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Shelf Life - Azumanga Daioh

One of the most beloved anime comedies of the last 20 years finally gets a rerelease from Sentai Filmworks, and Paul Jensen checks in to see if AzuDai still has what made it so special. PLUS: this week's new releases! ― I met up with some old friends for a Magic: The Gathering draft tournament the other day, and I learned (or perhaps re-learned) something important: I am really, really terrible at M...
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Shelf Life - Dororo

Discotek's release of the 1969 TV anime Dororo, with contributions from some of anime's most legendary artists, is out on DVD - Gabriella Ekens explores this fascinating piece of anime history. ― Oh my good golly gosh, y'all. We've got a lot of new releases this week. In fact, we've got so many that I'm not even going to hold you up with a lengthy introduction. Go on, dive into that bottomless sea o...
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Shelf Life - Wake Up, Girls! The Movie

Yutaka Yamamoto's idol singers get their very own prequel movie, out now on bluray from Sentai Filmworks. PLUS: all of this week's new anime releases! ― With all the craziness that's been going on in the last few days regarding anime on Hulu (see this Answerman article for the details), I'm reminded of why it's nice to own stuff on disc. Forget all that stuff about video quality and dependence on a ...
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Shelf Life - Bodacious Space Pirates: Abyss of Hyperspace

Everyone's favorite short-skirted space bucaneers are back with a feature-length film bursting with positive energy and some decent animation - Paul takes a look. PLUS: this week's new releases! ― Memorial Day weekend carries a little extra significance for strange folks like me who follow motor racing. The Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix are both held on Sunday, which means I can watch t...
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Shelf Life - Date A Live II

Paul takes on the second season of Date A Live, which unbelievably manages to cram in even more superpowered girls than the first season. PLUS: This week's new anime releases! ― I had a very small, very nerdy epiphany this week. I was shopping around for some new miniatures for the X-Wing tabletop game when it occurred to me that some things change very little from childhood to adulthood. I still pl...
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Shelf Life - C3

The fanservicey supernatural drama of C3 baffles and intrigues Gabriella Ekens, but is it enough for a recommendation? PLUS: all of this week's new anime releases! ― About once or twice a year, I find myself putting off watching the last few episodes of an anime series for an unreasonably long time. It's almost never because the show is bad, but rather because I have a subconscious desire for it to ...
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Shelf Life - Eden of the East Limited Edition

Eden of the East made a huge splash back in 2009, but how well has its techno-thriller storyline aged? James checks out Funimation's fancy new special edition. PLUS: this week's new releases! ― As amusing as I find Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, I'm increasingly convinced that I'm primarily watching it as an excuse to enjoy its opening theme once a week. It's cool, cooler, coolest. Before we dive ...
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Shelf Life - Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie

There's a brand-new Ghost in the Shell movie, based on the ARISE series - does it retain the cyberpunk charm of the original? Paul finds out. PLUS: All of this week's new anime DVD and bluray releases! ― I've gotten into the habit of taking notes as I watch anime for my episode reviews here on ANN, but it's usually nothing all that extensive. A few character names here, an important item or location...
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Shelf Life - Tonari no Seki-kun

Paul kills time and goofs off with Tonari no Seki-kun, a short-form sleeper hit out on bluray now from Sentai Filmworks. PLUS: an avalanche of this week's new anime releases! ― It's rare for one single scene to sell me on an entire series, but that's exactly what happened when I watched the first episode of Flying Witch last week. Near the end of the episode, the main character wanders off into the ...
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Shelf Life - Lupin the Third: Jigen's Gravestone

The Woman Called Fujiko Mine gets one more shot at glory with Jigen's Gravestone, a spinoff movie set in the same Lupin universe. Paul gets grim 'n gritty with it. PLUS: all of this week's new anime releases! ― So many new seasons have been starting up in the last week or so. New anime season! New baseball season! OK, those are the only two I can think of off the top of my head, but it still feels l...
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Shelf Life - Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Not) Advance

The third Evangelion movie gets another look from Gabriella Ekens, who has some advice for poor Shinji. PLUS: This week's avalanche of new anime releases! ― With most of the shows I was following over the winter already over (Is it time for Haikyu season 3 yet?), I started watching Gate on a whim last week. I've always been a little bit of a military otaku at heart, so I'm having a blast watching ta...
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Shelf Life - Kingdom Season 1

Funimation quietly released season one of Kingdom, a little-seen anime about China's Warring States period in a big DVD box. James takes a look. PLUS: this week's new releases! ― There are some weeks when nothing on the new release list really catches my eye, but this week ain't one of them. There's some really good stuff coming out, and a lot of it comes in comes in a big, shiny box full of merchan...
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Shelf Life - Free! Eternal Summer

Those swim boys are at it again, this time with a controversial dub - Gabriella Ekens dives in. PLUS: Your complete list of this week's new anime releases, and a new anime collection! ― Spring has sprung, and in my corner of the world that means that racing season is back in full swing. Just as some people obsess over baseball or football, I waste nearly every weekend from March through November wat...
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Shelf Life - Terror in Resonance

Shinichiro Watanabe's terrorist teens get another look, plus this week's new releases and an anime collection you need to see to believe! ― I've been writing episode reviews for BBK/BRNK this season, and it's been an interesting little series to follow. The show uses CG character models instead of more traditional two-dimensional drawings, and it doesn't always work from an aesthetic standpoint. The...
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Shelf Life - When They Cry Season 1

One of the most acclaimed horror anime series of all time finally gets a much-needed rerelease in America, this time on bluray. PLUS: the rest of this week's new anime releases! ― There are some weeks when one or two genres seem to dominate the new release list. I'll find myself thinking, "Wow, there's a lot of mecha stuff this week," or, "Son of a beach episode, where did this avalanche of harem co...
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Shelf Life - Lord Marksman and Vanadis

It's all big swords, big fantasy, and big... well, adventure in Lord Marksman and Vanadis, and Paul's never been readier for it. PLUS: This week's new releases, and a new collection to admire! ― I took a look at the promo clips from the Terraformars live-action movie the other day. I'm not sure they made want to see the whole film, but they did make me briefly consider going back and rewatching Star...
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Shelf Life - Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie

Gabriella goes on a Space Adventure with a guy named Cobra and discovers one of the trippiest (and coolest) sci-fi anime films ever made. PLUS: all of this week's new anime releases! ― I wasn't quite sure what to talk about in my intro for this week until I found out that the Assassination Classroom anime is going to include the manga's as-yet-unpublished ending. That doesn't sound all that unusual ...
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Shelf Life - Shirobako Part 1

Paul learns a whole lot about ambition, teamwork and the anime industry in the first half of Shirobako, and digs around in this week's new anime releases. ― I started watching Dimension W right around the time its Toonami run was announced, and now I'm facing a dilemma. I'm enjoying the subtitled version and want to keep up with it, but you only get so many chances to watch anime on real, honest-to-...
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Shelf Life - Mobile Suit Gundam Part 2

Gabriella straps in to her mobile suit and conquers the second half of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, along with all of this week's new anime releases! ― I spent most of this past weekend stuck in bed with a cold, but I did at least get a valuable life lesson out of the experience. While reading manga can be a good way to kill time, think twice before opening a volume of Monster Musume when...
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Shelf Life - One Piece: Season 7 Part 4

Paul hops onboard the Going Merry and wonders why the Straw Hat Pirates didn't need an anime critic onboard. PLUS: This week's big new releases, including Evangelion 3.33! ― I've been having fun watching Dagashi Kashi this season, but I have found one problem with the show. It's the same issue I ran into back when I was doing episode reviews of Gourmet Girl Graffiti: I simply cannot watch a series a...
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Shelf Life - Turn A Gundam: The Movies

James finds out whether or not the Turn A Gundam movies are a decent substitute for the series, along with all of this week's new anime releases on DVD and bluray! ― I got buried under a landslide of teenage nostalgia last week. First Sentai Filmworks announced that they were planning a new physical release for Azumanga Daioh, then Discotek Media did the same with Cromartie High School. I watched (a...
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Shelf Life - Sketchy Birds

Paul and Gabriella climb out from under an avalanche of this week's new releases to discuss ― The start of a new season of episode reviews has kept me distracted enough that I don't have a particularly entertaining introduction lined up this week, so I'll just point out that I'm happy to see Assassination Classroom back in action. Nothing says "fun" quite like a yellow mutant octopus monster dude. W...
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Shelf Life - Fairy Complex

Catch up with all of this week's new releases, plus full reviews of more Fairy Tail and Buddy Complex! ― A new anime season is getting started, but you wouldn't know if from looking at my streaming queues. Thanks in part to a very hectic holiday season, I'm playing catch-up on just about everything that I wasn't watching on a weekly basis for episode reviews. The good news is that by the time I'm re...
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Shelf Life - Piece of Mind

The first Shelf Life of 2016 involves talking about Dragonar Academy again, but we quickly segue into some of the most impressive shelves this column has ever seen. PLUS: this week's new releases and more One Piece! ― After two weeks without any new releases to speak of, we've finally got some new anime on the horizon this week. It may only be three things, and one of them may only be a rerelease of...
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The Shelf Life Year in Review

Paul counts down some of the best, most interesting, coolest, or otherwise awesome and remarkable anime home video releases of 2015. ― With only a few days left in 2015, I thought it'd be good to take a short break from the usual format in order to look back on what's been a very eventful year for Shelf Life. Rather than trying to produce a definitive top 10 list for the year, I've gone through the ...
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Shelf Life - A Glass Half Fullmetal

There are no new releases this week, so Gabriella and Paul busy themselves with Fullmetal Alchemist and Danganronpa! ― Well, the impossible has finally happened: there are no new anime releases to be found in the US this week. With the holiday countdown approaching zero, all the distributors and retailers are getting ready to settle down for a short winter's nap. Never fear, though, because the Shel...
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Shelf Life - Capture the Flag

This week: Gabriella straps in for some vintage 1979 Gundam action, while Paul determines what happens If Her Flag Breaks. Plus: the last big flood of anime releases for 2015! ― As far as I can tell, there's no new anime coming out on disc in the US next week. Like, genuinely none at all. Not a single, solitary disc, not even a rerelease of some obscure OVA from ten years ago. If that turns out to b...
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Shelf Life - Dragon Lagoon

This week it's all fighting and explosions as Black Lagoon and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F get full reviews, along with a complete list of this week's new anime releases! ― I've had a pretty bad run with the holiday season post office lottery this year. Everything from presents for my relatives to review copies for this column have spent extra time in shipping limbo. Maybe we should all unite and ...
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Shelf Life - Umi, Myself, and I

This week on Shelf Life: the second half of Turn-A Gundam and a low-key, relaxing journey through some tough adolescent feelings with Umi Monogatari. Plus this week's releases! You can't go wrong! ― Thanks have been given, turkeys have been eaten, and we're in the midst of the frenzied holiday sale season. If you went out and fought the crowds last Friday, congratulations on surviving the hordes of ...
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Shelf Life - Familiar with Zero

Shape-shifting dragons, love charms, talking swords, and sentient trading cards abound in this week's Shelf Life, featuring this week's releases and full-length reviews of Familiar of Zero and Wixoss! Plus: a new reviewer appears! ― After spending more than a few Saturday mornings looking up prices for the new release section of this column, I've found that I can usually guess which shows will be ch...
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Shelf Life - The Ghoul, the Bad, and the Ugly

Another avalanche of this week's new releases, alongside full-length reviews of Tokyo Ghoul and Please Twins, two shows that really couldn't be more different. ― One would think that, after two and a half decades of dealing with daylight savings time, I'd be used to this time of year by now. One would be wrong, though, because I feel a tiny flash of personal outrage whenever I go outside around 5:30...
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Shelf Life - Full Metal Disorder

An enormous truckload of new releases appears as we head into the Christmas season, plus full reviews of Full Metal Panic Fumoffu and Inari Kon Kon! ― I feel like I've been visited by the ghost of franchises past this week. I reviewed a series that I first watched when I was around fourteen years old (see below) and played entirely too much of the newest Halo game, whose predecessors were the most w...
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Shelf Life - Finer and Dandier

A boatload of this week's new releases PLUS full reviews of two fantastic shows: Space Dandy season 2 and Tamayura! ― As I was putting together the list of this week's new releases, I noticed that we're getting quite a few lower-priced rereleases of older titles. Most of the big companies have at least one product line for bringing their older licenses back into circulation, and it's nice to be able...
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Shelf Life - One Good Turn

A particularly head-turning installment of Shelf Life includes all of this week's new releases and reviews of Turn-A Gundam and [email protected]! ― I was all set to gripe humorously about the number of new releases that I had to look up this week, but then I saw the schedule for next week. And the week after that, and the week after that. The holidays are upon us, which means mountains of new a...
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Shelf Life - Don't Panic

It's a bountiful cornucopia of this week's anime releases, plus fresh reviews of Argevollen and Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu! ― I'm going to take a brief detour from my usual quips and observations to point out that the Mets and Cubs are playing one another for a shot at the World Series. I don't follow baseball as closely as I once did, but that's still an amazing clash of perpetual underdogs. If some...
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Shelf Life - Breaking Wind

This week's treasure trove of new releases, plus reviews of Sentai Filmworks' Windy Tales and Brynhildr in the Darkness! ― By the time this column comes out, I'll be getting ready to come home from a ten-day vacation with my extended family. While my relatives are generally lovely people, visiting them means traveling to places where the Internet connection can barely handle standard-def video and t...
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Shelf Life - Under The Sea

Paul and Gabriella take in two very, very different shows: A Lull in the Sea and Sabagebu! Plus: an enormous flood of this week's new releases. ― I'm rather fond of the brief lull between anime seasons. For a week or so, we all get to reflect on the ups and downs of whatever shows we followed and scour the latest round of simulcast announcements for the shiny new titles that we're looking forward to...
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Shelf Life - That's Extremely Raven

Paul does double duty and takes in the rest of Tokyo Ravens and The Comic Artist and His Assistants, along with a long list of this week's fresh anime releases! ― Coming up with an anime or manga title is easier than you might think. Just take the word "Tokyo" and add a second word that vaguely describes your series. It worked for Tokyo Ghoul, it worked for Tokyo Godfathers, it worked for Tokyo Rave...
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Shelf Life - Patlabor Dispute

This week's new releases, a Shelf Obsessed you have to see to believe, and reviews of Hamatora and the third Patlabor film. What more could you ask for? ― As I compile the lists of new releases each week, I can't help but notice that we've been seeing a lot of big, expensive collector's editions lately. I'd hesitate to spend over a hundred dollars on anything except my all-time favorite shows, but I...
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Shelf Life - Captain SNAFU

This week's new releases, including the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist on bluray. Plus: reviews of Captain Earth part 2 and SNAFU in HD! ― Well, folks, it's my second appearance as the new Shelf Life guy, and that can only mean one thing: I've managed to go a whole week without causing the column to burst into flames! Go me! Really, though, thank you for your support and continued readership. Let's jump r...
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Shelf Life - Rhythm and BlazBlues

Shelf Life has a new captain! Paul Jensen takes over the column with a look at this week's new releases, plus reviews of Re:Cyborg 009 and BlazBlue Alter Memory. ― Hi everyone, Paul here. Welcome to my very first outing as the new face of Shelf Life! I was an avid reader of this column for years before I started writing for it a few months ago. I'll do my best to keep it a fun and useful source of r...
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Shelf Life - Changing of the Guard

It's the end of an era as Bamboo passes the torch to a new generation of Shelf Lifers. PLUS: reviews of Patlabor 2, Vampire Hunter D, and .Hack//G.U. ― Dear readers... it's been a good ride, but I'm saying good-bye once again. After writing for Anime News Network for half my life, I am bidding farewell to my dear column, as well as any opinion-related content on the site. While I will deeply miss wo...
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Shelf Life - Group Therapy

This week's new DVD and Bluray releases, alongside fresh reviews of Kamigami no Asobi and the first season of fan favorite K-ON in HD! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Kamigami no AsobiK-ON! On Shelves This Week Fairy Tail - Part 16 BD+DVD Funimation - 300 min - Hyb - MSRP $54.98Currently cheapest at: $32.12 Rakuten Synopsis: Lucy and Yukino are arrested for their involvement in crimes against the sta...
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Shelf Life - Love Me Like You Do

A jam-packed Shelf Life this week with three new reviews, plus week's new releases!
- My Little Monster
- Noragami
- Please Teacher
― Jump to this week's reviews: My Little MonsterNoragamiPlease Teacher! On Shelves This Week Hayate the Combat Butler Season 1 Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - 1300 min - Sub - MSRP $99.98|$79.98Currently cheapest at: $58.42 Rakuten|$46.73 Rakuten Synopsis: Because ...
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Shelf Life - Cutie Honeys

This week, cute baristas, cute magic weapons, and even some cute new releases.
- Is the order a rabbit?
- Soul Eater NOT!
― Jump to this week's reviews: Is the Order a Rabbit?Soul Eater NOT! On Shelves This Week Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! BD+DVD 1 (Collector's Edition) Ponycan USA - 109 min - Sub - MSRP $89.99Currently cheapest at: $71.98 Right Stuf Synopsis: The boys of the Binan High Schoo...
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Shelf Life - Video Game Girl Ai

Video games! Breasts! Alchemy! All that and more.
- Atelier Escha & Logy
- Hyperdimension Neptunia
- Solty Rei
― Jump to this week's reviews: Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk SkyHyperdimension NeptuniaSolty Rei On Shelves This Week Please Twins! - Complete Collection DVD Nozomi Entertainment - 325 min - Hyb - MSRP $39.99Currently cheapest at: $23.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Maiku grew up an ...
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Shelf Life - Sporty Spice

This week we get athletic with Ping Pong the Animation and Wanna Be the Strongest in the World. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Ping Pong the AnimationWanna Be the Strongest in the World! On Shelves This Week 009 Re: Cyborg BD+DVD Funimation - 104 min - Hyb - MSRP $34.98Currently cheapest at: $20.14 Amazon Synopsis: Long ago, nine humans were captured and weaponized into cyborgs. However, they rebell...
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Shelf Life - No Pain No Game

This week, characters go head-to-head in culinary and card game match-ups:
- No Game, No Life
- Yakitate!! Japan Pt 2
― Jump to this week's reviews: No Game, No LifeYakitate!! Japan Pt. 2 On Shelves This Week .hack//G.U. Trilogy DVD Funimation - 94 min - Sub - MSRP $29.98Currently cheapest at: $17.26 Rakuten Synopsis: Things in "The World" are once again slipping into chaos. Haseo and his friend Ato...
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Shelf Life - Don't You Forget About Me

This week, a slice-of-life about friendship and relationships, and an action show about historical figures with giant guns:
- Nobunagun
- One Week Friends
― Jump to this week's reviews: One Week FriendsNobunagun On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea Vol. 1 DVD, Vol. 2 NIS America - 308 min - Hyb - MSRP $49.99|$49.99Currently cheapest at: $37.99 Right Stuf|$37.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to ...
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Shelf Life - Woman Power

This week, a timely look at the energetic Michiko & Hatchin, and a dive into the past with Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Michiko & HatchinBubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 On Shelves This Week Atelier, Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - Sub - MSRP $59.98|$49.98Currently cheapest at: $34.49 Amazon|$29.20 Rakuten Synopsis: Escha has ...
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Shelf Life - Alien HQ

This week, scrappy volleyball players and a sinister race of sex aliens.
- Captain Earth
- Haikyu!!
― Jump to this week's reviews: Captain Earth Collection 1Haikyu!! Collection 1 On Shelves This Week A Lull in the Sea - Complete Collection BD [Premium] NIS America - Hyb - MSRP $179.99Currently cheapest at: $134.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: Humans used to inhabit the seas, until one day, a group of humans...
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Shelf Life - Star Power

This week's releases, a pint-size girl bent on world domination and a particularly lethargic entry in the .hack franchise.
-World Conquest Zvezda Plot
-.hack//Roots
― Jump to this week's reviews: World Conquest Zvezda Plot.hack//Roots On Shelves This Week Bleach - Season 25 Uncut Box Set DVD Viz - Hyb - MSRP $44.82Currently cheapest at: $27.58 Amazon Synopsis: Ichigo has been without powers for a ye...
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Shelf Life - Act A Fool

This week, people with superpowers, and a gathering of historical figures in a world very much unlike our own.
- Darker than Black s2
- Nobunaga the Fool collection 1
― Jump to this week's reviews: Darker Than Black - Season 2 + OVAsNobunaga the Fool - Collection 1 On Shelves This Week Captain Earth - Collection 1 BD, DVD Sentai - 325 min - Sub - MSRP $59.98|49.98Currently cheapest at: $34.46 Amazon...
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Shelf Life - Fight to Survive

This week, two shelf-worthy sci-fi titles: Knights of Sidonia and the Mardock Scramble trilogy. Plus, a look at this week's new releases. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Mardock Scramble: The TrilogyKnights of Sidonia - Season 1 On Shelves This Week Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE & xxxHOLiC DVD (S.A.V.E.) Funimation - 100 min - Hyb - MSRP $9.98Currently cheapest at: $5.99 Rakuten Synopsis: A double-feat...
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Shelf Life - Space Invaders

This week, monsters that you can vanquish with your smartphone, and the next wave of space pioneers.
- Devil Survivor 2
- Space Brothers v.2
― Jump to this week's reviews: Devil Survivor 2: The AnimationSpace Brothers Collection 2 On Shelves This Week 5 Centimeters Per Second DVD Eastern Star - 63 min - Hyb - MSRP $24.95Currently cheapest at: $15.22 Rakuten Synopsis: Named for the speed at which che...
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Shelf Life - Killer Instinct

This week, a celebrated classic from someone's who's never seen it before, and an alien dud.
- Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse v2
- Ninja Scroll
― Jump to this week's reviews: Ninja ScrollMuv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse collection 2 On Shelves This Week Ceres, Celestial Legend Complete TV Series DVD Eastern Star - 580 min - Hyb - MSRP $44.95Currently cheapest at: $27.44 Rakuten Synopsis: Frate...
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Shelf Life - Springtime for Panties

We're chasing away the rainy-day blues with two comedies this week: Denki-Gai vol. 2 and D-Frag. Plus, a rundown of this week's new releases. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Denki-gai volume 2D-Frag On Shelves This Week .hack//Roots Complete Series DVD Funimation - 650 min - Hyb - MSRP $39.98Currently cheapest at: $23.28 Rakuten Synopsis: A new version of The World is out, and Haseo and his new guild...
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Shelf Life - That's So Ravens

This week's heap of new releases. Plus, a trip back in time, and a magical high school, with reviews of Rose of Versailles part 2, and the first part of Tokyo Ravens. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Rose of Versailles Part 2Tokyo Ravens Part 1 On Shelves This Week Denki-Gai Volume 2 BD+DVD (Collector's Edition + CD) Ponycan USA - 100 min - Sub - MSRP $89.98Currently cheapest at: $71.98 Right Stuf Syn...
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Shelf Life - The Sound and the Fuuri

A list of this week's new releases. Plus, gravure idols and espers abound in this week's reviews of Super Sonico and Unlimited Psychic Squad! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Super Sonico the AnimationUnlimited Psychic Squad On Shelves This Week Free! Season 1 DVD Eastern Star - 280 min - Sub - MSRP $39.95Currently cheapest at: $24.38 Rakuten Synopsis: Four boys from Iwatobi High School have their eye...
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Shelf Life - The Valley of Machine Dolls

A lot more new releases this week. Plus, a variety of schemes and dreams with reviews of Madoka Magica -Rebellion- and Unbreakable Machine-Doll. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Madoka Magica the Movie -Rebellion-Unbreakable Machine-Doll On Shelves This Week D-Frag! Complete Series BD+DVD, Limited Edition Funimation - 300 min - Hyb - MSRP $64.98|$69.98Currently cheapest at: $37.84 Rakuten|$40.21 Amazo...
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Shelf Life - False Hopes

Lots of new releases this week. Plus, love triangles, angsty romances, and more:
- A Certain Scientific Railgun s1
- Looking Up At The Half-Moon
- Nisekoi v3
― Jump to this week's reviews: Looking Up At the Half-MoonA Certain Magical Railgun season 1Nisekoi volume 3. On Shelves This Week Devil Survivor 2: The Animation - Complete Collection Sentai - 325 min - Hyb - MSRP $69.98Currently cheapest at: ...
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Shelf Life - Ultimate Space Pirate

This week's releases. Plus, space adventures, harems, and the end of the world with She, The Ultimate Weapon, Space Pirate Mito, and Student Council's Discretion. ― Jump to this week's reviews: She, The Ultimate Weapon (Saikano), Space Pirate Mito, and Student Council's Discretion. On Shelves This Week Noir Complete Collection BD (Anime Classics) Funimation - 650 min - Hyb - MSRP $49.98Currently che...
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Shelf Life - Space Candy

Lots of new releases this week. Plus, reviews for Space Dandy season 1, Outbreak Company, and The Chronicles of the Going Home Club! ― Paul and I are bringing you three new reviews this week. You can jump straight to the reviews for Space Dandy season 1 BD+DVD, The Chronicles of the Going Home Club BD, and Outbreak Company BD. On Shelves This Week .hack//Legend Of The Twilight Complete Series DVD Fu...
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Shelf Life - A Gluten For Punishment

This week's new releases! Plus, three new reviews, including the tasty Yakitate!! Japan, Place to Place, and the third season of The World God Only Knows. ― We've got three reviews for you this week. I sank my teeth into the delectable Yakitate!! Japan, while Paul tackled Place to Place and the third season of The World God Only Knows. Jump to this week's reviews: Place to Place Complete Collection ...
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Shelf Life - Spirits Away

Gabriella Ekens joins the Shelf Life family with a review of Gingitsune. Also this week, You're Being Summoned, Azazel. ― I'd like to welcome Gabriella Ekens to the Shelf Life team! I'm very excited to have her on board, as her writing and analysis about anime is some of the best I've ever had the pleasure to read. You can read her Winter 2015 daily streaming reviews of Maria the Virgin Witch, GARO ...
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Shelf Life - Devils Advocate

This week's new releases. Plus, a look at Devils & Realist, as well as the ultra scrappy Ben-To. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Ben-To Complete Collection BD, Devils and Realist Complete Collection BD. On Shelves This Week Bleach Uncut Set 24 DVD Viz - Hyb - MSRP $44.82Currently cheapest at: $27.94 Rakuten Synopsis: This set covers episodes 330 to 342, which finishes out season 15 and the anime-only...
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Shelf Life - Between the Lines

This week's releases, plus reviews of Genshiken: Second Generation, and both seasons of Hiiro no Kakera. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Genshiken: Second Generation BD, Hiiro no Kakera Complete Series Seasons 1 & 2 BD. On Shelves This Week Fairy Tail - Part 15 BD+DVD Funimation - 275 min - Hyb - MSRP $54.98Currently cheapest at: $32.02 Rakuten Synopsis: The adventures keep rolling in this next insta...
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Shelf Life - Hellfire and Ice

Lots of new releases this week. Plus, reviews of The Ambition of Oda Nobuna, and Hozuki's Coolheadedness. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Ambition of Oda Nobuna BD, Hozuki's Coolheadedness BD. On Shelves This Week Chronicles of the Going Home Club - Complete Series [Premier Edition] BD NIS America - 288 min - Sub - MSRP $64.99Currently cheapest at: $47.99 Right Stuf Synopsis: New high school student ...
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Shelf Life - Space Case

It's a big week for releases! Plus, reviews of Space Brothers, Maid Sama, and My mental choices are completely interfering with my school romantic comedy! ― Jump to this week's reviews: Space Brothers Volume 1 BD, My mental choices are completely interfering with my school romantic comedy BD, and Maid Sama Complete Series BD. On Shelves This Week .hack//SIGN - Complete Series DVD Funimation - 700 mi...
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Shelf Life - Illusions of Grandeur

A run down of this week's new video releases. Plus, a glimpse at the new dub for Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, and a review of Okamikakushi: Masque of the Wolf. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! - Limited Edition BD+DVD and Okamikakushi: Masque of the Wolf BD. On Shelves This Week A Certain Magical Index - The Miracle of Endymion BD+DVD Funimation - 90 min - Hyb - ...
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Shelf Life - The Rose Garden

A look at this week's new releases. Plus, a look at the Rose of Versailles by new contributor Lynzee Lamb, and a review of Fantastic Detective Labyrinth. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Fantastic Detective Labyrinth Complete Collection DVD and Rose of Versailles Part 1 DVD (Litebox). On Shelves This Week Digimon Fusion - Season 1 DVDCinedigm/New Video - 660 min - Dub - MSRP $44.99Currently cheapest a...
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Shelf Life - Shafted

A look at the titles hitting shelves this week! Plus, three tales of love and loss, packed into two tidy boxes.
- ef: a tale of memories & melodies
- Nisekoi: False Love v2
― Jump to this week's reviews: Nisekoi: False Love Vol. 2 BD and ef: a tale of memories & melodies BD. On Shelves This Week Comic Party - Complete Original Series Collection DVD Eastern Star - 300 min - Hyb - MSRP $39.95Currently...
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Shelf Life - True Luv

A look at this week's new releases and a new contributor to Shelf Life joins the team. Plus, alien invasions and other uninvited guests!
- Engaged to the Unidentified
- Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
― Jump to this week's reviews: Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse Complete Series BD and Engaged to the Unidentified Complete Series BD. On Shelves This Week A-Channel Complete Collection BD Sentai ...
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Shelf Life - Fool's Gold

A rundown of this week's releases. Plus, a heartwarming story about a family of tanuki, and a classic that's been shined and polished for a new generation. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Eccentric Family Complete Series BD and Bubblegum Crisis Ultimate Edition BD Set. On Shelves This Week Little Busters! Refrain Complete Collection BD, DVD Sentai - 325 min - Hyb - MSRP $69.98 | $59.98 Currently chea...
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Shelf Life - Over the Horizon

A rundown of this week's new releases. Plus, reviews of Log Horizon collection 2 and A-Channel. ― Jump to this week's reviews: Log Horizon collection 2 and A-Channel. On Shelves This Week Amagami SS+ Complete Collection BD Sentai - 325 min - Sub - MSRP $59.98 Currently cheapest at: $34.49 Amazon Synopsis: This sequel of Amagami SS follows the events of the first series, and continues to expand on Ju...
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New Year, New Shelf Life

It's 2015 and some big changes have come to Shelf Life! Check out the new format and peruse this week's releases along with reviews of:
A Certain Magical Index II
Cat's Eye Season 2
― It's a new year, which seems almost hard to believe. Each day goes by so fast, that I can never seem to catch my breath and appreciate the passing of the seasons. Before I know it, I'll blink and it'll be summer, and I...
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Shelf Life - The Year in Review

A look back at some of the most memorable (or worth revisiting) home video releases from 2014 ― Another year has come and gone, with mountains of anime to go along with it. And while readers and numerous ANN staff alike have given their thoughts on the top five new shows of the year, I wanted to impart my thoughts on what I think are some of the top physical video releases of the year. I chose these ...
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Shelf Life - Designated x Diver

This week, characters dive into ancient caves, voluptuous breasts, and also some good old fashioned nostalgia.
- Cowboy Bebop
- Fatal Fury the Movie
- High School DxD New
― Shelf Worthy Cowboy Bebop Complete Series BD Fatal Fury: the Movie DVD Boob Show High School DxD New BD+DVD Rental Nothing this week Perishable Nothing this week Revisiting old classics is sometimes a little scary. There's always...
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Shelf Life - Love and Other Thugs

This week, budding romance, fresh starts, homemade food, and the eternal search for happiness.
- Log Horizon set 1
- Nisekoi BD 1
- Silver Spoon s2
― Shelf Worthy Log Horizon Collection 1 BD Nisekoi: False Love Volume 1 BD Silver Spoon Complete 2nd Season DVD Rental Nothing this week Perishable Nothing this week This week yielded three anime titles that I thought were Shelf Worthy, which is rare. Us...
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Shelf Life - Kings of Reon

This week, the trials and tribulations of magical retail work, and invading parasitic aliens.
- Fatal Fury: Legends of the Hungry Wolf
- Parasyte ep 1-6
- Yu-Sibu
― Shelf Worthy Nothing this week Stream Worthy Parasyte ep 1-6 Rental Fatal Fury: Legends of the Hungry Wolf DVD Perishable Yu-Sibu Complete Collection BD I say this every year, but I hate it when Daylight Savings Time ends. I think instea...
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Shelf Life - The Haunting

This week, ghosts from our past, present, and future. Also, more girl power than you can shake a Moon Stick at!
- A Certain Scientific Railgun S pt 2
- Ghost in the Shell Arise pt 1
- Sailor Moon pt 1
― Shelf Worthy A Certain Scientific Railgun S Part 2 DVD Rental Sailor Moon Part 1 DVD/BD Ghost in the Shell: Arise Part 1 DVD/BD Perishable Nothing this week For the most part, I don't really eat cand...
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Shelf Life - Angels and Demons

This week, vampires, witches, and gods. Everything you need for a post-Halloween bash.
- Bayonetta: Bloody Fate
- DBZ: Battle of Gods
- Hellsing Ultimate v.3
― Shelf Worthy Nothing this week Rental Hellsing Ultimate Volume 3 DVD/BD Bayonetta: Bloody Fate DVD/BD Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods DVD Perishable Nothing this week Halloween feels like the last barrier to the winter holidays, in that everyth...
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Shelf Life - Four Your Eyes Only

This week, a special club for a special aesthetic, grave diggers, and good ol' hijinks.
- Dr. Slump Movies 1-5
- Meganebu
- Sunday without God
― Shelf Worthy Sunday without God Complete + OVA BD Rental Dr. Slump Movies 1-5 DVD Perishable Meganebu Complete Series BD This may sound like an insignificant thing, but a few years ago, I turned off the notification sound on my iPhone for new emails. Leavin...
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Shelf Life - The Sound of μic

This week, happy pop tunes, a buffet of exotic foods, and larger-than-life robots.
- Gurren Lagann Movies 1 & 2
- Love Live! School Idol Project s1
- Toriko Collection 1
― Shelf Worthy Gurren Lagann Movie Double Feature BD Love Live! School Idol Project Season 1 BD Toriko Collection 1 DVD Rental Nothing this week Perishable Nothing this week After sifting through some of the new fall anime simulcast...
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Shelf Life - QB of the Year

This week, good fights evil in the battle against titans, witches, and high school dating.
- Attack on Titan pt 2
- Madoka Magica movies 1 & 2
- Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
― Shelf Worthy Attack on Titan Part 2 BD+DVD Stream Worthy Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun ep. 1-12 Rental Madoka Magica Movies 1 & 2 BD+DVD Perishable Nothing this week It has been almost one year since I started managing the interest f...
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Shelf Life - Meat Market

This week, a visit to the farm, the local market, and a girls academy that has a special Airsoft zone worthy of movies.
- Silver Spoon s1
- Stella Women's Academy C3-bu
- Tamako Market
― Shelf Worthy Silver Spoon Complete 1st Season DVD Rental Stella C3-bu Complete Series DVD Tamako Market Complete Series DVD Perishable Nothing this week This week's anime selection was remarkably pleasant. Often, I ...
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Shelf Life - Personal Demons

This week, monsters, blood-suckers, and cute girls all around.
- Fate/kaleid Liner Prisma Illya
- Tokyo Ghoul ep. 1-10
- Yuyushiki
― Shelf Worthy Yuyushiki Complete Series BD Stream Worthy Tokyo Ghoul ep. 1-10 Rental Fate/kaleid Liner Prisma Illya Complete Season BD Perishable Nothing this week It finally rained in SoCal today, which is the answer to the internal prayer I chant multiple times a day....
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Shelf Life - Clone Wars

This week, a classic magical girl show, as well as some other girls with supernatural powers, including one that defies gravity.
- A Certain Scientific Railgun S pt 1
- Card Captor Sakura
- Senran Kagura
― Shelf Worthy Card Captor Sakura Complete Series BD A Certain Scientific Railgun S Part 1 DVD Mildly Entertaining Booby Show Senran Kagura: Ninja Flash Complete Series BD+DVD Perishable Nothing thi...
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Shelf Life - Popular Culture

This week, the challenges of high school, fighting alien menaces, and evil masterminds.
- Gatchaman Crowds
- Terror in Resonance ep. 1-6
- Watamote
― Shelf Worthy Watamote Complete Series BD Gatchaman Crowds Complete Series BD Stream Worthy Terror in Resonance ep. 1-6 Rental Shelf Nothing this week Perishable Nothing this week Even though Otakon was a full week ago, I still feel the side-effects of ...
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Shelf Life - Flowers For Baudelaire

This week, armored gangsters, sexy cyborgs, giant robots, and stolen gym uniforms.
- Appleseed Alpha
- Flowers of Evil
- Majestic Prince collection 1
― Shelf Worthy Flowers of Evil Complete Series BD (Sub) Rental Shelf Appleseed Alpha BD Majestic Prince Collection 1 BD Perishable Nothing this week I love convention season, but it is a little exhausting. I feel like I've just barely recovered from Co...
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Shelf Life - Multiple Choice

This week, lots and lots of lovely ladies, a healthy mix of pretty boys, and even a few animal-folk as well.
- Date A Live
- Karneval
- Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They?
― Shelf Worthy Nothing this week Rental Shelf Date A Live Complete Series BD/DVD Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren't They? BD Perishable Karneval Complete Series BD+DVD In less than a we...
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Shelf Life - All Thinking Men

This week, monsters and demons and bears, oh my! As well as magical powers and a post-apocalyptic tale involving automatic tanks.
- Mekakucity Actors ep. 1-12
- Red Data Girl
- Short Peace
― Shelf Worthy Short Peace BD Stream Worthy Mekakucity Actors ep. 1-12 Rental Shelf Red Data Girl Complete Series DVD Perishable Nothing this week Shortly after Anime Expo, I boarded a plane for southern China to ...
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Shelf Life - Never Forget

This week, excitement abounds as the titans come to town. Also, demons that spring forth from smartphone apps, and a tale of amnesia you want to forget.
- Amnesia
- Attack on Titan pt 1
- Devil Survivor 2
― Shelf Worthy Attack on Titan Part 1 BD/DVD Rental Shelf Devil Survivor 2: The Animation BD Perishable Amnesia - Complete Series BD I was shocked last week to realize that Anime Expo is right arou...
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Shelf Life - S P O R T S

This week, a handful of sports anime worth watching for those who don't like sports. ― In honor of the World Cup, which is currently taking place in Brazil, I wanted to dedicate an entire column to soccer anime. However, I also wanted people to be able to watch the shows without having to track down old, out-of-print DVDs, or otherwise resort to sordid, illegal means. So instead, I decided to focus o...
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Shelf Life - Say Yes to A Dress

It's been... one week since she looked at me, lost her memories and in sunlight she turns green.
- Eureka Seven Movie
- Samurai Bride
- One Week Friends ep. 1-9
― Shelf Worthy None this week (Mostly) Stream Worthy One Week Friends ep. 1-9 Rental Shelf Eureka Seven movie BD+DVD Samurai Bride BD Perishable Nothing this week People who know me know that I'm a big sports fan (with the exception of baske...
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Shelf Life - Dance Revolution

This week, love stories, both pure and impure, and plenty of heart.
- Eureka Seven part 2
- Love Live! s2 ep. 1-8
- Maria Holic Alive
― Shelf Worthy Eureka Seven Part 2 BD Stream Worthy Love Live! School Idol Project 2nd Season ep. 1-8 Rental Shelf Maria Holic Alive Complete Collection BD Perishable Nothing this week Inevitably, as one ages, their taste in entertainment changes as well. When I was y...

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