Dead Space Downfall, the anime, tries to find its own voice, but the upcoming video game is probably a better bet.

Dead Space Downfall
2008. 73 minutes. DVD, $26.97. Distributor: Anchor Bay Ent.

Based on the Image Comics series, Dead Space Downfall -- which is soon to be released as a video game for Xbox 360 and PS3 -- tells the story of an ancient artifact discovered in deep space. Initially recovered by a mining ship, it's immediately seen as a religious relic and stored on the USG Ishimura for transportation back to Earth. However, upon being removed from its resting place, the artifact reawakens an alien race that attacks the mining colony and the Ishimura. As these parasitic aliens infest the crew, a seemingly endless flow of blood and guts ensues.

According to Joe Goyette (producer), "The comic book has its own voice. The game has its own voice. We have our own voice too." To quote him further, "For us, it was creating another 400 ways to kill people..." In a nutshell, that concisely sums up Dead Space Downfall. Like an action-driven Hollywood summer blockbuster -- complete with a bloated budget to hire the most famous actors around, regardless of talent -- this movie is all about one thing: slaughter. Honestly, I couldn't even remember the names of the characters after pressing stop on my remote control! From beginning to end, scene after scene, it was nothing more than aliens infesting human bodies, and then either ripping them into pieces or turning them into zombie-like murderers. Sound familiar? Well, it's like every other horror movie involving alien or zombie encounters: all blood, no story.

At the end of the day, I think the upcoming video game might hold my attention more. At least then I'll be able to actively take part in destroying the aliens using my video console. Other than that, go rent Aliens or 28 Weeks Later. You'll be much happier.

Season Two of Bleach is a wonderful walk back in time and these episodes are what made the title a phenomenon.

Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set
2008, TV Series (Episodes 21-41). Director: N/A. 525 minutes. DVD, bilingual, $69.98. Distributor: Viz Media.

Much like Death Note, if you don't already know Bleach, then I'm nearly at a loss for words. After all, Ichigo, with his spiked hair -- and nearly orange at that! -- is the modern samurai for whom 21st-century Japan has been waiting. Not only is he a skilled warrior, but he also has a hip coolness that even the ladies love. More important, it's not just our world that finds Ichigo enticing. When Rukia, a soul reaper from another plane of existence, crosses over to hunt down a rogue hallow (a lost soul), she finds herself attracted to Ichigo's spiritual energy. And when Ichigo and his family come under attack by this spirit, a wounded Rukia transfers her soul-reaping powers to the young teenager, making him a full-fledged soul reaper. So begins the story of Bleach.

In season two, a seminal feature of this anime's story begins: the attempt to save Rukia. For her transgressions in the mortal world, the Soul Reaper Society has imprisoned her within their walled compound. Ichigo and his recently formed band of heroes -- Chad, Ohime, Ishida, and Master Yoruichi -- must now cross over to the world of the soul reapers and save Rukia from execution.

For anyone who has spent many late hours watching Cartoon Network, the later seasons of Bleach are probably fresh memories, or even the impetus of their Bleach love. But going back to Season Two is a wonderful walk back in time. In my opinion, these episodes are what made the Bleach phenomenon. After leaving the mortal world behind, Ichigo and his team (along with the viewers) begin to learn about the military-like Soul Reaper Society: their squads, their lieutenants, their training, their captains, their characters. Moreover, as Ichigo and his friends search for a way into the compound and meet various soul reapers, the single combat, the contest of heroes, begins. The action then flows like a raging stream. But the groundwork is also laid out for the future of the series. New allies, such as Ganju, are introduced. The personal histories of Ichigo's friends are explored. And Ichigo himself finds that, as strong as he is, he has to learn how to control his spiritual power and to truly master his sword, if he wants to free Rukia. The rescue will undoubtedly not come quickly, and the road traveled will be filled with both drama and comedy.

Overall, I like this season. As I've said before, the later episodes of Bleach tend to wander off track, to lose sight of the main story: the Ichigo/Rukia dynamic. Now, in a box set that contains five DVDs, there are obviously going to be some "filler" episodes that some may find annoying. But, in the end, there is a focus and continuity in Season Two that invests you in the relationship between Rukia and Ichigo.

Raised on such iconic, westernized giants as Battle of the Planets, Voltron and Robotech, James Brusuelas is a literary scholar, critic, and freelance writer based out of Orange County in Southern California.