AoD Review: Blassreiter Episode 1

[Chris Beveridge]

Review


Blassreiter Episode 01 (of 24)
Released By: BOST TV
MSRP: 1.99
Running time: 24 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen
Resolution: 480i/p or less (mixed/unknown)
Encoded With: MPEG-2
Release Date: 04/05/2008
Review Date: 04/09/2008
Date Announced: N/A
Region: Digital Distribution
Reviewed By: Chris Beveridge

In Summary:
The first episode of Blassreiter is pretty much a by the numbers piece that introduces us to the real world with a slight “quirk” to it. What’s appealing to me is that once again Gonzo has gone with somewhat older characters as the leads. But beyond that the show really doesn’t have anything that stands out as unique with a strong hook to make you come back for more. A secret-ish organization that’s fighting some kind of creature that’s causing trouble for no apparent reason yet is something that you can find pretty much every season that new shows come out, often across multiple shows. Whether Gonzo has something up their sleeves or not remains to be seen but for a first episode this is rather mediocre.

[Fencedude]

I'm much more interested in you opinion of Druaga, actually.

[Chris Beveridge]

Originally Posted by Fencedude

I'm much more interested in you opinion of Druaga, actually.

Gonna try for that one tomorrow night. still trying to figure out the best way to go through these with my schedule.

[lorddream]

Gerd was an interesting enough character that I want to see at least another episode or two, but I agree that Blassreiter looked pretty mediocre.

[pi8you]

Pretty much matches my opinion of things so far, but the CG does seem to be higher up on their quality scale(relatively speaking).

If you're going to be going with one of the pay options though, I would recommend the Crunchyroll Xvid download over BOST's streaming/portables download, seems to be the best quality of the bunch, plus its a permanent buy with no DRM instead of any sort of streaming/rental period to deal with. Or maybe rotate options and list what you're going with for a bit of comparison from episode to episode?

[maehara]

Originally Posted by Fencedude

I'm much more interested in you opinion of Druaga, actually.

Watched it the other day myself. If short: WTF?! Seems to be along the same lines as Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's first broadcast ep, where it really wasn't anything to do with the main story, so I'm holding judgement until I've seen episode 2...

If Gonzo are genuinely looking to test the water with how digital distribution could work for them, though, they could have chosen some better shows to try it out with...

[gryffinseye]

Originally Posted by maehara

Watched it the other day myself. If short: WTF?! Seems to be along the same lines as Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's first broadcast ep, where it really wasn't anything to do with the main story, so I'm holding judgement until I've seen episode 2...

If Gonzo are genuinely looking to test the water with how digital distribution could work for them, though, they could have chosen some better shows to try it out with...

That's the question that suddenly ran through my head after reading this - are they genuinely looking for a favourable result, or are they just going through the motions so the industry can say, "We told you it wouldn't work".

I can't pass comment on either show yet, as I have yet to watch them, but the reviews so far aren't encouraging.

[Draneor]

Originally Posted by gryffinseye

That's the question that suddenly ran through my head after reading this - are they genuinely looking for a favourable result, or are they just going through the motions so the industry can say, "We told you it wouldn't work".

Yes, but this is Gonzo. They're not exactly known for high quality (online, that is). I doubt Gonzo is in cahoots with KyoAni, Xebec, J.C. Staff, Shaft, and Madhouse to try to prove digital distribution will never work. No, I suspect of the three? shows they are doing this season, they went with the two they had sole control over. For that, I give them credit since they at least tried. In any case, this kind of show might appeal to teenagers more, I guess.

Oh, and is the link bad for anyone else? For me, it seems the http part was included twice, and I keep getting directed to wikipedia (that part, I assume is a browser issue).

[Mafty Allegro]

It wasn't the greatest thing in the world, but the first episode wasn't half bad. The whole beginning segment was really confusing, as they went into full-out action mode with little comprehension of what in the world was going on. Gerd's part in the episode was interesting, as they did a good job in showing him in his slump and how those close to him reacted to his situation. It went a little too quickly, but it still played out well and it ultimately held things up to prevent the show from becoming totally mediocre. The CGI moved oddly at times, but that flaw actually helped accentuate the creepy nature of the Demoniacs (Get it? Demons...Maniacs? Har, har, har...) and the brazen style of the fight scenes. Since Gerd isn't even the main character, it makes me wonder what role he will have in the show, especially since they dedicated the premiere to him and made him such a sympathetic figure.


On a side note, the nude woman in the beginning really threw me for a loop. I suppose that, and the tenticle scene in DRUAGA, might have answered my question as to whether the online showings of the two anime series would be uncut...

[hikaru004]

I liked the first episode. It's only meant to be an introduction for Gerd and to set up the scenario for the program. It's definitely a darker title as expected from Nitro+.

Hopefully we'll get to see more Joseph in the next episode.