Digital Review: Blassreiter Episode 4

[Chris Beveridge]

http://www.animeondvd.com/images/digital/blassreiter.jpg


Review (http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/7389.php)


Blassreiter Episode 04 (of 24)
Released By: BOST TV
MSRP: 1.9
Running time: 24 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen
Resolution: 480i/p or less (mixed/unknown)
Encoded With: MPEG-2
Release Date: 04/27/2008
Review Date: 05/01/2008
Date Announced: N/A
Region: Digital Distribution
Reviewed By: Chris Beveridge

In Summary:
Four episodes in and Blassreiter still has me wondering what the point of it all is. With a longer series they have the opportunity to stretch things out and work it through better, but the early hooks to keep people viewing juts don’t seem to be here. With a very meager cast of characters that are often obstructed by helmets or are on the screen far too briefly, it’s difficult to really have any sort of connection or narrative with them. The series seemed like it was going to be about Gerd at first but not it’s starting to look a bit more like Joseph could be the lead character. Or it could just be an ensemble piece but at this point it’s admittedly pretty hard to care. The series just hasn’t captured me even with some of its very cool design elements such as the Amalgam’s and the motorcycles. In general, the show has been a disappointment.

[Suwako Moriya]

Based on watching the first four episodes, this could indeed be one of those multiple view point stories. We have Amanda's point of view, Gerd's point of view, and Joseph's point of view. The key is getting the three to mix together into the right package. There's also the matter of needing to do some world building. I can see a bit of potential is in this series, but I am still waiting for it to truly capitalize on it. Hopefully in the long run it will make proper use of it. If so then this will be a hidden gem, if not it will have been a complete waste of time.

[Mafty Allegro]

I've been enjoying the pacing of the show thus far, which has fit its story pretty well. It's not as potentially mediocre as I thought it might become in first episode, and the score, including the theme songs, have added to the show's enjoyment and CG animation (for the most part) has been good. I was surprised, though, at how affecting Johan's storyline has been, as I actually felt bad about him. The characters have also been done well enough and don't feel as flat as they could have been.

On a side note, gotta love that shameless Nitroplus plug... ;)

[hikaru004]

Gerd's going bonkers now and is not on the poster so I didn't consider him a main character from the beginning. He was prob there to introduce the doctor and show what happens to those not as fortunate as Joseph. You know give a face to the Demoniacs just like Gerd's ex is doing in this episode.

I still like it.

Laughed at the Nitroplus plug.