Truly COMPLETE; technically a 4.75
Added 2/6/2010
I have been a proud owner of a copy of the original DVD release of Advent Children since the day of its original release, back in April of 2006. I have loved every viewing since then and did not think it would be possible to love the movie any more if I tried. Well, it turns out that I didn't need to try at all to love it more. Watching the Blu-Ray version instantly won me over all over again.
Bottom line: If you're a fan of FFVII but have never seen Advent Children before, the Blu-Ray version is the version to get if you have a Blu-Ray disc player. If you're a fan of FFVII and the DVD version of Advent Children and have a Blu-Ray player, then you also should really get this version. I understand completely how somewhat ridiculous it sounds to buy essentially two copies of the same one movie, but just like the jump from DVD to Blu-Ray with most every other movie, you won't look back here. Sure, you could watch an upscaled DVD version of the movie, but this is really much much better.
For starters, an upscaled DVD version will not have the extra 26 or so minutes added throughout the movie in this Blu-Ray release. You might think that wouldn't amount to much, but these little additions here and there - some, not so little - truly add more depth and clarity to the plot overall, as well as make the movie more cohesive. A fellow reviewer described the original DVD version as "an extended cutscene". After seeing this version of Advent Children, you'll feel the same way; as the title of this product states, this version is Complete.
The only criticism I have - and this is why my five stars are actually a 4.75 in disguise - is that like another reviewer mentioned, the visual quality varies from scene to scene. The added content is GORGEOUS, everything you'd expect from a Blu-Ray. Much of the original content is much the same. But, there are a few scenes here and there that appear noticeably fuzzy. Generally speaking, however, you may notice the subtle differences, but you won't care too much. The story is much more enjoyable this time around.
On one final note, it is still possible to choose to hear the Japanese voice acting if you wish, which is really great considering the original release had the same option. Of course, this time around, you can change the language and subtitles at will.
So, to close, I'd definitely recommend this Blu-Ray movie to anyone either newly interested in Advent Children or those who have already seen or owned the movie before. It's certainly worth the money if you're a fan of the film.
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Blown Away!!!!
Added 1/21/2010
Having never played the game, I did not have a reference point and I was still blown away!!! The graphics, attention to details.... WOW!!! I have seen 3d animation before but never like this. I find that I am unable to come up with adequate words to describe this movie. So here goes....
The CG dept and animators really balanced it by making it somewhat real but not too real so one could still see that it was still animation.....
The clothing on the characters moved with each step they took and if standing still in a windy area their gear would undulate on the breeze. One can distinguish texture from knit, leather, and jean material.....WOAH!!!!!
The fight scenes were out of this world!!! Those motorcycles ridden by the main characters were crazy!!!! Kind've reminded me of the motorcycle in the Dark Knight but over the top without looking ridiculous. The weapons, in particular, that sword of Cloud's... INSANE!
For the most part, anyone who sees this movie will be impressed!
Highly recommend!!!
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From someone who didn't play the game
Added 1/12/2010
As the title suggests i did not play ff7. In fact Advent Children was my introduction to the Final Fantasy line. That was maybe four years ago, i still have not gotten my hands on a copy of FF7 but i Advent Children is one of my favorite movies of all time. This complete version of it is even better. There are a lot of reviews with a lot of good comments so i won't repeat. But i do think its important to know that this movie is still fantastic without having played the game. And the complete version is much easier to follow considering that. Amazing movie. Definitly in my top two.
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BADASS!!!!
Added 1/7/2010
this movie was so cool, i had seen it once but never on blu-ray, which is way i was surprised when i got to the battle between cloud and the best villian ever Sephiroth, to find its extended on the blu-ray version, it was so cool zack fair even appears during the fight, and its way better then the average, normal battle...
get it if your a fan of one of the greatest games of all time FINAL FANTASY 7, or if you have never seen the extended ending, its worth it...
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Once Is Not Enough
Added 12/28/2009
Final Fantasy 7/ Advent Children, Two Disc Set (I own the Blu-ray FF7/AC Complete also) is pure CGI heaven with just the right amount of action and pathos to both rock and emote! Even the soundtrack reaches across a broad spectrum of emotions ranging from exhiliarating fun to suspenseful action to a touch of humor to deep, heavy sadness. Oh yeah, believe it!
May I also mention that I have NEVER played the game in my entire life. I'm not X,Y, or whatever generation, more like "boomer', and as one previous reviewer predicted, I was introduced to FF7/AC in the "new millenium" via YouTube music videos. What I saw, blew me away so I continued to explore the FF franchise.
Hollywood has its Shrek, The Lion King, Toy Story, Kung Fu Panda, you name it, but Square-Enix has produced one of the most defined and humanistic 'video game-based" full-length feature film which I have ever set my eyes upon.
Yes, I admit (like many fans/players), I felt an emotional connection to FF7/AC's CG-animated characters, especially the main protagonist, Cloud who had suffered so much loss. Hey, would it hurt for him to crack a smile?! If you're searching for one of the hippest, cutest, and ultra-cool video game heroes to root for, look no more. Cloud and his friends fit the description and then some. From hair to clothes to accessories (dig those wolfy doorknockers Cloud) to shoes to gestures to dialogue to the neatest fight moves, FF7/AC brings it on! Everything is so "fly" about this movie.
It certainly helps to be familiar with the prequel, FF7/Crisis Core but don't get me wrong, FF7/AC, a true CGI marvel, can stand on its own. I personally chose to backtrack for a beginning since I have never played the FF games. Needless to say, video clips and plot synopsis are all available on line to fill in the gaps enabling a seamless storyline. BTW, the English dubbing is spot on! Thank goodness, no generic dubbing! All the characters sound the way I imagined them to be.
With the minor exception of some reverential/philosophical talk which may go over the heads of a very young audience, I of the "baby-boomer" generation got the biggest blast out of FF7/AC! Since I own the Blu-ray version as well, the technology has resulted in imagery of photographic quality. Every detail and subtle facial/physical nuance can be detected perfectly. Indeed, "not reality, but actuality". Blu-ray also offers almost a half hour more footage and sharpness of scenes beyond compare. The regular DVD gives a more "softer" look overall but a knockout just the same. There are in-depth interviews with FF7's creators from director, artists, composers, etc., etc., etc. in the latter disc as well. I enjoyed discovering the journey of FF7 making it one of the most influential video games ever.
Guys and gals, young and old alike will fall in love with the techno-magic and the honorable characters as they evolve to battle evil forces. Now, isn't it so natural to root for an underdog hero in everyday life? Well what are you waiting for? Time to watch FF7/AC once, twice, thrice..................!!!!
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