Ain’t no sunshine where she’s gone.

This p/review will spoil the viewing experience. (Spoils contains plot information)

These are the words that open up the video game trailer of Dante’s Inferno. Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic is an animation theatrical adaption done by  EA Studios and Visceral. Dante’s Inferno tells the epic poem (real life terms used here), written by Divine Comedy. Dante, the main character of the epic is a warrior in the ongoing Crusades during the medieval time period in Europe. His life takes a turn when a random attack is coordinated against his village.

[Spoil - Highlight To View] Upon checking the bodies of the deceased, he discovers his beloved Beatrice dying on the floor. As she dies, Beatrice’s soul is kidnapped by Lucifer and she is taken into hell.[End Spoil]

Dante is then lured into chasing his enemy into Hell. As he goes into the unforgettable depths, he meets his match which changes his life forever.

Dante’s Inferno is made after the epic that was written. Of course, anyone can Google it to see how everything tells out. This review is not to tell of the accuracy of the movie, (and soon game) but to review the aspects that are bought up throughout. As Dante travels through Hell in search of Beatrice, he must travel through the nine rings of Hell. Each level represents a form of suffering due to a sin that is committed on Earth. Each ring represents its own particular sin and depicts its throughout. For example, the 2nd ring of Lust shows a plethora of women who have used their “looks” to get with a man while the 5th level of greed depicts what it says.

The order of the rings indicate the severity of the sin with the 9th level being the most extreme. With each ring being open to complete interpretation, each of the directors as well as animators were able to fully inject their full imaginations into the movie. Throughout each ring, the animations and the storyline represents and follows the sin associated with it.

What was striking throughout was how the visualizations and images that are created during the movie can be closely related to an issue that we have in society today. Even if the viewer does not get a picture of it right away, the viewer will gradually develop a connection with everything that can be seen in each scene. Ultimately, putting it all together can leave a message that can possibly benefit us all. Of course, you cannot simply realize that by reading this review.

The story of Dante’s Inferno does not end where it ends. Since this animation was done as an adaption of the video game which is set to launch this Tuesday, viewers can get another perspective of the storyline with Dante at the palm of their hands. With the video game set to be released on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP system, the storyline can open up further than what is conveyed by the movie. When put side by side, both the movie and the game can collectively produce a vivid image that can clearly make both products worth it.

As I’m straying off the page here, I’ll be honest with you – I haven’t bothered to purchase the Blu-ray or the DVD. Now after watching the epic through PC input on my TV (with audio via the laptop), I must admit that I definitely missed out on the true experience that this has to offer. With the game being released in two days time, I for one, and anyone else considering to watch this must pick up both the game and the Blu-ray if possible. For me, that works out great as I already own a PS3.

All in all, if you aren’t into animations, this is definitely something worth poking at. For those who have a religion and for those who do not, the animated epic of Dante’s Inferno is one of the few presentations that relates to real world issues that we all face on a day to day basis. Not only with that in mind, the game can and will definitely back up the movie. With the game being released in two versions – Divine and Death, the storyline will be expanded in both directions as players take on the role of Dante in the underworld.

End All Spoils

The DVD and Blu-ray version of Dante’s Inferno is already released and is available at widespread retailers. The game which is set for release on Tuesday will also make making its retail debut in several gaming and electronic retailers, not only in the stores, but online as well.

Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic [ Blu-Ray] (Amazon)
Video Game: [PS3 | Xbox 360 | PSP ]  (Play-Asia)

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Filed under: Action, Anime, Dark, Game, Slice of Life, epdemon's Blogging