Ayakashi - Samurai Horror Tales, Vol. 3 - Goblin Cat

I do not want to give anything away, but the soft of heart may cry during the last episode of Goblin Cat, or Bakeneko. One thing that I love about this anime is the art style, how it's colored and textured to look like a print. If you ever watch this and the sequel anime Mononoke you may think they should put a seizure warning on the dvd or something. The one thing that may disinterest most viewers is that there are a lot of cultural references that new anime watchers or other people not familiar with Japan may not understand. However, there is a good enough story and a few spotlight characters that makes this one viewable for anyone that's old enough to do so. Goblin Cat is not very scary, but it is definitely not for kids. I would say that anyone 16 and over can watch it without any problems. There is not really any swearing, but there is some violence and women issues. The one bug I had with this DVD did not affect it's rating simply because it could be turned off. That is... the English dub. It is HORRIBLE! Most of the characters, especially the Medicine Seller, seemed to lack personality. Please, watch it in Japanese, unless you dare see how bad the English dub can be. Another thing is that I noticed now closed Geneon Studio covered this dvd, so who knows if Mononoke will ever come out. It's fan-subbed so who ever is willing can find it.

I am a fan of the "Mononoke" series and of the arch in the show "Ayakashi" that started it all: "Bake Neko", or its English name "Goblin Cat" (which I, personally, don't think to be a very accurately translation of the ghost's name.) This story arch in "Ayakashi" is poignant and masterfully animated, mixing current Japanese carton-styles with traditional Japanese art and patterns. It has some light humor in the beginning, but it then turns into a story with themes very common in Japanese horror. The DVD for this is great - great condition with accenting designs, and the DVD menu stays true to the overall artistic style of this cartoon. I have not watched this cartoon with English audio because, from what I've heard, the English voice actors project completely different characters than those of the original Japanese voice actors. For example: the Medicine Seller is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in the Japanese version, who has a dark and quirky voice (and he is probably one of the best voices I've heard) while, in the English version, he is voiced by Andrew Francis, who sounds much younger and not quite as well-rounded for the character. Overall, this is a unique and wonderfully completed cartoon and is definitely worth buying.

This is a very uniquely styled and animated anime. Please take note that while it is Volume 3 of its "series" none of the volumes have any connection in story, art, plot, characters, or even directors for that matter. They can all be watched alone and you will not be lost. This is a great story; very dark, dramatic, and spooky. I prefer the subtitled option a little better myself, but that doesn't really matter. This story did get a spin-off with the main character which you should check out, too!

A friend introduced me to this anime last year, and I was so enthralled and terrified from the very start. The art direction is exceptional, as she puts it "it's as though a package of origami paper exploded!". What really holds my imagination, though, its the sublime storytelling. The horror is done well, as an aspect of a more intricate plot as opposed to the focus in and of itself. There is a reason this is the only part of the Samurai Horror Tales that spawned any further episodes. Please, if you are on the fence, don't be. You won't regret buying this, so long as you like well-told and engaging horror stories with terrific art. And I'm guessing you do :)

This DVD was everything I expected. The story is well done, the artwork is amazing. It has a very unique style. I didn't think it was scary, but you should know the rating on the DVD suggests 16 and up for adult themes and violence. I was happy to learn that it gives the option of watching it in Japanese and with English subs. The English dubs aren't bad and no offense to Andrew Francis, but I think Takahiro Sakurai did a better job as the voice of the Medicine Seller. I'm a big fan.

Saw this years ago and loved it. Finally got my hands on a copy and it still is awesome. The story (sad and shocking) and animation (beautiful and different) are top notch. Of course, the incredible medicine peddler character is amazing and makes this story just that much better. Highly recommend.

If you love Mononoke and I'm not talking about (Princess Mononoke),... then you will love the Goblin Cat. It's the first story that the medicine seller was introduce in... plus you get to understand the meaning behind the comment of the girl in Mononoke second story episode. The only thing, I preferred the Japanese audio vs the English. To me at least, the English actor doesn't quite portray the Medicine Seller mystery in his voice. But, I'm glad I got it, and if only I could find Mononoke and the second DVD of Ayakashi (at a reasonable price) I would be happy. All in all, get it, it's worth it!

The story of this anime is three episodes long. The style is unique and amazing, nothing I had seen before. And the main character is so mysterious and cool. There is even a spinoff of the main character.

Featuring an ecclectic art style which is a treat for the eyes throughout the entire production, and really conveys the monstrous nature of the titular Goblin Cat, the third volume of Ayakashi is far superior to the unimpressive first two. The characters are all good, with special mention going to the nameless Medicine Seller, who's well deserving of the spinoff series he got, due to his original appearance and mysterious charm. Well worth a purchase for anyone who enjoys drama, monsters or pretty pictures.

"Goblin Cat", better known as "Bakeneko" in Japan, is the last installment of the three unrelated stories held under the umbrella name "Samurai Horror Tales" (a.k.a "Ayakashi: Classic Horror Stories"). This purchase comes with one DVD, containing all three episodes of Goblin Cat. The only drawback is that there aren't any bonus features, but it's completely fine without it. This story, in my opinion, was the best of the three. For clarification, this story has nothing to do with samurai. The tale takes place in Japan during the Edo period. A bride is murdered and a visiting medicine seller is suspected to be the culprit. However, as the family of the victim detain the medicine seller, the so-called goblin cat starts to wreak its havoc. The savage goblin cat can only be stopped by the mysterious medicine seller, but in order to do so would reveal the family's secret dark past. If you're into the supernatural and mysterious, this DVD is for you. "Goblin Cat" is told in an unconventional, strikingly artistic way. I highly recommend this series! :)

Got in fairly fast, and in perfect condition - and I live about as far out in nowhere as you can get, where the mail (and food, and everything else) has to come in by plane. XD Can't wait to watch it!

Very good DVD, this is by far the best out of the trilogy. The cat is truly a nightmare!!