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Anime
Synopsis:
After the Great Fire
in Edo, Kenshin and Tomoe are sent into exile on a small farm.
They experience peace and quiet for the first time in their
turbulent lives. The rebellion, wounded after the events in Edo,
is slowly rebuilding, far away from Kenshin and Tomoe. Their
only link to the outside world is Iizuka, who brings them dire
news from the city.
DVD EXTRAS:
• Region 1 encoding (US
and Canada only)
• Color, Animated, HiFi Sound
• Historical Background Notes
• Character Notes
• Full-screen format
KNOWN DVD SECRET(S): None
that I know of
DVD REVIEW:
Forget everything you
saw from the tv series "Rurouni Kenshin". This OAV
(Original Animated Version/Direct to video) series is based on
Japanese feudal history but using Kenshin to make a fictional
story. For those who are familiar with the Tokugawa period
and the life of the Samurai, it's not a beautiful time. In
fact when you watch this anime you will immediately notice how
violent this anime is compared to it's light-hearted, humorous
counterpart (tv series).
Needless to say, if
you don't like to watch violent samurai battles, you may want to
pass on the OAV series.
As for me, I have
studied Japanese history and I'm always intrigued by it.
"Samurai X: Betrayal" is the last two OAV's (total 4)
which features the history of Kenshin and how he became a master
of the sword. Also, the introduction of many key characters
who Kenshin trusts which leads to betrayal. You find out how
Kenshin gets the "cross" scar.
The series will catch
your attention but will make you think about how horrible and
barbaric feudal Japan can be during war. The anime is just
simply beautiful and fluid.
As for the DVD, like
most anime on DVD...hardly any special features. It does
come with an introduction to the characters and this time
information on the storyline and several trailers but that's just
it. At least it has this much, most anime DVD's have zilch.
Btw, there is a dubbed English dialogue but I don't watch anime
dubbed. Only Japanese with English subs.
The "Rurouni
Kenshin" series was meant for people to watch the TV series
first and think of the OAV as a series for adults. If you start
out with the OAV series and then watch the TV series, you may feel
disappointed. Remember, the TV series can't exactly show all
that violence to the children. Otherwise an awesome anime
OAV series.
THE OAV 3-4: A
THE DVD EXTRAS: C
THE DVD OVERALL: B+
Check out other
cool DVD reviews on this movie by clicking here: 1,
2
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