Search - Orphen - The Perfect Collection on DVD

Awesome series, been waiting for a box set!!

DJ-H-OS | NJ | 04/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great series, I originally owned the Japan import version with bad subtitles. Im glad ADV is releasing this as a box set, they are one of the few reasonable anime distributors. Everyone else wants to rip you off now a days ex: Bandai, Pioneer, etc. Great story and great characters, leaves you wanting to see more when youre finished, too bad the sequel is not as dark and mysterious as the original. Story goes something like this, Orphen is a sorcerer on a mission to save his friend Ashley who was turned into a dragon, as a dragon Ashley is verry destructive and dangerous. Orphen will stop at nothing to restore his friend back to human form even if it means sacrificing his own life. Im not good at writing descriptions, amazon probably has a better more detailed description. Anyway trust me this is one of the better series out there."

A fantastic experience

Spirit Wolf | 11/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having gone into Orphen with no idea what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised from the beginning. I'm not normally a fan of fantasy titles, but there was something about this one that just demanded I keep watching.The story is the highlight here; it's interesting and mysterious from the get-go and unfolds excellently throughout the series. One of my favorite aspects about this series is that it sort of begins in the middle of the story, and it unfolds not just forwards, but backwards as well, slowly piecing the past together via flashbacks and revelations.I found the characters to be interesting and enjoyable. They made me laugh when I needed to, and made me sympathetic at just the right moments. Most interesting is the way things are turned on their head halfway through the series; you'll find yourself wondering who's an enemy and who isn't.In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was funny, intruiging, and dramatic. This is a title that definitely gets overlooked far too much; take my advice and check it out. I highly recommend it."

A Flawed Masterpiece

Rhys Corlett | New Zealand | 02/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I wanted to love this series so badly, and for the most part I did. If you are looking for a neat hybrid-fantasy setting with a good story - well look no further. This is a great anime with battles, romance, comedy and a very cool rune-bladed sword. The unquantified gushing from the other posters here are proof positive that this is a popular show. I won't go on about the nice animation style, neat plot-twists, well presented DVD sets, or any of the other bonuses you can read about simply by reading what others here have written. I won't even mention that the slightly uneven animation and repetitive "computer game" style music hardly matter when seen against the backdrop that is this series' story.

There are two MAJOUR downfalls in this series, and they are big ones. Ones so huge it almost makes me want to cry, because that they debase an otherwise priceless anime experience.

If the main episodes that push the story forward are heaven, then the filler episodes are hell. Boring, tedious and pointless - enough to make me want to throw the DVDs right out the window. I'm going to get specific and recommend that any serious anime watcher deliberately skip episodes 4, 5, 6, 11 and 18. These episodes are the bane of this series, and you can skip them without missing any important plot or character development (you may wonder where the annoying little purple dog came from, but trust me, you don't want to know).

The second problem are the `comic relief' characters, Volcan and Dortin. Their bizarre appearance and ridiculous characters almost sink this anime. The English Dub made a valiant effort to pass these two off as hobbit/troll type creatures, but there is no hiding the fact that they are completely out of place in this otherwise edgy anime. For comic relief they rely primarily on abusive insults and slapstick, dutifully avoiding anything witty or clever. Don't get me wrong, there are some genuinely funny moments in this series. But they are provided by the main characters doing or saying something that both adds to their character and doesn't disrupt the atmosphere. For example, Majic's spell the rock early in the series both contributes to the atmosphere while reminding us how immature his character is at this early stage - I won't spoil what he does, but it made me giggle, as does Orphen's response.

Perhaps someday someone will take this series and edit it into a series of two or three movie length episodes. They can edit out the pointless troll's jokes (although we may have to leave them in, we can edit out their annoying antics) and the pointless fuller material. Mark my words, that would have the potential to be the perfect anime... until then we have a fun series, a attractive boxed set, cool cartoon, a flawed masterpiece."

Wish I'd Bought It Sooner

Rhys Corlett | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I waited for years to watch this anime because it didn't look too interesting. I wish I hadn't waited. This was well worth the money. The animation and music are good (esp the first opening, which I love). But it's the characters that really hook you. Orphen, Cleo and Magic have great chemistry. For humor, I suggest watching the dub although it does deviate and does use anachronistic language. I didn't have a problem with that, because it's not a typical fantasy world (i.e. set in the distant past). The storyline is great, and overall consistent though some episodes can feel more like filler. Glad I took a chance and bought this."