The Slayers Evolution-R (a J!-ENT Anime Blu-ray Disc Review)

October 3, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The fifth season “The Slayers Evolution-R” takes the series up a notch over the last season with a more darker, more action-driven storyline. If you have dedicated yourself this long to the “The Slayers” series, there is no doubt you will find “The Slayers Evolution-R” to be a much more exciting than “Revolution” and the best looking season for “The Slayers” yet!

BLU-RAY TITLE: The Slayers Evolution-R

DURATION: Episodes 14-26 (Duration: 312 Minutes, 2 Blu-rays)

BLU-RAY INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Original Story: Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi

Directed by Takashi Watanabe

Series Composition by Jiro Takayama

Character Design: Naomi Miyata

Art Director: Shinji Kawaai

Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami

Director of Photography: Yutaka Kurosawa

Producer: Gou Shukuri, Shinichi Ikeda, Yuji Matsukura

Animation Production by J.C. Staff

Featuring the following voice talent:

Megumi Hayashibara/Lisa Ortiz as Lina Inverse

Yasunaro Matsumoto/Eric Stuart as Gourry Gabriev

Hikaru Midorikawa/Crispin Freeman as Zelgadis

Masami Suzuki/Veronica Taylor as Amelia

Colleen O’Shaughnessey/Yumiko Kobayashi as Pokota

Akira Ishida/Michael Sinterniklaas as Xelloss

Takehito Koyasu/Liam O’Brien as Rezo

The magical mayhem of The Slayers Revolution continues in The Slayers Evolution-R! With the original cast of The Slayers back together for the first time in over a decade, Lina Inverse and her crew are reunited and doing what they do best – saving the world by almost destroying it!

Lina’s gang and their new ally Pokota are hot on the trail of the Hellmaster’s Jar! It’s no ordinary piece of pottery: it holds the soul of Rezo the Red Priest. Opening the vessel and resurrecting Rezo is the only hope Pokota has of saving his kingdom’s people. With masked assassins, headless knights, and shifty Xellos in the mix, one thing is certain: destruction is guaranteed!

I can easily remember watching “The Slayers” when it first appeared on television in Japan, catching the premiere of the series at an anime convention and watching the main Japanese voice actress Megumi Hayashibara promoting the series in America and singing a song from the series. And then the release of the series on VHS and owning multiple copies just to get a subtitled and English dubbed version because I enjoyed the series that much.

It’s hard to believe but nearly 14 years later since “The Slayers” debut as a light novel by Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi (which the duo has since released 50 light novels), the series has received a manga treatment, two OAV series, five movies, countless video games and for anime series, there have been a total of five seasons.

With the series having had its release in the US from Software Sculptors and Central Park Media, “The Slayers” series received back in August 2009 with its first major collection from FUNimation Entertainment with “The Slayers: The First Three Seasons” which consists of Season One: The Slayers (April 1995-Sept. 1995, 26 episodes), Season Two: Slayers Next (April 1996-Sept. 1996, 26 episodes) and Season Three: Slayers Try (April 1997-Sept. 1997, 26 episodes) for a total of 78 episodes included in this collection.

With the series going on a decade-long hiatus, the fourth season was released 11 years after the third season and titled “The Slayers Revolution” (aired between July-September 2008) which was released by FUNimation Entertainment. The fourth season features the first 13-episodes and is now continued on Blu-ray and DVD with this latest release of “The Slayers Evolution-R” (the fifth season) which comprises of the final 13-episodes which were aired between January-April 2009 (note: The manga is still ongoing in Japan).

“Slayers Revolution” is directed by Takashi Watanabe (“Casshan: Robot Hunter”, “Y’s II”, “New Fist of the North Star”, “Ikki Tousen”), screen composition by Jiro Takayama (“The Slayers” series, “Angel Links”, “Wings of Rean”, “El Hazard: The Wanderers”), character designs by Naomi Miyata (“Kino’s Journey”, “Revolutionary Girl Utena”, “Sakura Wars”) and music by Osamu Tezuka (“Shadow Skill”, “Popotan”, “Lost Universe, “Akazukin Cha Cha”).

The series revolves around the character of Lina Inverse, a powerful sorceress who has a love for money and eating a lot of food. Everytime she tries to help a village (for money), somehow, she ends up destroying it and thus, has a reputation of being a destructive and evil sorceress. She is accompanied by Gourry Gabriev and sometimes by Zelgadis Greyswords and Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun during her adventures for more money, food and fun.

But this time, they encounter a small creature named Pokota that knows how to use the “Dragon Slave” whose village was put into a stasis. His village was struck by a sickness in which humans were sickened by an illness called Durum which changes their appearance. So, to prevent the village from Durum, a magical wizard put his village in a deep sleep until a cure is found. But with the durum sickness now gone, Pokota needs the wizard to wake everyone up.

So, In order to revive his village, he needs to find a man who helped save his village once before, to use his magic. Unfortunately, the man is Rezo, the Red Priest. The enemy of Lina and friends and the man responsible for turning Zelgadis to a chimera. Despite the bad things that Rezo has done, Pokota believes Rezo is a good man who saved his village.

But with Lina and friends wanting to see if Rezo is indeed alive (when he is supposed to be dead), they are willing to help Pokota. For now…

The main characters of “The Slayers Evolution-R” are:

Lina Inverse – A powerful sorceress who loves money and food. She is very sensitive when she’s around other women that are more bustier than her and tends to have a short fuse. Whenever she’s in battle, her spells tend to do more damage than she thinks. But because of the sheer amount of destruction that she’s caused, the rumors have spread throughout the country and people tend to fear her and make her out as an evil person when she’s not.

Gourry Gabriev – The marvelous swordsman who wields the sword of light. He also has a bad memory and is a powerful magic wielder but doesn’t remember being one. So, he joins Lina on her adventures as her personal bodyguard.

Zelgadis Greywords – A powerful sorcerer who is a chimera made of a rock golemn courtesy of his ancestor Rizo. Known for his green face and purple, wiry hair and is half demon and human. He looks desperately for a stone that will change him to a human, even if it means losing his chimera powers. A stoic, no-nonsense character.

Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun – A young miko and also a princess. Her dream is becoming a hero of justice and thus, had joined Lina and Gourry in many adventures. Very naive at times and believes almost everything that people tend to tell her. She also knows that Lina and Goury tend to use her for her money.

Xellos - A high level Mazoku and a priest of the “Greater Beast Zelas-Metallium”. Also known as Beastmaster Xellos and is literally a frienemy of Lina and friends. When he seems like he’s helping, he seems to have some sort of ulterior motive.

Pokota – An animal-like creature who has the ability to use great power like Lina. A former human who searches for Rezo to awaken the people of Taforashia.

Wizer – A special investigator who is on a hot trail pursuing Lina Inverse to arrest her for being Lina Inverse.

“The Slayers Evolution-R” comes with the complete season, episodes 14-26 on two Blu-ray discs (note: The Blu-rays utilize the number scheme of Evolution-R beginning at episode 14). Here are the spoiler-less summaries of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 14 – Newcomer! A New Journey – Lina and friends on an adventure to find Rezo and meet a woman named Nama who’s soul is embedded in a suit of armor (and has lot her memory).
EPISODE 15 – Oh My Head! Where’s My Head? - Nama joins the team and together they look for a magical jar that Rezod has used to turn Pokota to a creature and they meet Hans, another knight who’s soul is embedded in it (but is missing his head) who said he has a hellmaster jar like the one they are looking for and will give it to them if they can find his head.
EPISODE 16- Partner! Sharing Mind and Body? – Lina takes on a man who has magical power over animals.
EPISODE 17 – Quality Time! A Homelife with Love? - The fish lady returns and claims that Gourry is the father of her fish children. Being the gullible guy he is, Gourry to want to raise his children.
EPISODE 18 – Raider! The Voice from the Darkness – Zelgadis and Lina take on a dragon. Meanwhile, something happens to Nama and an episode with Xellos and Mr. Zula.
EPISODE 19 – Seek! Who’s Being Targeted? – Mr. Zuma instructs Lina and friends that they must go to a village and protect a merchant named Radok who is being targeted or else someone will die.
EPISODE 20 – Townscape! Because it’s Manmade! - Lina and friends await in the village to protect Radok from whoever is trying to kill them.
EPISODE 21 – Uncover! The Exposed Darkness! - The merchant is tired of waiting for being targeted and thus will go on an adventure to prompt the assassin to make its move. Zuma’s identity revealed.
EPISODE 22 – Voice! What’s Inside the Jar - Lina becomes the owner of the hellmaster’s jar, but now the group must figure how to destroy the seal of the jar.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 23 – Wisdom! Seek the Time that Will Never Return! - Zelgadis steals the jar from Lina in hopes to get his body back.
EPISODE 24 – Xeno! The Price of Revival! - Pokota takes the jar and wants to resurrect Rezo.
EPISODE 25 – Yesterday’s Memory! Days Regained! - Rezo is resurrected.
EPISODE 26 – Zero Hour! The Destroyed One! - Shabranigdo, the powerful being of evil and the source of power of Lina’s “Dragon Slave” is revived.

VIDEO :

Considering “The Slayers Evolution-R” was released 12 years after “The Slayers Try” (1997), one would expect a major update to the animation. And the animation and background art looks for this series is fantastic!

The anime series features a much more bolder stroke around the characters, a more vibrant color pallet and better shading and detail. Artistic backgrounds are fine but for a series such as “The Slayers”, typically there are a lot of closeup shots of the characters and when comparing this series to the first three seasons, it’s like comparing a new Mercedes to an older, normal car. There is a huge improvement in animation and artistic background.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to review the DVD version and if there was one thing I noticed, “The Slayers Evolution-R” looked a bit better than “The Slayers Revolution”. The animation and even the artistic backgrounds seem much better in “The Slayers Evolution-R”.

The series is presented in 1:78:1 108p High Definition and is an upscaled anime on BD release. The edge enhancement is still visible, as is the banding but the artifacts are not as evident.

But the series on Blu-ray does feature a vibrant color pallet and for a anime TV series, the picture quality does stand out quite a bit compared to the DVD release.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, “The Slayers Evolution-R” is presented in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0. The series is primarily front and center channel driven but I did notice how certain scenes, ie. large halls in which the sound is nicely echoed through the halls, especially footsteps through the halls, doors creaking through the halls, wood creeking, wind flowing through open spaces and I pretty much noticed more surround usage in this series compared to “The Slayers Revolution”.

Also, other ambiance such as crowds and music can be heard through the surround channels. Especially, the use of magic can be heard through the surround channels.

For the most part, the series is dialogue driven and dialogue and music is crisp and clear via lossless and even the Japanese soundtrack sounds much more richer and well-balanced. So, there is a definite difference audio wise compared to the original DVD release.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The Slayers Evolution-R” comes with the following special features:

Textless Opening Song – Textless Songs for “Front Breaking”.
Textless Closing Song – Textless Songs for “Sand Clock”.
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers

“Slayers” will always be an anime series that I will always enjoy. I was heavily into the series back in the 90’s and I know there had been this lull of when I didn’t catch anything related to the series but just a few related films. But watching this series again, definitely brought back memories of catching the series at an anime con meeting, an anime convention, buying multiple versions to get the subtitled and English dubbed versions. I really enjoyed this series.

In fact, each season is a story arc in itself but for the most part, they are stand-alone episodes and typically the final three or four episodes is where everything tends to lead to a major battle. And despite these episodes being over a decade old, the anime still holds up today. And the fact that you can own all three seasons in a single box set for a great price is also another incentive.

“The Slayers Evolution-R” looks absolutely fantastic. The character design and backgrounds are full of detail and is vibrant of colors. Storywise, “The Slayers Evolution-R” is much better than the last season “The Slayers Revolution” in my opinion. I felt that “Revolution” was very Pokota-driven and in someways, was a more happy-style of storyline that seemed like a series targeted towards a more younger demographic. With “The Slayers Evolution-R”, the series gets much darker and even a bit bloody (especially during the Zuma storyline) and although Pokota is in this series, he’s not as prominent, which is a good thing. Of course, the humor and weird storylines is still intact with this fifth seasn, especially the episode with Goury and the fish lady which was really odd but it was a hilarious episode.

Overall, “The Slayers Evolution-R” should definitely please “Slayers” fans who want the humor, the action and battles that the original series was known for. It’s definitely a step-up from “The Slayers Revolution” and the animation and artistic backgrounds are fantastic. I also feel that the series also has a wonderful English dub and also Japanese dialogue as well.

It’s important to note that it does help to watch the original three seasons to get some background on the characters but because the animation back then may not appeal to modern anime viewers, you can start with “The Slayers Revolution” and watch “The Slayers Evolution-R” and still enjoy it.

The Blu-ray release of “The Slayers Evolution-R” is definitely a major improvement over the DVD version video and audio-wise. But once again, for those hardcore anime on Blu-ray fans who are expecting a lot, it’s important to remind everyone that this is a TV series and it’s not going to look spectacular when compared to an anime film or OVA. But still, if you have watched the previous three seasons of “The Slayers” and are now just jumping in, then the Blu-ray is recommended.

In fact, if you are not too picky and still want a humorous anime series, I still recommend checking out “The Slayers Evolution-R” because it is a humorous series and it’s just fun to watch.

If you are a fan of “The Slayers” and have committed yourself to watching and owning every season, I definitely recommend “The Slayers Evolution-R”.

Filed Under: Anime on Blu-ray, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray

The Slayers Revolution (a J!-ENT Anime Blu-ray Disc Review)

October 3, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

More hijinks, more action and even more destruction! The long awaited fourth season of “The Slayers” saga continues with “The Slayers Revolution” now available on Blu-ray! Definitely an improvement over its DVD counterpart.

TITLE: The Slayers Revolution

DURATION: Episodes 1-13 (Duration: 300 Minutes)

BLU-RAY INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (1:78:1), Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Original Story: Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi

Directed by Takashi Watanabe

Series Composition by Jiro Takayama

Character Design: Naomi Miyata

Art Director: Shinji Kawaai

Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami

Director of Photography: Yutaka Kurosawa

Producer: Gou Shukuri, Shinichi Ikeda, Yuji Matsukura

Animation Production by J.C. Staff

Featuring the following voice talent:

Megumi Hayashibara/Lisa Ortiz as Lina Inverse

Yasunaro Matsumoto/Eric Stuart as Gourry Gabriev

Hikaru Midorikawa/Crispin Freeman as Zelgadis

Masami Suzuki/Veronica Taylor as Amelia

Colleen O’Shaughnessey/Yumiko Kobayashi as Pokota

Akira Ishida/Michael Sinterniklaas as Xelloss

Takehito Koyasu/Liam O’Brien as Rezo

Lina’s on the run from a government inspector who’s ready to put her away for good. Her crime? Just being herself! The guy’s hot on her tail, but a tiny creature that actually has a tail might be Lina’s biggest problem. Pokota’s a powerful little furball, and his path of destruction is getting pinned on Lina.

With so much explosive magic between them, you know things will go boom when they face off. But there’s more to Pokota than anyone knows, and if Lina’s gang can get to the bottom of his habit of blowing stuff up, they could end up with an awesome new ally.

Now the fourth season which began 11 years after the third season titled “Slayers Revolution” (which aired between July-September 2008) will be released by FUNimation Entertainment on Blu-ray. This fourth season features the first 13-episodes and is continued on “Slayers Evolution-R” (the fifth season) which comprises of the final 13-episodes and aired between January-April 2009 (note: The manga is still ongoing in Japan). Both titles will be simultaneously released on Blu-ray, a DVD version for both titles were released earlier this year.

But this time, they encounter a small creature that knows how to use the “Dragon Slave” and a government employee named Wizer is trying to arrest Lina. Why?

The main characters of “Slayers Revolution” are:

Pokota – An animal-like creature who has the ability to use great power like Lina but has no control over it. But there is more to this creature…

Wizer – A special investigator who is on a hot trail pursuing Lina Inverse to arrest her for being Lina Inverse.

“The Slayers Revolution” comes with the complete season, episodes 1-13 on two Blu-ray discs. Here are the spoiler-less summaries of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 1 – Amazing! The Astonishing Dragon Slave?! – Lina confronts a special investigator who wants to arrest her and both Lina and Goury reunite with Zelgadis and Amelia.
EPISODE 2 – Because! You’re Lina Inverse, That’s Why? - Lina vs. Pokota.
EPISODE 3- Chase! The Endless Pursuit! – Lina takes on a man who has magical power over animals.
EPISODE 4 – Drifter! Who’s Chasing Whom?! - Amelia wants to help Pokota.
EPISODE 5 – Eternal! The Forever-Sleeping Forest! – Lina and friends learn the story behind Pokota and his village.
EPISODE 6 – Fall On! Strange Festival! Bizarre Festival? Push That Ball Up! – Lina and friends including Pokota become involved with a villages ball pushing contest.
EPISODE 7 – Gorgeous! The Target Luxury Liner - Lina and friends including Pokota ride on a luxury liner but they don’t know that there is a killer(s) in the midst.
EPISODE 8 – Hurry Up! Run Through! No, Don’t? - Wizer and Xellos team up!
EPISODE 9 – Insider! The One Who Knows the Truth! - Pokota finds out Duclis’s motivation of working with the enemy.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 10 – Judgment! The Silver One Rises Again! - Lina and friends prepare for their big battle.
EPISODE 11 – Keep Out! The Demon Beast Looms! - The demon beast has awaken!
EPISODE 12 – Legacy! Decisive Battle in Seyruun! - Lena and Pokota take on the demon beast!
EPISODE 13 – Misty! The Blades Are Brought Down - Lena and friends take on the demon beast. The battle continues!

VIDEO:

Considering “The Slayers Revolution” was released 11 years after “The Slayers Try” (1997), one would and should expect a major update to the animation. The anime series features a much more bolder stroke around the characters, a more vibrant color pallet and better shading and detail. Artistic backgrounds are fine but for a series such as “The Slayers”, typically there are a lot of closeup shots of the characters.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to review the DVD version and what was evident were the artifacts, banding and edge enhancement. For the Blu-ray version of “The Slayers Revolution”, the series is presented in 1:78:1 108p High Definition and is an upscaled anime on BD release. The edge enhancement is still visible, as is the banding but the artifacts are not as evident.

But the series on Blu-ray does feature a vibrant color pallet and for a anime TV series, the picture quality does stand out quite a bit compared to the DVD release.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, the series is presented in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0. The series is primarily front and center channel driven but I did notice how certain scenes, ie. large halls in which the sound is nicely echoed through the halls. Also, other ambiance such as crowds and music can be heard through the surround channels. Especially, the use of magic can be heard through the surround channels.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The Slayers Revolution” comes with the following special features:

Textless Opening Song – Textless Songs for “Plenty of Grit”
Textless Closing Song – Textless Songs for “Revolution”
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers

“The Slayers Revolution” definitely improves in animation and image clarity. But considering this anime series was released in 2008 and the third season “The Slayers Try” was last aired on television back in 1997, anime quality has changed a lot since then.

It would have been nice if there was a short synopsis for newer viewers not familiar with the past three seasons to know the relationship of all characters but if you haven’t seen any of the last three seasons of “The Slayers”, I think you can easily get by, as the main focus of this fourth season is Lina and the gang going after a creature named Pokota and then finding out his true identity and his background.

The Blu-ray is definitely a major improvement over the DVD version video and audio-wise. But once again, for those hardcore anime on Blu-ray fans who are expecting a lot, it’s important to remind everyone that this is a TV series and it’s not going to look spectacular when compared to an anime film or OVA. But still, if you have watched the previous three seasons of “The Slayers” and are now just jumping in, then the Blu-ray is recommended.

In fact, if you are not too picky and still want a humorous anime series, I still recommend checking out “The Slayers Revolution” because it is a humorous series and it’s just fun to watch.

Overall, “The Slayers Revolution” is a series that fans of the original series have wanted for a long time. Because the manga series of “The Slayers Evolution-R” is still being published in Japan, fans hoping for some sort of finality or conclusion will probably have to wait even longer. But for those who are in it for the adventure and crazy hi-jinks and of course, more destruction via Lina Inverse will definitely enjoy this latest series.

Fans of “The Slayers” anime series who have waited a long time for a new fourth season, “The Slayers Revolution” is recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on Blu-ray, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray

The Slayers: The First Three Seasons (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

October 26, 2009 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“‘A classic series that is hilarious, wacky and highly entertaining! Slayers’ is one of Japan’s longest running anime series that started back in 1995 and still continuing today. The first three seasons (a total of 78 episodes) is released in one major box set and all for a low price. Fans who grew up with the series or new fans who are discovering the series currently airing in Japan, will definitely enjoy this DVD set!”

TITLE: The Slayers: The First Three Seasons

DURATION: 1725 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: English 5.1 Dolby Surround Stereo, Japanese Stereo

COMPANY: Enoki Films USA, Inc./FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV PG

RELEASED: August 2009

The Slayers

Original Story: Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi

Directed by Takashi Watanabe

Series Composition by Takao Koyama

Episode Director: Johei Matsuura

Character Design: Naomi Miyata

Art Director: Toshihisa Tojo

Director of Photography: Shigeo Kamiya

Executive Producer: Tsughiko Kadokawa

Animation by Egg Films

Slayers Next

Original Story: Hajime Kanzaka

Directed by Takashi Watanabe

Chief Screenwriter: Jiro Takayama

Character Design: Naomi Miyata

Character Conceptual Design: Rui Araizumi

Slayers Try

Original Story: Hajime Kanzaka

Directed by Takashi Watanabe

Chief Screenwriter: Jiro Takayama

Character Design: Naomi Miyata

Character Conceptual Design: Rui Araizumi

Monster Design: Kenji Teraoka

Featuring the following voice talent:

Megumi Hayashibara/Lisa Ortiz as Lina Inverse

Yasunaro Matsumoto/Eric Stuart as Gourry Gabriev

Bin Shimada/Ted Lewis as Zangulz

Hikaru Midorikawa/Daniel Cronin and Crispin Freeman as Zelgadis

Hirohiko as Dilgear

Hiroshi Yanaka/Carter Cathcart as Vrumugun

Katsuhisa Houki/Junior Ringenbach as Rodimus

Masami Suzuki/Joani Baker as Amelia

Masato Hirano as Zolf

Takehito Koyasu as Rezo

Yumi Touma as Sylpheel Nels Lahda

Akira Ishida/David Moo as Xelloss

Houko Kuwashima/Tara Jayne as Filia

Wataru Takagi/Scottie Ray as Valgarv

In a time of fantasy and magic, a band of misfits stumbles from adventure to adventure – and occasionally saves the world!

Lina Inverse, a spunky sorceress with a penchant for destruction, is joined by dashingly dim swordsman Gourry, driven young Amelia, and stoic Zelgadis on a journey spanning the realms. In lands where darkness reigns, they will be light. In lands where doom threatens peace, they shall be saviors. Yes, when evil arises, Lina and her ragtag crew action for the forces of good – and if fame, fortune, and food should fall their way, even better!

They’re heroes. They’re rogues. They’re just looking to make a buck. They’re the slayers!

“Slayers”…one of Japan’s longest running and still continuing adventure/comedy anime series receives its first major collection with the first three seasons (a total of 78 episodes) released in one major box set. A classic series that is witty, funny and highly entertaining!

With the series having had its release in the US from Software Sculptors and Central Park Media, the series is now receiving its first major collection with “The Slayers: The First Three Seasons” which consists of Season One: The Slayers (April 1995-Sept. 1995, 26 episodes), Season Two: Slayers Next (April 1996-Sept. 1996, 26 episodes) and Season Three: Slayers Try (April 1997-Sept. 1997, 26 episodes) for a total of 78 episodes included in this collection.

All three series were directed by Takashi Watanabe (“Casshan: Robot Hunter”, “Y’s II”, “New Fist of the North Star”, “Ikki Tousen”), screenplay by Takao Koyama (“Dragon Ball Z”, “Saint Seiya”, “Urusei Yatsura”, “Zillion”), character designs by Naomi Miyata (“Kino’s Journey”, “Revolutionary Girl Utena”, “Sakura Wars”) and music by Osamu Tezuka (“Shadow Skill”, “Popotan”, “Lost Universe, “Akazukin Cha Cha”).

The series revolves around the character of Lina Inverse, a powerful sorceress who has a love for money and eating a lot of food. Everytime she tries to help a village (for money), somehow, she ends up destroying it and thus, has a reputation of being a destructive and evil sorceress. During each season, she is accompanied by Gourry Gabriev, Zelgadis Greyswords and Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun during her adventures for more money, food and fun.

The main characters of “Slayers” (for each of the three seasons) are:

Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun – A young miko and also a princess. Her dream is becoming a hero of justice and thus, joins Lina and Gourry. Very naive at times and believes almost everything that people tend to tell her.

Supporting characters that appear in other seasons are:

Xellos - Joins Lina and friends in the second season of “Slayers Next”. A high level Mazoku and a priest of the “Greater Beast Zelas-Metallium”. Also known as Beastmaster Xellos.

Filia – A priestess of the Fire Kingdom who wanted Luna to accompany her in her quest but hires Lina and her friends to join her. Appear in the third season of “Slayers Try”.

“Season One: The Slayers”

“Season One: The Slayers” consists of 26 episodes and are featured on four DVD’s. In the first season, Lina and Gourry Gabriev travel town to town to help villagers with their problems. During their adventures, they find an artifact that can resurrect the demon lord Shabranigdo. Thus Lina, Gourry and friends mus take on the Red Priest Rezo and other enemies along the way. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 1 – ANGRY? Lina’s Furious Dragon Slave! – Lina and Gourry partner up and help out a village and try to take on a group of bandits.
EPISODE 2 – BAD! Mummy Men Aren’t My Type! – The duo are attacked by a mummy known as Zolf.
EPISODE 3- CRASH! Red and White and Suspicious Doesn’t Work? – Lina and Gourry meet Zelgadis and Rezo the Red Priest.
EPISODE 4 – DASH! Run for It! My Magic Doesn’t Work? – Lina and Goury try to stop the resurrection of Sahbranigdo.
EPISODE 5 – ESCAPE! Noonsa, the Flaming Fish Man! – While Lina loses her magical power, she comes across Zelgadis – Friend or foe?
EPISODE 6 – FOCUS! Rezo’s the Real Enemy?! – Red Priest Rezo is revealed as the enemy.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 7 – GIVE UP! But, Just Before We Do. The Sure Kill Sword Appears! – Rezo sends demons after Lina and Zelgadis.
EPISODE 8 – HELP! Shabranigdo is Reborn! – Gourry and Zelgadis fight over the Stone of Wisdom. Meanwhile, Rezo tries to find a way to get the stone.
EPISODE 9 – IMPACT! The Eve of the Great Life or Death Struggle! – Rezo resurrects Dark Lord Shabranigdo.
EPISODE 10 – JACKPOT! The Great Life or Death Gamble! – Lina and friends fight against Shabranigdo.
EPISODE 11 – KNOCKOUT! – The Seyruun Family Feud! – The introduction of Amelia.
EPISODE 12 – LOVELY! Amelia’s Magic Training! – Amelia wants to be trained to become a sorceress like Lina.
EPISODE 13 – MONEY! Knock Out Those Bounty Hunters! – Lina, Gourry and Amelia arrive in Seyruun and notice wanted posters with Lina and Gourry’s face on them.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 14 – NAVIGATION! An Invitation to Satraag! – Zangulus and Vrumugun plant a trap to capture Lina and friends.
EPISODE 15 – OH NO! Lina’s Wedding Rhapsody? – A man named Harris wants Lina to marry him and she… agrees?
EPISODE 16 – PASSION! Shall We Give Our Lives for the Stage? – As Lina and friends continue to go towards the direction of Sairaag, the three find a touring company that has a show based on Lina.
EPISODE 17 – QUESTION? He’s Proposing to THAT Girl? – In order to sneak on a ship, Gourry must disguise himself as a woman. But one of the men on the ship starts to fancy Gourry.
EPISODE 18 – RETURN! The Red Priest is Back! – An enemy of Lina and Gourry’s returns!
EPISODE 19 – SHOCK! Satraag Falls! – Rezo tries to capture Gourry’s Sword of Light.
EPISODE 20 – TROUBLE! – Rahanimu the Furious Fish Man! – Rezon sends out a monster named Rahanimu after Lina and friends.

DISC 4:

EPISODE 21 – UPSET! Gourry vs. Zangulus – Gourry and Zangulus fight to the death.
EPISODE 22 – VICE! The One Who Was Left Behind! – Lina takes on the demon Tiva.
EPISODE 23 – WARNING! Eris’ Wrath! – Rezo’s true nature is revealed.
EPISODE 24 – X-DAY! The Demon Beast is Reborn! – Eris controls Rezo to go after Lina and friends.
EPISODE 25 – YES! A Final Hope: The Blessed Blade! – The fight against Rezo continues and Lina is injred.
EPISODE 26 – ZAP! Victory Is Always Mine! – Rezo attacks the town of Sairrag. Lina and friends continue their fight against Rezo in this final episode of season 1.

“Season Two: Slayer’s Next”

“Season Two: Slayers Next” consists of 26 episodes (episodes 27-52) and are featured on four DVD’s. In the second season of “Slayers Next”, Lina, Gourry and Amelia search for the Clair bible. Meanwhile, a mysterious priest named Xelloss and the monsters want to use Lina, Gourry and Amelia for their evil plans. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 27 – The Sudden Pinch! The Terror of the Monstrous Zoamelgustar! – When Lina and Gourry hear about The Xoanna Evil Book, the two decide to go to the Kingdom of Xoana.
EPISODE 28 – The Roguish Priest! His name is Xellos! – Lina and Gourry help Zelgadis find a copy of the Claire Bible and meet up with Amelia.
EPISODE 29 – A Wonderful Business! Being a Bodyguard Isn’t Easy! – The four arrive at Atlas City and Lina and Gourry and Zelgadis and Amelia have an argument of what to eat and thus separate from each other.
EPISODE 30 – An Ancient Pledge! One Who Seeks Immortality! – Lina and friends try to investigate who created the jelly-like creatures.
EPISODE 31 – Staying Behind for the Sake of Love! – Lina and friends try to find the pledge stone.
EPISODE 32 – You Can’t Escape! The Return of the Obsessive Martina! – Martina curses Lina in order to get close to Gourry.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 33 – Sudden Cooking! Follow the Phantom Dragon! – Lina and friends look forward to the Dragon Cuisine but the group must assist Chef Ashford in capturing a lake dragon.
EPISODE 34 – Be Eternal! The Day Prince Phil Died? – Amelia receives bad news about her father.
EPISODE 35 – Hidden Ambitions! The Shocking Confession? – Lina and friends find out that evil beings are after the Seyruun Kingdom.
EPISODE 36 – On a Journey With a Pack of Scoundrels?! Take Back that Magic Power! – Lina needs to regain her magical power and decides to visit a magic doctor in the mountains.
EPISODE 37 – Voices of Darkness! Slash ‘Em to Bits. Ragna Blade! – The evil demon Kanzel goes after Phil.
EPISODE 38 – The Unexpected End? The Shocking Truth! – Phil has been captured and the evil monsters plans are revealed.
EPISODE 39 – Impending Fall! The Moment of Ambition’s Defeat! – The group takes on Magenta and now they take on Kanzel.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 40 – The Forbidden Dance? Where is the Strongest Spell? – Lina and friends learn that the person in charge of the evil plans is the evil Dragon Lord Garv.
EPISODE 41 – A Big Crash? The Battle at Artemay Tower! – The search of the Claire Bible continues and take on a monster named Joe.
EPISODE 42 – Bitter Curve Balls! Gutsy Fast Balls! – Lina learns that the Claire Bible is on the trophy that someone can win in a tennis competition. But she may have to go against Martina.
EPISODE 43 – They’re Talking About a Girl named Zelgadis?! – The search for the Claire Bible leads them to a land only for women.
EPISODE 44 – The Temple of Sand! The Secret of the Giga Slave! – The group learn about a copy of the Claire Bible being inside a castle.
EPISODE 45 – Disclosure at Last?! Xellos True Form! – The evil Dragon Lord Garv plans his attack on Lina and friends.
EPISODE 46 – No Other Choice! Set Course for Dragon Valley! – Lina and friends take on evil Dragon Lord Garv.

DISC 4:

EPISODE 47 – The Thousand Year Old Truth! The Traitorous Demon Dragon King! – Lina and friends go to a cave where the Claire Bible may be at.
EPISODE 48 – The Stolen Sword of Light! The End of the Demon Dragon King! – The introduction of evil Lord Phibrizzio.
EPISODE 49 – The Menacing Swordsmen! A Journey of Reunion! – Gourry has been captured and Lina and friends want to save him. Sylphiel joins Lina’s crew.
EPISODE 50 – Sinister Trap! The Mysterious City of Ghosts! – Lina and friends go to Sairaag to rescue Gourry.
EPISODE 51 – The Souls of the Dead! Lina’s Final Decision! – Lina and friends take on Phibrizzo.
EPISODE 52 – Go to NEXT! And Then Again… – Lina uses the Giga Slave which goes out of control.

“Season Three: Slayer’s Try”

“Season Three: Slayers Try” consists of 26 episodes (episodes 53-78) and are featured on four DVD’s. In the third season of “Slayers Try”, more adventures with Lina and the gang as the barrier to the outside world has been broken and thus the gang venture to the outside world and discover a new enemy…Dark Star Dugradigdo. This is the first “Slayers” anime series not based on the light novels or manga but creator Hajime Kanzaka did take part in writing the story for “Slayers Try”.

DISC 1:

EPISODE 53 – Majestic? Hoist Sails for the Journey! – The monster barrier is gone and now people can transfer to the Outer World. Lina and friends meet up with Filia who asks for them to join her on an adventure.
EPISODE 54 – Doubtful? A Letter from Home! – Lina and friends head out to the Outer World and meet two monstrous thugs: Jillas Jillos Jillas and Gravos Maunttop.
EPISODE 55 – Where’d That Arrogant Guy Go? – Fillia starts to lose her cool while on her adventure with Lina and the gang. The introduction of Valgarv.
EPISODE 56 – On the Move! He’s Out For Revenge? – Xellos joins up with Lina and friends and learn that Xellos is trying to go after Valgarv.
EPISODE 57 – A Wild Rumor? You Can’t Have Smoke Without Fire? – Filia is held captive by Valgaav’s men. Lina and friends try to rescue her.
EPISODE 58 – Wandering Around? The Runaway Shrine Takes a Trip! – Lina and friends take on Jillas and Gravos.

DISC 2:

EPISODE 59 – A Peace Conference? This is The Dragon Shrine? – Lina and friends try to have some R&R and work with the dragons.
EPISODE 60 – Be Careful! The Plan Has Begun! – The Dragon Shine is being attacked and an enemy goes after Gourry’s Sword of Light.
EPISODE 61 – Continuous Fire! The Wind Swept Shore of Battle! – Linna, Gourry and Fillia are locked up after being suspected of trying to steal an artifact.
EPISODE 62 – Ready for Exile! Isn’t Two People’s Love Eternal? – The gang try to save a young group Princess Sera and Prince Marco from Jillas and Gravos.
EPISODE 63 – The Hurdle’s Cleared? Jillas True Power! – Lina and friends encounter Jillas while Gourry loses his sword.
EPISODE 64 – Selfless and Sensless! Pursuit Through the Labyrinth! – Lina and friends take on Jillas.
EPISODE 65 – An Explosive Situation! The Ones Who Holds the Key! – Valgarv opens the gateway for Dark Star Dugradigdo to come into the world.

DISC 3:

EPISODE 66 – Striding and Swaggering? Lamentation Without End! – Lina and friends try to prevent Valgarv from summoning the Dark Star.
EPISODE 67 – Disaster and Danger? This Place is a Wonder Island! – Lina ends up in an Alice in Wonderland type of world.
EPISODE 68 – Pandemonium! Terror of the Cursed Jar! – Lina and friends come across a cursed jar in which the spirits of the men on a ship are stuck in the present world and are unable to pass on.
EPISODE 69 – Immediate Results? Love Is In the Tiny Differences! – Amelia is discovered by a fish family and she discovers that the family is trying to prevent their fish daughter from having a relationship with a human.
EPISODE 70 – The Right Person in the Right Place! Amelia in the Village of Justice! – Amelia and Gourry discover superheroes of justice but learn that they are not what they are cracked up to be.
EPISODE 71 – Three People. Three Ways! Where the Light Leads! – Jillas returns to his fox village, where Lina and friends happen to be at as well.
EPISODE 72 – A Hero’s Advent? For Whom Does the Young Girl Pray? – A young girl thinks that a man cloaked in a robe is a hero but is he?

DISC 4:

EPISODE 73 – Savage and Unexplained! History Sealed Away! – Lina and friends go after the final weapon in a cold conditions before their enemy can.
EPISODE 74 – Eternal Death. Final Farewells! A Cry to the Fallen! – The secret of the ancient dragon’s barrier is revealed. Lina and friends take on Sirius and Erulogos.
EPISODE 75 – No Time for Arguing! Head for the Showdown! – Xellos reveals his true intentions and takes on Sirius and Erulogos.
EPISODE 76 – No Way to Guess! The Forbidden Gateway is Opened! – The gateway for the Dark Star has been opened. Meanwhile, Lina and friends try to destroy the Dark Star.
EPISODE 77 – He Who Emerges from the Dark Star! – Valgarv is resurrected and a the battle against him begins.
EPISODE 78 – Try Again? When All Returns to White! – The season finale features Lina and friends and their final battle against Dark Star/Valgarv.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

It’s important to note that Slayers debuted on Japanese television back in 1995, so for those who just started watching anime or are interested in the older series after watching “Slayers Revolution” or “Slayers Evolution-R”, there is a big difference in the quality of anime and the overall sharpness and vibrancy of the colors. But as an anime series that came out in 1995, the series was on par of what we were used to seeing from anime series around that time (“Dragon Ball GT”, “Blue Seed”, “Sailor Moon Super S”, etc.) The series is featured in 4:3 and when I was younger and watching this series, I felt that the animation was very good for a television series. I also enjoyed the overall painted background settings of the series.

Of course, comparing this 1995-1997 series with the 2008-2009 series is almost like comparing to apples to oranges but considering the time period this anime series was released, I enjoyed the comedic play of serious to humorous character designs and of course was more cel driven and doesn’t utilize the 3D CG that we see in today’s “Slayers” anime series. Also, unlike the recent FUNimation Entertainment releases of “Dragon Ball Z” or “Dragon Ball GT” which has received major digital remastering and restoration, this series doesn’t and so it does show its age and at times you will see picture quality a bit faded at times.

As for audio, this series retains its Central Park Anime English dub, so for fans of the classic series, Lisa Ortiz and Eric Stuart fans should be happy to know that FUNimation Entertainment retained the original talent. As mentioned earlier, when the VHS first came out, I was purchasing both the Japanese and English VHS versions, because I’m a big fan of Megumi Hayashibara’s vocal work and was one of the first series (not from Pioneer) in which I enjoyed both the English and Japanese voice talent at the same time. Both vocal tracks are in Dolby Digital stereo and subtitles are in English only.

I preferred to watch the series with my audio receiver set for “Stereo on All Channels” for a more immersive soundscape.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The Slayers: The First Three Seasons” contain the textless songs and FUNimation Entertainment trailers for each season on the fourth disc.

“Slayers” will always be an anime series that I will always enjoy. I was heavily into the series back in the 90′s and I know there had been this lull of when I didn’t catch anything related to the series but just a few related films. But watching this series again, definitely brought back memories of catching the series at an anime con meeting, an anime convention, buying multiple versions to get the subtitled and English dubbed versions. I really enjoyed this series.

But it takes some dedication. Where a long anime series such as “Dragon Ball Z” can have a conclusion, the fact that this series has literally been on television or released in some format for the last 15 years, you really have to be a dedicated fan to following a series this long. In fact, each season is a story arc in itself but for the most part, they are stand-alone episodes and typically the final three or four episodes is where everything tends to lead to a major battle. And despite these episodes being over a decade old, the anime still holds up today. And the fact that you can own all three seasons in a single box set for a great price is also another incentive.

For those who are wondering how the packaging is done for this box set which has 12 DVD’s, you get a slipcover but then almost in like a large digibook format, instead of pages you get six plastic sections where two DVD’s fit into. Episode titles are on the inside front and rear covers.

Overall, there’s nothing bad I can say about this series. You’re getting 78 classic episodes and to imagine back then, it took forever for these episodes to come out in the US let alone having to wait for each season to come out on DVD. So, personally, I think it’s a great service for anime fans that FUNimation Entertainment has released “The Slayers: The First Three Seasons” on one set and are dedicated to releasing the newer seasons in the US as well.

Fans of “Slayers”, this box set is definitely recommended for old school anime fans and those who simply enjoy the “Slayers” series!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray