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This is a complete DVD release of the luxurious and magnificent puppet historical picture scroll "Heike Monogatari," based on the original work by Eiji Yoshikawa and puppet art by Kihachiro Kawamoto (puppet theater "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"). It includes all 57 episodes broadcast on NHK General from December 1993 to January 1995. Voice cast includes Morio Kazama, Renji Ishibashi, Leo Morimoto, Misako Konno, among others.
The DVD features include:- Approximately 120 still images ("Puppet Gallery") (scheduled)- Making-of footage- Other DVD extras
Additionally, director Kihachiro Kawamoto's puppet animated film "The Book of the Dead" (voice cast includes Rie Miyazawa, Takaaki Enoki, Tetsu Ema, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, among others) is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release starting February 11, 2006, beginning at Iwanami Hall, attracting attention.
【Content Description】This DVD-BOX contains Parts 1 through 5. A total of 9 DVD discs.
● "Puppet History Spectacle Heike Monogatari Complete Edition Part 1: Blue"At the end of the Heian period, the aristocratic class's three hundred years of dominance was beginning to show signs of fatigue and decadence. This marked the transition to an era where the "samurai" class would rise. A young man with aspirations as high as the blue sky stood up for the coming samurai era. His name was Kiyomori Taira.DVD extras: Puppet Gallery (about 30 still images) / Making-of
● "Puppet History Spectacle Heike Monogatari Complete Edition Part 2: Prosperity"After two victories in battle, the Taira clan rapidly rose to power. The proud Taira faced the cunning heirs of Minamoto Yoshitomo, who had perished, and the grown-up heirs of Minamoto, including Yoritomo, who was exiled to Izu, and Yoshinaka Kiso, aiming for Kyoto, as well as the youth of Yoshitsune, known as Boy-Warrior Ushiwakamaru, who was entrusted to Kurama. Kiyomori advanced in Fukuhara toward a new national reconstruction dream but fell ill.DVD extras: Puppet Gallery (about 30 still images) / Making-of
● "Puppet History Spectacle Heike Monogatari Complete Edition Part 3: Chaos"Taira no Kiyomori passes away. For the Minamoto, it was an opportunity to overthrow the Taira. However, cracks appeared over who would reach Kyoto first, between Kiso Yoshinaka and Yoritomo of Izu. Kiso Yoshinaka, victorious at the Battle of Kurikara Pass against the Taira army, succeeded in entering Kyoto, while the Taira retreated to western Japan to regroup. Meanwhile, Yoshinaka, unfamiliar with court life, endured hardships in Kyoto.DVD extras: Puppet Gallery (about 30 still images) / Making-of
● "Puppet History Spectacle Heike Monogatari Complete Edition Part 4: Wandering"By order of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, Kiso Yoshinaka was defeated by Minamoto no Noriyori and Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who had regained strength in the west. Meanwhile, brother Yoritomo, suspicious of Yoshitsune's favor from the emperor, was wary. Under Yoritomo's command, Yoshitsune headed to the Taira camp at Ichi-no-Tani. The surprise attack at Hiyodorigoe propelled Yoshitsune onto the stage of history.DVD extras: Puppet Gallery (about 30 still images) / Making-of
● "Puppet History Spectacle Heike Monogatari Complete Edition Part 5: Impermanence"The decisive battle at Yashima. Facing the overwhelming Taira naval forces, Minamoto no Noriyori struggled. It was Yoshitsune's tactics and the efforts of his retainers, including Benkei Musashibō, that changed the tide. With fierce attacks, the entire Taira clan, clutching the young emperor and the Three Sacred Treasures, disappeared into the waves. The Minamoto achieved victory, but now brother Yoritomo begins to plot Yoshitsune's downfall...DVD extras: Puppet Gallery (about 30 still images) / Making-of