great - it makes you want to stand up and cheer for L or Light - it's your call. Also, fantastic background sounds. The art is very smooth and clear. It makes you beg for more. The English dub actors make a memorable performance (L's sexy English voice is back, yeah!) that you don't want to forget. There are some scenes added which is awesome and this movies tells us that maybe there will be another Death Note coming I hope. I longed for this and I am fully satisfied and enjoyed it to the max. A must-watch masterpiece! I just hope that they make more anime like this because it gives newfound respect and quality to anime that makes us proud to say we are anime lovers.

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okay.. death note rewrite.
part 1: Visions of a God
from what i gathered from its title, i thought it'd be something different but it was not (see synopsis) but nonetheless, it was nice. i kind of regarded it as an overview of DN. i was kind of interested only because of the new character but there wasn't any development either. the story stops right after L and Watari died.

it's pretty much the same DN, only compressed. which leaves us now to just one question: should you watch it? uhmm... let's just say you wanted to rewatch DN.. then i'd rather watch the rewrite. other than for that reason, i think you'd find yourself disappointed like i was.

oh, but wait! i think there is a part there that you souldn't dare miss! hahahaha. yeah. another face-writhing reaction from Kira. other than that..no more :)

part 2: L's successors:
the second part is definitely better than the first..or so say. haha. i have a personal bias for L. if you like L, you'll like the second part.. or not; he does the narration for the first ten minutes. i watched it english dubbed, and it still is good.

it's the continuation of the first part, nothing changed except for a slight flashback at wammy house. i was expecting more of near's and mello's perspective but there wasn't enough. i think this version was easier to understand compared to the original.

my review doesn't justify for my rating, doesn't it? that's just me. haha.

owari :)

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