Knight Hunters Vol. #5

By Alison Flathers     May 04, 2003
Release Date: October 29, 2002



The Review!
Audio:
This probably varies on other stereo systems, but on mine the audio was pretty clear. The sound effects and music did get a little choppy at times, though.

Video:
Like with the audio, this varies from television to television. On mine the video was pretty clear. Much better than the fourth DVD.

Packaging:
The DVD case is like all the others, dark and simple. This time it's a picture of Weiß, Schwarz, Aya-chan, and Sakura. I don't know why Media Blasters decided to use a nude (no details, of course) picture of Sakura, but the grade was lowed because of that.

Menus:
The menus are still the same from DVD #1. There is absolutely nothing to say here.

Extras:
I really don't care for these extras. The only worthwhile ones are the Japanese voice actors interviews. While not as humorous as the one on DVD #4, they're still pretty funny. (Of course, it's always funny when the interviewees start talking about booze.)

Content:
The final episodes of Weiß Kreuz (or Knight Hunters, if you perfer the dub name) are rather fast-paced. The first two episodes on the DVD deal with Schreient. Neu is hit by a car and seemingly develops amnesia. Yoji believes she's returned to being his long-lost partner Asuka; however, things aren't always what they seem. Later, Weiß learns of Schreient's plans to revive Masafumi Takatori, so they set out to stop the female assassin group and rescue Aya's comatose sister. Unfortunately, Schwarz interfers. Weiß is able to defeat Schreient, but now Schwarz has possession of Aya's sister.

Meanwhile, Sakura has let her hair grow long in hopes that Aya will notice her. Schuldig discovers this and decides to play with her feelings. He manipulates Sakura and tries to turn her against Weiß, but he is unsuccessful. Still, Schwarz feels that Sakura may prove useful later on, so they kidnap her.

Shortly afterwards, Weiß, upon learning of Essett's true goals and what they really want with Aya's sister, receives its final mission: to destory this evil organization. So the members of Weiß begin to perpare for their final showdown with Schwarz and Essett.

I enjoyed these last episodes. I especially liked the scenes with Nagi and Tot as well as the part with Aya and Sakura after the blotched summoning. The battle between Weiß and Schwarz was okay, but it would have been so much better if more effort was put into the animation. I also wished there was more explanation on Schwarz, even though I really didn't like them that much. They really needed an episode entirely to themselves. But even with these flaws and the plotholes, I was still pleased with the ending (a very open ending, by the way). All in all, a satisfactory ending to a decent anime series.

Review Equipment
27inch Apex flat screen televison and Magnavox MDV 430 DVD player