Video:

Apparently ripped from the recent VHS release, I find this somewhat dubious, since the picture quality is sharp, with no macroblocking and is clearly coloured and defined. I am assuming it is from the VHS release since the R2 DVD isn't out at the time of writing, however, the quality of visuals on this AV release indicate a much better source. Curious. But in any event the video is remarkably solid and holds together very well in even the most intense action sequences. Excellent.

Audio:

I found no problems with the audio either. Because my speakers have gone a bit funny, I have to listen to the DVD through my TV and such it was perfect stereo. I wish my speakers where working because then I could verify whether or not this was a rip from a better source than VHS. If I can get new speaker soon, I will update this review accordingly. However, if anybody else watches this release, would they please be able to mention whether or not Dolby Digital sound is included or not. All in all, the sound was fine. No crackle, hiss or anything like that. Again, just like the video, everything is A-OK here.

Subtitle:

Being an AV release, and knowing their dodgy track records for subs on quick releases, I was pleseantly surprised by what I found here. This OVA was completely understandable. Yeah, stop rubbing your eyes, you read that right. Spellings were completely spot on and I could follow everything that was going on really well. The only major flaws are grammar and sentence structure. An example of this would be when Kenshiro is defending a man by catching an arrow that was fired at him, one of the bad guys says 'Look! He came out to catch the arrows!' Such mistakes are no real biggie, but there are a whole heap of other errors that are quite annoying. However, this is easily the best subtitling job that AV has done in some time, so I guess beggars can't be choosers right? ^_^ Pretty darn solid overall i'd say.

Comment:

Being a HUGE Hokuto No Ken (Fist Of The North Star) fan I can only say that this release is everything that I hoped for and more. Great fighting sequences, superb character designs, great animation and a rocking sound track, when you talk about newer continuations of older anime, who cares about Ninja Scroll TV? This newest Hokuto No Ken is where it's at! Seriously, this has to be seen to be believed! Don't sit this one out because you know it will be an AGE before it hits stateside!