The Lone Wolf and Cub films (also known as The Baby Cart series) were spawned from an extremely popular (as well as influential) graphic novel. AnimEigo has released the first two films in the six film series after much care and restoration. The result is nothing short of spectacular, it's almost as if you're seeing these films for the first time all over again, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning and wait a few paragraphs before we start to praise AnimEigo once again.

The first film in the series entitled Sword of Vengeance gives us the basic set up, as the background and first chapter of the saga is laid out. This opens the door for future volumes so the shit can really hit the fan. The story of Lone Wolf and Cub centers around Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro. When Ogami's wife is murdered and he himself is framed by the rival Yagyu clan, Ogami has no choice but to swear revenge, hit the road and hire himself (and his son) out as a freelance assassin, in turn walking a long and treacherous road straight to hell. Sword of Vengeance lays down the groundwork and gives us a delicious taste of what the future has in store.

One thing that The Baby Cart series is known for is its ultra-graphic bloodshed. I'm not just talking some minor slashing or hacking here either. I'm talking major samurai swordfights as blood sprays in just about every direction. The first two films were released in the US in a bastardized "best of" film known as Shogun Assassin. For a gory showcase it fits the bill, but in order for one to gain the true impact of the series, you just gotta see it like this. It's actually a beautifully realized story with outstanding performances, lavish photography and gallons upon gallons of blood, what more could one ask for?

Most memorable of all are the scenes between Daigoro and Ogami, memorable to some and quite possibly upsetting to others. Daigoro may not be able to walk or speak, but he's right by his father's side through all of the bloodshed. And who could forget the knockout scene in which Ogami forces his son to choose between a gleaming bouncing ball or a recently sharpened sword. Choose the sword and he accompanies his father on his journey, choose the ball and he joins his mother. Needless to say but Daigoro joins his father, clinging to his robe as he swings him around slicing through the bad guys like they're a half a pound of lean corned beef. Further down in the series, Daigoro and his baby cart (get it?) participate even more in his fathers fights, these are scenes that truly need to be seen to be believed, but that's not until part 2.

As you could tell from my geeky excitement in the first paragraph, AnimEigo is to be commended for this release. Transferred from a newly struck 35mm print, this flick looks simply superb. You'd never know that you were watching a movie that was over 30-years old. Print damage is so minimal you'll really have to strain to catch it (a few specs here and there) and grain is so minor it's virtually non-existent. Colors are extremely bold, bright and lively, this is a near flawless transfer.

Audio is presented in a decent mono mix in Japanese with optional English subs. There's no distortion, the track sounds about as good as one could expect for 30-year old mono. Subtitles are available in either full or limited versions and the subtitles are laid out quite nicely as well. When more than one person is talking the subs change colors to represent the person speaking. Also translated are signs, banners etc. and when words that one may not be too familiar with pop up, they are also defined onscreen, almost like a glossary at points. It's quite user friendly and great for folks who may not be as familiar, extremely thoughtful on the part of AnimEigo.

Extras include four trailers and an onscreen text version of the liner notes included with the DVD. Loved by fans the world over I can't say anything but nice things about this series. AnimEigo has done an outstanding job with the first of the series, I look forward to remaining volumes. If you've never discovered the pure joy of Lone Wolf and Cub, this is most certainly the way to do it. I can guarantee that after the first, you'll be back for the rest. Highly recommended.

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