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Although some otaku (hardcore fans) have complained about the editing of the English dub of the popular ninja fantasy-adventure Naruto, the Uncut Box Set reveals the edits were quite minor. There’s a little more blood in some of the fight scenes, and the opening and closing titles are the Japanese originals. In episode 3, Naruto’s stomach problems are presented more vividly, and Kakashi delivers a more explicit jab to Naruto’s butt in episode 4. More revealing differences turn up in the subtitles: In the English dub, Naruto declares he wants to become a great ninja so the whole village “will start treating me like somebody important”; in the original, it’s “will acknowledge my existence.” The three-disc Uncut Box, which includes the bound storyboards for Episode 8 (in Japanese), is a good buy. The first 13 episodes include Naruto’s graduation from the Ninja Academy and his assignment to a team with Sakura (on whom he nurtures a crush) and Sasuke, his arch-rival. The reluctant trio begins to learn how to work as a team on their first mission under the supervision of Kakashi. The exotic jutsu (ninja techniques), stylized fights and slapstick comedy will keep any Naruto fan happy. (Unrated, suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, tobacco use, risque and toilet humor) –Charles Solomon

Product Description

Deep within the Hidden Leaf Village, sharp and cunning Ninja carry an ultimate power while Naruto Uzumaki carries inside the ultimate secret.Twelve years ago, the fourth Hokage sacrificed himself and saved the village by sealing the Nine-tailed Fox Spirit an orphaned baby boy. Now, this plucky prankster must do what it takes achieve this life-long goal and become the next Hokage!Comes with a collectible Naruto storyboards booklet.325 minutesAudio: English, JapaneseSubtitles: English

Amazon.com

The Chunin Exams enter their final round as the popular fantasy-adventure Naruto continues. The arrival of Jiraiya, the lecherous arch-ninja known as The Sage of Toad-Mountain interrupts Naruto’s intensive training regimen. Jiraiya wants to ogle the local girls, but Naruto wheedles and fusses until the Sage agrees to teach him the powerful jutsu used to summon a monster toad. His first efforts are unimpressive: All he can conjure is a tadpole. But Jiraiya’s instruction enables Naruto to tap into the extraordinary spiritual power of the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon imprisoned within his body. Drawing on this energy, Naruto defeats Neiji, avenging his cruel treatment of the gentle Hinata. But more serious matters overshadow Naruto’s match: Sasuke vanishes from the hospital and everyone fears Orochimaru may be involved. Or is Sasuke’s disappearance linked to a plot by the leaders of the Sand and Wind Villages to break the peace treaty among ninja and destroy the Hidden Leaf Village? At the center of this intrigue is the highly anticipated face-off between Sasuke and Gaara, the murderous psychotic who fights with enchanted sand. Sasuke arrives just as the match is slated to begin, and the collection ends on a cliff-hanger. The filmmakers also provide plenty of slapstick, ramen dinners, jutsu, and cartoony tantrums that Naruto fans expect. (Rated T+ Older Teen, suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, toilet humor, brief nudity, alcohol and tobacco use) –Charles Solomon

Product Description

*3 DVD box set with 14 episodes. Featuring original and uncut episodes.

*Includes original audio tracks and original series soundtrack.

*English dubbed / Japanese (with optional English subtitles).

*Collectible Naruto storyboards booklet

From sketch to screen – Storyboard to animation comparison

*Volume 6 Sneak Preview.

With the final round of the Chunin Exam only a month away, Naruto receives some special training from Jiraiya, one of the three legendary Sannin, to summon and master the chakra of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit within him. Can Naruto turn this dangerous force into a strength and overcome the odds, against the formidable Neji?! Meanwhile, a dark plan that affects the fate of the Hidden Leaf Village begins to reveal itself as the much-anticipated match between Sasuke and Gaara draws near!