Search - Steel Angel Kurumi - Complete Collection on DVD

An Enjoyable Romp and an Excellent Value

Thomas Downey | Roseville, MI USA | 05/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Steel Angel Kurumi" is not for everyone; I often have questioned myself as to why I like it. But I do...it's a guilty pleasure.Set in the 1910's, the story revolves around a "steel angel" robot/weapon named Kurumi with the personality of an innocent, scatterbrained, clingy young girl, who is activated/brought to life by the kiss of a young boy mystic. The adventures that follow...the relationships that develop, the introduction of Kurumi's "sisters" (steel angels sent to destroy her), and the gradual revelation of Kurumi's incredibly distructive powers...draw the viewer to the inevitable nearly catistrophic climax.Now ADV has issued has issued this "Complete Collection", containing the original 4-disc, 24 episode first series, the single disc 4 episode encore OVA, and the 2-disc, 12 episode second series, with a plethora of extras. However, if you already own any of the original DVD releases, you'll find that this collection is just a re-issue of the currently available DVDs. All of the information here has already been issued.[...]The first 4 DVDs contain the original "Steel Angel Kurumi". It's an unusual series; cute and sappy as much as it is action filled, sweet and innocent as well as loaded with sexual overtones. The charaters are well drawn and the animation is top notch. The storyline drags a bit, but develops well, as do the characters. Some great stuff here. It's campy, but highly enjoyable.The extras on the first 4 discs are exceptional; interviews with the English dub cast, translator's notes (which helps clarify a great deal), background information relating to the setting and time frame in which the series is set, and more. ADV makes a great effort to help in the enjoyment of the series, and the material presented is quite interesting.The good quality continues with the single disc encore OVA. The 4 episodes are well done and add to the original series. The extras are plentiful here as well, including a running commentary with some of the English actors.It's the last 2 discs that drop the ball a bit. The second series in general is basically a re-hash of the first, and a not real good one at that. A few decent ideas are launched (a modern setting, the mystic that awakens Kurumi this time is a young girl, which boosts the already palpable lesbian overtones), but some of the ideas are just plain bad. The delicate balance of comedy, camp, action and character development that existed in the first series is totally upended in the second. It can still be fun, but pales by comparison. Plus the extras on the DVDs are minimal at best.Still, at this price, it's better to get the whole package for the price of buying 2 seperate DVDs, and it is definitely worth it for the first series alone. A great value and a fun anime."

Touching, Charming, Fun and heartwarming

Joseph M. Handibode | Norfolk VA | 06/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Season 1 of Kurumi was the most cute anime I have ever seen. The story was great. The characters were all lovable and memorable. I give it 5 stars.
Encore 4 extra episodes DVD: Gave a heart-warming ending to the charming love story of Kurumi.
Season 2: Was so disappointing and be letdown to a great series. The story was bad, no memorable characters. I wish the same writers for first series did the second. 1 out of 5 stars. I recommend not to watch second season."