(L) Witchblade (2006)

[chrno]

Originally Posted by Guido

The only complain I have with the animation on this episode was again the drawing and sketching treatment on the female character, and Masane was whom she suffered most a severe case of cellulitis.
C'mon, it was nae to see Masane drawn with too much meat in her hips and waist in her swimsuit. The animators are cheap; even if for time and budget constraints, this was partly a fanservice episodes and should had kept a decent quality at every shot for the female character designs in their swimsuits.

Hahahaha!!! You're too funny! Oh c'mon now it wasn't all that bad. I watched it over and yeah she was pretty "larger than life" (pun intended). It could have been worse. Hell, compared to that overly sloppy ballooned-sized "bimbo" with glasses 'Masane' was a breath of fresh air. Of course they had to give you that one "shot". And 'Masane's hips are pretty big around 90cm. Just not as big when animation "Team-D" draws em'. Hahahahaha! Well, at least Uno Makoto-san will give her fair treatment if he ever decides to do a swimsuit pin-up for any of the publications. I'm sure the Japanese fanboards are making fun of this ep. And who knows what 2chan-net is up to? Making animated gifs of 'Masane' stripping. But you have to admit the white bathing suit does suit her. Poor 'Cho-san', I wonder what all that was about?

Again another touching ep.

Spoiler:

Seems like a lot of crap going on and we're nearing the end. And at the same time possible betrayal. I know that some had wondered if 'Segawa' would be the one to betray 'Takayama' and 'Masane'. I didn't get that from him at first but of the last two episodes, 12 and 16 seem to show some signs of 'Takayama' being somewhat aware of some things. Again 'Takayama' isn't that oblivious. One of the key things to pay attention to in the series is 'body language". In ep. 12 when 'Takayama' sets up the rescue mission to retrieve 'Masane', 'Segawa' makes a comment that gets a "side glance" from 'Takayama'. Then come 16, again he makes another unsettling comment. While not exactly false it wasn't something good to hear as 'Takayama's concern for 'Masane' is moving away from the "professional" stage. He knows that she's got enough on her mind and doesn't need more "baggage". But despite all things 'Masane' is proving to be a much stronger character than one would expect despite her "lack of". And she's now willing to do what it takes to protect 'Rihoko'. Now that's a true "foster" parent. But if 'Segawa' ends up being the culprit I'll be pissed. Mainly because I held too much respect for him. They'd be pulling a 'Clark Kent'. But again the writers are setting things up really good making you wonder who the "betrayer" really is.

As for 'Maria', y'know she's actually cute when she's calm. But again she's a loose cannon. No one probably expected getting a "result" like this when you compare her to the other "neo-genes". Of course they are going to have to spoon her a lot and I mean A LOT of sugar-n-spice BS. Highly volatile, but yet she's still has the mentality of a child. Unpredictable and fraglile. That scene where she freaked out after learning she was being tricked caused my hairs to stand up. I had to see it to believe it. The final scene where after she offs 'Reina' she cringes like a frightened child when the team comes to get her. I really didn't want to see 'Reina' buy it so early but considering what was going on, I knew she wasn't going to hold out for very long. They would have her die serving a greater purpose and awakening to a more "human" state than her previous one. I wish she had only realized it sooner. But she did, and held no regrets. Sometimes you have to go through "hell" to really understand.

The whole thing at the beach was a much needed reprieve. Again the writers are pacing out the story and scenes nicely. It actually feels like a drama and you're not overwhelmed by unecessary things. I thought the whole scene with 'Riko' giving 'Masane' the "pink" seashell a nice touch. Also if you noticed she found one that was "white" with "brown" specs. And it fit perfectly with the "pink" one. I found this to be a very touching scene as well as being symbolic with 'Riko' and 'Masane's relationship. Two completely different halves but fitting together perfectly. I'm sure that's what the writers intended.

Again nice break down of the summary Guido.

[Guido]

futaba channel has posted the pics for episode seventeen.

I won't be giving a preliminary synopsis about the episode, since there's people out there with better Japanese understanding and skills than me: MrProphet, chrno, JShaggy, wrex_japan-- I admit that the power they hold, at least in this thread, is very influential.

Anyways, a few images are worth than thousands of words.

Spoiler:

- Gentlemen, may I present to you all NSWF's latest evolution advance in the CloneBlade series and take note that the host wielder is a newly-introduced character for this episode who is featured in the second ending.

- Nishida prepares the stage for what would be her greatest accomplishment.

- More Father insight crepiness.

- Maybe or not Segawa is making his move, though looks to me in the pics that Wado will not make it before episode 20.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by Guido

futaba channel has posted the pics for episode seventeen.

I won't be giving a preliminary synopsis about the episode, since there's people out there with better Japanese understanding and skills than me: MrProphet, chrno, JShaggy, wrex_japan-- I admit that the power they hold, at least in this thread, is very influential.

Oh you're making me blush. Thanks Guido. But I'm more of the read in type. Actually you guys have done the best ep. summaries. To be honest I'm really enjoying this show. It's a little diamond in the rough. Not to mention it hits pretty close to *home.

So we got another 'CB' upgrade and a new candidate. As we get closer to the end there will be more light shed. To be honest I hope 'Father' buys it big time. I really hate his face!

Can't wait to see ep. 17. By tomorrow hicbc.com will have ep. 18 posted while the official site will have the images for ep. 17 up next week.

Oh, I went around the 'livedoor' blogs on the Japan side and I had to laugh at someone's blog for ep. 5. But it was their comment toward ep. 6. "Next episode 'Milk tank -vs- Milk tank!!"

[xizro345]

Just as a reference, my DVD vol.1 has been shipped. I'll try to make some comparison caps if I find the time.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by xizro345

Just as a reference, my DVD vol.1 has been shipped. I'll try to make some comparison caps if I find the time.

Excellent you'll be getting the full "flesh" treatment. Please share with us the differences. Ne?

If you bought the LE version then I guess you'll get the little artwork they have packed in there and the cool box.

[xizro345]

Of course I got first press version 8P

[masadate]

Can I request that one of you please make some sanks of the Sketchbook, seeing as though that I missed a chance of getting the first print cause I just found out about this series too late?

[Guido]

Impressive how GONZO is molding the storyline into different forms to allow expanding different subplots that have been developed recently and remained integrated to the main plot.
The different subplots allowed me to stay immersed, overlooking the animation issues as of irrelevant to me.

Spoiler:

For those who are worrying that Masane is not going to make it, then feel more angst and depressed. Quite few of my recent speculations are proving true.

For this episode Masane started to dream a nightmare where Riko is trapped within a dark world full of red tendrils. As Masane tries to reach her out, the tendrils cave in her path.
If you remember way back at the very start of episode one, there was a sort of bizarre flashback where listening to the noises of something latching onto Masane and giving a brief imagery of her covered in what looks like to be red tendrils.

I interpret the dream as a signal that the WitchBlade is now taking possession over Riko, and no matter what she does Riko won't have Masane to stay with her forever.

The episode emphasized on Masane's worry for Riko's care, that Cho-chang and Mariko pointed out Masane's behavior turning more hastily, clumsily, and euphoric lately as keeping on spoiling Riko.
There's more family bonding, as Masane tries to sink that anxiety by spending more time than ever on playing with Riko.

Mark my words, the more are shown together, the less are the chances that they'll be together by the end.

Second, the Ultimate Blade is actually Wado's idea and research project. Likely, he got some technical advice from his NSWF contact, Nishida. He reported a presentation to Douji's executive board and thought having bag all of the executive chiefs. That is until Takeyama cuts him off via an order that the Ultimate Blade poses expensive costs that are not affordable to Douji's utilities; in order words, the whole project is frozen in hiatus.
Segawa compliments well-meant Takeyama on that quick-thinking tactic to keep Wado out of board. Meanwhile, the loss of not counting with the support of the executive board paid a critical toll on Wado's mental health, as giving the starting signs of becoming a nutcase.
Do I smell on the air that his sanity will lead him to the misfortune and stupidity of turning himself into an advance I-Weapon on his own volition to run his little research project?

It seems that Segawa stands by the strongest or most influential individual. Takeyama's leniency was paying some worries on Segawa regarding his current position at Douji. It's natural then making tactics and well-meant preparations to switch to the other side that looks promising to be the winner.
This is evidenced as Segawa gently pats Wado's shoulder to dust it off prior to the presentation. However, once Takeyama put an indefinite halt on Wado attempting to takeover the position for executive Director on an awesome and smart move, Segawa complimented the former and patted him (Takeyama) on the shoulder again.

The highlight looks to be Father and the mother of the sisters, which Tozawa invested his time searching on and harvested the results with a positive outcome and just disclosing them right away to Masane.

Sincerely, I need someone to post what happened on those scenes is critical material to the plot and for us viewers to understand who Father is.
- The much I could get a grasp of is that Father is expectant and looking for the sake of the mother.
He said something along the lines, "this body lives for that woman's sake".

- My proposed speculation is that Father chooses among the cloneblade sisters a leading queen, then makes her into the next 'mother' of the upcoming generation for providing the genetic material to the new batch of cloneblade sisters.

Guess who did he picked up as the next mother? Maria.
But the way he approached her felt for me as he was bound to abuse her. He was looking at Maria with dirty looks and even touched soothily the blue strand of her hair.

At the end, however, he did nothing to her. A new cloneblade sister about to be upgraded was tending Maria and comes shocking to me that Maria is now behaving callous, analytical, and calculating as Reina was.

BTW, for those were nostalgic about X-CONS, a new one reappeared after four consecutive episodes of X-CON absence.
The most recently has an advanced form: bulky, sleeker, and more humanoid looking; the form of a cybernetic armor.

[xizro345]

The official site has some caps of TV / DVD differences:

http://witchblade.jp/gallery/dvd.html

Expect some more info once I get my hands on the DVD.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by xizro345

The official site has some caps of TV / DVD differences:

http://witchblade.jp/gallery/dvd.html

Expect some more info once I get my hands on the DVD.

It's about time they updated the gallery section. Funny thing is I gave up checking since they only had the promotional movie. Now folks, you're questions have been answered about the differences between the TV show and the movie. Ingrain this into your mind so you may spread the knowledge.

Thanks xizro345 for that info.

Also, there will be an "establishment works" ("setteishiryoushuu" which is basically an artbook), which is scheduled for a August 2006 release. I had originally posted this awhile back but at that time it was scheduled for December. I guess they're moving it up since the show is coming to a close. Now the question is will this be all that they are collecting artwise or will there be something else? And if so, will it be available to purchase from "accessible" online retailers?

http://shop.frontierworks.jp/detail....hcd=MOVIC-0585

Keeping my eye out for this one. Will have more info. at some point.

[ChibiGoku]

Witchblade Edit List
--------------------------

Spoiler:

God this feels wrong doing an edit list for a japanese tv broadcast.

1. The TV version in pan-scanned. This is very strange, because the high-definition broadcast is also presented this way.

2. Opening shot is voiced by Masane rather than the narrator in the dvd version than the one you hear normally. Also, it is very silent, and you get to hear a bit more of the blood dripping. Also, the dialog seems to be completely different.

3. The opening is less censored, and timed a bit differently. Also, there is some new animation. (It's a bit hard to get into detailed) Also, the credits have been redone.

4. Opening shot is blackened in the TV version, to cover the impalement shot, and the girl being completely covered in tentacles. (Or whatever the hell those things are.)

5. Just for a record, there's some small detail changes in the DVD version, including some random people changes, but these seem more for fixing some mistakes. I won't note these. The ones that are involved in censorship, I will list.

6. In the small shopping area, the camera pans down a bit slower in the tv version.

7. There's a small cut that seems to happen around Masane and Rihoko are eating some soup. (The TV version and DVD version loose sync a little here)

8. There's another small cut after the chase scene in the TV version. Again, can't place it. Again, my copy went out of sync slightly.

9. During the transformation sequence, Masane's body is less censored, and reveals a bit more in the DVD version. Also, from this point on, her crotch and most of her body is covered up in the TV version, so I won't note this.

Also, one last thing. She has no nipples in neither version showing.

10. Cell block is cleaned up to remove the blood surrounding the area in the TV version. However, this is inconsistant sense the next shot shows the blood splattered on the cell bars.

11. When Masane walks out of her cell, there's a shot of her ass showing, that is replaced by a shot of the monster looking over to her in the TV version. Nothing is lost.

12. The ending shots of Masane are less covered up. Also, credits are rearranged and timed a bit differently.

13. Some of the animation is timed differently in the ending.

And... That's as far as I can tell censorship wise.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by ChibiGoku

Witchblade Edit List
--------------------------

Spoiler:

God this feels wrong doing an edit list for a japanese tv broadcast.

1. The TV version in pan-scanned. This is very strange, because the high-definition broadcast is also presented this way.

2. Opening shot is voiced by Masane rather than the narrator in the dvd version than the one you hear normally. Also, it is very silent, and you get to hear a bit more of the blood dripping. Also, the dialog seems to be completely different.

3. The opening is less censored, and timed a bit differently. Also, there is some new animation. (It's a bit hard to get into detailed) Also, the credits have been redone.

4. Opening shot is blackened in the TV version, to cover the impalement shot, and the girl being completely covered in tentacles. (Or whatever the hell those things are.)

5. Just for a record, there's some small detail changes in the DVD version, including some random people changes, but these seem more for fixing some mistakes. I won't note these. The ones that are involved in censorship, I will list.

6. In the small shopping area, the camera pans down a bit slower in the tv version.

7. There's a small cut that seems to happen around Masane and Rihoko are eating some soup. (The TV version and DVD version loose sync a little here)

8. There's another small cut after the chase scene in the TV version. Again, can't place it. Again, my copy went out of sync slightly.

9. During the transformation sequence, Masane's body is less censored, and reveals a bit more in the DVD version. Also, from this point on, her crotch and most of her body is covered up in the TV version, so I won't note this.

Also, one last thing. She has no nipples in neither version showing.

10. Cell block is cleaned up to remove the blood surrounding the area in the TV version. However, this is inconsistant sense the next shot shows the blood splattered on the cell bars.

11. When Masane walks out of her cell, there's a shot of her ass showing, that is replaced by a shot of the monster looking over to her in the TV version. Nothing is lost.

12. The ending shots of Masane are less covered up. Also, credits are rearranged and timed a bit differently.

13. Some of the animation is timed differently in the ending.

And... That's as far as I can tell censorship wise.

Great comparison! I'll be checking it out when I get home tonight. The best way to really compare them is to view them side-by-side. More than likely if something is off in the timing chances are it will be a cut or an additional footage. As with shows they always have more footage lying around that cannot be used for the broadcast. So technically there would be 2-almost complete similar versions.

But what about the shot after the ex-Con explodes in ep. 1? Is the stuff that 'WB Masane' lick off her blade still "milky-white" or is it "blood" colored now?

I always noticed that most scenes between the DVD release and the TV release have different resolution. One is the darker scenes -vs- the more clear shots on the DVD release. A friend of mine had thought that the Japanese releases on DVD were darker than what we got and we just lightened them up. But who knows if that's true or really has to do with the broadcast version -vs- the DVD version.

Of course when FUNimation finally releases it we're going to get the uncut version. But they need to release both. But I'm curious to know how they are going to get away with airing it on cable here?

[rpgman1]

My guess is Witchblade will be the TV version if aired on Adult Swim while the DVD version will only be uncut. If they're going to do like what Naruto did, then they'll be a TV version and an uncut version (most unlikely unless its like DBZ).

[MrProphet]

Originally Posted by chrno

But what about the shot after the ex-Con explodes in ep. 1? Is the stuff that 'WB Masane' lick off her blade still "milky-white" or is it "blood" colored now?

It's the same as before. Masane is a lot more naked in the DVD version, but it's not all that important, in my opinion. She was naked enough in the TV version already.

[ChibiGoku]

Originally Posted by chrno

Great comparison! I'll be checking it out when I get home tonight. The best way to really compare them is to view them side-by-side. More than likely if something is off in the timing chances are it will be a cut or an additional footage.

This is exactly what I did. So this is how I noticed this.

I always noticed that most scenes between the DVD release and the TV release have different resolution. One is the darker scenes -vs- the more clear shots on the DVD release. A friend of mine had thought that the Japanese releases on DVD were darker than what we got and we just lightened them up. But who knows if that's true or really has to do with the broadcast version -vs- the DVD version.

Actually, that one particular scene at the beginning was MUCH darker than the rest of the episode on the tv version. So obviously that darkness was put there on purpose. If I would have tried to lighten up the video on the tv broadcast to match the level of the japanese dvd, it would have been too much.

[chrno]

Originally Posted by MrProphet

It's the same as before. Masane is a lot more naked in the DVD version, but it's not all that important, in my opinion. She was naked enough in the TV version already.

I guess they want the "ero-ero" to stay in. After all with all the sexual overtones who wants to "really" bleed?

Hoo boy.
Yeah she was naked already so let's really put it in your face. But will it change our love for Masane? Nah.

[xizro345]

Very interesting read. Can't wait to see my copy 8P

[chrno]

After sitting down and watching both the DVD and TV versions both side-by-side I found out that I’m on crack and I have nothing better to do. I actually enjoyed doing this. I have to say that the TV and DVD version are similar but with moderate changes.

First off, I have to admit that 'Mamiko Noto' is a really soft spoken woman in person. It's amazing that she can get serious at times and let it all out when she acts. This is from the interview segment on the DVD.

To do this little experiment I used ‘WMP’ for one file and ‘MPC’ for another file (DVD version). So timing may be a little different based on the encoding and what someone else might get. Even if that is the case you’ll still get a sense of where those scenes can be located. TV version times are in blue and DVD times are in red. Stand alone times are from scenes that were either in the TV broadcast or DVD versions only and cannot be compared to any particular scene. But will be color coded to correspond with the versions they appear in.

Comparisons and analysis of TV broadcast -vs- DVD vol.1, episode 1:

-Opening narration is different as ChibGoku mentions. Similar but different, as the narration is done by 'Masane' (Mamiko Noto), but there is either additional or rearranged narration giving us her POV of the experience. So we'll need a translation for that. -DVD version

Aside from the 4:3 ratio for the TV and the 16:9 for DVD you see more of the scenes and what seems like longer lengths. But not necessarily. Not to mention clearer and crisper.

-OP sequence for both is first OP but DVD uses 2nd version OP (the one where 'Masane' is struggling to get through the plastic wall). But there are slight differences in the version. Some "cleaned up" and "altered" imagery. Examples as follows:

-'Masane' rearing back while casting her shadow on the wall. In some ways it's almost like you can see if she's wearing her regular clothes. Yet you can see the whole image of the shadow. Could reflect 'WB' form in contrast to her normal self. -DVD version

-Same shot but not as clear. You can barely tell if she was wearing regular clothes or in 'WB' form. But to be honest we really could care less. Plus, you can't see everything on screen. -TV version

-Shot of 'Masane' looking solem. Scene was "altered". Scene displays a different expression running longer than the TV OP. 'Masane' looking down at first but slowly looks up staring into screen. More body shown. Here you get a sense of her inner struggle. Clearer. -DVD version

-Aired version shows similar scene of 'Masane' looking up into the screen but lasts only a few seconds into the length of the song then fades to next scene. Plus, image was enlarged so you can't see as much of her body. -TV version

The interesting thing is that while these shots are slightly different they are still synched up to the music.

-Scene of 'WB artifact' falling against black background still pretty much the same.

-Scene showing 'Masane' lying on the floor with hands behind her back where the 'WB artifact' falls next to her is “altered”, as well as "cleaned up". Shot is longer in length. Basically, she's lying there covered in sweat beads. When the 'WB artifact’ falls and hits the floor it bounces up and flips overs in slow motion until its face down. This is all done while being in synch with the song and 'Masane's reaction. Also, ‘WB artifact’ glows, casting its red light on 'Masane' as well. -DVD version

-Aired version is not as "slick" or "detailed". Also, seems shorter but still in sync with the song. Art is now considered "average" when compared to the "altered version". 'WB artifact' just falls, hits the floor at a faster pace while scene fades to next scene and that’s it. -TV version

-Transformation sequence where 'WBMasane' unleashes the power causing the earth to rise up is the same in both versions. Only difference is that DVD version presents more "skin" and more of the scene. Because nothing is cut off.

-We can clearly see 'Reina' in her 'CB' form. Also, the shot where she strikes out with her blade and moves back is "altered" slightly as the shot does not revert to a "silhouette" like in the TV version. Again, scenes are "cleaned up". -DVD version

-'Masane' rubbing her butt cheeks with blood. Of course you can see it now on “skin” version. And the notorious "V-Blade". -DVD version.

Everything else is the same toward the end of the OP. Just that you can see a little more from side to side. Again, the HUGE difference between hamburger meat and fillet mignon.

Here are some animation "FLUBS" I found in the TV version. Though not really flubs but more like animation checks. Hey they do this in films. Plus, I'm an animation major. Normally, I don't do this unless tempted. This is where it get’s silly. :P

Only if you want to and have seen ep. 1

Spoiler:

-When 'Masane' awakes suddenly and collapses after 'Riko' screams her name on the boat, her body crumples into a heap. You can see where her buttocks were in the air when she falls over, but for a split second later they just seem to deflate. Like she has no bones. Scene corrected leaving her buttocks in the air and anatomy where it should be. I had wondered if 'Masane' was a contortionist. Hahaha! (0:03:08-:09 -vs- 0:03:00-:02)

-Coloring and shadows that were missing in some areas replaced and some scenes were "altered" and "cleaned up". -ie. 'Masane's legs were too skinny and missing shadows on her pant leg. Plus, shoes were smaller. Corrected by filling her out more and adding shadows. Also, objects that seemed out of place were redone corresponding with the placement of the characters.

-'Riko got similar treatment'. Girly legs too awkward. White on the bottom of her shoes was colored in the same color as her shoes. Pale pink. Corrected in DVD version, or was it?

These scenes took place during same time sequence.

-Market place scene. Where 'Masane' and 'Riko' are standing discussing where to meet should they get lost. Extra person in background removed from kiosk in DVD version. As he was slightly off in his positioning at the counter in TV version. (0:06:30 –vs- 0:06:19)

-Police scene where first death occurred. Area blocked with "Do not cross” police tape" stretching from one side of barrier to a “CONE”. Corrected, by having the tape stretch to both sides of the barrier. No cone. WTF??? Don't know why they didn't do that in the first place, since the same image was done in both versions. (0:06:40 –vs- 0:06:30)

-Shot where police are taking away the first X-CON. 'Segawa' is in the crowd with cell phone to ear. One of the onlookers gets a new "blue" jacket. In TV version he had a "white" one. X-CON's face changed to look more "vegged" out. In TV version makes him look like he was aware of his crime despite his expression previously. Teeth are gritted in that, "Doh-they're-taking-me-in", look. 0:7:55 -vs- 0:7:45

-'Masane's back hair is missing during the scene where she speaks with the Child Welfare counselor. No folks she didn’t tuck it in! Again scenes were "altered" and "cleaned up". (0:10:34 -vs- 0:10:26)

-Shot where 'Masane's mouth is open (where it looks like she's gritting her teeth, when counselor talks about Riko's welfare), changed to where mouth is closed to emphasize 'Masane's struggle with the decision. Also colorization in eyes darkened a bit to convey her feelings. In TV version they were left in their original pale brown state. The change makes this scene more sympathetic and natural. Also, this was probably a technical (color) issue. (0:10:52 -vs- 0:10:42)

-Another "altered" shot with the counselor. 'Masane's body turned more toward the counselor, eye-to-eye contact. Also, more concerned look on counselor's face as she explains the matters. Scene shows that 'Masane' is listening and desperate for a change in the decision.

TV version uses repeated frame from a previous scene of the counselor. No expression. Shot of 'Masane' looking down at the table. Shot conveys more guilt or 'Masane's thinking about the dust on the table. Another shot I liked, but hey what're you gonna do? (0:11:01 -vs- 0:10:51 )

-Again shot of 'Masane's mouth colored "white" as if showing teeth (11:12). "Altered version" darkens it in. Again eyes are darkened to look more natural. In a way the contrast works. With the mouth left "white" it made it look like Masane was more scared than shocked. Can’t tell which one I like better. Coloring it in conveys a different but also intended expression. The matter to sign 'Riko' away knocks her back into reality. Again small changes in scenes afterwards. (0:11:12 -vs- 0:11:02)

-Violently or non-violently?
When 'Masane' has to sign the paper her hands are shaking violently. Scene in DVD version has less violent shaking but still conveys her struggle and anger with the decision. I guess they thought she was going smack the counselor one. Of course that's what Wrex would have wanted. Hahahaha! (0:11:20 -vs- 0:11:11)

-Everything else is the same up to the fight with 'Masane' trying to break 'Riko' out of the counselor's car, except that the struggle with first cop while the car drives off is longer as 'Riko' looks on. TV version has her stopping at a point and remains static. (0:12:10 -vs- 0:12:01)

-Sequence of 'Masane' struggling with the cops "cleaned up". Couldn't tell if the cops were restraining or having fun. Scenes afterward were "cleaned up".(0:12:23-:30)

-Car chase pretty much the same. When 'Masane' pulls the police car up to the counselor's car she looks at 'Riko' once and then eyes back to the road. DVD version shows 'Masane' checking (twice) back and forth between the counselor's car and the road while trying to keep pace. Again scenes afterward are slicked up. (0:12:52 -vs- 0:12:42)

-Oh this is funny! Shot of 'Masane' breaking neck and neck with counselor's car during chase on a main street. Same scenes but the one shot of counselor's face looks wicked in TV version while "altered" shot in DVD version shows her looking annoyedb but cautious. (0:13:03 -vs- 0:12:53)

-How do you like your Masane? Sprinkled with GLASS or without?
Car crash shows NO glass on Masane's head. Scene corrected in DVD version. I always wondered if that was possible. (0:13.31-vs- 0:13:21)

-Shot of counselor pulling into agency ‘Riko’ looks like something out of 'Bincho-tan'. Again shots "cleaned up" in DVD version. (0:13:41-vs- 0:13:13)

-Prison sequences pretty much the same except more visible now. Transformation sequence; "skin" version but more enhanced. Red outlines appear and glow slightly where armor forms. Kind of like what a cigarette looks like when it burns red and then the ash appears afterward. TV version does not show red outlines. Again scenes are "slicked up" (0:19:28-:35 -vs- 0:19:18-:25)

-Scene where 'WBMasane' knocks 'X-CON' outside her cell and into adjacent cell door, blood is missing from walls where cops were attacked. Scene corrected in DVD version. (19:42-vs- 0:19:33)

-Shot of ‘WBMasane’ leaving cell (side view mode) with blood on other cell door outside. DVD version shows extra footage of "butt cheeks" eye- view. Shot where 'X-CON' is speaking during that scene is removed. (0:19:47) His lines remain but are timed in (with "butt-cheeks" eye-view) to following shot where she looks at him bored by his banter in DVD version. Scenes are brighter and clearer, bits and pieces "cleaned up".(0:19:45-:52 -vs- 0:19:35-:42).

And to answer my question again, stuff that started out "milky-white" will stay "milky-white". Ero-Ero!

-Everything else is the same. Shot of tranq'd 'WBMasane' enhanced and improved. Eyes glow more yellow, shadows and lighting put in place. Again scenes "cleaned up". (0:21:00-:49 -vs- 0:20:50-021:40)

Nothing changed in the ED except "skin" version that's it. It’s the ED and it’s GREAT!

Most of the stuff that I’ve managed to pin-point are technical stuff. Mostly in-between frames. From the comparisons made, (between the TV and the DVD versions) while many of us complained about the animation looking off here and there, it seemed that it had to be done this way in order to get the production out. While one team was taking care of the "key" drawings (that remain unchanged) the other team had to fill in just to get the show on schedule. Leaving us these wonderful scenes. With the show finishing its run and the DVDs being released over a period of months, this will give the studio a chance to go back and correct all the stuff that NEEDs correcting. Chances are they probably did the work and are finishing up to put them into the DVD releases.

I've noticed a lot of other changes most of which deal with colorization, lighting, shading, retouching, clarity, resolution etc, etc... I can honestly say that the DVD is a MAJOR and I do mean MAJOR improvement over the TV version. Though this will kind of make the TV version novel in a sense. As many of the scenes were downright laughable. But I doubt the studio will want to look at THOSE shots again. So more than likely the rest of the episodes are going to get upgrades. I couldn’t imagine them releasing those episodes “AS IS” on DVD. As I think back to the boat fight with 'WBMasane' and 'CBShiori' in ep. 7 and laugh. Still one of my all time faves. (0:16:37-:40)

Now all we need are some images to compare the two. Doesn’t have to be what I got, I just felt like writing this. Hope you’ll get a kick out it.

What I noticed in ep. 1 that I didn't notice before.
Only if you’ve watched ep. 1 and have been following speculations.

Spoiler:

Because many of the scenes in the TV version were so dark it was hard to tell what was going on. After sitting down and watching ep. 1 again in of the DVD version I was finally able to make a better analysis of what happened to 'Masane' 6 years ago.

The scene at the beginning where 'Masane' is contracted by the 'WB artifact' is clearly visible now. Whereas in TV version it is not due to the dark resolution. Who knows why? I think this might have been a slight case of censorship since it depicts a disaster.

The scenes also reveals where 'Masane' was at the time of the incident. This takes us forward to what was explained in ep. 14 when 'Takayama' took 'Masane' to the orphanage (where she lived 17 years ago) hoping that it would open a door to her past.

He mentions that 6 years ago there was an incident involving the residents there. The children, including 'Masane' were on a field trip that day. This basically places everyone right at the heart of the catastrophe caused by the 'WB artifact' when 'Reina' took it from Douji industries and ended up in the center of a power struggle between Douji and NsWF to possess and retrieve it. If you look at the shots closely in ep. 1, (and it's really hard to see) you'll notice it's ahighway underpass. 'Masane' and company were caught up in a terrible bus accident caused by the catastrophe. Only in ep. 14 do they show the children among the wreckage. Going back to ep. 1, considering the amount of destruction on the highway, there were possibly no survivors save 'Masane'. You also get to see the 'WB artifact' clearly now, as it reveals a more "active" and “organic” form than the metallic version that was under glass at Douji’s research lab. You see it emerge from the rubble and begin seeking out a suitable lifeform. If anything “living". You see the ‘WB artifact’ impaling 'Masane’s body and, wrapping her up in its “red” tendrils like a mummy while she struggles, reaching out trying to grab the last bit of “light” that she can see. As she feels that her last chance for survival is being snuffed out. Plus, you can see her face now where you couldn’t see it in the TV broadcast. Looking even closer, there is a shot of water rising in the background as a massive tidal wave approaches. If the 'WB artifact' had not contracted her during that time more than likely 'Masane' would have ended up dead. This scene was very dark in the broadcast, which made it easy to miss. Very interesting indeed. Yet at the same time it's also ironic in a sense when you think about it. 'Masane' is always talking about her bad luck yet, she was saved by “something” known to bring bad luck without any help. And again she questions this whole ordeal, "Why me? Why was I chosen?" Thus, questioning her own self worth as well.

So whatever happened after that would have also placed her close to finding 'Riko'. But again let's see how much more will be revealed if they feel that there is more worth revealing. Because I’m still trying to figure out the whole maternal pass-book deal.

[rpgman1]

Nicely done chrno. You've went into great detail about the differences between the TV broadcast and DVD version of episode 1. I'm not sure if anyone is going to fansub the DVD version since it's already licensed. If Witchblade will ever be aired on Adult Swim, it will be the TV version. As for the DVD version, it'll be released uncut and reedited by Funimation. Besides, they'll only sell the uncut DVD version since it's not DBZ (meaning releasing them in an edited version and an uncut & reedited version). Funimation doesn't have the finances to release two versions out on DVD. Full Metal Alchemist was successful on Adult Swim as the TV version and the DVD version sales were pretty good if slow to finish the series.

[chrno]

Thanks!

Of course I added one little extra thing that I didn't include. Found it this morning. Plus, went back and corrected typos and reworded stuff. I'm done, for now until I find something else to change. But I enjoyed doing it.

In a way that does make sense. Unless they release the DVD version and then edit certain scenes (ie.- skin shots). I thought I had heard that they were going to release the uncut version on TV as well. And if that is true I had wondered how are they were going to pull that off when the Japanese version had to keep it censored up to a point on late night TV? But I'm curious to know how they will be handling it when it comes close to releasing it here.

As far as people not "___ing" it because it's licensed, well that never stopped groups before. If anything I expected it to happen once the first vol. appeared. But apparently people were curious, so curious in fact that I don't even know if the reason behind it was because they knew "something". And if there were requests for the first DVD then there will be requests for the others. Now that's a lot of money to shell out for R2s. Oh well.

As for me, I'll be looking forward to it coming stateside. I do want it as part of my collection. At least FUNimation should have no reason to screw up the title heading. I just hope that they treat it with justice. Of course I'll miss the TV broadcast. Now I'm even more curious to see another ep. so I can compare that)

Man I gotta go back and watch ep. 17, and 18 is right around the corner. Sheesh!