Search - Samurai Deeper Kyo: Complete Collection on DVD

Fun series with creative story, less creative animation

Giacomo C. | 11/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Overall this is a good series. It follows its storyline through from first episode to last without any irrelevant filler episodes along the way.

I disagree with those who say that it is similar to Rurouni Kenshin - it really is not, apart from the obvious connection that both series deal with samurai. The way topics are treated, the direction of the storyline, the nature of the characters, and even the historical setting are all quite different. I do however believe and agree that those who enjoyed Kenshin will also most likely enjoy Kyo.

The quality of the drawings are nice though not earth shattering for the most part. It is the animation that is something of a let down in most situations however - many still shots, and the combat scenes in particular were... less than spectacular. Sure, even Kenshin had its moments of animation stinginess, but they were not so numerous, and furthermore in key moments the team there would really rise above and beyond the average level of animation for a television series.

So, you will not really be watching Samurai Deeper Kyo if you are expecting a visual tour de force, what you will be watching for is the storyline and development of the characters. The story is fairly creative, and does hold surprises along the way. There are some interesting characters here who will hold your interest, and pique your curiosity.

One thing in the progression that was left somewhat undeveloped were the more, traditionally anime, humourous sections - they appear in the first few episodes and then rarely thereafter. This does not detract from the enjoyment, but it certainly does smack of an idea that was abandoned during production. Perhaps it was for the best, but it could be debated. Also, the music in the series is largely a let down, and does not do much to help it along. Fortunately it is fairly unobtrusive!

Ultimately this was an enjoyable series - it never has any pretentions to be anything else - that largely succeeds in completing its story and should please fantasy enthusiasts."

Awesome Anime

Dat Phung | NY, USA | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an awesome anime series. For anyone who loves Samurai, Ninja and feudal Japan settings, they will love this. It reminded me more of Ninja Scrolls than Kenshin. Action packed. Highly recommended."

Samurai Deeper Kyo

Onime no Kyo | Eau Claire, WI | 05/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this anime was extremely well done even though it is very different from the manga. Kyo is a character you have to learn to like. Kyo's outward appearances gives you the impression that he is a mean ass who doesn't care about anything except finding his body and killing Kyoshiro. But if you look deeper into him, there's just something more to him than meets the eye. He may act like he doesn't care, but in reality he does. He just doesn't know how to express it in a way that doesn't make it seem like he doesn't care. I love Kyo's character. I thought it was well developed. The anime is great. There is a plot line. It's not confusing at the end like some reviewers said. If you watch the anime in Japanese with English subtitles, it's much easier to follow and understand. I first watched the anime in English and didn't catch everything. I rewatched it again, this time in Japanese with english subs and I understood the whole plot and everything. This is an anime worth watching.

It is totally different from Rurouni Kenshin. I have seen both and they are great animes. You can't compare those two together and say this one is better than the other because they are both great animes and those who do compare the two animes, why? They are excellent animes, each in their own way.

I highly recommend this anime."

Pretty good if you're a big fan of samurai and fantasy stuff

G. D. Primer | 03/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, why do so many people compare Kyo to Kenshin? That's like comparing apples to oranges! Anyway... I got the boxed set for my birthday and let me tell you, DO NOT WATCH THIS IN ENGLISH! The dubbing is straight terrible! You're better off watching it with the Japanese track turned on with English subtitles. Also, the story line makes more sense when reading the English subs than listening to the English dubs.

Overall, the anime heavily detracted from the manga since they didn't have much to work with at the time. Overall, the ending is therefore wrapped up too fast and is kinda trite, but the majority of the story is ok, focusing a lot on character development.

Oh, and about the characters declaring their moves before laying the smack down, some find it annoying, but doesn't it make sense for those watching the duel to know what killed the poor opponent? Voice of the phoenix! Suzaku! ^_^"