Search - Saiyuki: Complete Seasons 1 & 2 on DVD

No Extras

D. E. Haynes | Southern Mississippi | 11/02/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Saiyuki is one of my favorite anime series, but I was disappointed in this collection for one reason -- none of the extras from the earlier release have been included. This is particularly unfortunate for the Cultural Notes which add a lot to the viewer's understanding of the legend that the series is based on. The collection does include all of the 50 episodes in a box that won't take up much room on your shelf and for a very reasonable price. But I would have been willing to pay a little more and have the extras included also."

Enjoyed the Journey

K. Bagneski | Saint Paul, MN USA | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, this is the first anime series I ever purchased, so I am a bit biased. Only after seeing other series - and a few episodes of Saiyuki Reload, do I think my bias is not entirely misplaced. Rumor has it that women are the biggest fans, so I guess, I'm guilty. I understand why women like the program. The plot is pretty simple: 4 somewhat flawed, handsome young men with attitude trying to save the world. And the whole concept of the "bad guys" being sympathetic is something I agree with and rarely see. The characters are interesting.

I've read some other reviews that say Sensomaden Saiyuki does not have enough character development. I would somewhat disagree. My flippant answer would be to say, "It's a lightweight action, comedy series, how much do you need?" Then I would ask, "Did you not listen to the Merciful Goddess who points out continually that no matter how many times these souls are reincarnated, they do not change? They continually live their lives as they choose." Here's a hint though, there are some small changes in "Reload". Spend these 50 episodes enjoying the journey and look at the subtleties in the relationships between characters.

Visually the first two or three episodes are a little rough, but things smooth out before you get to the second disc.

Since it was my first series, I am guilty of watching them over and over. I find I can take them seriously or view them as fluff. It has inspired an interest to read "Journey to the West", which I think should be a compliment.

Seasons 1 and 2 were Dubbed in English by ADV Films. While the translation may not be perfect, the voice casting was excellent. I happened to have purchased Saiyuki Reload Vocal Album V.2 that aside from the music has two scenes from the series. I could identify the characters speaking Japanese simply because I knew the ADV English versions so well. The voice tonal qualities are so close. I never noticed it when I just watched the shows in Japanese with subtitles.

I look forward to the continuing journey in Japanese with Reload and Gunlock. I am not as sure I like the English dub as well. Only time will tell.

I do also recommend Gensomaden Saiyuki: Requiem if you cannot get enough. It's a nice expanded episode with the last of the ADV production. The English cast interviews were a nice surprise.

"

Nicely packaged but some flaws

Jason Adams | Ohio, USA | 12/28/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Having watched a few episodes of this series we became intrigued. I purchased from a seller associated through Amazon here, but got the product brand new, unopened for less than half the price. Shipping was prompt.

The quality of the DVDs seem very good. Sound a picture are excellent. The thin packaging is a boone! However, it has only 3 language settings and every one displays subtitles! We attempted to change the settings on multiple DVDs and still could not rid ourselves of the subtitles which is incredibly distracting and ruins the enjoyment of watching the show."