Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie 2: Poltergeist Report Anime Review
Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie 2: Poltergeist Report
/ Theatrical Movie / Action / 13-up
Bottom Line
Watch it if you're a fan of the series. Otherwise it's confusing but action-filled.
It’s Like...
...Yu Yu Hakusho gets the X Movie treatment.
Vital Stats
Original Title
幽遊白書 冥界死闘篇・炎の絆
Romanized Title
Yuu Yuu Hakusho: Meikai Shitou-hen - Honoo no Kizuna
Literal Translation
Report of Trip to the Darkness: Tale of a Struggle to the Death in Hades - Bonds of Flame
Animation Studio
Studio Pierrot
US Release By
Genre
Supernatural Action
Series Type
Theatrical Movie
Length
93 minutes
Production Date
1994-04-09
What's In It
Categories
Look For
- Psychics
- Beasties
- Superpowered Fistfights
Objectionable Content
- Violence: 3 (significant)
- Nudity: 0 (none)
- Sex: 0 (none)
- Language: 1 (mild)
Plot Synopsis
In Poltergeist Report - Yuyu Hakusho, a powerful demon wants recreate the lost netherworld on Earth. In order to stop him, Yusuke and friends have to prevent his minions from opening five mystic seals scattered throughout Tokyo.
For those unfamiliar with the series, a bit of background: Urameshi Yusuke is a moody 14-year kid who was killed while saving a small child from an oncoming bus. When his soul journeys to the spirit world the lord of the dead makes him an offer: He gets to return to life (with some potent mystical powers) if he becomes a spiritual investigator to look out for the interests of the lord of the dead in the human world. Along with him comes Botan, a witch and assistant to the lord of the dead. He's also joined by Kurama and Hiei, two demons who are willing to help Yusuke perform his duties, and Kuwabara, Yusuke's big lug of a friend who also happens to possess psychic powers.
Quick Review
Poltergeist Report is a decent movie if you're familiar with the series. Unfortunately, if you're not, the movie is confusing and almost pointless. Like most anime movies that are part of a larger series, Poltergeist Report offers next to no information on its main characters, so watching the series first will make it much more enjoyable. Still, even if you haven't seen the series, the movie has its moments. The fight between Kuwabara and a major demon named Majari is worth the entire hour and a half. The animation quality is good, but the dubbing of some characters is grating to listen to.
All in all, I recommend Poltergeist Report - Yuyu Hakusho if you're a fan of the series. Even if you're not, you might still find it fun.
Notes and Trivia
This film was released in the US before any of the TV series, and originally just went by the title Poltergeist Report. Plot-wise, it follows the TV series and the first movie, a little 30-minute thing that's available in English from Media Blasters.
Availability
Available in North America from US Manga Corps on bilingual DVD. Was originally available on dubbed or subtitled VHS.
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