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View Full Version : DVD Review: Code Geass Vol. 2


The Pirate Queen
11-19-2008, 10:24 AM
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Review by Danielle Van Gorder (http://www.mania.com/code-geass-lelouch-rebellion-vol-2_article_80470.html)

Mania Grade: B+
Audio Rating: B+
Video Rating: C-
Packaging Rating: B
Menus Rating: B+
Extras Rating: B+
Age Rating: 13 & Up
Region: 1 - North America
Released By: Bandai Entertainment
MSRP: 24.98
Running time: 100
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Disc Resolution: 480i/p (mixed/unknown)
Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
Series: Code Geass Lelouch of Rebellion

This series started out with a bang, and despite one fairly humorous episode on this disc, that pace really hasn't let up much. Lelouch remains an utterly fascinating character, and is balanced nicely against his foil Suzaku. Watching their interactions, knowing that Suzaku knows nothing of Lelouch's secret identity as Zero, adds a nice tension to the mix. Several other characters are given some intriguing depth here as well including CC, who appears to be getting orders - or at least instructions - from some unknown party whose stake in the game is as of yet unknown. This series is very well layered, switching focus and plotlines and weaving new elements in without missing a beat, while still keeping the relentless drive going. The Britannian Emperor has finally been given a voice in the series, and thus far he's an easy antagonist to hate, but the other members of the royal family are much more sympathetic. No one side is clearly in the right or wrong here, which makes it all that much more fascinating.

karen0586
11-19-2008, 10:36 AM
I think I've seen some episodes that go with this second disc and it really was entertaining. Still, for some reason, this series didn't scream follow me with another episode. I'll give it another go at a later time.

The Pirate Queen
11-19-2008, 11:14 AM
I think I've seen some episodes that go with this second disc and it really was entertaining. Still, for some reason, this series didn't scream follow me with another episode. I'll give it another go at a later time.

I think it's one where the characters really have to connect with you for it to work - if you don't connect with any of the characters, that makes it much harder.

karen0586
11-19-2008, 12:02 PM
I think I've seen some episodes that go with this second disc and it really was entertaining. Still, for some reason, this series didn't scream follow me with another episode. I'll give it another go at a later time.

I think it's one where the characters really have to connect with you for it to work - if you don't connect with any of the characters, that makes it much harder.
Yeah, I think that's what happened to me. OH well. Like I said, I'll try it again later and hopefully I'll be able to get into it.

DeadlyMessiah
11-19-2008, 12:11 PM
Video is a C? How? Did it really take a nose dive from Volume 1, as the video in V1 was top notch.

karen0586
11-19-2008, 12:17 PM
Video is a C? How? Did it really take a nose dive from Volume 1, as the video in V1 was top notch.
I hadn't even noticed that.

dragoon
11-19-2008, 12:37 PM
Video is a C? How? Did it really take a nose dive from Volume 1, as the video in V1 was top notch.

Dani gave V1 a C- also, so there is no discrepancy there.

Chris however did give it an A... different reviewers, different viewing setups, different personal opinions and points of view.

braves
11-19-2008, 12:38 PM
Video is a C? How? Did it really take a nose dive from Volume 1, as the video in V1 was top notch.

Judging from the review, it got a C mostly because of the authoring issues.

The Pirate Queen
11-19-2008, 01:22 PM
Video is a C? How? Did it really take a nose dive from Volume 1, as the video in V1 was top notch.

Judging from the review, it got a C mostly because of the authoring issues.

When it takes me weeks/months to be able to even watch the disc to review, it's not going to get a glowing endorsement in the video department. To say the least. I don't want to think about the time I spent just trying to watch this.

braves
11-19-2008, 02:08 PM
When it takes me weeks/months to be able to even watch the disc to review, it's not going to get a glowing endorsement in the video department. To say the least. I don't want to think about the time I spent just trying to watch this.

I completely understand, though I was just pointing that out because some people missed out on that part of the review. Frankly, I would given it a lower rating just because of the authoring issues. But I'm not writing reviews for AoD, so I take out my frustration by simply not giving Bandai a penny for this release. ;)