Astro Boy Collection Box Set (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Way to go!!100,000 horse power!!!Here comes the amazing ASTRO BOY!!The orginal ASTRO BOY!! The BEST ASTRO BOY!!
After being terribly disapointed for the previous 2003 released of the new Astro boy, I was surprised to find out this new released of the orginal 1980 series to become a must-have for all those astro fans. This is the real Astro boy, Tetsuwan Atom!!
Above all the best treat from this set was: IT CONTAINS THE ORGINAL SOUNDTRACK!! not only in English, but in JAPANESE also!!!! Not only dose it contain it, and also the sound quality was amazingly well-preserved!! Even though on the cover it says 51 half hour episodes in English. I fell deeply soul-stirring while listening to the orginal theme song, of which was the one song that was never left out from my childhood memory!! The picture quality was excellent too. Followed by the artworks, performances, and the outstanding script all created by Osamu Tezuka himself, have all made this collection to be priceless!! This boxset also contains an exquisite booklet, and with all other special features I have not yet seen, including the delected scenes from the orginal show, story board sequence, Character profiles and the gallery of the orginal manga cover.
When the enthusiastic scientist Doctor Tenma lost his only son Toby in a car crash, the ingenious robot engineer was determined to construct a boy robot in a hope to make up the lost of his only son, only to find out that the robot he created could never replace what he lost. Overcame by despair Astro left Tenma on a cruised, and was later on kidnaped by a evil manager of a robot circus, thus begins our excting adventures of Astro Boy!! In these adventures we discovered the everlasting strugles about human natures, industrial evolutions, environmental crisis and many other things.
Osamu Tezuka is the god of manga. In his life he created over 400 comic books, 60 different titles of animation. Astro was 1 of the earilest charcter he created. His masterpieces also include Jungle Emperor( the orginal Lion King ), Black Jack, Fire-bird the phoenix, Princess knight, Buddha, History of birdman, Ahundred tales, Metropilos and many other amazing creations. He said that the idear through his works is just a simple message, love all creatures, love everything that has life.
If only Osamu Tezuka was still alive today, he will be happy to witness his Astro Boy has been passed on to the younger generations. This DVD collection is a must-have for all people. Highly recomended for all ages, you will be surprised how much you are gonna enjoy this masterpiece!!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Astro Boy Collection Box Set (2003)

ASTRO BOY:COLLECTION BOX SET - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Astro Boy Collection Box Set (2003)

Read More...

Gunbuster (1988) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Gunbuster.You've probably heard of it before, even if you weren't old enough to experience it first hand when it was released in 1988. US Renditions blessed would be anime fans back then with VHS tapes in clamshell cases with one of the most engrossing and moving mech anime releases ever. Not to mention the story and whole direction is actually a parody of many of the then current "themes" that were popular at the time. "Fan service", the super deformed characters in the science lessons, the over the top "Super" robots, and the now legendary "Gainax bounce" could all be seen here in this early release. Compared to many of today's modern efforts this OAV remains true to it's original Japanese title, Top O' Nerae! or, "Aim for The Top!". It always has and always will be at the top.
Gunbuster is the story of a young girl, Noriko Takaya who wants to become a space pilot like her father, who was Captain of a vessel that was attacked by large bug like space aliens who are intent on finding and destroying Earth. Enrolled in Okinawa's Space Pilot High School for girls, Noriko begins the training to become a defender of Earth and begins a long journey (though through the miracle of time dilation and space travel hardly ages throughout the series) transforming from a crying nugget rookie pilot to the savior of the world.Along the way, she is befriended by her "Coach" Ota and Kazumi Amano, the super talented and gifted girl who is the school's top student and almost a shoe in for becoming a pilot.
What makes Gunbuster work, unlike many typical, "save the world from aliens in giant robots" shows is the fact that while the show deals with the mechs and science behind it, it is really just backdrop for the character's growth. While we get space battles and action, it is really the filler for seeing Noriko mature over time into the strong character she becomes by the end of the series. The story will make you sad enough to cry at points if you are the type that does (and some people really do I'm told), and it will make you feel like cheering at others. This is one of director Hideaki Anno's first works (Evangelion fame) and it shows how great his early works were. Absolutely top notch. Along the way, take note of the many parodies and references in names to contemporary things like the Sizzler units, or the RX-7 mechs.
Mech fans don't despair, since when the Gunbuster is finally truly unveiled (you don't even get to see it until halfway thorugh and then only for a short period) the real treat begins and it becomes one of the coolest moment in 80's , 90's, or even current anime mech scenes/battles. The music is awesome, every single piece is perfect (note: It is known that for this US release, one piece of music was changed for a training sequence so purists be warned), and the animation even for a nearly 20 year old OAV looks great partly in thanks to character designs from Haruhiko Mikimoto, the character designer for the original SDF Macross series.
Bottom line is this set is a must buy for old anime fans or to new ones who shouldn't miss out on one of the finest OAV's ever to be released. Gunbuster gets a 5 out of 5 no question.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gunbuster (1988)

The directorial debut of acclaimed creator Hideaki Anno, GUNBUSTER is a legendary anime fan favorite that casts pretty girls and giant robots into a moving epic of interstellar naval war.Newly translated and re-mastered in HD 24P format, Gunbuster has never before been available on DVD in North America...until now! 2015: Earth's first faster-than-light ship, the Luxion, is lost, attacked by unidentified space monsters in the Perseus Arm.Six years later, Noriko Takaya, daughter of the Luxion's commander, enters the Okinawa Girls' Space Pilot High School, vowing to be a pilot and follow her father's trail to the stars.But is she prepared for the intense training to become a member of the elite Top Squadron?Noriko's fight has just begun and the fate of all humanity depends on her meeting the challenge!

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Gunbuster (1988)

Read More...

Hello Kitty's Animation Theater - Once Upon a Time (Vol. 1) (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Most importantly, this is the first Hello Kitty DVD I've seen that actually features Japanese with English subtitles along with the English dub. This of course makes it the first Hello Kitty DVD I've bought as well. Amazon isn't listing this detail on their website...
The fairy tales are pretty true to their source considering how sanitized they are, I think. Also there is at least a taste of Eastern legends in the form of the Bamboo Princess. And of course high levels of Hello Kitty style cuteness.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hello Kitty's Animation Theater - Once Upon a Time (Vol. 1) (2004)

Click here for more information about Hello Kitty's Animation Theater - Once Upon a Time (Vol. 1) (2004)

Read More...

Astro Boy, Set 2: Ultra Collector's Edition ( Original TV Series ) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you bought the first set and enjoyed it, you will certainly want this one too...The Right Stuf have done a heroic job of assembling these episodes of ASTRO BOY which I, quite frankly, thought would never see the light of day. The two box sets complete the series as it was shown in the USA, though many more were shown in Japan only...perhaps these will also be released eventually. In the meantime, we now have access to this historic, nostalgic and still quite entertaining series which (arguably) marks the birth of that peculiar art form known as Anime.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Astro Boy, Set 2: Ultra Collector's Edition ( Original TV Series )

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Astro Boy, Set 2: Ultra Collector's Edition ( Original TV Series )

Read More...

Astro Boy - The Complete Series (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)PLEASE, stop complaining that this isn't the original Astro Boy series. This has to be the most absurd basis for a review I've ever read. It's like yelling at a waiter for bringing you EXACTLY WHAT YOU ORDERED even though in your mind you really wanted something else. It's insane. You're not even reviewing the DVD set that this section is reserved for. You're just mad because you weren't paying attention. It's not like Amazon fooled you. If you had bothered to read the DVD specs in the first place, you would have realized that this set is from the 2003 TV series (which is beautiful and true to the "original" 1963-66 Japanese series). So, open your eyes next time. Don't bash it before you've seen it.
Any "true" Astro Boy fan will be happy to own this collection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Astro Boy - The Complete Series (2004)

Complete episodes of the new 2003 version of the 60s television program about a robot boy who is sent to a robot circus by the man who creates him.Genre: Children's VideoRating: NRRelease Date: 4-APR-2006Media Type: DVD

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Astro Boy - The Complete Series (2004)

Read More...

Astro Boy - Ultra Collector's Edition DVD Set 1 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Largely unseen for over 30 years, most current audiences only know Astro Boy by its reputation and through various remakes. While contemporary anime may have greater technical polish, there's energy, imagination and a surprising amount of humor to these shows which is still unmatched. The sad news is the english masters and negatives were destroyed ages ago. The good news is thanks to fans and collectors worldwide the first 52 episodes are all accounted for with video from the Japanese masters married to english audio from a variety of sources. In a few cases the sound may leave something to be desired, but that should only make us all the more thankful for a piece of TV history which was very nearly lost to us for all time. This beautifully packaged set of 11 single sided discs displays very handsomely. Extras include an interview with Fred Ladd and two episodes of Tetsuwan Atomu in Japanese with english subtitles (Episode #1 & 20) to allow comparison with its original version. Buy it, whether to relive Saturday mornings of a bygone era or to experience firsthand THE show which started the anime revolution.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Astro Boy - Ultra Collector's Edition DVD Set 1

ASTRO BOY, the series that launched the anime phenomenon, returns to the US for the first time on DVD in a stunning new collection! The very first anime ever produced, Osamu Tezuka's (KIMBA, THE WHITE LION / HI NO TORI / METROPOLIS) original 1963 - 1964 ASTRO BOY delighted children around the world with its touching stories and compelling characters. In the U.S., many will remember this popular children's series which aired on TV during the 1960s. Now, this groundbreaking series returns for the first time ever in a stunning new collector's edition that includes the first 52 episodes of the original black and white series as seen in the US, restored to pristine detail, and featuring never-before-seen footage and brand new exciting extras. The original boy-robot with 100,000 horsepower strength and courage! In the year 2000, Dr. Boyton creates a super-robot in his deceased son's image. He calls the robot Astro Boy. Astro Boy can swim oceans, leap over mountains, even fly into space on his own power. However, Astro Boy can't replace his son; Dr. Boyton becomes dissatisfied with the boy robot and disowns him. Astro Boy is befriended by Dr. Packadermus J. Elefun of the Institute of Science, who guides him through his adventures. Endowed with super strength, rocket-powered flight, a selfless heart and a kind demeanor, Astro Boy fights a never-ending crusade against the forces of evil! The special Ultra Collector's Edition DVD Set 1 features the first 52 episodes of this great series, an entire DVD full of extra bonus material, including: Part 1 of an interview with series producer Fred Ladd, Original Japanese Episode #1 (with English subtitles), Original Character Art Gallery, Merchandise Gallery, and a Collector's Booklet featuring: "The History of Astro Boy", an "Osamu Tezuka Biography", and much more!

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Astro Boy - Ultra Collector's Edition DVD Set 1

Read More...

Eden of the East: The Complete Series Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Takizawa Akira, early 20s, stands in front of the White House, gun in hand, stark naked and a mysterious phone with the word Selecao imprinted on it. Memory gone, Akira regains his consciousness after, seemingly, erasing his own memories just a few seconds back. Why is he there? What reason would he have to brandish a gun in front of such a place? Why's his memory gone?
What's happening?
With all these important questions that should take precedent over anything else, his strange predicament takes a bow so that he can rescue a girl in front of him with a predicament of her own. That girl, Saki Morimi, for entirely different reasons, stands in front of the White House and creates a situation, drawing the attention of the police.

And with a simple step forward Akira goes to aid Saki, and a special relationship develops that gives meaning to this whole series. This bond between them is what drives us, the viewer, to keep watching amidst all the mystery that revolves Akira's past, and his connection to the Selecao, the "selector."
But, what's happening?
As it turns out, Akira has been chosen as part of a group of people selected to "save" the country of Japan. What he needs to save them from is not clear, but at his disposal is a mysterious phone and a bank account worth 10 billion Yen. He can do anything necessary by calling Juiz, the operator, who can accomplish any request he desires. And by anything, they mean anything. Want to clear a path through traffic? Done. Want to have the Prime Minister of Japan say "uncle" on national TV? Done. Want to murder someone?...yes, even that. No problem. But, there's a catch. Each request is a transaction that dwindles the 10 billion yen down to zero. Once that zero is reached a special Selecao, the Supporter, comes knocking at your door to snuff you out. And it's game over, lights out--adios.
You lose.
The grand picture is revealed little by little, and in the end, it's a good story to follow. I won't divulge more of my opinion on the ending, but just know it's worth it. What really keeps you there is how the relationship between Akira and Saki develops. Akira has a charm, an easy spirit that isn't suited for the task given to him by the Selecao. Yet, in the state that he's in, he charges forward, uncovering the threads tangled within his past. Saki, also is in a tiffy of her own as she feels lost in the world, trying to find a place where she can start her life. With Akira beside her, and his problems, she becomes a sort of caretaker to him, something that she feels good about and finds meaning in. Slowly but surely, both become each other's confidant, in a situation where things aren't clear and danger lurks in every corner, they can only trust themselves.
Intriguing stuff, eh?
Away from the story, everything else is good. The show is a thing of beauty. The art style is top notch, with clean lines, bright colors and fluid animation. The soundtrack stands out and really fits the mood of the show, and the voice acting is great (I saw this with the Japanese voice track, so I can't comment on the quality of the English track). And with a serious undertone as this, the show does deliver moments of levity and comic relief which never feel out of place. It's a good mix of drama and comedy, which if it didn't exist, the show would be too overbearing--kudos to the writers for that blend.
So is this a show for you? I think everyone has a space for this type of anime, and truth be told, we need this kind of anime to do well. Shows like Monster, Moribito, Fighting Spirit, Rainbow and Eden of the East are rare gems that you need to uncover amongst all the teen angst that populate most of anime shelves these days. Anyone with a nose for mystery and suspense would do themselves a favor by picking this one up.
Must buy.
Just as an update, there are three other works out there past this DVD release. One is a movie that compiles the series into a two hour film, compressing what occurs during the series. The other two are feature length films that continue where the series left off.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Eden of the East: The Complete Series

Akira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He's got a gun in one hand, a cell phone in the other, and doesn't know if he's a good guy or one of the worst. He doesn't remember the phone gives him instant access to ten billion yen and a woman who can make his most outlandish requests a reality. He doesn't recall his connection to the ongoing missile attacks terrorizing the Japanese people. Or the part he played in the sudden disappearance of 20,000 shut-ins. He doesn't even remember he's supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever it is he's tangled up in, Takizawa's definitely in deep - and that's not even scratching the surface.

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Eden of the East: The Complete Series

Read More...

Dragon Ball: Season Two Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The new first season set of Dragon Ball uncut isn't even out yet and they've already announced this season two set. While the main reason to buy the first is the first chance ever to own the original thirteen episodes uncut in a proper North American set most fans will probably continue on buying this one as well. I suspect many of those who already own this batch of episodes uncut on the old sets will buy this one as well in an effort to collect all the episodes in nice sets that complement each other when lined up on a shelf. Given the running time of 720 minutes this set should contain the following thirty episodes from the Red Ribbon Army, General Blue and Commander Red Sagas:
32 The Flying Fortress: Vanished!
33 The Legend of a Dragon
34 Cruel General Red
35 Cold Reception
36 Major Metallitron
37 The Ninja Murasaki is Coming!
38 Five Murasakis
39 Mysterious Android No.8
40 Horrifying Buyon
41 The Fall of Muscle Tower
42 The Secret of Dr. Flappe
43 A Trip to the City
44 Master Thief, Haski
45 Danger in the Air
46 Bulma's Bad Day
47 Kame House: Found!
48 Deep Blue Sea
49 Roshi's Surprise
50 The Trap is Sprung
51 Beware of the Robot
52 The Pirate Treasure
53 Blue, Black and Blue
54 Escape From Pirate Cave
55 Penguin Village
56 Strange Visitor
57 Arale vs. Blue
58 The Land of Korin
59 The Notorious Mercenary
60 Tao Attacks!
61 Korin Tower
All these episodes are being presented in remastered editions of their original full frame (4:3 Aspect Ratio) format. Audio is being done with English or Japanese voice track options and the original Japanese musical score in 5.1 Surround. Funimation Dragon Ball releases haven't had any special features other than previews for other Funimation products, so don't expect to find any here either.
I'm very happy with the cover art selection for these titles so far. Let's hope they don't start just throwing random characters on the cover (Piccolo on Dragon Ball Z Season 7??? What was that?). Hopefully all the Dragon Ball sets will come out as fast as these first two, thanks for your time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dragon Ball: Season Two

The search for the seven magic balls continues!
After meeting his match in the World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku embarks on a mission to recover the Four Star Dragon Ball that once belonged to his grandfather. His treacherous quest will take him from the terrifying heights of Muscle Tower to the darkest depths of the deep blue sea. But with the Flying Nimbus under his feet and Bulma's Dragon Radar leading the way – there's nothing mighty Goku can't handle.
With a dangerous new adversary out to get him, this will be Goku's most dangerous adventure yet. The sinister Red Ribbon Army, led by cigar-chomping Commander Red, is determined to seize the seven Dragon Balls and use them to conquer the world! Watch as colonels, generals, ninjas, android pirates, and giant pink monsters use every dirty trick in the book to stop Goku from getting his hands on the magic Dragon Balls!
Enjoy the next chapter in the saga of this legendary warrior with Dragon Ball: Season Two!

Get 53% OFF

Click here for more information about Dragon Ball: Season Two

Read More...

Astro Boy: The Lost Episode (1963) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The problem is that, at first, I was really exited to find out that they've decided to put Astroboy episodes back on tape.But I thought that it was The second version, the one that aired in the 80. I must say I prefer the second version because it was the one I use to watch when I was a kid. But still, I'd say this version is still interesting.But then again, it's a bit too dark and it is difficult to see all the details.Beside that, if you are an Astroboy fan, you are gonna like this piece of collection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Astro Boy: The Lost Episode (1963)

Get 76% OFF

Click here for more information about Astro Boy: The Lost Episode (1963)

Read More...

Gigantor - Boxed Set 1 (Episodes 1-26) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After the success of Astro Boy in both Japan and the United States, a new anime series was born. It's name was Tetsujin 28 or Iron Man 28. In 1965, it came to the states under the name Gigantor. Now, for the first time in 37 years, you can re-live the experience that drew a crowd of many children.
Despite the age of the material, Gigantor is quite amazing. At first, it sounds pretty simple. A 12-year-old boy named Jimmy Sparks pilot pilots a giant robot to help catch the bad guys. However, each episode has enough plot twists and action to keep any viewer glued to the screen. Following Jimmy Sparks on his adventures are other characters with odd names including Bob Brilliant, Inspector Blooper and Dick Strong. Even the villains have odd names like Cats Meow and Swami Tommy.
Keep in mind that this show was distributed before TV stations started having censorship laws so don't be surprised when you see someone smoking a cigarette. Also, there is one episode where Jimmy Sparks helps a bunch of cowboys by shooting at some indians so you might be offended by some of the racism in these episodes. My only problem with this show is the music. It sounds good, but do they always have to put the same melody into each song?
The extras (yes, there are extras) are on discs 1 and 4. The first disc features commentary by the original English director, Fred Lad, on episodes 3-5 which feature the villain The Spider. Lad mostly talks about how four voice actors did all these voices, but he does make some comments on how he Americanized it and why some changes were made. The extras on disc four include a lengthy interview with Fred Lad, an interview with an old anime historian (I don't know why they included this) and a biography on the original Japanese creator. I enjoyed the interview with Fred Lad since he has done lots of research on Tetsujin 28 including the sequels to it, but the anime historian interview feels like stating the obvious to all anime fans.
Overall, I enjoyed Gigantor and I think anyone can appreciate it, regardless of the fact that it is in black and white. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gigantor - Boxed Set 1 (Episodes 1-26)

Click here for more information about Gigantor - Boxed Set 1 (Episodes 1-26)

Read More...

Gigantor - Boxed Set 2 (Episodes 27-52) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I admit I am old enough to remember watching Gigantor back in the day, so watching this Boxed Set brings back lots of fond memories. Sure Gigantor has crude black & white animation, a few unflattering stereotypes & some politically incorrect behavior--smoking, lots of gunplay & in one episode Gigantor fishes for whales!!--but unlike more recent anime, does this series MOVE.

Jimmy Sparks, Gigantor's owner, is one of the most amazing cartoon characters ever. A 12 yr old boy who not only controls the World's Most Powerful Robot, but also drives a car, flies jetfighters, scuba dives, solves crime & regularly consults with Inspector Blooper & various Heads of State! And he does these things without the second-guessing & psychological torment which plague more modern characters (think Shinji Ikari of EVANGELION). Different times back then.
Gigantor's battles with his arch-nemesis, Magnaman highlights this series. Whoever possessed his secret codebook controlled Magnaman by shouting those codes. Yes, it's goofy but like so much about Gigantor, that was part of the series' appeal.
If I could buy only one Gigantor Boxed set, my choice is the first set. The Extras are better (tho' not by much) and the stories remain at a higher quality overall than Boxed Set 2. After Magnaman is sent packing back home, it appears the Gigantor series lost momentum, and the final episodes are really weak. The animation is cruder than ever and none of Gigantor's later adversaries--Big Fang, Ironton, Brainy, Dinosaur Robots--really stand out.
Despite that, Gigantor is one of the greatest cartoons ever and it's nothing short of a miracle to have all 52 US episodes on DVD. For one reason or another, ASTROBOY & KIMBA weren't as lucky. Kudos to Fred Ladd & Rhino.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gigantor - Boxed Set 2 (Episodes 27-52)

Click here for more information about Gigantor - Boxed Set 2 (Episodes 27-52)

Read More...

Kimba The White Lion Ultra DVD Box Set (Limited Edition) (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the one that fans of Kimba the White Lion have been waiting for! It contains the original theme music and voices from the 1965 version! The video releases of some Kimba episodes in the 1990s were disappointing, containing a new, somewhat boring theme tune, and different character voices. This box set is superb - all 52 episodes are fully restored, complete with the original soundtrack, and the discs are beautifully presented. It brought back wonderful memories, and the new generation just love the stories!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kimba The White Lion Ultra DVD Box Set (Limited Edition) (2005)

Now Kimba's enchanting adventures of friendship, jungle survival and harmony return once again in this beautifully restored complete DVD collection ready to be introduced to a whole new generation of fans. Join Kimba along with his pals Pauly the Parrot, Daniel Baboon, and a charming assortment of other loveable characters, as he follows in the footsteps of his late father, the great lion king, making the jungle a safer, better place for everyone to live. This DVD Box Set collects all 52 color episodes masterfully restored on 10 DVDs plus an additional bonus DVD packed with tons of extras. Each episode is presented in order according to Osamu Tezuka's original storyline. Also includes a special "How Kimba Came to Be" booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden. From Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy, comes Kimba, one of the "first-generation anime classics" to reach American TV - the very first Japanese animation to be broadcast in color, in 1965. Fans have long remembered its catchy theme song, spectacular designs, pioneering animation techniques and gentle stories. Includes a special "How Kimba Came to Be" booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden. DVD Features: All original 52 Kimba Episodes masterfully restored, a special "How Kimba Came to Be" booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden, Original Japanese Episode 1 (with English subtitles), Interview with Fred Ladd, Deleted Scenes, Textless English Opening, Original English Closing, Original Character Art Gallery, Merchandise Gallery, and Character Profiles.Spoken Languages: English

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Kimba The White Lion Ultra DVD Box Set (Limited Edition) (2005)

Read More...

Berserk - White Hawk (Episodes 10-13) (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The bloody saga between darkness and human will continues with "Berserk 3: White Hawk." While I noted that the second volume lacked a bit in action and intensity (but was still very good and necessary), this third volume comes back with full force containing more story, character development, and outstanding battle scenes.
The series continues with past events in Guts' life that are still adding shape and texture to the person that he has become in the very first episode. A warrior possessed with rage and absolute hatred of himself, Guts craves fighting and is an unstoppable force against his enemies. One of the main storylines of the four episodes is Guts and Caska getting separated from their group after battle. Guts learns how Caska came to met Griffith and why she joined his group. She also reveals why she is envious of Guts. At the same time, the two are being tracked by the enemy. Caska and Guts must learn to fight together side-by-side, or suffer the deadly consequences.
"Berserk" is really shaping up to be one hell of an impressive series. The storytelling is absolutely mesmerizing and the animation suits the characters and the setting. While we still have yet to see what exactly has led Guts to where he was in the very first episode, we are learning more and more about his past which helps us understand where he's coming from. Guts is also showing more emotion in these episodes which leads us to believe that there has to be more to him than being just a violent and raging warrior. We also see Griffith come more and more into power and showing signs of completely devoting himself to his dream. It will be interesting to see what ends up happening between Guts and Griffith, as it's clear that some sort of treachery must've taken place at some point.
This anime series isn't intended for children. These four episodes contain strong and brutal violence, extreme blood and gore, language, nudity, and dark and disturbing themes and imagery. It's crucial to the story that the series be dark and violent as it is painting a horrific picture of warfare and how far some are willing to go to destroy their enemies with hopes of gaining all power over everything. Extras included are outtakes, production sketches, the original TV opening, storyboards and trailers.
"Berserk 3: White Hawk" continues this exciting epic without missing a single beat. The episodes are exciting, heavily involved with the characters, and they do a splendid job of continuing this episodic journey into darkness. If you've made it this far, then you know the power this series holds. For have only seeing 13 episodes, this is already proving to be a remarkable tale.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Berserk - White Hawk (Episodes 10-13) (2002)

Studio: Media Blasters Inc.Release Date: 09/24/2002Run time: 100 minutes

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Berserk - White Hawk (Episodes 10-13) (2002)

Read More...