“Death Note” volume 7 contains episodes 25-28 which are titled “Silence,” “Renewal,” “Abduction,” and “Impatience.” These four episodes are absolutely packed with plot. Not only is a major character killed off, but we are introduced to two new characters named Mello and Near. Near is a child genius who works with a government group called the SPK. We learn that the SPK are now helping Light and company track down Kira. Mello, on the other had, is also out to find Kira, but he’s working with the Mafia and is playing rather dirty.

Let me just say that this seventh volume took me by surprise. Having managed to avoid spoilers, I was shocked to find that a major character was killed off in the first episode on this disc (“Silence”). Granted, it certainly made for a fantastic episode and could certainly make future episodes more interesting, but it was also rather depressing. As a result of this death, I had a rather hard time focusing on the following three eps., especially since they revolved around two new characters whom I can’t say I care for at this point and time. To me, it not only feels too late in the game to introduce these characters, but it’s also rather pointless. Both Near and Mello are sort of a combination of L and Light themselves and thus they feel like recycled characters. Had they been unique, I might have felt differently. Hopefully, my opinion of them will change in the next few episodes, but I guess I will have to wait and see.

Like the previous six volumes, the widescreen picture is solid. The animation is sharp as can be.

The English and Japanese stereo tracks are also, as usual, perfectly fine. The dialogue and music are clear throughout.

Extras:
* Production art, Shonen Jump Home Video and Manga ads, and a “Death Note” live action trailer.
* “Behind The Scenes Part 7” (11:00)- Alessandro Juliani, French Tickner takes about voicing their characters, their careers, the sound work, etc. Karl Willems talks about doing English voice recordings.

* Stickers.

* Another dull commentary on episode 25 by Karl Willems, Alessandro Juliani and Colleen Wheeler.