[Digital] Shangri-La Ep. #16

[Mark T.]

Review (http://www.mania.com/shangrila-episode-16_article_116642.html)

Mania Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13 and Up
Region: All Region DVD
Released By: Crunchyroll
Running time: 25
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen
Disc Resolution: 480i/p
Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
Series: Shangri-La (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/../shangrila_series_12291.html)

In Summary:
After two action packed episodes, Shangri-La has followed it with two slower, exposition episodes. These episodes are not bad, but Shangri-La is much better when they let the story escalate. As we get closer to the finale, I expect it will pick up again. All I have to say is that the conclusion to Ryoko’s storyline better match the hatred for her they have helped me build. Recommended.

[DangerMouseDM]

When I watched Last Exile (also by Gonzo and Range Murata), I hated Maestro Delphine with a passion, and it made her ultimate death all the more satisfying. I am pining for a similar end to Lady Ryoko, and I just hope it lives up to what I want to see happen. That is a mark of good writing.

All I have to say is that the conclusion to Ryoko’s storyline better match the hatred for her they have helped me build.

I've totally been thinking the same thing when it comes to Ryoko/Delphine, they've got so much potential to pull off something that sharp for the second time. I really hope they can do it because that memorable villain and ultimate demise combined with the amazing fast paced second half of Last Exile, that also continuously gave real payoff to all the build up and mysteries of the first half, was one of the features that really cemented that show as a lasting series that made it's mark in my library of shows (it's easily one of my favorite series) and Shangri-La has all the makings of having the chance of doing the same judging from how wonderful the second half has started off even with this little exposition break and how great and hated a villain they've created so far.

Totally agree, when thinking of it's strengths and flaws the show does seem to be easily at it's best when things are escalating and it shows off it's large scale feel and it's fantastic tendency to keep things moving at a quick pace as well as it's best feature of almost always having something interesting happening somewhere within it's large varied cast. Also notably the relatively unique simultaneous progression of events in various locations with various collections of those memorable characters, which really makes the series feel very active in my opinion.

[Mark T.]

When I watched Last Exile (also by Gonzo and Range Murata), I hated Maestro Delphine with a passion, and it made her ultimate death all the more satisfying. I am pining for a similar end to Lady Ryoko, and I just hope it lives up to what I want to see happen. That is a mark of good writing.

All I have to say is that the conclusion to Ryoko’s storyline better match the hatred for her they have helped me build.

I've totally been thinking the same thing when it comes to Ryoko/Delphine, they've got so much potential to pull off something that sharp for the second time. I really hope they can do it because that memorable villain and ultimate demise combined with the amazing fast paced second half of Last Exile, that also continuously gave real payoff to all the build up and mysteries of the first half, was one of the features that really cemented that show as a lasting series that made it's mark in my library of shows (it's easily one of my favorite series) and Shangri-La has all the makings of having the chance of doing the same judging from how wonderful the second half has started off even with this little exposition break and how great and hated a villain they've created so far.

Totally agree, when thinking of it's strengths and flaws the show does seem to be easily at it's best when things are escalating and it shows off it's large scale feel and it's fantastic tendency to keep things moving at a quick pace as well as it's best feature of almost always having something interesting happening somewhere within it's large varied cast. Also notably the relatively unique simultaneous progression of events in various locations with various collections of those memorable characters, which really makes the series feel very active in my opinion.

I wanted to really like Last Exile. Actually, for the most part, I did. But I could have cared less for the search for Exile. The rest was great, but I had no interest in the "legendary ship."

But thanks for the feedback! What made Delphine's death so great wasn't so much the fact that it happened, but the way that it did. I can only hope that Ryoko's hits the same crescendo. Another mark of good writing is that I don't want to have to wait another eight episodes to get to it!

[DangerMouseDM]

But thanks for the feedback! What made Delphine's death so great wasn't so much the fact that it happened, but the way that it did.

Agreed, that was what made it utterly fantastic.