Cheap Gasaraki - The Circle Opens (Vol. 2) (DVD) (Ryôsuke Takahashi) Price

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Customer Reviews of Gasaraki - The Circle Opens (Vol. 2)

What it means, though, is that when something weird happens, it really feels weird! When was the last time you were surprised in Tenchi Muyo? There's many tidbits that will leave you wondering. Half glimpsed images of things that just can't be. Strange people with secret agendas. The fact that the main characters aren't invincible really add to the suspense though.

I've seen later episodes, and I can tell it gets even better, if you hadn't checked this series out, do it. It's unique.

Orginial and Unique...Gasaraki
This is the second installment in the soon to be long running series, Gasaraki. The previous review seemed to be comparing this particular volume to future episodes of the anime. Well, I haven't seen future episodes and can only base it on what I see now. True, Gasaraki isn't packed full of action sequence, after action sequence. But what it is packed full of is a deep and intricate plot. Within the current stage of anime, we see plots that have had crappy cliched story lines and bubbly characters that almost none of us can actually relate to (there just kind of funny to watch). Gasaraki takes a giant step away from this premise and has a deep, serious, and engaging story line. If there's not mechs or tanks duking it out on screen. Your watching the characters interact and watching how this interesting plot begins to unfold. Despite the intimate conversations taking place, Gasaraki does have quite a few action sequences. The action sequences are tense and suspenseful and are animated very nicely. One of Gasaraki's highlights is its animation. After viewing the first two volumes I can easily say this has the best animation I've seen in an on going series. Gasaraki is one of the most unique and original anime's I have seen in a while. I greatly look forward to the next installments. I would recommend the series to anyone who like's deep original plots. The first 2 volumes so far set up the stage for something wonderful. There characters all seem to have many different personalities, I look forward to finding out what they are. After viewing the first two volumes, I can tell you I definitely will be purchasing future volumes and you should do so as well.

So much to like about Gasaraki yet at times it frustrates
Gasaraki is a futuristic, war-time tale utilizing "mechas"; or "Tactical Armor", as the weapon du jour. Gasaraki is an unfolding type of story whereas plot points are doled out sparingly and new characters are introduced frequently. Think war epics from the 1960's with dozens of movie stars as an example.

It is refreshing to see an anime that strives to be adult in a more geo-political and character driven way rather than by the over use of sex. The writers here worked very hard to create a refreshing storyline that creates a multitude of conflicts rather than focusing on a simple conflict as most animes do.

The plots are many encompassing not just the war, the politics, and social interaction but Japanese spiritual themes are included as well. A heavy use of Shinto religious themes and icons gives the story a mystical edge.

The story plays out by immersing the audience into the conflict by showing it from different points of view. You see this war from the media point of view, such as a "live CNN-like" report from the front lines with its grainy footage and color commentary, from the Generals' war room, from within the Tactical Armor itself, and the "mecha's" support crew as well.

The Character design is very good, especially the hardware though one particular annoying choice the designers made was the use of long hair on a particular "Tactical Armor" pilot. You have a story line here that rarely dissapoints and takes military and political protocol as accurately as it can but a particular T.A. pilot has hair that is way too stylized for the type of detailed story. This could be my particular quirk but it bothered me that his fellow crew and mostly every other soldier had military looking short hair.

The english Dub is very good. Generally speaking the actors did an above average job. The DVD interface is hassle free though I wish they would of included more extras.

A final point that frustrated me about Gasaraki is the animation frame rate. At times it can be to static or the walk cycles can be choppy. Obviously the budget was spent on the designers, actors, and director rather than the "in between artists".

This is a must see anime but don't expect it be flawless, just expect to be entertained.