Darkside Blues

By: S.R. Granger
Review Date: Thursday, February 07, 2002
Release Date: Tuesday, October 26, 1999



The Review!
Darkside Blues is not easy to swallow. It's not clean nor nicely boxed for our anime consumption. Darkside Blues is a strange blend of the surreal and strange. Definitely not for everyone's palate, but like many exotic foods if you give Darkside Blues a chance it may end up being a solid favorite.

I have seen Darkside Blues before the DVD version came out a few times. My first viewing was quickly followed by a second as I felt I must have missed something. I did. So the second time I saw DSB I started to understand a little more. By the time the DVD version came out it was like an often repeated story very familiar to me. There are a lot of holes and unanswered questions. But that makes for a much more interesting story on repeated viewings in my opinion. In the end Darkside Blues may not be for everyone's taste but if you are open to something new, a little dark, and not the least bit confusing then Darkside Blues is a good disc.

Story aside I was disappointed with the DVD. The packaging was nothing exciting if not standard. The audio was good. I like the improved English soundtrack on the music by the old man. Nice touch. The video was disappointing though. The color in parts looked slightly more washed out than the VHS release. Maybe I'm jaded after the beauty of Lain and Tenchi, but it just wasn't that great.

You may or may not like Darkside Blues the first time you see it. But it grew on me and it might just do the same for you. I guess only time will tell.

Review Equipment
Toshiba 3109, old Pioneer 19" TV, and Philips stereo system