Samurai X: The Collection (1999)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Original Story by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi

Features:

• Character introductions
  
• Screenwriter notes
  
• Trailers
  
• Historical background notes
  
• Voice actor interviews
  
• Clean closing
  
• Production sketches
  

Dindrane's Anime Warnings:

• Loves lost and found and lost
• Blood, killing, death
• Angst
• Spiritual peace vs. real life

Released by: ADV
Region: 1
Rating: 17+
Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format.

My Advice: Get it.

Rurouni Kenshin has been one of the most popular series in anime history, and it's easy to see why. Unlike the more cheerful tone of the TV series, however, this set is the more serious, deadly side of Kenshin. These three films take place in the years before the TV show, when Kenshin was still "The Manslayer;" the year is 1864, and Japanese clans are beginning the revolt that will overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and eventually restore the Emperor to power. Master swordsman Hiko takes in an orphan named Shinta, and transforms him into the master assassin Kenshin Himura. Kenshin works for Katsuga, one of the men responsible for the revolution, and becomes known not only for his incredible skill with the sword, but also for his calm and his dedication. He believes that what he is doing will result in a better, stronger Japan, but will he still believe in this life when he meets the beautiful, mysterious Tomoe?

The third OAV in the set takes place some fiften years after the events of the TV show and is the story of the end of Kenshin's life. He must fight not only a debilitating disease, but his own ghosts as he searches for the peace so long denied him and his friends. Kaoru really shines here, and long-time fans will be deeply touched.

One of the strengths of the Kenshin saga has always been the wonderfully-written plots. The show could fairly be said to be as character-driven as it is plot-driven, but the plots do proceed with the inevitability of Greek, or Kabuki, drama. Moral lessons are learned the hard way in anime, and Samurai X is no exception. Kenshin feels the lessons of his former master Hiko as keenly as his enemies feel his blade, and viewers will learn the necessity of pacifism along with Kenshin as he moves along his path from Manslayer to wielder of the reversed, bloodless blade.

The visuals of the show are simply amazing. The swordfights are choreographed with the deftness of Balanchine or Kurasawa, and I could wax eloquent on the play of color and shadow for days. The artwork will bring to mind Meiji-era Japan beautifully. The backgrounds are perfect for the increasingly tragic tale of Kenshin and his wives, and the character designs themselves play off the tale perfectly. The DVD transfer makes good use of this skill and richness and doesn't ruin a thing.

The sound is also good, in both Japanese and English, though the fact that this is a historical piece might cause you to lean towards listening to it only in the Japanese.

The features list is nice indeed. The first OAV, "Trust," has some historical background notes that should be read before you sit down to view these films; they are wonderfully written and give you everything you need to know without bogging you down in minutiae. This disc also provides some character introductions that will help fans of the TV show make the transition back in time to these movies, and will introduce the necessary players to new fans of Kenshin's biography. The other discs have features such as interviews with the Japanese voice actors, clean closing animations, production sketches, the original trailer, and screenwriter notes--all of which are interesting and great gifts to fans of the show.

This trilogy of OAVs is a must-see for all Rurouni Kenshin fans--indeed, for all anime fans. It has all the elements of greatness: historical richness, amazing swordfights, solid characters, and heartrending storylines. Kenshin and his tale of karmic burdens will haunt you for months after you view these marvelous films.