Search - Gurren Lagann, Part 2 on DVD

Continuing the excitement and action of Set 01, Set 02 is eq

Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 02/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fantastic!

I said it with confidence when reviewing volume 01 and I'm saying it again for "GURREN LAGANN SET 02 released by Bandai Entertainment.

GAINAX brings us a mecha anime series and having created so many and with so many created for so many decades, you often wonder if innovative, imaginative storylines can still be developed. Well, with "GURREN LAGANN", the creators of this anime series manages to create something unique, fun, explosive and just enjoyable.

With this first volume set, we get both vol. 3 (Episodes 10-14) and vol. 4 (Episodes 15-18) of "GURREN LAGANN". The popular anime titled "Tengen Toppai Gurren Lagann" aired on TV Tokyo back in April 2007 and completed it's 27-episodes by Sept. 2007.

Vol. 3 consists of five episodes and Vol. 4 consists of four episodes. Vol. 4 is pivotal as it introduces the second arc of the series which takes place seven years later.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Each episode is featured in 1:78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen. The character designs by Atsushi Nishigori are fresh and very different. I truly dig the character designs and the whole anime is quite colorful and looks stylish and pretty cool.

As for the audio, I've watched both episodes in Japanese 2.0 and English 5.1 and as much as I enjoyed the Japanese voice track, when I watch an action-packed mecha, Digital 5.1 soundtracks make a big difference for me in terms of enjoying a series and with that being said, I am very pleased with the English vocal dub. You have some quality voice talent with Michelle Ruff as Yoko (does the voice of Rukia for "Bleach") and Yuri Lowenthal (does the voice for many video games and anime such as Sasuke Uchiha for "Naruto"). Everyone does a fantastic job on both Japanese and English voice acting.

There is a lot of action, so you do get some good usage from your front channels and some surround usage. But the dialogue comes quite clear and overall, both video and audio were well done.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Unfortunately, unlike volume 1 and volume 2, there really aren't any major special features for volume 3 and 4. Both come with the textless opening and ending songs and Bandai previews.

I can't help but think how awesome this series was to watch! From the stylish presentation, the wacky humor and the imaginative mecha Gunmen robots and attack modes, the battles and the fun characters and the music, there is just too much to like about "GURREN LAGANN". I absolute found the series to be quite fantastic!

If there are any major difference from the last set, there is much less perverseness. Granted, the series becomes a bit more dark and dramatic because of the death of Kamina, Simon's worsening depression and the introduction of Nia. But eventually, the series works itself out and volumes 3 and 4 literally becomes mecha porn because it's all non-stop action. I have no doubt that fans who enjoyed the first two volumes will definitely enjoy these next two. The series has been nothing short of fantastic.

I have to admit that I was pretty impressed with how the first arc ended but the second arc, definitely surprised of how things have changed in the planet and with the characters. Really good planning and screenwriting. Volume 4 leaves with such an intense cliffhanger that I definitely look forward in seeing how this is going to play out. I want more! With only nine episodes left in the series, I can't wait for the final two volumes in "GURREN LAGANN SET 03.

"GURREN LAGANN SET 02 is highly recommended!"

Loved it!

M. Sereda | 01/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This show reminded me why I started to watch anime in the first place. Big bright eyes, eye-popping colors and bouncy busy animation that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. The start of the second arc started with the same fast paced action as the first one had and the storyline keeps you interested. The nice short one-episode battles are also a nice break from what's typical in today's anime. Highly recommended for one who wonders what has happened to anime in the recent years."