DVD Review: Gantz Complete Collection (2008)

[Chris Beveridge]

http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/43238_large.jpg


Review by Paul Gaudette (http://www.mania.com/gantz-complete-series-collection-thinpak_article_80492.html)

Mania Grade: A+
Audio Rating: A
Video Rating: A
Packaging Rating: A
Menus Rating: A
Extras Rating: A
Age Rating: 13 & Up
Region: 1 - North America
Released By: ADV Films
MSRP: 89.99
Running time: 650
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Disc Resolution: 480i/p (mixed/unknown)
Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
Series: Gantz

Summary:
Gantz is able to transcend some cliché sci-fi trappings and become the rare intelligent action show thanks to deep characterization and engaging relationships between the believably flawed characters. The series is tense and filled to the brim with violence and sexual content, but this “mature” title actually appeals to an older crowd for its psychologically complex presentation and social commentary. ADV’s boxset features great audio and video and a ton of extras. It’s also a great price point to pick up both seasons of this show. For those interested in the material, it doesn’t get much better than this.

[dragoon]

Nice review and a reviewer who likes it more than I do. ;) It's been a while since I saw this series (Pay-Per-Viewed this title back in the day on Anime Network as it was coming out in R1.) and I hope to get the set sooner than later.

Definitely one of the rare (in more recent times) great Gonzo titles. I especially agree with the review about the excitement factor, especially about the cliffhangers -- In this regard it might be my favorite other than Death Note.

Since flaws were talked about in the review, especially in relation to the beginning, interesting that the reviewer made no mention of the ending -- as most people tend to be soured by its ultimate conclusion. Then again if memory serves those weren't discussed much in the previous reviews anyway, so not a big deal or anything.

Excellent series, regardless of its flaws or trappings. It's a must see/have series as far as I'm concerned.

[karen0586]

I have the singles for this series but I've yet to get over the seventh single. For some reason I've been stuck there since I bought it around two years ago.

[Vicserr]

Well, this is a good series, evocative of the 80's in it's use of ultra violence and sexuality, specialy on the 2nd half (where the series was broadcasted on a satelite network and they went all out on it) and Ichiro Itano (SDF Macross, Megazone 23 Part 2) direction is relatively well done.:knowitall:

I have the singles for this series but I've yet to get over the seventh single. For some reason I've been stuck there since I bought it around two years ago.

Ohh Yeah, disc 7!!! :nosebleed:

[karen0586]

Well, this is a good series, evocative of the 80's in it's use of ultra violence and sexuality, specialy on the 2nd half (where the series was broadcasted on a satelite network and they went all out on it) and Ichiro Itano (SDF Macross, Megazone 23 Part 2) direction is relatively well done.:knowitall:

I have the singles for this series but I've yet to get over the seventh single. For some reason I've been stuck there since I bought it around two years ago.

Ohh Yeah, disc 7!!! :nosebleed:
Right. I know what's on disc 7. That I watched but for some reason after finishing up that disc, I can't get myself to get the eight volume on the player.

[Vicserr]

Well, this is a good series, evocative of the 80's in it's use of ultra violence and sexuality, specialy on the 2nd half (where the series was broadcasted on a satelite network and they went all out on it) and Ichiro Itano (SDF Macross, Megazone 23 Part 2) direction is relatively well done.:knowitall:

I have the singles for this series but I've yet to get over the seventh single. For some reason I've been stuck there since I bought it around two years ago.

Ohh Yeah, disc 7!!! :nosebleed:
Right. I know what's on disc 7. That I watched but for some reason after finishing up that disc, I can't get myself to get the eight volume on the player.

The Temple Battle arc was pretty action packed and intense, the Hunt for Kei arc was a little weak but brings relative closure to the series, I wish they would animate more of the manga.

[dragoon]

I wish they would animate more of the manga.

Seconded.

[ooga]

become the rare intelligent action show

When I think of Gantz, the word intelligent does not normally come to mind. The characters are some of the dumbest this side of School Rumble. Just shoot the friggin alien damit! :beat:

[Daimao Raki]

I wish they would animate more of the manga.

Seconded.Oh I would love that myself.

[karmaslave]

become the rare intelligent action show

When I think of Gantz, the word intelligent does not normally come to mind. The characters are some of the dumbest this side of School Rumble. Just shoot the friggin alien damit! :beat:

I said the show was intelligent, not necessarily all the characters. ;)



"Nice review and a reviewer who likes it more than I do."

Thanks for the comments and the kind words, dragoon.

[WTK]

I watched this series earlier this year. I knew is was going to by violent and offer plenty of sexuality. After seeing I still think it's entertaining enough for the most part.

[zidanetribal2000]

I was shocked that this collection retained extars. I had this on pre-order due to the fact it was cheaper for me to get versus the "Perfect Score" collection that came out earlier in the year. I was use to ADV stripping the thinpaks but when I saw the extras they had I was blown away. Something tells me they just used the discs from the "Perfect Score" collection.

[WTK]

I was shocked that this collection retained extars. I had this on pre-order due to the fact it was cheaper for me to get versus the "Perfect Score" collection that came out earlier in the year. I was use to ADV stripping the thinpaks but when I saw the extras they had I was blown away. Something tells me they just used the discs from the "Perfect Score" collection.
This re-release contains 5-discs. That would suggest that they would re-use the discs from the Perfect Score Collection.

[russ869]

It's especially unexpected because ADV seemed to have A LOT of extras for this show.

[karen0586]

It's especially unexpected because ADV seemed to have A LOT of extras for this show.
They did? Goodness, I have to look at those singles I have and see if I can finally get through the whole thing :sd:.

[Daimao Raki]

Even ADV's season 1 and two sets have the extras intact,

[Glorian]

Even ADV's season 1 and two sets have the extras intact,

Yeah, this is actually a case where I would be surprised if the extras weren't present. Since an extra-less version of these discs was never made, ADV would have to spend money to re-author the discs (which I don't see them doing in their current condition).

[kakugo]

In the case of the various thinpacks, they almost seemed like a concession to the number of consumers who didn't want to hog 10 discs for a 26 episode series (and who can blame them?). I still bought the singles, but if I could exchange them at no cost for the newest thinpack, I probably would just to get some shelf space back. :sd:

Nice review. I think the show has some flaws deeply rooted in its' strict adherence to the source material, but I think that overall Itano Ichirou managed to spin the theme of people's destructive selfishness - rather than the manga's focus on stupidity - to create a chain of events that are as poignant as they are exciting. Yes, the Sci-Fi aspect it just window dressing, but I don't think all of the opportunities are wasted. Gantz himself is an especially unflattering portrayal of modern internet horrors, a l33t talking and wise cracking sadist who seemingly picks totally imperfect players for his savage game strictly - as it were - for the lulz. The final few epiosodes also come full circle with former Itano projects like Angel Cop, once more wallowing in hilariously seething hatred towards American imperialism and paranoia toward your fellow man. Gantz isn't a perfect show, but it's a damn good one and far more worthy of reflection than its' initial impact of blood, boobs and morons would suggest.

[karmaslave]

Thanks for the comment, kakugo, and some good points there.

Yeah, I'd hate to think what would happen if "l33t_haXor_83901" were given free reign to mess with others' lives. ;)

[mike.motaku]

Total noob coming into this show. (a sale price of about $40 was too sweet to pass up).


Going back through some of the reviews and comments from the original release it sounds like a lot of people that have seen this envision themselves as some sort of master assassin/CIA agent/Navy SEAL who when faced with anything like a similar situation in the real world would have no problems "dealing". Let me be among the many to cry bull's hit on that. Freshly-remembered trauma of violent death + mysterious orb giving out weird weapons + brutally lethal alien hunt? Yeah. That seems like just the thing I could've handled with aplomb in high school.

I'm finding it a pretty compelling viewing experience and fairly realistic and accurate depiction of exactly how well real people would act in bizarre and unique circumstances well outside of their previous life experience.

After finishing this off I'm definitely going to be ready for the sweet balm of Nanoha.

[Torriate]

So is the the thinpak?

[karmaslave]

So is the the thinpak?

Sure is, and it's the best price point for the entire series.

[JINROH]

I wish they would animate more of the manga.

Seconded.


Agreed,Given how well its sold,I am surprised that has not happened as yet.
There is easily enough material for a few more 26 episode seasons.

[Daimao Raki]

I wish they would animate more of the manga.

Seconded.


Agreed,Given how well its sold,I am surprised that has not happened as yet.
There is easily enough material for a few more 26 episode seasons.
Gonzo needs to get on it.

[kakugo]

Sadly, Berserk being a staple in the American anime fans' diet never led to a second season. I wouldn't doubt that Ooku and/or Ichirou would be willing to animate more, but short of an American studio being willing to literally fund the whole project out of pocket - and SentADVi sure as hell can't right now - it becomes a question of how interested Japan is in the property.

Gantz is (sadly) the kind of show that appeals to a foreign audience much more than a Japanese audience, so without guaranteed Japanese support there just isn't a reason for Gonzo to bother making more of it. Gonzo reports that only a fraction of their income is from international sales, and if catering to an American audience directly was worth more than catering to Japanese tastes, we'd see them doing more projects like G.I. Joe and less like Strike Witches. Lets' also not forget that Gonzo is in rough shape (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-28/gdh-asks-50-employees-to-voluntarily-retire) these days...

Still, should there ever be more Gantz anime, I'd be up for it. :noodle:

[russ869]

I'd definitely be up for it too, but I think I'd rather see it animated by anyone BUT Gonzo. As much as I loved this series when I first saw it, after becoming completely addicted to the manga I have to say that Gonzo's adaptation doesn't impress as much as I once thought it did.

I'd say if there's any property that deserves a special OVA treatment (Hellsing-style), it's GANTZ.

[The Pirate Queen]

I'm finding it a pretty compelling viewing experience and fairly realistic and accurate depiction of exactly how well real people would act in bizarre and unique circumstances well outside of their previous life experience.



Totally agree. It's really interesting as a psychological analysis of how real people - not idealized fictional characters - might react when put in a high-stress, lethal situation, which is what makes it watchable for me.

[JINROH]

I'd definitely be up for it too, but I think I'd rather see it animated by anyone BUT Gonzo. As much as I loved this series when I first saw it, after becoming completely addicted to the manga I have to say that Gonzo's adaptation doesn't impress as much as I once thought it did.

I'd say if there's any property that deserves a special OVA treatment (Hellsing-style), it's GANTZ.


I'd like to see Madhouse or Bones pick up this up,and maybe do a shorter OVA series ? Idf it had to be a studio other then Gonzo (Who I btw,really
like)

I actually really liked what Gonzo did with the manga,and I
triple dipped to show my support.

I think we're lucky we got 26 episodes really ! In todays financial climate we'd be lucky to see this go beyond 12 episodes I think. :(

[kakugo]

Totally agree. It's really interesting as a psychological analysis of how real people - not idealized fictional characters - might react when put in a high-stress, lethal situation, which is what makes it watchable for me.

Would real delinquent bike punks, when handed destructive weapons and told to go crazy on an alien threat, just say "screw shooting at irritating robots I could peg from up here for fun, let's go eat ramen"?

Like I said. It's a good show, but it has some deeply rooted flaws in the source material.