Product Details

• Actors: Aaron Dismuke, Rie Kugimiya, Vic Mignogna, Romi Pak, Tôru Ôkawa
• Directors: Seiji Mizushima
• Writers: Hiromu Arakawa, Jared Hedges, Joel Bergen, Mike McFarland, Shô Aikawa
• Producers: Cindy Brennan Fukunaga, Gen Fukunaga
• Format: Box set, NTSC, Color, Subtitled, Full Screen
• Language: Japanese, English
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 4
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Funimation Prod
• DVD Release Date: January 27, 2009
• Run Time: 660 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001K98M78
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,877 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Fullmetal Alchemist: Season One Box Set" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) remains one of the best and most popular anime series of recent years. Other shows have tried to copy its singular mixture of slapstick comedy, supernatural adventure and genuine warmth, but none has succeeded. Although they knew it was forbidden, young Alphonse and Edward Elric used alchemy to try to bring their mother back from the dead--and paid a dreadful price. Ed lost his left leg and sacrificed his right arm to preserve Al's disembodied soul in a suit of armor. Edward later received the "automail" prostheses that earned him the title of "Fullmetal Alchemist." As the youngest State Alchemist in history, Ed tries to research the Philosopher’s Stone, which he believes can restore their bodies. But State Alchemists work for the military, and Edward is sent on missions that bring him and Al into contact with new friends, new challenges, and new dangers. The brothers learn that terrible things have been done in the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, by the military and by the Homunculi, Lust, Gluttony, and Envy. These sinister figures believe Ed can succeed where they have failed, even if it means committing multiple murders. The Elric brothers' inner struggles eclipse the violent external battles: Al has begun to doubt that he ever existed in human form; Ed fears that Al hates him for delving into the forbidden knowledge that destroyed his body. But nothing can weaken the bond between the brothers that constitutes the emotional core of the series. Ed sometimes appears hot-tempered and cynical, but his bitter exterior conceals a kind heart; Al is gentler and more patient, but he suffers from the physical isolation his armor body imposes. Fullmetal Alchemist is, simply, a terrific series, and this set makes an excellent introduction for audiences who missed its initial release. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

(1. Those Who Challenge the Sun, 2. Body of the Sanctioned, 3. Mother, 4. A Forger's Love, 5. The Man With the Mechanical Arm, 6. The Alchemy Exam, 7. Night of the Chimera's Cry, 8. The Philosopher's Stone, 9. Be Thou for the People, 10. The Phantom Thief, 11. The Other Brothers Elric, Part 1, 12. The Other Brothers Elric, Part 2, 13. Fullmetal vs. Flame, 14. Destruction's Right Hand, 15. The Ishbal Massacre, 16. That Which Is Lost, 17. The House of the Waiting Family, 18. Marcoh's Notes, 19. The Truth Behind Truths, 20. Soul of the Guardian, 21. The Red Glow, 22. Created Human, 23. Fullmetal Heart, 24. Bonding Memories, 25. Words of Farewell)

Product Description

See how it all began!

Innocence and flesh were sacrificed when two young brothers ignored the laws of Alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The horrors they recklessly unleashed that night marked the beginning of a journey that leads from darkness to light and back.

In an era of war and corruption, State Alchemist Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse desperately search for the Philosopher’s Stone. The legendary artifact is their last hope to restore what was lost – or it could be their undoing. The grisly truths found in the quest for the relic will test their souls in ways unimaginable. Murder stalks the brothers from the shadows and false prophets conspire to steal their faith. Morality is assaulted by military atrocities and scientific abominations. Amid the ashes of their childhood, Edward and Alphonse will discover the power to create is but a breath away from the power to destroy. The bond of brotherhood will be their greatest weapon in the fight for their lives.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Anime Series Ranks With The Best, February 3, 2009

By 

Golden-Flute - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fullmetal Alchemist: Season One Box Set (DVD)

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those stories that while you're watching, you wonder how anyone could have come up with such a complex and original plot. The anime is based on the manga "Fullmetal Alchemist" but the stories go two separate ways. They share a few similar plot twists, but ultimately the outcome for the two characters is completely different.

This DVD is a great buy for people who enjoy learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff from the show.

The product includes four discs that carry 25 episodes (roughly 4 episodes per disc) and they each come in their own thin, plastic casing. The four casings each have character artwork from the show. The product also comes with a smaller box of six texts. Each booklet has fun facts about characters, plus character drawings and concepts and other fun stuff. The outer box that carries all of this is pretty thick, at roughly 1 1/2 inches, but it's worth the vastness for all of the goodies it holds!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing anime--even for non-anime fans., January 28, 2009

By 

Seen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fullmetal Alchemist: Season One Box Set (DVD)

I'm sure between the different versions that have been released that everyone has probably convinced you why you should or shouldn't buy this. I don't consider myself an anime fan per se (I watch sporadically, "Bleach" is probably the only current series I watch regularly) so I am no expert, but I have seen a fair amount, and in my humble opinion this may very well be the best piece of anime ever made. (Again, there are many differing opinions and series and movies.) A close second, in my opinion, would be some of the work of Hayao Miyazaki ("Princess Monoke," "Nausicaa," "Spirited Away") or Satoshi Kon ("Perfect Blue," "Paranoia Agent," "Paprika.")

The pacing, thought-provoking issues raised, character and plot development, action scenes, depth--everything is just about as perfect as one could expect from a series, animated or not.

I would like to add one final note: I saw this edition in a retail store, and it seems to include four individual discs (eps. 1-25, complete season 1--there are two seasons total) and a rather thick supplemental booklet that was labled something to the effect of "episode guide," I assume it may be material similar to what the individual discs have (they are still for sale, but it's much cheaper to buy one of the boxed sets.)

FYI: this is not a bootleg, this is an officially released version.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Story, November 13, 2009

By 

R. C. Bowman (Elyllon) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fullmetal Alchemist: Season One Box Set (DVD)

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is a spectacular TV show, a good movie, and a wonderful series of graphic novels. If you wanted to try, it'd be a great novel, mini-series, micro-series, film trilogy, comic strip, radio show, live-action show, or anything else. "Fullmetal Alchemist" would succeed in any forum, because it is a spectacular story. And if you've got that, you have everything else in the bag.
The show follows the adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric. They live, not in this world, but a close parallel called Amestris, where science has diverged from ours--though far more sophisticated in its way, the science of alchemy has superseded all our sciences in importance. It's easy to see why: if you understand the composition of matter, alchemy can produce anything out of anything--as long as you abide by the law of equivalent exchange: to obtain, something of equal value must be lost.
The one exception to this rule is life.
But when their mother dies, the distraught brothers ignore this rule and do everything they can to bring her back, with disastrous consequences. The resurrected monster is nothing like their mother; Alphonse loses his human body; and Edward is literally ripped apart, left with an arm and a leg.
Torn by guilt over his brother's condition, Edward sets off--with his brother, in a strong but inhuman form--to correct the travesty he has committed. He is determined to bring his brother's body back, but the only way to possibly do that is to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone--the only object on earth that can surpass and ignore the law of equivalent exchange.
In order to obtain the Stone, however, the Elric brothers have one option: they must become State Alchemists, working for the military, doing everything they are bid, whether war or destruction or murder, as the military is the only organization with information on the Stone. It's equivalent exchange all over again.
Their quest for the Philosopher's Stone run a close parallel with Edward's career as a State alchemist, with hilarious, uplifting, awe-inspiring, and often tragic consequences.
"Fullmetal Alchemist" contains a powerful story, thought-provoking,artfully-rendered themes, amazing storylines, and the richest characters I have ever encountered in film or television. Character depth actually rivals many good novels.
I have no complaints about this product. It is highly recommended. If, for any reason, the fact that it is an anime throws you off--unlikely, but possible--don't let it. An amazing story is an amazing story, whatever its form. If you love a brilliant story, "Fullmetal Alchemist" is a must.