Search - Sakura Taisen - Ecole De Paris on DVD

A New Division Is Born!

Freya | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sakura Taisen Ecole De Paris is about five girls who set aside their diffences and come togather to save Paris. Episodes: Flowers At Daybreak,The Black Cat And The Bad Girl,The City Of Love.
P.S. There is a seqal to Ecole De Paris called "Sakura Taisen Le Nouveau Paris" that has just been released in Japan."

Latest Installment in the Demon Wars

James F. Neel | Texas, USA | 06/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By happy accident I discovered this DVD in a display in a discount/discontinued merchandise store. It was my introduction to the world of Sakura Taisen/Wars, and I have to admit it was more than a little confusing. Like other DVDs I have reviewed here, the first "Sakura Wars" OVA and "Galaxy Fraulien Yuna", it is based on a video game that was only available in Japan. The overall purpose of it is to ( naturally ) capatilize on the popularity of the game; but also allow further development and exposition of the characters than the game would allow. The basic premise of the entire mega-series of games, DVDs, CDs, dolls, figures, etc., etc. ad infinitum, is the conflict between the "spirit warriors" in each location ( Tokyo, Paris, and New York ) and the "Forces of Darkness" who are spirits of the dead fueled by a thirst for revenge due to the injustices they suffered while living. This set of 3 25-minute episodes relates the founding and development of the Paris Kagekidian, or fighting/dance troupe; each one concentrating on different members. It bears watching several times to fully understand the goings-on and relationships of the several main characters; but if you do so, you will be rewarded by the many gems along the way.

It's true the characters fall a little too neatly within the usual stereotypes: the clumsy, but well-meaning ditz; the cute-but-sad pre-teen; the haughty aristocrat; the arrogant loner; the shy but earnest new-comer; and the hapless male commander who must somehow figure out how to wield them into a successful team. In fact, it's almost like the original "Sakura Wars" all over again! ( And the lone male, Oghami, IS the same! ) Saving it, however, is the beautiful animation, both regular and CGA; the excellent sound and music; and the wonderful voice actresses. ( Of course here I'm only referring to the Japanese originals - the English substitutes in most anime are so universally wretched I've long ago given up on them! ) Included among these are Etsuko Kozakura, best-known as the cabbit Ryo-Ohki in Tenchi, as the human circus-girl Coquelicot; and Kikuko Inoue, veteran of almost EVERYTHING but probably best-known as Oh!/Ah! My Goddess' Belldandy, here essaying the extremely powerful loner Lobellia Carlini.

This has been I think unfairly criticized for its mix of two-dimensional "regular" and three-dimensional CG animation, especially in the few scenes where they are used together. One point of this DVD was to make it look like the GAME, and I think they succeeded handsomely. The climactic battle between the rival machines is very well-done and beautiful to watch. It IS however true that the reason for the fight is obscure at best; but having finally seen "Sakura Wars - The Movie", it places it in a bit different context by revealing that the American Douglas-Stewart Company is the source for the mechanical "puppet".

A final mention must be made of the extras included on this disc: there are 45 minutes ( at least! ) of interviews with the many people responsible for the many aspects of the series. It is most enjoyable to see and hear the voice actor and actresses who bring it all to life. Also included are the series producer/director, Ohji Hiroi; and Kohei Tanaka, who as usual for this series provides the score, which is evocative of a jazzed-up Paris of the 1920's. The interviews end on the promise of at least a second DVD in this Paris series; unfortunately, so far it only seems to have been available in Japan."

The worst Sakura Taisen addition

Anime Collector | San Dimas, CA United States | 03/16/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Sakura Taisen-Ecole De Paris is a fragments and lacking anime addition to the Sakura Taisen series. The show starts off by introducing the main character but then proceeds to assume that the viewer is already aware of the back ground or the characters. I am aware that the show is based on a game in Japan but as a free standing show it lacks any flow to it. I bought this DVD since I have all of the previous Sakura Taisen anime DVDs but if I were a new viewer I would skip this one.
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Another great chapter.

Ms. K. A. L. Hall | Jersey, Channel Islands | 09/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having only heard of Sakura Taisen:Ecole de Paris through the internet I was glad to see it appear here. I've now collected another DVD to add to my Sakura Taisen collection. I found this very enjoyable and a pleasure to watch,it is something i will watch over and over again."