Search - Chrono Crusade, Vol. 1: A Plague of Demons on DVD

HOLY DEVILS AND LADIES

Sesho | Pasadena, TX USA | 11/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Set in an alternate Brooklyn,New York in 1928, Chrono Crusade follows the adventures of Sister Rosette, destructive but well-meaning exorcist of the Magdalene Order, and her partner, a devil named Chrono, who fights on the side of good. This is the first volume of what promises to be an entertaining series.

The Magdalene Order came into being during the Protestant Reformation, a period of witch hunts and fears of devils and demons wreaking havoc on the Earth. The non-denominational organization is born to investigate these supernatural events, and if necessary, eliminate these manifestations of evil.

The first two episodes on this disk are mainly just introductions to the characters. Rosette is a young girl whose first instinct is to run blindly into a situation, guns blazing with blessed bullets known as Sacreds, even if the situation involves a demon that could suck her soul dry. Chrono is a devil who is held in the body of a young boy by a seal which Rosette controls. In times of trouble, Rosette can unlock the seal and restore his true form and powers, but the catch is that every time she does this, a little of her lifeforce is sucked away, shortening her life. The leader of the order, Sister Kate doesn't trust Chrono or Rosette. One reason is that Rosette usually destroys all in her wake trying to exorcise demons. The token pretty boy, Minister Remington, does believe in both our heroes and tries to encourage Kate to do so too. You also have your token lecher, Elder, who serves as the equivalent of Q in the James Bond series, developing new weapons and technology for the Order, but just happens to be insane and always wanting to look up Rosette's dress.

The third and fourth episodes introduce Azamaria, a young girl who witnessed a visitation by the Virgin Mary. While she has the power to heal others, she also suffers from a curse of bad luck. Her other drawback is that demons and devil worshippers can draw from the power of God through her. So at the moment she is being kept a prisoner by the evil Ricardo and his demon servant, Viscount Lerajie, and it's Rosette's and Chrono's mission to rescue her.

This was a good dvd. The animation and all-around look of the series is first rate. The Japanese voice acting is excellent while the English dub seems to feature the same kid voice actors you can find on most ADV disks. Frankly, I'm sick of the same voices all the time. I think some religious conservatives will find the series subject matter very offensive. I mean at one point, Rosette, who is the equivalent of a nun, is waving her butt in Chrono's face, and demon's heads are blown off etc. You've got to take into account that there are very few Christians in Japan, so they're not as uptight about it. Lighten up and enjoy the show!

There's a lot of extras on this disk. There's two installments of "Azamaria's Extra Classes" in which the character explains some of the back story. There are even more features about the background of the series, Producion Sketches, Clean Openings/Closings, Original Japanese Openings, and commentaries by the American voice actors that played Rosette and Chrono."

Nun with a Gun

Darcy Pryciak | Detroit, MI | 01/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rented the first disk of the series with trepidation, but my curiousity regarding a nun with a gun (to fight evil, of course) peaked my interest, and I was rewarded well! Definitely something to see, whether you are religious or not. Although less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian, the creators certainly put a lot of research into the making of this, with several valid Biblical references (some legendary, some real). The characters are a hoot, with young nun Rosetta Christopher, who is 16, energetic, and slightly destructive in her enthusiasm, the more cautious (devil) Chrono, and Azmaria, the timid soprano who is a holy instrument of God. Along with Father Remington (handsome and good natured), the mysterious Joshua (Rosetta's sick younger brother, now involved with devils!), and another equally mysterious Gem Witch, the story and the characters will draw you along. Certainly a fascinating watch."

An Interesting Series, Worth a Look

Nikki | 08/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chrono Crusade is a series that is definitley worth your time. Taking place in the 1920s in New York (and later San Fransisco), it is about a gun-wielding nun, her bond with a demon, and issues with their past that are haunting the present.
Although this series is not for everyone, the inclusion of religious aspects, drama, and a little comedy makes it a memorable series. It is also interesting to see New York portrayed in an anime! Personally, I think they underestimated the size of Grand Central.

Give Chrono Crusade a try- it's action-packed but makes you think as well.

On another note, it starts to become VERY different from the manga after the first few episodes. While the anime is good, the manga is better! I recommend that you give it a try as well."

Get Thee To A Nunnery!

L. Mintah | USA | 07/24/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Chrono Crusade: Gospel (Volume) 1: A Plague of Demons is the first volume in the anime series. It contains episodes one through four: Pilot, The Covenant, Angel, and Sinners. If all religious persons in a convent were as good-looking as the characters in this series, everyone would rush to join up.

Sister Rosette Christopher is a cute, spunky nun in a secret Catholic order to rid the world of pesky demons. Her sidekick, friend, and constant companion is a boy named Chrono. Rosette is a thorn in the side of Sister Kate, who heads the order. Just as Chrono is a calming influence on hot-headed Rosette, the incredibly handsome Father Remington soothes Sister Kate's frazzled nerves when a Rosette-astrophe occurs.

The interpretation of Christianity is a bit off. I suppose the Japanese find Christianity as exotic as Westerners view Shinto and Buddhism.

In these episodes, we learn Rosette is haunted by the disappearance of her beloved brother, Joshua. In the last two episodes, Rosette and Chrono fight with their lives to rescue a young girl who is one of the "apostles," meaning she is one of seven people blessed with the power of God in the form of one of seven virtues. Devils want to catch the Apostles and harness the power of God to make themselves stronger.

You can't resist a hot gun-toting nun, and if you have reservations about Rosette wearing a non-revealing habit and long bloomers, fear not. There is some yummy fanservice in the third episode. In the fourth episode, Chrono's true identity is revealed.

This volume also has excellent extras - a great buy.

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