Customer Reviews

Cowboy Bebop, 6th Session (Episodes 23-26)

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Ultimately the finest and most renowned expression of the blues is perhaps Robert Johnson's 'Crossroads' which relates the emotional tedium of choosing a definitive direction in the middle of one's life. The last four episodes of 'Cowboy Bebop' slowly bring forth difficult and melancholy situations detailing the inner workings and underlying turmoil of the Bebop crew's lives. A subtle and unique blend of sci-fi/fantasy/action/intrigue/drama cap this series definitively with the same unpredictability that has been the hallmark of this fantastic animation milestone.

'Brain Scratch' is probably the most disjointed and experimental episode from the entire series. Using a choppy cutting style to survey the television programming of 2071 the director gives us another quick peek into culture surrounding the solar expansion of humanity. Faye has left the Bebop and appears curiously in middle of a brain washing cult led by one of the few remaining bounties. A rather odd combination of self observation and current event parody encompassing video games, internet, Heaven's Gate, Doh Applewhite, television and its elusive control over people. 'Hard Luck Woman' reveals Ed's odd past on Earth, and allows a sort of closure to Faye Valentine's past. You finally see Faye regain her memory and touch on her past life as Ed revisits her old orphanage and finds her father who is Bebop's latest and last bounty. These first two episodes on this DVD slowly begin the set up for the series' somber finale in 'The Real Folk Blues I & II'. I don't wish to detail the final episodes too thoroughly in order to avoid spoilers. Julia emerges as a tangible character for the first time and meets Spike. Both episodes bring to a head Spike and Julia's relationship and answer some of the many questions plaguing viewers. The ending also wraps up Bebop's fate (I can assume) and Vicious' epiphany within the tong. A striking scene I will relate is that this is the first time you will ever see Jet and Spike laugh together.

As the series blinks out it may leave you cold as it did myself. The amazing sense of discovery and excitement which permeated the beginning of the series becomes juxtaposed with decay and decline in the last episodes. Such a simple path of natural order is one of those exceptional traits which put 'Cowboy Bebop' far above most other contemporary entertainment. Any viewer will easily recognize all the creative thought put into each episode and the series as a whole. Some may say it is rather disjointed as a series, but that was another refreshing choice on the part of its creators to allow glimpses of their multifaceted future society without getting bogged down in minutia or creative trivialities as do all continuous series. The stories always give the viewer just enough to piece together and rarely over emphasize any particulars giving the viewer a chance to think and make assumptions about the world before, outside and after the current diorama presented. Super dynamic design choices and combinations within the show have floored many animation fans, and the pulp style of writing deftly harkens back to the days of blues and jazz from which comes the foundation for this sci-fi detective anime. From sound track to color to computer animations and mecha, 'Bebop' stands out as a stew of high creativity never quite seen before in animation history. The most definitive quality of 'Bebop' has been its ability to display pathos.....the ability to 'sing the blues'- a very difficult and rare expression to convey honestly without flaw. Pathos is perhaps the pinnacle of human emotion because it cannot be achieved without building a high from which to descend so that it needs the full range of human emotions in order to exist. Usual mainstream entertainment tries only to be 'funny' or 'cool' and ignores the scope of existence this rather earthy sci-fi series confidently captured.

Sadly 'Cowboy Bebop' is over and the creators have said it shall never be continued. It would be very easy to continue in some vein, and perhaps one day it will, but I won't relish the day it might resurface as a second series since it will be made a pale extrapolation of its original. However there is a movie slated for release next year which will supposedly be the last we see of 'Bebop'. The movie is said to take place inbetween 'Brain Scratch' and 'Cowboy Funk' within the series. Will there ever be another anime this good? This intense? Will there? Sure, but unfortunately in the mean time the anime coniseurs will have heavy hearts....as the end of Bebop says-

You're Gonna Carry That Weight ...

Few anime series have touched me as a viewer, and I am glad to say that Cowboy Bebop has developed into such a series. From the fun of the first episode to the revelations of the final DVD in the series Cowboy Bebop portrays an incredible spectrum of the human condition, ironically enough in a future that is just within belief. A lot of viewers see a common Japanese anime in the first few episodes. Little connection between plots, and relatively 2D characters. But in the long run, the driving force of the story as a whole becomes the characters themselves. Their pasts, their pains, and their futures rapidly become the focus of every episode, sometimes in lengthy exposition, but most often in interconnected montages of the past, and its effect on the present. This final DVD relies heavily on the past, drawing on Spike's oft-alluded life on Mars, while revealing the truly emotional aspects of the relationships between all of the characters. Spike has often been portrayed as a callous opportunist throughout the series, with brief glimmers of humanity and compassion, yet this, much like every other aspect of this series, is subject to change. Perhaps one of the most redeeming factors of this anime is the return to a concentration on Spike in the last few episodes, as he is certainly one of the most intriguing and mysterious characters seen in recent anime. Yet, like all good things, this anime must come to an end at the seemingly requisite 26 episodes. And what a ride it has been! One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the underlying feeling of hope, for a variety of things, each depending on the characters. Yet closure is also present, and the interaction of the future and the past brings this anime to an incredibly powerful conclusion that left me staring at the ending credits, and then watching the last episode again. Real Folk Blues could not have been any more apt a title, because the characters ultimately become human, finally facing the building emotional tension that the last two DVD's have woven into the tale. If you have enjoyed a single episode in this series, you owe yourself the service of finishing it, however you can! Rent it, buy it, borrow it, find an anime club. This series transcends its own style and its own animated roots, as it leaves its viewers with questions of existence, justice, and honor. We all face tests in our lives, and as Spike himself says, "I'm not going to die. I'm going to see if I'm truly alive."

See You Later, Space Cowboy...

First and foremost, the person who wrote the review is a kid and probably thinks that Dragon Ball Z is the greatest anime show ever created. Which to that I say, "Ha"! With this being the case this "kid" should stop watching anime all together. Especially if he or she cannot appreciate great anime, so maybe you're better off watching Spongebob Squarepants. Even though that's not anime it's probably more the "Kid's" speed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bash anyone. But posting this kid's review twice was just stupid.
Now for a real review on the sixth session, this is the ultimate wrap-up of a great series. I don't want to spoil anything for the people who haven't seen this series yet. So I can't go into get detail about this session. But I will say that everything comes to a head: the relationship between Spike, Julia, and Vicious, what Ed is going to do with the rest of her life, the faith of the Red Dragon, and of course you can't forget about Faye and Jet. Session 26 is truly a great ending, one of the best ever seen in an anime series.
I just want to tell everyone when it comes to being an anime fan there are a few animes that are mandatory to view, they are: 1. Cowboy Bebop 2. Trigun 3. Vampire Hunter D 4. GTO 5. Bastard! 6. Pet Shop Of Horrors 7. Kenshin(OVA)
One last thing, you don't have to see "Akira" to be an anime fan. That movie is just a waste of time and it just sucks. See HaloKillah's Review.

Occasionally, one is tempted to treat the Cowboy Bebop series as lightweight fare. The byplay and humor distract us from the darker underlying themes. Thus, we never have to deal directly with the fact that each of the characters has one thing in common with the others. Their pasts are at loose ends, and the lack of a sense of completion can easily become their worst enemy.

'Brain Scratch' - A cyber cult entices its members to lose their egos on the web and commit suicide. The offer of freedom from her own problems proves too enticing for Faye. Spike and Jet move in to rescue their partner and make a run on the bounty for the cult's leader.

'Hard Luck Women' - The Bebop has two - Faye, who cannot remember her past, and Ed, whose past is... obscure. For both, this episode offers a decisive moment and brings out the difficulty of making decisions that feel like two-edged swords. This is the turning point. Cowboy Bebop heads into its last innings having made clear that the conflict between history and the present is the real theme of the series.

'The Real Folk Blues' - Spike's turn now. The deft combination of noir and humor that director Shinichiro Watanabe has used throughout the series to keep the viewer's attention has made sure that, no matter how prepared we thought we were, the concluding two episodes with be a shock. Much like Robert Crais' novels, you are in the soup before you see the spoon coming. Even so, these episodes stand out for acting that is spot on - tragedy with a last, sassy twist.

I'm going to miss this series. A light, frothy comedy that gathers depth as it builds momentum. And wonderful music by Yoko Kanno. There is a film release on the horizon, but I'm not sure I can wait for it. I may have to go back over the series again and maybe again. This is something worth owning.

I'll admit that when I started watching Cowboy Bebop, the first two episodes of the first volume didn't grab me. I was wondering if the series would explain itself or if it would keep me in the dark as to who these people were. By the third episode, I had figured out what was going on and started to enjoy the series. Since then, Cowboy Bebop only got better and better.

This last disc in the Cowboy Bebop series is by far the best of them all! Without a doubt. It concludes what I feel is the best anime series of all time (and I've seen quite a few.) It even had to knock Macross Plus out of the top spot to do that. (Both soundtracks are Yoko Kanno. Coincidence? Perhaps.)

I'd tell you why this is the best DVD, but to reveal anything about its contents would ruin the story, the surprises, and the appeal. DO NOT READ SPOILERS! Watch the first 5 DVDs and then watch this. Trust me. I'll just say that you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll love this series as images of Ed, Ein, Faye, Jet, and Spike light up your TV one last time.

By the way, there is an Easter Egg in the Extras. Press left 6 times on the "Image Gallery" option and then enter. You'll get a special Ein gallery.

See you space cowboy...

I have all of the DVD series and going into this DVD I loved Cowboy Bebop and couldnt wait to see how they would wrap the whole series up. Well I watched this during Christmas week and Id have to say that after watching this DVD (in particular "The Real Folk Blues") I have went into a major depression. What an unbelievable ending that totally stunned me and left me with a "what the heck" look on my face. Not to say that this is bad because its not (just sad and unexpected). This series is just truely an amazing roller coaster of fun and emotions. From the craziness in some of the episodes to the serious and sometimes sad moments in others this is a definite series not just of anime but of any form of film to watch over and over again. Word of advice.... if your easily sent into depression or get emotionally attached to characters in films please detach before watching the GRAND FINALE !!!! I didnt and I'm still hurting from it !!!!

Hope to see you again Space Cowboy !!!!

While I am not stating anything that has not already been said, Cowboy Bebop is one the the funniest, most action packed, and one of the most intelligent shows out there. Its look is visually stunning, with it's gritty film noir like feel. It also has one of the best soundtracks ever, with Yoko Kanno's jazzy Tank! beginning each episode. And while the ending is a little sad, I don't believe it would have worked as well had it ended any other way.

Bang!

Wow. After I finished Trigun, I did not expect any other anime to meet its caliber. The story, the music, the characters; they all complemented each other perfectly.

I began to watch Cowboy Bebop after I began to save more money. I had heard much praise from many anime publications and otaku before and it was hard for me to believe the incredible hype. But that all changed when I put in the DVD and watched it. First Volume 1. Then 2. Then 3. Till I saw it all.

The story revolves around 4 (5 if you count Ein the Data Dog!) central characters. Jet Black, an ex member of the Inter Solar Systems Police with a cybernetic arm due to a shady event in his past. Faye Valentine, a sexy woman in incalculable debt and an unknown history. Ed, a 13 year-old super-hacker extraordinaire. Last but not least, Spike Spiegel, a laid-back twenty-something that has incredible flight skills and fighting talent with a tragic past.

Almost all the episodes are independent but a couple include bits and pieces of a character's past. These can range from being very comedic, cryptic, action-packed, or dramatic. The beauty of it all is how all the episodes seem to be unrelated yet are all strung together with an invisible thread, all building to the final climax(es if you refer to each character's resolve).

This 6th and final 'session' is probably my favorite. 'Brain Scratch,' the first episode on the disc, is alright but cannot compare to the emotional roller-coaster ahead. 'Hard-Luck Woman' deals with the discovery of Faye's past as well as Ed's. However, the real highlight of this DVD are episodes 25 and 26: "The Real Folk Blues Part 1 and 2." Spike, after years of searching, is finally reunited with his lost love Julia. But with Vicious, Spike's one-time friend, not far behind, will the couple enjoy a happy ending or will it all come to a bittersweet end?

With amazing character designs from Yoji Shinkawa (Metal Gear Solid 2) and a diverse and touching score by Yoko Kanno (Escaflowne), this is one anime you cannot miss.

From the shadowy start to the awe-inspiring conclusion, Cowboy Bebop has set a benchmark in anime for all those to come.

And when I say I hated it, what I really mean is that I loved it, loved it so much that it hurt. The animation is beautiful, as always with this seies. The music is gorgeous, but then, it was composed by Yoko Kanno, how could it not be? But Bebop is, at its core, driven by its characters, and I don't think I really understood that until watching the finale. I can't say I liked the ending; that would be a lie. Neither, however, can I deny that it was beautiful, emotional, and moving the way few works of fiction can ever achieve. After the final credits rolled, after I had pushed the "off" button on the remote control, my hands were still shaking. This series is like nothing I have ever seen, and I cannot recommend it enough.

And as a final note - I love you, Spike.

This is (also) a review of the REMIX VERSIONS. I won't go into the awesomeness of Cowboy Bebop other than to say that it is the best anime series ever, I'd even call it one of the best television shows ever!

While it has been universally noted on various postings about the remix versions that the sound is significantly better than the original sessions, there are multiple varying reviews on the PICTURE QUALITY. Some say there is no difference at all, some say it's a bit better, some say it's a lot better, all say they have "checked" both versions. Well, I took it a step further. I watched both versions side by side on an Avid Nitris Professional video editing system with high definition high resolution (HDHR) monitors and here is the DEFINITIVE ANSWER. There is a difference, they lightened it and did a very slight color correction. Basically, the old versions were a bit dark and some of the detail went unnoticed while the remix versions are lighter and there is more visible detail and color. In terms of viewing expeirience this means that a majority of the scenes look noticibly (if marginally) better. There are certain scenes, however, where the lightness works against it. Some of the more noirish scenes look a bit bleedy. Overall I would say that there is a difference in video quality and that the difference is mostly an improvement. But, even to the die hard fan the difference is negligible.

If you don't own the originals, if they're scratched, if you're a huge fan, if you have an awesome theatre system with good surround, or if you have a crappy small tv and can't see the detail in the image, GET THE REMIX. If not, while they are cool, they're not worth the $30 a pop.