Product Details

• Actors: Nobuyuki Hiyama, Chris Patton, Andy McAvin, Kelly Manison, Heather Bryson
• Directors: Ryôsuke Takahashi
• Writers: Chiaki Konaka, Toru Nozaki
• Producers: John Ledford, Matt Greenfield
• Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Subtitles: English
• 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: January 29, 2002
• Run Time: 75 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005KHJ6
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,065 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Gasaraki - To Be a Kai (Vol. 8)" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Gasaraki Vol. 8: To Be a Kai DVD: One of the best series to come out of Japan in recent years, GARASAKI is the story of Yushirou, the 4th son of the Gowa family, who provides Japan with special tactical armor. Yushirou possesses supernatural powers that he has only recently become aware of, and begins to suspect that there is much more to his family than he originally thought. Then, in battle one day, he encounters Miharu, a girl who possesses the same powers he does. Believing he has found some pieces from a very large puzzle, Yushirou sets out to uncover the mystery in which he himself is an integral part.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant? Definitely. Overlooked? Absolutely, January 30, 2002

By 

flaviolius (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gasaraki - To Be a Kai (Vol. 8) (DVD)

So many people have written off Gasaraki as a clone of Eva, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Gasaraki takes the mecha formula in a new direction with realistic portrayal - the Tactical Armors are believable, unlike the Evas - and mixes it with a gripping story of global turmoil, personal journeys, and supernatural weirdness. It also contains probably the best animation I've ever seen, made more incredible by the fact that very little of it is fantasy-based. The world of Gasaraki is presented in a manner that makes you consider that it could really happen, unlike the majority of fantastic anime. Sadly, the very realism of Gasaraki probably cost it many fans, which is too bad - they missed out on a great achievement.

I will not include any final plot developments here, but I will say that unlike Eva, the ending is definitely satisfying and straightforward, while still allowing room for interpretation. Expect the unexpected, which should be easy if you've watched the series from the beginning. The final confrontations are anything but cliched - I was not close to disappointed, which is more than I could say for Eva. The only regrettable thing was that the series has now reached closure.

Putting together the superb animation and plot, the extras on the DVD, the better-than-average dub, and most of all, the relentless atmosphere gives you the best anime series since Cowboy Bebop, in my opinion. The only downfall of Gasaraki is the somewhat stunted character development, but that's easily forgivable given the complex storyline. It's surprising that Gasaraki didn't reach the exposure level of more popular series, but that's certainly not because it's anything less than brilliant. Fans of mature, convoluted storylines a la Serial Experiments Lain will find a new home with Gasaraki.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a thinking otaku's anime, May 2, 2002

By 

Hal (St Joseph, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gasaraki - To Be a Kai (Vol. 8) (DVD)

Hey, there's something for everybody. Reviews are useless, because everybody likes something different. The only way to know if something is good or not is to watch it. Having said that, Gasaraki is a series for educated, intelligent people. There are a lot of complex parts to the plots, and it all goes on at once. It's not all about action, action, action like a lot of people want. There's much more of a plot than "ooh, there's an evil organization.... let's take it down". If you've got the patience, and the ability to walk and chew gum at the same time, go for it. You won't be disappointed in the least.

5.0 out of 5 stars To each their own., January 23, 2004

By 

Bahamut (Wooster, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gasaraki - To Be a Kai (Vol. 8) (DVD)

Since the late 90's, anime has seen a huge flux into American mainstream culture. Gone are the days of searching obscure video shops for imports that had only subtitles or terrible voice-overs. Being an anime fan now is totally different that it was 5 or 6 six years ago. And so has the anime. America now gets bombarded with everything from Japan, and sifting throught it can be a challenge. However, once in awhile you can be rewarded, and Gasaraki is a reward for those diligent enough to find it, and watch it all. This is not an action anime, do not confuse yourself. If you want amazing action, then go watch Gundam Wing, which is an amazing anime in its own right. Gasaraki is a deep running series with excellent plot manuvering and towards the end the twists and turns kept me going right along with it. The animation is very crisp and clean, and there is enough interesting use of other styles (computer animation and real video) to give the series a unique look. I especially enjoy the very cool look from a TA's cockpit. I can totally recommend this anime series and I hope that you will enjoy it.