(L) Witchblade (2006)

[grss1982]

Originally Posted by chrno

Where have you been grss1982? That was mentioned in a post sometime back. Hahahaha!! I even did a full comparison breakdown for ep. 1 not too long after. I'll be posting ep. 2 and 3 at some point in time.

http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=629791 and http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=630416
and of course my madness http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=632455

Under a rock.

Anyways will check out the links you posted.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by grss1982

Under a rock.

Anyways will check out the links you posted.

Hahaha!! I guess that would do it. I've been there almost all the time. It's so bad people are still laughing at me.

[Carrie Asagiri]

So...No ep 21 for this week?
Jeez, my addiction need its drug

Okay, let's wait and re watch some episodes in the meantime.
And thanks wrex_japan for your review.

[chrno]

Here we go again with another fun filled comparison write up.

I managed to view all 3 episodes this time. Since I already covered ep. 1 let’s move on to the next 2 episodes. But first a quick look again at DVD vol. 1 and what it contains.

DVD vol 1 contains the first 3 episodes, the original promotional video that first aired. Clean OP & ED, and cast interview with ‘Mamiko Noto’ (Masane Amaha).

Again this is analyzing screens and technical stuff. So I’m only doing this for fun. So you can check it out if you’re interested. or want to be bored out of your mind.

Comparison between TV broadcast ep. 2 -vs- DVD version vol. 1, ep. 2

Everything so far toward the beginning is the same. Remember this is the “non-action” episode.

spoiler tag in place to save space:

Spoiler:

-Shot where ‘Takayama’ stands looking out the window waiting for ‘Segawa’s report: Scene shows clusters of buildings outside surrounding the waterfront setting where Douji Industries is located. In this shot you can barely see the waterfront. DVD version shows similar scene but “altered”. Different shot used. More spacious area with less buildings. Less cluster (more of an “L” shape). TV version shows lighting over buildings whereas, DVD version is darker with no lighting except for the lights that are either shining through windows or are affixed to the outside of the buildings. Scene gives you the sense that it is night outside. This contrast also allows you to see ‘Takayama’s reflection on the glass. TV version show shapes and hues which sort of meld together a bit. (0:04:40 -vs- 0:04:30)

-Shot where ‘Segawa’ reports to ‘Takayama’ after bringing in ‘Masane’:
Close-up shot of ‘Takayama’ looking out the window casting his reflection on the window. Again clusters and I mean CLUSTERS of city buildings can be seen surrounding the waterfront area. Also, you can see ‘Segawa’ preparing to enter the room through the glass. Lighting in the room is dark; a bluish-type hue. Everything seems to blend together making it hard to tell what’s what. Especially, ‘Segawa’ entering through the electronic door. Because the frame that goes across the window outside blocks any view to the floor in the room. DVD version corrects this by changing the lighting in the room so it corresponds with the actual light coming from the ceiling fixtures. This clearly allows you to see ‘Segawa’ when he enters. Even with the frame across the window. ‘Takayama’s reflection clearly shown however, NO SCAR over eye. Don’t know why it was removed. Either it was an error or the fact that it’s an art issue where not everything is revealed in a reflection. Just the basic shadows. Again waterfront shows a more open (“L-shaped”) view with surrounding buildings. (0:04:46-0:48 –vs- 0:04:36-0:38)

Scene afterward where ‘Takayama’ and ‘Segawa’ are standing on opposite sides of the room discussing the matter is clearly seen. TV version has to pan in order for whole shot to be viewed.

Scenes in ‘Mariko’s bar:

-Shot of ‘NAoMi’ (hey, that’s how her name is spelled on the official site) sitting at her fortune table. Facial features “cleaned up” slightly. (0:06:08 –vs- 0:05:58)

-Shot of ‘Mariko’s selection of “good libations” changed where bottles are more organized by type and size. Drinking glasses of different sizes located on lower shelf. TV version shows various selections but not organized. Slightly distorted image. Drinking glasses are all the same size. This is based on TWO totally different painted backgrounds used. (0:06:20 –vs- 0:06:10)

-Scene where ‘Mariko’ talks with ‘Tozawa’ at the counter. Phone on wall is a “curved” shape. DVD version features a rectangular shape. Also, bottles turned upside down in their pumps behind counter show brand names. TV version shows bottles turned upside down but they look like metallic colored air tanks. WTF!!! (0:06:38 –vs- 0:06:28)

-‘Tozawa’s face altered slightly. Shadows removed from some areas on the face and redone. Same method was applied to his clothing. (0:06:51 –vs- 0:06:41)

-Again shot behind counter has bottles in order by type and size. TV version does not. Also picture of disaster taken by ‘Tozawa’ 6 years ago is visible from a distance. DVD version gives it a more golden faded look. As it is probably not supposed to be visible due to the lighting in the room. (0:07:04 –vs- 0:06:54)

-NAoMi’s eyelashes MIA!!!
TV version shows shadow on NAoMi’s nose but no eyelashes. DVD version removes shadow adds eyelashes. (0:07:09 –vs- 0:06:59)

-Counter scene with ‘Tozawa’, ‘Rihoko’, and ‘Mariko’ same but different. TV version shows colored metallic “generico” bottles sitting in a corner behind the bar counter. Metallic mixing cup and shot glasses sit on the opposite side of the sink. Bottles in pumps look like small baseball bats. DVD version “alters” scene by adding name brand liquors, lemons and oranges for sprucing, a juicer, shaker and stirrers. Mixing and shot glasses look like GLASS because they’re made of GLASS. (0:07:15 -vs- 0:07:05)

-Scene where ‘Riko’ runs under the table and holds on: Shot is the same in both version but with a slight difference. The shot is “altered” where the chair located nearby is angled so that we get a better shot of ‘Riko’ holding the bottom half of the table. TV version , chair blocks a small portion of ‘Riko’s arm. (0:07:38 -vs- 0:07:28)

-I WANT TO BEAT THE S***** OUT OF RIKO!
Scenes where ‘Mariko’ is trying to pry ‘Riko’ from under the table.: Earlier shots before the craziness had to be “altered” a tad. ‘Mariko’s face still shows a stern and forceful expression but less BEAT-YO-ASS aggressive. ‘Tozawa’s face goes from, “what the hell are they doing?” to being speechless to the whole ordeal. Again bottles on shelf in the background are in order by type and size. (0:07:43-0:08:08 –vs- 0:07:33-0:58)

Scenes afterward of characters get “altered” and “cleaned up” a little. Looking much smoother and closer to their designs. Again ‘Mariko’ altered to look less barbaric.

Back at ‘Takayama’s office:

-Scene where ‘Masane’ begins to awaken from nightmare. Dream sequence where she first gets contracted by the ‘Witchblade’ is dark but some things are visible. In other words scenes revert back to being somewhat dark but not as dark as TV version. Again this flashback was already made visible in ep. 1 of the DVD version. (0:09:12-:18 –vs- 0:09:02-:08)

-Scene where ‘Masane’ jolts awake: Shots “altered” and “cleaned up”. TV version shows dark shadows under eyes. Man talk about lack of sleep! DVD version corrects this by making them less prominent. Shadow around nose removed. Tank-top fixed to look like a tank-top. Not a goddamn “horseshoe”. (0:09:24 –vs- 0:09:14)

-Scene where ‘Masane’ tries to get up from couch but falls back down due to the tranquilizer; close-up shot of ‘Masane’ holding her head with last 2 fingers shown outside of hair. DVD version changes position of fingers so they’re more under the hair touching the head. Hmm...don’t know which one I like more.
Shadows that were already applied; corrected while others are placed in areas they weren’t before. ‘Masane’s side hair shortened. There were ¼” too long in TV version. Also, Witchblade bracelet drawn correctly. Whereas, TV version it looked like two really cool tape wraps. (0:10:25 -vs- 0:10:15)

Scenes leading up to the boarding of the helicopter to the scenes that take place inside are “altered” and “cleaned up”. Faces mostly and shadows. Also, in the DVD version you can see ‘Segawa’ sitting in the seat beside ‘Takayama’ whereas, in the TV version you could not. This was a technical (aspect ratio) issue.

-Shot of ‘Takayama’s mean mug. DVD version again alters facial shots and removes extra shadows. So now we now go from ‘ Takayama’ “the wide-eyed-I’m-so-upset-I-that-it’s-disgusting” to ‘Takayama’ the handsome unsmiling hawkeyed. (0:13:49 –vs- 0:13:39)

-Again shadows on ‘Takayama’s face and facial features “altered” and “cleaned up”. Lines for 5 o’ clock shadow removed. Eh??? (0:14:36 –vs- 0:14:26)


Back at Marry’s Gallery:

-Shot of liquor bottles behind the counter are organized by type and size. Also shelf is longer in length showing more distance between ‘Mariko’s hand and the next shelf. TV version features the unorganized bottles on same shelves but shorter in length according to the bottles sizes. Distorted again. TV monitor different in both versions based on background drawings. “Ok, so I like booze!” (0:17:48 -vs- 0:17:38)

-WHERE THE HELL DID THEY GO? THEY DIDN’T JUST GET UP AND WALK AWAY!!! Wanna bet?
Telephone runs off with light switches to get hitched “Vegas style”. Both were found and returned to their rightful owner in time for the DVD version. ‘Riko’s expression (when ‘Mariko’ turns off the TV after listening to the news) changes from wide eyed, “I was watching that” to sad-eyed “damn, people are so cold when my mama is out there cold and starving. Or possibly DEAD!” (0:18:11 –vs- 0:18:01)

Back inside the helicopter:

-Again scenes “altered” and “cleaned up”. Mostly facial shots. ‘Masane’s reaction to ‘Takayama’ talking about the research facility they’re heading to while she’s trying to jump ship of the vessel changes from “ohgawdwhathehellisthat?” To “eh?” For a minute there I thought ‘Takayama’ was breaking out the “stud-driver”. (0:18:45 –vs- 0:18:35)

-Beginning of ‘Witchblade’ transformation for ‘Masane’ during first encounter with I-Weapon: Eyes turn dark gray with pupils slowly glowing more yellow. In the TV version the eyes do not change. Pupils begin to glow but don’t go for for the “gold”. If you look closely you can almost see where the transition would be. (0:20:54 –vs- 0:20:44)

-Faraway shot of ‘WBMasane’ on battlefield. “Skin-version” of course. Shot “altered” a bit. We traded the gray ‘WBMasane’ robot genie for the real ‘WBMasane’ and her buttcheeks. Energy currents radiating outward from ‘WBMasane’s body in various directions. TV version shows energy currents circling around her in a spiral fashion. Like MAAAA-GIC! HUH??? (0:21:02 –vs- 0:20:52)

-Weird gradation effect: This only occurs in the TV version. It’s like an ashy gradation that takes place during the transformation. In this sequence, (where ‘Masane is on her hands and knees as the transformations nears completion) you see the gradation moving along the armor like a shadow. It looks gritty at first but clears ups when it gets to her arms and breasts. Where the area shows gray it then fades away to reveal the skin areas that are not edited. DVD version does not present this little effect as it is the “skin” version all the way. It’s strange. You’d have to see it to understand what I’m talking about. I guess they put it in the TV version to add to the transformation effect since it was edited. (0:21:09-0:21:12 –vs- 0:20:59-0:21:02)

-DID YOU REMEMBER TO STARVE THE BEAST?: In the scenes where ‘WBMasane’ starts licking her chops; the frames in those sequences while similar have been “cleaned up” a bit in the DVD version. (0:21:18-:20 –vs- 0:21:08-21:10)

Everything else with ‘Riko’ running all over town to get to ‘Tokyo Tower’ and ‘WBMasane’ getting hot and bothered for some good old fashioned carnage unchanged.

Cue my song DAMMIT!!

Whoo, that was fun. Not funny as ep. 1 but good enough. Seems the highlight of this little experiment was ‘Mariko’s liquor bottles. As mentioned before many of the characters have been slicked up to match their model sheets more. Some of the backgrounds used are similar but with slight differences. While others are completely different. Various shots that range from good to average will not be changed as much. Again colors enhanced and things that you couldn’t make out before now can now be seen due to the aspect ratio.

To be continued with ep. 3.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by chrno

Thanks again Guido! I tried. Not really intending.
Again you make some more interesting points. And just after making a post earlier my head is starting to churn.

About the 3 wanted the 'Witchblade' but all for different reasons. As we can see with 'Maria' her desire is very plain and simple. Wado's is pretty simple too. In fact it's so simple that he can't be trusted. He want's 'Takayama' out of the way, but he seems the type of backstabbing Nishida' as well. But considering how childish he is chances are he probably couldn't pull that off effectively. Why else is he accepting help. Him and 'Nishida's "I know what you did last summer..." actions are going to cause their downfall. They may be working together to get the 'WB' but there is one little problem. 'Maria', who holds more control over this decision. 'Nishida' can't afford to f*** up now. While I could care less about 'Wado', because we all know where his head is, I'm curious to find out what 'Nishida' is planning. While we know it's about 'Riko' it's going to be a nightmare if 'Maria' finds out. Because that whole ordeal in ep. 15 wasn't finished. Forgotten for now but it's coming up again.

Hopefully at some point we will know more why all this is happening.

"It's about a mother's love. It's about sacrifice. But mostly it's about a mother's love."

I'm posting a quick rundown of who gets at the other's throat.
Wado getting killed by Nishida / Takayama / Segawa.
Nishida murdered wannabe by Maria / Masane.
Maria wasted by Masane / Nishida

Thinking carefully and analyzing the next episode would be the bomb to spark the final retribution, building the climax at episode 22 and follows afterwards with the final showdown and the resolution that comes next at episode 23.
Episode 24 might a full epilogue that describes what becomes of the survivors in a relative time jump.

Even if Masane and Takayama can handle to finish once and for all Douji & NSWF, their destruction by no means would ring bells of eternal peace to our heroes because someone else would step in to finish what both started: laying hands on the Witchblade- filling the power void.
The Witchblade has been since the dawn of history and clearly mankind on that universe has virtually degraded to strive at everything and being the creator of better WMD weapons to force themselves worthy of owning the gauntlet.

And I'm not forgetting the Witchblade's sentience. Mortals winning against each other signifies a trivial issue of little bother to the artifact. The Witchblade simply will have its way to reach and contracted its new avatar, Rihoko's in this case, and no one, not even Masane and Takayama, can interfere or stop the process.

Am I seeing that the course of fate within the plot is driven by determinism?

[chrno]

Originally Posted by Guido

I'm posting a quick rundown of who gets at the other's throat.
Wado getting killed by Nishida / Takayama / Segawa.
Nishida murdered wannabe by Maria / Masane.
Maria wasted by Masane / Nishida

I'll put my money on either 'Takayama' trying to kill 'Wado' since he carries a handgun with him. Or he'll get killed by an 'I-Weapon' gone haywire. Since he's the one that spends so much time messing with them anyway. 'Takayama' probably won't get a chance to take his life. Or he might not portrayed as one that would take someone's life. I could be wrong.

Nishida might get offed by 'Maria'. Because is doing what 'Maria' wants but she's also doing something else. To be honest even thought she and crybaby 'Wado' are working together it will be no surprise of them trying to overtake the other for the 'WB'. 'Nishida' is a lot smarter than you think.

Originally Posted by Guido

Thinking carefully and analyzing the next episode would be the bomb to spark the final retribution, building the climax at episode 22 and follows afterwards with the final showdown and the resolution that comes next at episode 23.
Episode 24 might a full epilogue that describes what becomes of the survivors in a relative time jump.

Even if Masane and Takayama can handle to finish once and for all Douji & NSWF, their destruction by no means would ring bells of eternal peace to our heroes because someone else would step in to finish what both started: laying hands on the Witchblade- filling the power void.
The Witchblade has been since the dawn of history and clearly mankind on that universe has virtually degraded to strive at everything and being the creator of better WMD weapons to force themselves worthy of owning the gauntlet.

And I'm not forgetting the Witchblade's sentience. Mortals winning against each other signifies a trivial issue of little bother to the artifact. The Witchblade simply will have its way to reach and contracted its new avatar, Rihoko's in this case, and no one, not even Masane and Takayama, can interfere or stop the process.

Am I seeing that the course of fate within the plot is driven by determinism?

More than likely. Again the 'WB' is a cursed and sentient thing that sort of just plants itself down in the middle of things and then see where things go from there. It's more neutral if anything. But again it still chooses where it wants to go and with whom. There are numerous theories of why the 'WB' chose 'Masane'. Why? That's the question. Who does it really want? Again another question. And does it really want that or this person? Unless the 'WB' found all the stuff between 'Douji' and 'NsWF' to be interesting that it wanted to find a way to get back in the middle of it. And again with the deal concerning 'Riko', that's another matter. Whatever the case hopefully, 'Gonzo' will be able to give us a satisfying end to this whole ordeal.

Oh went around on some of the Japanese boards. I found one that was pretty interesting. For ep. 19 they pointed out something about 'Wado'. That he shares an uncanny resemblance as well as madness with 'Jinnai' from 'El Hazard'. I found this too funny. Hahaha!!

Oh managed to run across a pretty nice CG doujin for 'Witchblade' on the Japan side of DLsite. It's a pretty nice one. 16 images all ranging from "safe" to "OOOOOOOOOOH, I'm telling mom you're looking at dirty pictures!!" Nothing like watching 'Masane' getting it on 'solo' or with the generic "no-faced" somebody. No extreme sexcapades (thank gawd!). Just some good old-fashioned "dirty" fun. And some "bathtime" cheese-cake. I guess they wanted more out of the bath ep. Seeing 'Masane' in all her naked glory washing is always a plus. Oh and let's not forget a nice shot of 'Riko' and 'Masane' kneeling in front of her. SMILING PEOPLE!! A really nice pic. It's probably the only G-Rated pic on the whole disc. No wait, there is another. It's just before she shows off her "top-shelf goods". Hoo boy. But hey we get to see a little of 'Masane's undies in her pants. Well, yknow how low-riders fit. People can see your butt-crack easily. And 'Masane' is only a whopping HEAL-THY 23! The circle that created CG collection matched the designs so well you'd swear it was someone on 'Gonzo's staff that did it. I guess it pays to have lax copyright laws, when you live in Japan. Hahahaha!! But this is definitely a 'Masane' lovers only disc. Hell, it's been DL'd 160+ times. Gee, ya think they like it?

Speaking of the series. I was on the official site and was looking over the good section. There is another book added to the series titled 'Witchblade - Lost Generation'. From the info it looked that 'Uno Makoto' is the illustrator for the book. I knew the art looked familiar. I also think that title was mentioned in the above article as well. I'm curious to see how these 2 books turn out here now being a part of the 'Witchblade' franchise.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by chrno

I'll put my money on either 'Takayama' trying to kill 'Wado' since he carries a handgun with him. Or he'll get killed by an 'I-Weapon' gone haywire. Since he's the one that spends so much time messing with them anyway. 'Takayama' probably won't get a chance to take his life. Or he might not portrayed as one that would take someone's life. I could be wrong.

Nishida might get offed by 'Maria'. Because is doing what 'Maria' wants but she's also doing something else. To be honest even thought she and crybaby 'Wado' are working together it will be no surprise of them trying to overtake the other for the 'WB'. 'Nishida' is a lot smarter than you think.



More than likely. Again the 'WB' is a cursed and sentient thing that sort of just plants itself down in the middle of things and then see where things go from there. It's more neutral if anything. But again it still chooses where it wants to go and with whom. There are numerous theories of why the 'WB' chose 'Masane'. Why? That's the question. Who does it really want? Again another question. And does it really want that or this person? Unless the 'WB' found all the stuff between 'Douji' and 'NsWF' to be interesting that it wanted to find a way to get back in the middle of it. And again with the deal concerning 'Riko', that's another matter. Whatever the case hopefully, 'Gonzo' will be able to give us a satisfying end to this whole ordeal.

My theory why the Witchblade chose Masane is because so she would protect Riko. I mean Riko was a newborn in Reina's arms and was at the epicenter of the impact; protected by the Witchblades' powers.

Masane happened to be at that same spot by chance, and the Witchblade knew that Riko was vulnerable and helpless at that time. If she chose Masane to be Riko's guardian, was it coincidence or determined fate? -Another mystery that arises.
The Witchblade is allowing Masane to live because of the bonding she's connected to Riko; a bonding that tresspasses beyond genetics and explains her high compatibility with the Witchblade.

Prior to the cataclysm, Reina had the same compatibility but lost it as time passed. Would the Witchblade instead had chosen Reina over Masane to act as a temporary avatar in order to protect Riko on the basis that unlike Masane, Reina only fulfilled the genetic requirements? -Question number 2

-Is there more to the Witchblade compability than the dynamics of DNA, for example, emotions playing a toll as well?

I might be bold to insinuate that some way or another Takayama is also related, or the Witchblade has still a use for him.
- Hypothetically speaking, let's suppose that the Witchblade wants Riko is true.
- Takayama being Riko's biological father is also true, supposing as well.

Among infinite probabilities and scenarios we have a stage where Takayama is also a major player for the Witchblade. His actions will help to build the outcome on what's in store for the Witchblade.

[xizro345]

Finally back from holidays! 8P Interesting stuff going on, from what I see. I got the Limited DVD vol.2 today, if people are interested I'll post some more pics 8P

[JShaggy]

Just took a look at Volume 2 today, and all I can say is that they really cleaned up a lot of areas, and also

Spoiler:

More skin for CloneBlade Shiori

I'll post more when I get the chance to.

[Guido]

Set for release on December, retailing at a price of 8190 yen.

Source. http://eg.nttpub.co.jp/news/20060829_11.html

[chrno]

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Just took a look at Volume 2 today, and all I can say is that they really cleaned up a lot of areas, and also

Spoiler:

More skin for CloneBlade Shiori

I'll post more when I get the chance to.

See that's what I'm talking about! Hahahaha! Talk about a clean up. The one thing I forgot about when vol. 2 came out was these were the episodes where 'Reina' and 'Shiori' show up. Twice. Actually 3 times. Which is also the reason why 'Shiori's is on the outer DVD casing for vol. 2. I have to see that vol. because I want to see what they did. But definitely post more pics.

Oh, and that's a mighty fine model of 'Maria'. I saw the prototype for it awhile back. But now it's a finished product. It's actually very nice! Look at that CUTE WIDDLE chin! Thanks Guido and JShaggy for the pics.

Oh, the 'Witchblade Sketch Art book' is available at 'Animaxis.com'. Apparently they managed to get their hand on some but they're sold out now. But will be getting more at some point. How stupid stupid stupid of me to not pay attention to my newsletters all the way. UGGGGh!

[JShaggy]

As promised, more CloneBlade Shiori skin pics:

Spoiler for NSFW:

As for the comparisons:

Spoiler:

NOTE: TV version on top; DVD version on bottom

Episode 4:



Clean-up of scene with Reina, Shiori, and Ex-Cons (00:20:10 - 00:20:16)

Episode 5:


TV version (00:00:17): CloneBlade Reina has her arms behind her head
DVD version (00:00:18): Reina takes her regular stance (no arms behind head)

Spoiler for NSFW:

Self-explanatory

Scene clean-ups:


DVD version: Tozawa's hand is drawn correctly, unlike the TV version


Self-explanatory (00:13:55 - 00:13:56)


Same scenes, but different workers (00:14:08)


Clean-up of final scene of Episode 5; Still shot different in both versions

Episode 6:


DVD version shows a shadow of Shiori's blade over her bed, whereas the TV version shows Shiori's blade form underneath the bed sheets.

That's all for now.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by JShaggy

As promised, more CloneBlade Shiori skin pics:

Spoiler for NSFW:

Notice how phallic that stance looks. They really wanted to please their fans. Shiori in SKIN MODE! Actually that's a really good shot. Again she looks "beast" like.

Originally Posted by JShaggy

As for the comparisons:

Spoiler:

NOTE: TV version on top; DVD version on bottom

Episode 4:



Clean-up of scene with Reina, Shiori, and Ex-Cons (00:20:10 - 00:20:16)

Notice how sly 'Shiori' looks. Oh, yeah I can take them!

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Episode 5:

Spoiler:

TV version (00:00:17): CloneBlade Reina has her arms behind her head
DVD version (00:00:18): Reina takes her regular stance (no arms behind head)

She's a woman who knows her business. Not a glamor model.

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Spoiler for NSFW:

Self-explanatory

Notice they didn't change much they just removed the towel and the steam. "We want to see 'Masane's naked backside dammit!!"

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Scene clean-ups:

Spoiler:

DVD version: Tozawa's hand is drawn correctly, unlike the TV version

Now that is funny. I had wondered about that. I think 'Mariko' is laughing because of his hand.

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Spoiler:

Self-explanatory (00:13:55 - 00:13:56)

'Riko' knows her pots and pans. One shot is like "ganbatte" and the other is like "gotta pick a good knife." Hell, even 'Masane's face is different.

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Spoiler:

Same scenes, but different workers (00:14:08)

Now that is funny. The worker in the TV version looked pregnant she probably was working out her last days.

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Spoiler:

Clean-up of final scene of Episode 5; Still shot different in both versions

I still kind of liked that dramatic image. It kind of fit. But hey...

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Episode 6:

Spoiler:

DVD version shows a shadow of Shiori's blade over her bed, whereas the TV version shows Shiori's blade form underneath the bed sheets.
That's all for now.

I'm wondering why they hid it in the first place.

It just goes to show you what you believe IS the case until you get another product. Yet you accept them both. I know I do. Now you know when vol. 3 comes out they're definitely going to fix that boat fight. OH GAWD! I can't wait to see it. I have yet to see vol. 2. It's going to be SOOO COOL when the DVDs are released here! Yet I'll miss the TV broadcasts. They truly hold a novelty that we've all shared into.

Hey, JShaggy can you show that scene where 'Riko' hugs 'Masane in the hotel room? You know the one. Oh and 'Masane's big butt scene on the boat in ep. 6. I'm curious now.

[Guido]

The Witchblade website has updated its Story section with Episode 21 entry in it.
http://www.witchblade.jp/story/index.html

From the looks of the pics posted there.....

Spoiler:

- The future is painting a grim shade for Masane, as the Witchblade continues to deteriorate.

- A confrontation between Takayama and Tozawa.

Today's episode will air in one more hour on CBC station.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by Guido

The Witchblade website has updated its Story section with Episode 21 entry in it.
http://www.witchblade.jp/story/index.html

From the looks of the pics posted there.....

Spoiler:

- The future is painting a grim shade for Masane, as the Witchblade continues to deteriorate.

- A confrontation between Takayama and Tozawa.

Today's episode will air in one more hour on CBC station.

I'm counting the hours. Got my world clock up. Of course I won't be able to see any spoilers until I see the ep first. Can I resist the temptation to peek? DOH!!! I can't stand it!!! I can't believe I managed to get this far without an episode last week.

[Guido]

futaba has released the screenshots.

NSWF or Douji have neither made an attempt on getting Masane or Riko in this episode.

Spoiler:

However, Masane is suffering physical convulsions and a burning sensation on her wrist as the Witchblade is attempting to cancel off the contract to leave her for Riko.

Masane has this nightmare where she places her right arm under a press and has a remote on her free hand. The looks on her eyes assimilate that of a wild animal expectant in rage and fear of pain.

In fact, the Witchblade hurts so much on Masane's wrist as she feels in hell.

Like someone else mentioned, the I-Weapons started to give signs of malfunction meaning that Tokyo is about to be infested with Ex-cons very soon.

Do this shot looks familiar?

[chrno]

Originally Posted by Guido

futaba has released the screenshots.

NSWF or Douji have neither made an attempt on getting Masane or Riko in this episode.

Spoiler:

However, Masane is suffering physical convulsions and a burning sensation on her wrist as the Witchblade is attempting to cancel off the contract to leave her for Riko.

Masane has this nightmare where she places her right arm under a press and has a remote on her free hand. The looks on her eyes assimilate that of a wild animal expectant in rage and fear of pain.

In fact, the Witchblade hurts so much on Masane's wrist as she feels in hell.

Like someone else mentioned, the I-Weapons started to give signs of malfunction meaning that Tokyo is about to be infested with Ex-cons very soon.

Do this shot looks familiar?

GOOD GAWD!!! My heart shudders and my nerves are now edgy!! I knew I shouldn't have read it!

Yes this shot does look familiar. I remember seeing it in the opening. Only 3 more eps to go. And I can't watch this until maybe Friday. YAAAAGH!!! I know when I do I'm probably going to feel like s***t.

[Guido]

Gathered and arranged two full sets of screenshots for episode 21. Enjoy!

Spoiler for The last happy party for Masane and Riko:

[JShaggy]

Re-watched Episode 4, and found the following:

Spoiler:

The hotel scene (00:02:30 - 00:04:46)
Notice in the first two shots that on the DVD version, Riko is clutching Masane below her large breasts rather than clutching her breasts like in the TV version. A lot of clean-ups in this time frame.


(00:05:44 - 00:05:49) Notice that Takayama's scar on his right eye is the correct size in the DVD version, and larger in the TV version.


(00:06:05 - 00:06:55) Some minor clean-ups and corrections were made in this sequence. Notice on the first clip the computer monitor is missing in the TV version, yet the DVD version shows it. The second clip shows Reina with a laptop computer and what looks like a thermos on her desk in the TV version, however this is corrected in the DVD version by showing the appropriate items that should've been there. Other touch-ups included the lipstick mark on Reina's teacup that Shiori kisses, and of course the drive-away sequence looks more together and detailed in the DVD version.


Scene clean-up in the background where Segawa is standing (00:07:15 - 00:07:17)


Scene clean-up where Cho-san first appears in the show (00:08:09 - 00:09:21)


(00:10:34 ; 00:10:44) Notice on the TV version that Nora is standing behind Reina, while on the DVD version she is nowhere to be found.


(00:11:11 - 00:13:13) More scene clean-ups and corrections (eg: Segawa cleaning the car; Mariko's appearance). In the next to last clip, NAoMI appears in the background during the fight between Masane and Mariko in the DVD version; however, she is nowhere to be found in the TV version. In the last scene, the setting is corrected to show nighttime in the DVD version, rather than daytime like on the TV version.


(00:13:13 - 00:14:13) If there's one thing about the difference between the DVD version and the TV version is the random changes made on the DVD version that are not found in the TV version. For instance, the CloneBlade sister getting attacked by the Ex-Con trio is different in both versions during this timeframe.


Self-explanatory (00:14:35)


Self-explanatory (00:19:16 - 00:19:40)


Self-explanatory (00:15:23)


Final scene: the jewel on the WitchBlade glows brighter on the DVD version, along with Masane's eyes.

Also, more CloneBlade Shiori comparisons:

Spoiler:

(00:20:58 - 00:21:01) Shiori's eyes glow more in the DVD version than in the TV version.


(00:21:09 - 00:21:14) Scene cleaned up and corrected in the DVD version to show Shiori's correct bust size.

And since chrno asked me to do so:

Spoiler for episode 06 comparison:

(00:17:06) Unfortunately, no change in this scene

[Guido]

I found officially this episode to be the most emotional distressing and heartbreaking to have made me cry, and that's just three episodes before the ending.

Also, I found out that the themes of fear to death and limited time were essentially similar as how they were portrayed in Chrno Crusade.

Spoiler:

Medical examinations on Masane concluded that her body is in physical stress and won't handle it anymore. Takayama isn't fooled, as he knows better like Masane that the Witchblade is spending her lifetime at a faster rate since that previous fight with Yagi.

A frustrated Tozawa follows Takayama to an isolated warehouse area owned by Douji; secret lab facilities. Interesting, that the personnel staff there still remember Takayama and continue to treat him as the only and geniune Director.
From the research done to the Witchblade:
Speculation. Masane's undergoing the same case as of Reina, but her condition is even more chronic because looks like she's losing compatibility with the Witchblade at a faster rate than the late Lady.

The crew also reported to Takayama that they lost control to about 300 manufactured I-Weapons who have recently suffering malfunctioning activity; the source of this problem is related to no one else but Wado.
The research also confirms that the I-Weapons abnormality runs in synchronicity with the Witchblade.
Speculation. Chances are high that all I-Weapons will simultaneously turn into Ex-cons and run rampant throughout Tokyo once the Witchblade changes host.

At NSWF, Nishida is listening to Wado on the phone line. He's furious for the apparent failure of the last IU-Weapon. Nishida pretends listening to him, but her attention span is absorbed on the computer screen playing a video feedback of LV2 WMasane.
She's growing vexed and fed up with Wado's constant whining and in her monologues is waiting for the time to catch the power in her hands.

Maria is also making final preparations to lay her hands on the Witchblade and just of a sudden hallucinates Reina standing in the middle of the hallway; she's traumatized for a mere seconds after spacing out and before Aoi gives her a reality check.

Masane wakes up from her bed; she's in home. She looks at the portrait of Riko and she, but a gust of wind blows by and makes it drop; Masane's feeling a void and desperation anxiety. Afterwards, she sees Riko's hand-drawn sketch and bursts into tears.
Her reaction was exactly similar to that of Rosette Christopher in the last episode of Chrno Crusade. 'Shinitakunai' (I don't want to die)....
Masane was yelling over and over, because if she's gone for good then who will take care of Riko. She can't imagine Riko's life growing without a mother, without her. She wishes to live longer.

Masane wanders off and ends up in an abandoned workshop. She desperately tries anything to dislodge the Witchblade.
Poking the gem with a screwdriver or placing her right hand under a press. She doesn't care about losing her hand or the pain that feels as hellfire. She cries not to want this power but to get rid of it, so that it won't take Riko.
Her attempts are futile as the Witchblade fights back to defend itself from being destroyed.

Feeling down at the lowest peak of depression, a Masane with a feral look converses with the Witchblade that it's not getting Riko, and if she dies then will take it with her to hell.

Tozawa is returning to Marry's Gallery without stopping on reflecting about the last words that Takayama spoke to him. That were to take care of both Masane and Riko.
I can infere from those words that Takayama will be paying a visit to Douji in order to settle one final score on Wado.

Tozawa finds that the whole bunch is throwing a party. Masane had joined in several hours earlier to forget about her fears of deah and spending as much time as possible with Riko. Tozawa joins in to release stress and everyone is having fun, but the two of them cannot deceive themselves as this party would be last time for Masane and Riko getting happy memories.
Another event similar to Chrno Crusade was that Tozawa started to take pictures of everyone either individual or in groups. However, Masane and Riko's mother-daughter pictures were the most focused on by the new music score played, foretelling the unknown; an impending doom of loss and tragedy.

Masane and Riko's last picture together is the cliffhanger of this episode.