[US DVD] Gakuen Alice Complete Series

[Chris Beveridge]

Review by Chris Beveridge

Mania Grade: B+
* Audio Rating: B
* Video Rating: A-
* Packaging Rating: B+
* Menus Rating: B+
* Extras Rating: B-
* Age Rating: 13 and Up
* Region: 1 - North America
* Released By: Nozomi Entertainment
* MSRP: 49.98
* Running time: 650
* Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
* Disc Resolution: 480i/p
* Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
* Series: Gakuen Alice

In Summary:
Gakuen Alice is one of those shows that when you watch it in marathon form you don’t get bored by it. It does have a few stretches that go on a bit too long, notably the festival segment, but they bring in enough good material that it works out well. The show is a little choppy at first as it tries to do a lot quickly, owing to its manga origins more than likely, but once it gets rolling there’s a lot to like. A few little mysteries, plenty of progress forward and some solid character growth and changes. Mikan from start to finish is a different person and one who realizes what she needs to do in order to survive in the world. This isn’t a top of the line series, but it’s a magically charming little show that made me smile quite a lot and was wonderful to take in. It’s a show, as noted, that I’d love to see them flash forward quite a few years as well as get a second and third season to tell more tales of as they graduate to new grades.

[WTK]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I purchased this boxset. In the end I found the series very entertaining to watch. It's just a cute, fun, and innocent series to watch. I'm really glad that TRSI / Nozomi decided to license this series.

[michaelthesecond]

Thanks for the great review, as always.

I am confused about one thing though...

Under the Packaging category, it says:
"There are no reverse side covers or show related inserts included."

Then, under the Extras category:
"The main extra of merit is the liner notes provided with each volume."

Are there actually inserts included in each thinpak case?

Thanks for the clarification.

[HitokiriShadow]

Originally Posted by michaelthesecond

Thanks for the great review, as always.

I am confused about one thing though...

Under the Packaging category, it says:
"There are no reverse side covers or show related inserts included."

Then, under the Extras category:
"The main extra of merit is the liner notes provided with each volume."

Are there actually inserts included in each thinpak case?

Thanks for the clarification.

The translation notes are on-disc extras.

[Keiti]

I bought this title without really knowing anything about the series (I just tend to buy anything TRSI/Nozomi produces out of support for them) and was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was. A good mix of fluff and substance that never had me feeling lost. It's a series I can see rewatching, easily. I ended up picking up the manga because of this, and I agree another season or two of expanding the characters' lives would be nice. Overall, very enjoyable.

Random thought - Hotoru sort of reminded me of a twisted Tomoya from Cardcaptor Sakura.

[michaelthesecond]

Originally Posted by HitokiriShadow

The translation notes are on-disc extras.

Gracias! Now I know what's meant by "liner" notes...

[Damius]

Nice review for the series! I want to see it even more now.