Search - Toward the Terra Part 1 (Vol 1-2) on DVD

Space opera at it's best

A. Bowen | Ga USA | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent series if you like space opera, Orwellian scifi, and old school anime (before fan service dumbed most of it into kiddie fair). The original manga was based loosely on Slan, a really old scifi novel. Actually, it's quite dark (in that pessimistic Orwellian way). The quality, pacing, and consistency of the series is strong; it's not an action anime, but a scifi drama.

The character development is good and there are no pointless filler episodes; Terra hits the ground running and doesn't let up. There is none of the typical girl-boy romance in this anime; it's pure social commentary and character development. In fact, you'll probably wish they made it a little longer.

There's also *no dubbing*, only subtitles, which might turn some off. Personally, I can't stand dubs, so this is no loss."

Big Brother is Watching

L. B. Bryant | Astoria, OR | 09/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What started as an interesting science fiction drama about a big brother society with annoying telepaths will very quickly develop into a deep and moving mind trip. The overall feel to this series, brought on largely by the characters, made this series very hard to walk away from. Every episode had left me just enough information to have to see more and the cliffhanger at the end of this set has the second set already poised to move to the top of my review pile when it arrives. Very highly recommended.
"

Awesome series - Not so awesome DVDs

Huscheli | Amriswil, Schweiz | 08/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone who knows and loves the manga will find this series just as appealing as the books because the anime is not just a boring retelling, but also has tiny changes to the plot which keep you interested, even if you know the story already. The animation is good and with a nice, up-to-day character design that stays true to the books in the same time. I especially loved the Soundtrack of this series. It is very beautiful, often quite dramatic, but that's how I like it.

Sadly, the DVDs are the absolut minimal release you can give to an anime series. There is no English Dub, there is no booklet and, except for a textless opening and a nice interview with creator Takemiya Keiko, there's nothing else on it. There even is a typo at the back of the DVDs if you want to be nitpicky.

But still, despite the let downs about this set, I have to say I'm very greatful this series gets released here at all and I'm looking foreward to the next set! It's one of the better anime out there. Even if you don't know the manga, give it a try!"