Customer Reviews

Saiyuki Reload (Vol. 7)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Personally, I wasn't expecting Saiyuki Reload V. 7 to be any different from any of the other Reload volumes, although, I had read the manga previously, and knew these were going to be an interesting last few episodes. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed this final DVD in the Reload series.

For manga readers, this DVD covers everything in Saiyuki Volume 9. Feeling discouraged after being defeated by "God," the guys contemplate their next move. Goku breaks in on an argument between Sanzo and Gojyo and declares that they play a game of Mah-Jong. Everyone is surprised, but they comply and play. Goku wins every game. When the others are confused by Goku's sudden good playing, he says that it isn't that he's playing well, it's that it's easy to win against people who expect to lose.

Rejuvinated, the foursome go back to the castle to face "God" once again, since time planning to attack him as a team rather than as individuals. After working their way through 13 levels of obstacles (and then discovering that "God" is waiting for them on the *first* floor), the four face off against him. At first, nothing seems any different from the first match, as "God" quickly gets an upper hand again. However, by working together and refusing to give up, the four are able to bring him down.

The four escape as the castle starts to crumble, but "God" wants to wait for his master. His master arrives before it caves in, and who his master actually turns out to be is very interesting. (I won't spoil it.) The four head back out on the road at the end, as always, going west...

Overall, I'd say this was the best DVD of the Reload series. Even the inferior art and other cons can't bring down the exciting finale. To anyone but a hardcore fan, I'd recommend just getting DVDs 4-7 of Reload. You get the important story, and can skip most of the fillers. (Although the episode "Demon Genjo Sanzo" on DVD 3 is hilarious. I'd say just get volumes 5-7, but the Kougaiji episodes on DVD 4 are kind of essential for later on.)

There's a trailer for Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, the next series, on the extras menu, from which looks like it'll be an exciting follow-up. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Saiyuki characters!

This is the on going story of the Saiyuki saga. Not a disappoint for any Saiyuki fan. A great buy but the only sad thing is that a new company does the dub-english from the first season epis. Their pronouce of a couple of name gets on your nervous.

As with the rest of Reload, the artwork has much to be desired though Episode 23 drawings is a notch better. Often while watching Reload, I am frustrated that the production did not see it worth while to increase their budget for much better artwork, which Minekura's creation deserves. Thankfully, the art is redeemed by the magnificent Japanese vocal cast of the 4 protagonists. There could be no substitution for any of them. Vol 7 is no exception. Their vocal "adaptation" of the exciting Saiyuki manga Vol 9 is simply brilliant, from bickering to emotional outbursts, to lecturing and provoking "God", to sarcastic remarks, to great one liners..all delivered with a finesse which does the manga proud. And despite the artwork, the faithful adaptation of manga Vol 9 does makes dvd Vol 7 the most exciting of the Reload anime series.