Anime DVD Reviews of Kyo Kara Moah v.1 and 2, Saiyuki Reload v.3, and Human Crossing v.3

Rating: This anime series is rated a surprising 16 and up for violence and language. Since in this volume I saw and heard little of such language or any violence that would normally earn such a high rating, I can only assume later volumes must contain such content. This volume certainly does not.

Release information: Geneone's release of Saiyuki Reload volume 3 (of 7), containing episodes 9 to 12, is available now. You may even be able to find the DVD release containing a limited edition transparent pencil board while supplies last.

Human Crossing volume 3 is another Geneon release that is an inspired animation storytelling concept. It strives to bring to life, through animation, the dramatic trials that we as people undergo in everyday life. Each episode is stand alone. They explore such concepts as aging, forgiveness, and love. The tie that connects the stories all together is that each of them is about the struggles of regular people moving "from pain to the promise of tomorrow." Although I can't say in my opinion that this foray into humanistic storytelling through anime was a complete success, it certainly wasn't a failure. I did find the animation a bit rudimentary, and the morality in episode 8 "Message in White", to be particularly heavy handed. And yet still I found myself hoping for a happy ending the bittersweet tale held. I found the tales, specifically the last on this volume, "City", to be touching and well handled in showing some very complex struggles within a person and their circumstances. Of all the three stories in this volume, it was the most relatable on a human, everyday level compared to the first story which struck me as a bit outlandish and not well within the realms of reality which is what this anime seems to be trying to reach. Of note, both the opening and ending theme songs and animation were breathtaking, showing aerials of Tokyo and ghostly warm images animated over and behind those moving shots while hearing a heartfelt ballad. If the series had the same high quality of animation it might come across better, as well as some more subtle story telling is needed. Still, I admire the concept and the effort. Human Crossing volume 3 ranks 7/10 kendo swords.

Rating: Human Crossing volume

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4