[US DVD] Red Garden: Complete Collection 2

[karmaslave]

Red Garden Complete Collection 2 review by Paul Gaudette

Content Rating: A
Audio Rating: B+
Video Rating: B
Packaging Rating: A
Menus Rating: B+
Extras Rating: C

In Summary:
The decision to split Red Garden into two boxsets was unfortunate since it takes so long for the series to get off the ground and eveolve into the entertaining spectacle that it eventually becomes. The slow pace in the first eight or nine episodes was already a major hurdle without forcing viewers to shell out more for a second set of episodes after it finally became interesting and delved into the fantastical mystery show promised at the outset. I have little to no issue with the content contained in this set though. The characters have become more believable, the action is more powerful and faster-paced and the story is enthralling. Fortunately, Funimation has just released a single boxset containing the entire series which is a better avenue for those interested in this dark fantasy tale which is slow to start but pays off big.

[dragoon]

Interesting to see your opinion from this and the first part, which you were fairly cool on with the C+ and I shared your exact views on with regards to Pt1. Since you enjoyed this half a lot more, hopefully I will as well - whenever I get to finish it. Good review.

Funimation went above and beyond in making the front cover darker and more arresting.

One thing though and not to split too many hairs, but didn't they just use ADV's Volume 6 cover?

[Damius]

Nice review, it makes me want to visit this series.

[karmaslave]

One thing though and not to split too many hairs, but didn't they just use ADV's Volume 6 cover?

Yes, and they did a masterful job copying it.

[pianocello]

Then a scene of genuinely stirring drama unfolded,

Might this have anything to do with yuri?

[karmaslave]

No, but if it did, I'd give myself a pat on the back for the flowery double entendre.

[Prede]

Originally Posted by dragoon

One thing though and not to split too many hairs, but didn't they just use ADV's Volume 6 cover?

Yup that is ADV's Volume 6, maybe with a little tweak or two, but it is most definitely ADV's work . Just like the dub which is also top notch btw .

Anyway nice review. I agree with you mostly, although I disagree with you saying it was too slow in the begining. Personally I never noticed that, and the only time I felt they really uped the pace was for the last few episodes, which was really needed for the epic climax and conclusion. Overall I really enjoyed this series, one of my newer favorites from Gonzo (much better then Pumpkin Scissors or Welcome to the NHK, although I enjoyed those). My favorite thing about this series is it's emphasis on it's realistic characters. Everything felt real to me. I also really enjoyed the stark contrast between daytime and night in NYC (and also how some of the places really exist in real life ), and the unique look Gonzo gave this series. This is a great horror/drama, well worth a watch.

[dragoon]

Originally Posted by Prede

My favorite thing about this series is it's emphasis on it's realistic characters. Everything felt real to me. I also really enjoyed the stark contrast between daytime and night in NYC (and also how some of the places really exist in real life ),

Definitely agree with you there. I think this may be my favorite aspect of the series.

[zidanetribal2000]

Originally Posted by Damius

Nice review, it makes me want to visit this series.

If you do I urge you to pick up the singles + artbox from Right Stuf. You can get Vol. 1 & Vol. 3-5 for $6.00/per volume and Vol. 2 + artbox & Vol. 6 for $9.00/per volume. The grand total comes out to $42 which is $12.49 cheaper than the Complete Collection and $32.98 cheaper than the two half sets.

But don't think too long because once they are out of Vol. 6 I doubt they will get more since it was a limited online only release. They have 115 copies as of right now of Vol. 6