The concluding chapter of creator Hideaki Sorachi’s celebrated series hits home video in a package with both versions of the film and some enticing exclusive features.
The third and final film of the Gintama anime series is getting the Shout! Factory treatment.
Together with Eleven Arts, the home video label today has released Gintama: The Very Final tomorrow. Director Chizuru Miyawaki’s action-packed feature makes its North American Blu-ray and DVD debut after it screened theatrically just last fall.
This new package features both versions of the film - one with its English voice cast, and the other with its original Japanese audio and English subtitles - and includes an exclusive 16-page booklet with character art and storyboards.
Gintama: The Very Final adapts some of the final moments of creator Hideaki Sorachi’s original manga, and incorporates new elements unique to the film. The lead roles of the Odd Jobs members are reprised by the English voice acting team from Gintama Season 3, including Michael Daingerfield (InuYasha: The Final Act, NANA) as Gintoki Sakata; Cole Howard (Cardfight!! Vanguard, Arashi of Zoids Wild) as Shinpachi Shumura; and Jocelyne Loewen (The Vision of Escaflowne, Galaxy Angel) as Kagura. Kyle Colby Jones (Dororo, Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma) - who voiced the character Shinsuke Takasugi, and served the ADR writer and director for Gintama: The Movie - reprises both those roles for this film.
Here’s the official synopsis for Gintama: The Very Final:
“The Earth is facing its darkest days, and the members of the Odd Jobs must come together to save it from this otherworldly menace. Old allies Gintoki, Takasugi, and Katsura strive their hardest for their own ideals, but standing in their way is someone with whom they share a sad history: Utsuro, an alternate personality of their former teacher and mentor Shoyo. Having been spawned by Altana, the energy that fuels all planets, this immortal fiend has regenerated multiple times until finally becoming Utsuro, the ultimate enemy... and he intends to take down the entire Earth in order to end his own life.
Gintoki and the others set out to fulfill the wishes of their teacher Shoyo and thwart Utsuro's plans. Shinpachi, Kagura, the Shinsengumi, members of the Kabuki District, and even former enemies will join their fight. As Utsuro's power grows, Takasugi fights for his very life. What does Gintoki, battered and bruised, see at the very end?
Will he be able to put an end to all this?!”
For specs on the release and more details on how to order, head to Shout! Factory’s website.
Max Weinstein is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles. He is the Editor-at-Large of 'Dread Central' and former Editorial Director of 'MovieMaker.' His work has been featured in 'Cineaste,' 'Fangoria,' 'Playboy,' 'Vice,' and 'The Week.'
