Cheapest Elfen Lied DVD (that i found)

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Apossum

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Not sure if there are any fans of this series here, but they are starting to release it on DVD here in the states. So most places on-line have it for $30, but amazon.com has the first disc with a box for the rest of Vol. 1 for 27.99 plus free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...1/102-7678386-2086505?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846

and if you've never seen this series and have some disposable income, go for it!

elfen.jpg
 
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Sweet...didn't even think to check there! thanks whiterob.
 
So, any idea if they cut parts or if they left the whole story including gore intact?

I've seen the whole series in japanese and in 4:3 format, I would love to see it again in 16:9, however I'm affraid that some parts will be censored (you know how censor happy they are in the US).

The JPN dvd's are uncensored, whereas the JPN tv broadcast on sat was a little censored.

I don't want to buy the DVD then realize I got jipped and should have imported the JPN DVD ;)


This makes me think of the US Full Metal Alchemist, I think the english voices + the ripped OP and ED take away alot (I hate how they voiced Winry and Al with US voices). Or maybe because I saw the series in japanese and got used to that.
 
[quote name='darkje']So, any idea if they cut parts or if they left the whole story including gore intact?[/QUOTE]

They leave Anime dvds UNCUT.
 
OK well most of the times they use the Jap Tv from what I have heard. Yes the yare uncut compared to what you can see on tv but as the guidelines are different in japan (ie Nude, and blood). The Jap dvd are alot of $$ I think about 60 each and only about 1 - 3 eps each compare to the 25 for 4-6 eps here. Well back to the question they might be uncut but the japanese dvd maybe have something extra ie another ending or interview. Girl Bravo comes to mind as I am sure they will be using the ones that were shown on TV as I heard the jap dvd have a lot of nude spots(hehehe). Sorry for the long reply but hope it helps. If you can get the money its nice to have the jap dvd and they may or may not have english subs.The other thing is watch out for HK dvds are they are "import" but the dvds suks (the ones that are not US rips which is wrong) and really is not supporting the anime cause hehe. Sorry again for the long reply. Seems like DDD is the best place to buy it. For me I just get boxsets. Also if I am wrong please tell me.

darkje is the series good as I have not heard much about it but its seems kinda like a cute girl horror thing.
 
This anime wholeheartedly gets my seal of approval, for those looking for second opinions. I'll definitely be picking it up on DVD. I would say it's even worthy of a blind buy, if you're into anime and even remotely think it might be of your liking.
 
I asked a few questions and got a few answers at the Animesuki forum.
In case any Elfen fans don't know yet, there's also an OVA coming out...

1. Will the US version be censored? I noticed someone said the japanese version is actually more violent then the aired version.

2. Will the Extra Episode/OVA be included with the DVDs at some point?

3. How many seperate discs is it and will they come out with a "special boxed edition" with all the episodes and extra stuff later?
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1. No. The R1 DVDs will be fully uncut, which also means that they're in anamorphic widescreen.

2. This is uncertain. One would presume that ADV also licensed the OVA, since they pre-licensed the series (and IIRC they also co-funded it, but I may be thinking of something else). An ADV rep at Anime on DVD stated that the episode breakdown has yet to be determined--which could mean that they don't have the OVA and don't want to admit it, or that they're not yet sure whether to put it at the end of the show or insert it in the series chronologically.

3. Elfen Lied will be a 4-disc release. The first volume comes with an optional chipboard artbox (sturdy, like the Full Metal Panic and Noir boxes, not flimsy like the Kino's Journey or DNAngel boxes). You can see the R1 cover & box artwork here and here.

If there is going to be a box set, you'll have to wait a loooong time for it. Probably at least two years.
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Hmmm seems like its going to be a nice buy. Thanks for the info on the boxset thing. I going to get the dvds I guess. I so mad I missed the ADV sale. I WANT NADESICO FOR TEN DOLLARS. I going to go cry in the corner now hoping something will pop up before i have to buy it off ebay. Again thanks and I surprize there are alot of anime fans here. O well its nice to see anime and game fans here.
 
Well I guess I'll be the guy who has to rain on the parade...they guy who just comes out and says he thinks the series is average at best. My first question was why is the title in German? But seriously I thought this series was a lame excuse to insert all kinds of needless violence, gore and repetitve nudity. Granted I didn't have the real desire to finish watching the series but I think I didn't need to. It's kind of a shame too, beneth all the crap is an interesting series with beautiful animation. The cahracters are interesting as is the story but as a whole it's pretty rediulous. The lame attempts of humor can't detract from the blood and gore and just seem outright awkward. I'd much prefer they just make everything serious than having what are seemingly unfunny little attempts at comic relief. The soundtrack also leaved much to be desired IMO. I dunno maybe I should watch the whole series before passing judgement, but I found it disinteresting, a bland attempt to show how the creators can create something containing lots of gore and nudity but created somehting with no real payoff or theme behind it all. Also, for something that claims itself in the horror genre it's not too scary or even really horrifying unless gore disturbs you that much.
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']Well I guess I'll be the guy who has to rain on the parade...they guy who just comes out and says he thinks the series is average at best. My first question was why is the title in German? But seriously I thought this series was a lame excuse to insert all kinds of needless violence, gore and repetitve nudity. Granted I didn't have the real desire to finish watching the series but I think I didn't need to. It's kind of a shame too, beneth all the crap is an interesting series with beautiful animation. The cahracters are interesting as is the story but as a whole it's pretty rediulous. The lame attempts of humor can't detract from the blood and gore and just seem outright awkward. I'd much prefer they just make everything serious than having what are seemingly unfunny little attempts at comic relief. The soundtrack also leaved much to be desired IMO. I dunno maybe I should watch the whole series before passing judgement, but I found it disinteresting, a bland attempt to show how the creators can create something containing lots of gore and nudity but created somehting with no real payoff or theme behind it all. Also, for something that claims itself in the horror genre it's not too scary or even really horrifying unless gore disturbs you that much.[/QUOTE]

well, there's a lot of truth in humor and I look for that truth in seriously messed up stories like this one. In Elfen Lied (don't know why it's in German, i think it's the name of an opera) I think the humor is juxtaposed with the extremely serious nature of the story(which was probably what made it feel awkward) and in that context, I felt it was pretty funny. There's a lot of cutesy and strange humor in anime that just makes me wanna hit plushies with a baseball bat, but for some reason, the stuff in this story got me. it was awkward, i'll give ya that but that's why I found it funny.
Juxtaposition is a huge part of the story-- inherent evil and total innocence, the process of growing up magnified, dissected and turned into an action packed and twisted story. I haven't watched the whole series in a few months, so I can't comment extensively on the theme(or themes.)

Maybe it's not for you, but I'd encourage ya to give it another try.
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']Well I guess I'll be the guy who has to rain on the parade...they guy who just comes out and says he thinks the series is average at best. My first question was why is the title in German? But seriously I thought this series was a lame excuse to insert all kinds of needless violence, gore and repetitve nudity. Granted I didn't have the real desire to finish watching the series but I think I didn't need to. It's kind of a shame too, beneth all the crap is an interesting series with beautiful animation. The cahracters are interesting as is the story but as a whole it's pretty rediulous. The lame attempts of humor can't detract from the blood and gore and just seem outright awkward. I'd much prefer they just make everything serious than having what are seemingly unfunny little attempts at comic relief. The soundtrack also leaved much to be desired IMO. I dunno maybe I should watch the whole series before passing judgement, but I found it disinteresting, a bland attempt to show how the creators can create something containing lots of gore and nudity but created somehting with no real payoff or theme behind it all. Also, for something that claims itself in the horror genre it's not too scary or even really horrifying unless gore disturbs you that much.[/QUOTE]

I completely agree with most of your points. The show was mediocre at best. I encourage everyone to go out and invest in one of the better newer releases, like R.O.D The TV, Princess Tutu, or Fullmetal Alchemist (though Fullmetal won't really hit its stride until disc 4 or so).
 
Well I'm glad someone agrees I was beginning to feel like an anime outcast for a bit. In the end I really just think it's not my kind of series. I watch a good number of anime series I don't like at least once but I see too many faults in it to see me liking it. But like most people on here are fans so are some of my friends and I'm sure one or two will be buying the DVDs so I'll likely see it again sometime.

As for the humor, it just seemed so out of place and to be honest just wasn't that funny to begin with. It was like "look I just grabbed that girls boob...isn't that hilarious?". That can be funny on occasion but in the context of this show it was like it was begging me to pay attention and laugh at it but just fell short.
 
I completely agree with Apossum, there is a need to look past the violence and issues and concentrate on the story. The violence is there as one part, while the total innocence is there as another part.

Mostly the fight between Lucy and Nyu is deeply inside of her, and Kouta is the onlyone who is able to relate to both of her sides.

That's why the story starts with the Kouta finding this mysterious girl on the beach, and then the story goes forward AND backward to find out why and how Kouta knows this girl.

I can understand this series isn't for everyone, the large amounts of bloody scenes are not understandable by American standards (This isn't meant in a bad way, it's just how it is with the FCC and censorship).

As suggested, Full Metal Alchemist is another great series, but the tone and situation of it is totally different (even though some scenes are bloody and cruel too). Just don't watch it on cartoon network with the english voices, they did a terrible job on Alphonse and Winry imho :(

Elfen lied has a german title and episode titles because next to English, German is another secondary language in Japan. The whole intro is actually based off a german artist (Gustav Klimt). I have no idea why the chorus is in latin though...

Here's some eye candy :

Lilium theme

Lucy
 
I encourage everyone to go out and invest in one of the better newer releases, like R.O.D The TV, Princess Tutu, or Fullmetal Alchemist
Click to expand...

WHOA! yeah, I can see where fans of those series' would not like Elfen Lied. Occasionally I'll watch R.O.D on CN at like 2 in the morning when my brain is half asleep, but those are the kinds of anime I don't like. Just too....cheesy, I guess is the word.

I like Elfen Lied better because it's a little more abstract and mature. It doesn't really follow a straight line and deals with deeper, darker stuff.
 
[quote name='darkje']As suggested, Full Metal Alchemist is another great series, but the tone and situation of it is totally different (even though some scenes are bloody and cruel too). Just don't watch it on cartoon network with the english voices, they did a terrible job on Alphonse and Winry imho :([/QUOTE]

I can't decide whether to be saddened by this statement because the dub really isn't as bad as some people make it out to be (it was a great deal rougher in the earlier episodes, a problem many dubs suffer from, but has since grown on me), or just because I'm friends with the dub director and a good portion of the voice cast. Eh, I'll go with both.
 
[quote name='darkje']
As suggested, Full Metal Alchemist is another great series, but the tone and situation of it is totally different (even though some scenes are bloody and cruel too). Just don't watch it on cartoon network with the english voices, they did a terrible job on Alphonse and Winry imho :(

[/QUOTE]

I dont really think the dub is bad at all. I really enjoy most of the dubs done by funimation. But then again I'm someone who didnt like the english dub of cowboy bebop.
 
[quote name='darkje']I completely agree with Apossum, there is a need to look past the violence and issues and concentrate on the story. The violence is there as one part, while the total innocence is there as another part.

Mostly the fight between Lucy and Nyu is deeply inside of her, and Kouta is the onlyone who is able to relate to both of her sides.

That's why the story starts with the Kouta finding this mysterious girl on the beach, and then the story goes forward AND backward to find out why and how Kouta knows this girl.

I can understand this series isn't for everyone, the large amounts of bloody scenes are not understandable by American standards (This isn't meant in a bad way, it's just how it is with the FCC and censorship).

As suggested, Full Metal Alchemist is another great series, but the tone and situation of it is totally different (even though some scenes are bloody and cruel too). Just don't watch it on cartoon network with the english voices, they did a terrible job on Alphonse and Winry imho :(

Elfen lied has a german title and episode titles because next to English, German is another secondary language in Japan. The whole intro is actually based off a german artist (Gustav Klimt). I have no idea why the chorus is in latin though...

Here's some eye candy :

Lilium theme

Lucy[/QUOTE]

See there in lies the kicker, I didn't get into the story because i think it was secondary to the violence and gore. I think there was something of substance there but if I have to sit through a bunch of crap that appears to be there for shock value (because you can easily tell the same without so much violence, hell its even been done before) I can't get into the story. I'm not against against violence but I think it has to tie back to the story or it all feels pointless. I felt like sometimes a character's death had no feeling or meaning behind and that's not a good thing unless the character is some nameless foot soldier. I found myself disinterested in the story because it seemed like the secondary objectiive of the show and IMO the constnat going back and forth makes it even harder for me to enjoy or maybe to a point even grasp the whole plot. Of course that is all just my opinion.

As for FMA and dubbing I niether love nor hate the voice work. I think some thing could've been better but I've also heard much, much worse. Series such as that are a good example of why I like Region 1 DVD releases (granted they aren't cut in any way) because typically I can listen to either cast I like better.
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']See there in lies the kicker, I didn't get into the story because i think it was secondary to the violence and gore. I think there was something of substance there but if I have to sit through a bunch of crap that appears to be there for shock value (because you can easily tell the same without so much violence, hell its even been done before) I can't get into the story. I'm not against against violence but I think it has to tie back to the story or it all feels pointless. I felt like sometimes a character's death had no feeling or meaning behind and that's not a good thing unless the character is some nameless foot soldier. I found myself disinterested in the story because it seemed like the secondary objectiive of the show and IMO the constnat going back and forth makes it even harder for me to enjoy or maybe to a point even grasp the whole plot. Of course that is all just my opinion.

As for FMA and dubbing I niether love nor hate the voice work. I think some thing could've been better but I've also heard much, much worse. Series such as that are a good example of why I like Region 1 DVD releases (granted they aren't cut in any way) because typically I can listen to either cast I like better.[/QUOTE]

Thats interesting that you saw it that way. I thought the violence had everything to do with the story. It wouldn't have the same effect if she just had a bad temper and yelled at people when she was in "lucy mode" :p
 
[quote name='darkje']
As suggested, Full Metal Alchemist is another great series, but the tone and situation of it is totally different (even though some scenes are bloody and cruel too). Just don't watch it on cartoon network with the english voices, they did a terrible job on Alphonse and Winry imho :(
[/QUOTE]

I like the english voices of FMA- Al especially. I thought it was a nice touch to get an actual kid to di his voice (Aaron Dismuke's what, 12 I think? And did I spell that name right?)

I like Roy Mustang's voice too... well, that's mostly becuase I met Travis Willingham at Sakura Con a couple weeks ago, and he was just a very fun, very cool guy. (If you ever go to a con he's at, stop at his panel, they're quite lively. :bouncy: )
 
Just a heads up, I went to bestbuy today on unrelated matters and actually saw the elfen lied box set laying around!

It was priced $25.99, but when I picked it up the CSR guy yelled, WE CANT SELL THAT YET.

Quite funny situation. If you can't wait for it to be shipped, bestbuy will have a great price imho.


Edit :

Oh yeah, and the second dvd is scheduled for 7-12
 
Thats funny that it was on the floor. You should've made a break for the door! :lol: jk. I wonder if BB will have it out this tuesday instead of the one after?
 
[quote name='The Successful Dropout']so would i have to read subtitles with this dvd? yeah, im stupid...cuz i dont know shit about anime[/QUOTE]

there dubbed on the dvd too
 
dubs are usually really bad. I can think of one series I like the dubs for and that's cowboy bebop.
 
[quote name='Apossum']dubs are usually really bad. I can think of one series I like the dubs for and that's cowboy bebop.[/QUOTE]

Newer dubs aren't nearly as awful as whiners make them out to be. I can think of a whole bunch of great dubs. Maybe you're just not watching the right stuff.
 
[quote name='The Successful Dropout']so how are thes dubs on this?[/QUOTE]

I've not heard any definitive word on the quality of the Elfen Lied dub yet, but since it's ADV, chances are it will be above average. However, you said that you don't know much about anime, correct? Don't start with this. This is not an "initiation show", by any means.
 
[quote name='Kirin Lemon']I've not heard any definitive word on the quality of the Elfen Lied dub yet, but since it's ADV, chances are it will be above average. However, you said that you don't know much about anime, correct? Don't start with this. This is not an "initiation show", by any means.[/QUOTE]


well, that really depends. I think it's a great place to start. It's only 13 episodes and it's very entertaining.

Basically, Dropout--
if you like:

--a good, non-linear story
--interesting characters and character dynamics
--awesome fight scenes

then this is a good place to start.


1 more week! wewt.
 
[quote name='Kirin Lemon']Newer dubs aren't nearly as awful as whiners make them out to be. I can think of a whole bunch of great dubs. Maybe you're just not watching the right stuff.[/QUOTE]

Naw, I usually don't flip on the dubs in the first place. I just go by what I've heard, most of it I havent liked so far. I'm most definitely a whiner :)
 
I prefer listening to the Japanese myself just sounds better. But sometmes I put on the dub and subs at the same time to see how closely they followed the original script. But often I find they dumb down the dialogue a bit with the dubs. It's better then it used to be in the past but still far from perfect.
 
[quote name='Apossum']well, that really depends. I think it's a great place to start. It's only 13 episodes and it's very entertaining.

Basically, Dropout--
if you like:

--a good, non-linear story
--interesting characters and character dynamics
--awesome fight scenes

then this is a good place to start.[/QUOTE]
The fact remains that this show is for a very niche audience, and not something with mass appeal. I'm not saying this because I don't care for the show, but because it's important that a person gets a feel for what they like in an anime before making a purchase. Different strokes for different folks, y'know? For somebody that's unfamiliar to anime, a more appropriate show would be Cowboy Bebop or R.O.D The TV. I've seen Bebop so bloody much that it doesn't have the same appeal to me that it used to, but I still think it's a great show for beginners.

[quote name='Apossum']Naw, I usually don't flip on the dubs in the first place. I just go by what I've heard, most of it I havent liked so far.[/QUOTE]
Then doesn't that qualify as making a somewhat uninformed generalization about dubs? I love to compare the two, and while I'll agree that I ususally prefer the Japanese language track, that doesn't make all dubs bad. Again, there are plenty of really great dubs out there.

[quote name='Drahken']I prefer listening to the Japanese myself just sounds better. But sometmes I put on the dub and subs at the same time to see how closely they followed the original script. But often I find they dumb down the dialogue a bit with the dubs. It's better then it used to be in the past but still far from perfect.[/QUOTE]
It's less of a "dumbing down" and more of a re-writing of certain lines, actually. Studios do their best to match the dialogue to the lip-flaps in the dubbing process, and sometimes the most literal translation of a line won't lend itself well to the flaps. It's then the job of scriptwriters to make the line work while still retaining the meaning of what's being said. This doesn't apply to certain shows broadcast on cable TV, of course, but it holds true for almost all DVD releases.

I love discussing the dub industry! Whee!
 
Grabbed it at Best Buy today, 25.99 for the box, no probs at register, also grabbed please twins and also the Appleseed Limited edition 2 disc set at walmart for 18.88
 
Kirin sure does love to sweat R.O.D. the TV whenever the chance arises. :lol:

Frankly, I tire of everyone recommending Cowboy Bebop for someone's first anime. It's grown so cliché. I agree with Apossum in that Elfen Lied has the potential to be a great start for you, Trust. It just isn't the "safe" route. It would be like recommending something extreme like Ichi the Killer for someone's foray into Japanese films. Some weren't very fond of it, but many others loved it. Since I loved Elfen Lied, I'd like to say that chances are you will, too, but just keep in mind that it is a hit or miss series (obvious from this thread).
 
I'd Recomend Macross Plus as a first Anime. Don't need to see the original Series to enjoy it either. Although it does help apperciate it more.
 
The fact remains that this show is for a very niche audience, and not something with mass appeal. I'm not saying this because I don't care for the show, but because it's important that a person gets a feel for what they like in an anime before making a purchase. Different strokes for different folks, y'know? For somebody that's unfamiliar to anime, a more appropriate show would be Cowboy Bebop or R.O.D The TV. I've seen Bebop so bloody much that it doesn't have the same appeal to me that it used to, but I still think it's a great show for beginners.
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I don't really care what the guy decides to watch, I don't know his tastes-- but how can R.O.D. the TV, a show about 3 girls who have super powers that let them control..........paper........and are bodyguards for a writer be any less of a niche show then Elfen lied? :lol: I guess it's a bit easier to follow but the premise is just as weird. now Cowboy Bebop, I can agree with. hmmm, maybe Elfen Lied is a bit more ecclectic then I'm making it out to be...oh well.

Btw, do you know if the author girl in R.O.D. , not sure of her name, is voiced by the same person who voiced Shion in Xenosaga? sounds a lot like her.

Then doesn't that qualify as making a somewhat uninformed generalization about dubs? I love to compare the two, and while I'll agree that I ususally prefer the Japanese language track, that doesn't make all dubs bad. Again, there are plenty of really great dubs out there.
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Sord of. I'll admit I haven't watched every dub of every anime, but i've seen a decent amount through friends and on adult swim. I'm not saying all dubs are bad, they just usually rub me the wrong way for several different reasons. Usually because they're over-acted and it seems like some of it just doesn't translate well into english. Like Hellsing, for example, sounded ridiculous. Alucard was half a man :lol:
 
anyone pick this up yet? how is it? mines on the way from DDDVD
 
Just finished watching this series again. I forgot how powerful the ending is. It was just as fantastic as I remembered it, if not more so. Definitely pick this one up.
 
right on Javil-- btw, the OVA is up at Anime Suki. Not sure when it takes place in the timeline.
speaking of which, i gotta remember to hop on that torrent tomorrow.

Got my DVD + box today. Damn, even the box art is gory as hell :lol: The dubs are kinda bad..they aren't horribly off and the actual voices seem to fit, but it's just not right...like when Kouta screams at Nyu for breaking the sea shell, it just doesn't sound right. Other than that, I'm so glad to be watching this with crystal clear quality and 5.1!
 
[quote name='Apossum']right on Javil-- btw, the OVA is up at Anime Suki. Not sure when it takes place in the timeline.
speaking of which, i gotta remember to hop on that torrent tomorrow.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the heads up. I actually saw that the other day while looking up the series torrent for a friend, but forgot to go back for it. I'll start it up right now so I don't forget again. :)
 
[quote name='Apossum']Not sure when it takes place in the timeline.
speaking of which, i gotta remember to hop on that torrent tomorrow.[/QUOTE]Just finished watching this. It was pretty good. It takes place shortly after Nana moves in with the gang, and goes into how she ended up bonding with Lucy. It also goes into how Lucy was originally captured, which in itself was worth checking this OVA out for.
 
[quote name='Javil']Just finished watching this. It was pretty good. It takes place shortly after Nana moves in with the gang, and goes into how she ended up bonding with Lucy. It also goes into how Lucy was originally captured, which in itself was worth checking this OVA out for.[/QUOTE]


shit yeah! got it dl'ed, i'll have to check it soon..
 
The OVA can be seen as episode 10.5, it's an episode that goes into how Nyu and Nana become friends. My guess is they cut it because it doesn't fit into the overall harsher tone of the ending.

The OVA also explains why Lucy is so violent and cruel, compared to Nana who's also a diclonius but a nice person. Let's just say I can see how she got driven crazy. (this also explains why Lucy kills the clumsy girl in EP1).

I love the first US DVD by the way, excellent quality, great 5.1 sound (jpn and eng 5.1 even! When they said that the japanese track would be mono first).

The dubs are OK, I've just grown attached to Lucy's japanese voice actress that I didn't think the Nyu was too convincing in english. (funny thing is, she also voices Satsuki in Ichigo 100% TV and that's also such a cute character).

After watching the whole 4 episodes from the dvd, I rewatched the rest of the series that I have saved. The ending still hasn't lost it's punch after all these months, pretty much brought me to tears again and reminded me why I love this series so much.

You know what makes me mad though, ADV will not have the OVA on their last dvd (their catalog states 4-3-3-3 as # of episodes per DVD).

Btw, if you like comedy, also pick up Midori Days (Midori No Hibi), I couldn't stop laughing when watching that. Who on earth comes up with the idea to attach a chick on the guy's hand.
 
I finally say down and watched it. DAMN! This is great! The 1st 5 minutes alone are worth the price of Admission. By the end of the DVD i wanted more so bad. This is a great Anime and should be watched by all fans (of age that is).
 
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