Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English, Japanese
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Adv Films
• DVD Release Date: February 20, 2007
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000L212EA
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,137 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The broadcast series Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006) is an elaborate period piece that places historic figures and imaginary characters in a rococo sword-and-sorcery fantasy. D'Eon de Beaumont is devastated when his sister Lia is found murdered. He swears vengeance, and the trail of revenge leads him into a complex plot involving alchemy, the Duc d'Orléans, the Russian Imperial court, Mme. de Pompadour, and any number of minor malefactors. When D'Eon engages in mortal combat, his sister's soul possesses his body and sword. It's a good thing she does, as D'Eon dislikes killing opponents, even when they're "gargoyles"--humans whose bodies have been filled with mercury to transform them into zombie-warriors. Supernatural elements permeate the story: Even the religious Queen Maria Leszczynski has an attendant who resembles Norman Bates' mother in Psycho. Le Chevalier D’Eon plays like a cross between Hellsing and Rose of Versailles, and should please fans of period anime. (Rated TV 14, suitable for ages 14 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, potentially offensive religious imagery) --Charles Solomon

Product Description

Le Chevalier D’Eon is a masterful fictionalization of the real life Charles d’Eon de Beaumont, a diplomat, writer, spy, and Freemason known as one of the best swordsmen in France, whose true gender was a source of speculation well into the late 18th century. The anime series is set in the years immediately prior to the Revolution, when women in Paris begin disappearing-including D’Eon’s beautiful sister, Lia. D’Eon is determined to catch her killer, and along the way he’s mysteriously transformed into the spitting image of Lia. D’Eon moves back and forth between both identities, and becomes embroiled in a web of murderous intrigues.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE GRUDGE, GENDER BENDING STYLE, March 16, 2007

By 

Sesho "www.sesho.libsyn.com" (Pasadena, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Le Chevalier d'Eon - Psalm of Vengeance (Vol. 1) (DVD)

In 1742 Paris, France, the body of a beautiful young lady is found floating down the Seine River in a coffin with the word "Psalms" written on it in blood. Her name is Lia de Beaumont and her brother, D'eon, is the only person that seems to care that she's dead. He's even joined King Louis XV's Secret Police in order to find out the truth behind her murder. At this time France was just beginning to show the undercurrents of a society in revolt against old traditionalist views that would later culminate in a bloody class revolution against the old nobility. Even within the King's own circle are forces that seek to depose him. D'eon thinks that the Duc d'Orleans, the King's uncle, is tied in some way to the death of his sister. d'Orleans also surrounds himself with some pretty creepy characters that are using occult powers to further his wishes. The plot of the show would be pretty good if it stopped at this, but Lia has risen from the dead, Grudge-like, to take her revenge on those that killed her. Though she can no longer animate her own body, she is able to possess her brother, D'Eon, at certain moments of extreme stress, such as when his life is in danger. At that time he loses control of his body and becomes a sword-swinging angel of death. He's going to need her help if he hopes to battle superhuman creatures with mercury flowing in their veins.

Le Chevalier D'Eon is a gorgeous piece of anime and unlike so many other shows, the characters and the story are just as interesting as the visuals. You can tell a lot of research went into representing the setting, clothes, and manners of this period in French history. The animation is fluid and graceful, especially in the action sequences such as swordfights. Chevalier has some of the best battles this side of Samurai Champloo. The pacing, too, is masterful, presenting you with interesting diversions but at the same time building the suspense behind the mystery of what exactly happened to Lia. Right now, she is just a cold, calculating, mindless spirit of vengence, but I feel that she will calm down eventually and clue D'Eon in as to what happened to her. Great show!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Dieu Sauvent Le Roi", February 22, 2007

By 

James Valdez "Rôle Concierge" (Beverly Hills, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Le Chevalier d'Eon - Psalm of Vengeance (Vol. 1) (DVD)

"Le Chevalier d'Eon" or "The Knight of D'Eon" is a deceptive anime. On the surface, we are given a fairly complacent view of France during the reign of King Louis XV, lavish halls of Versailles and all. What begins as a murder mystery evolves into something much more complex. As the viewer watches the intricacies of the plot develop, the more apparent the tone of "Le Chevalier" becomes. This is not a love story and this is not a comedy. This is a tale of unquestionable loyalty, filled to the brim with violence, political intrigue and disturbing imagery. The costumes, music and writing meld into a crucible of animation delight.

This anime is, without a doubt, absolutely stunning to behold. While the animation does constitute the use of CG imbedded in drawn images, the result is flourishing as opposed to offsetting. The overwhelming halls of Versailles are expertly detailed, down to the individual murals that adorn the palace's ceiling.

The music as has been previously stated is simply outstanding. The entire score is done using classical frame work and as such you wont be hearing any contemporary influences (Save for the opening and closing credits). While this particular style of music may not be "catchy" or modern, it is not meant to be so. It is meant to compliment the visual experience the viewer goes through.

I do have to comment on the voice acting as well. While many purest are steadfast in their commitment to listening to all anime in Japanese, this the soul of this anime is crushed if one intends on doing so. The Japanese do not pronounce the French that is written in the script and as such it is completely distracting and takes away from the dialogue tremendously. The Dub is wonderfully done and besides a few mispronunciations here and there, the French is enunciated as best as Americans can.

What is extremely impressive is the amount of research that went into the production of this title. The proper introductions and respects are given to members of the various classes and royalty is treated with the favored God like prestige. Paris streets are laced with poverty, a stark contrast to the Parisian Court.

In the end, "Le Chevalier d'Eon" is simply an astounding testament to the Anime Genre.

"Beware Le Secret Du Roi"

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful, January 28, 2007

By 

Erik C. Normansen "psychoboy1000" (Washington, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Le Chevalier d'Eon - Psalm of Vengeance (Vol. 1) (DVD)

I haven't watched much anime in a while, but after seeing this, I am going crazy waiting for the volumes to be released. The art is well done, and the music is orchestrated perfectly to fit the drama of the events and the times. The clothing and attitude of the characters is accurate, as are certain, but rare, facts about the show.