16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sanzo Party Is Back!, January 22, 2005
This review is from: Saiyuki: Requiem (DVD)
The Sanzo party has always been haunted by the past, and most of the time they've been able to deal with their ghosts. But when they enter The House of Dougan, they may not be so lucky! Lured to the mysterious shrine by a beautiful girl, Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai become ensnared in a trap of dangerous shikigami, murderous doppelgangers, and a malevolent monster who has destroyed his own soul for a demented purpose.
A DVD-only release including a 95-minute feature presented in English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Extras include: character profiles and art gallery, interview with creator Kazuya Minekura, Japanese promos and TV spots, voice actor commentary with the men of Saiyuki, reversible cover, fold-out poster insert and ADV previews.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The last of a great thing., February 8, 2005
This review is from: Saiyuki: Requiem (DVD)
This direct to video movie is a great addition to the original Saiyuki series (now being repackaged as the Double Barrel collection). It has all the great spirit, artwork, and attitude of these 4 guys we love to watch...If you enjoyed the 50 episode series, you'll enjoy this stand alone movie.
And for those who enjoy the english dubbed version (which happens to fit the characters and spirit of the Japanese version remarkably well), this is your last opportunity to hear the Sanzo party as we know them. The next Saiyuki series, Reload, has been released by a different company so none of the english voice actors will be the same! I'm trembling in fear at the thought of who will replace the voices we know and love...
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
THE DEMON SLAYERS ARE BACK IN ACTION!, August 13, 2008
This review is from: Saiyuki: Requiem (DVD)
The adventure continues for Genjo Sanzo and his three demon compatriates.
Based on the manga series by Minekura Kazuya, "Gensou Maden Saiyuki" was a popular animated TV series back in 2001 that spawned over 50 episodes and a second series in 2004 titled "Saiyuki RELOAD".
The series is based loosely on an real ancient story of an arrogant, rebel Bhuddist priest named Genjo Sanzo who's mission is to travel from China to India.
Traveling with him is Cho Hakkai (a man who took revenge on a demon clan for the abduction and death of his beloved one and after his 1,000 demon slaughter and their splashed blood on him has transformed him to a demon); Sha Gojou, a person seen as a taboo (child of a demon and human parents which are considered a taboo in society); and a monkey (who looks more human than monkey), Son Goku.
Each four have talents and through their travel towards India run into many battles with demons.
In "Saiyuki Requiem", this is a film that debuted in Japan in 2001. The story takes place after the group saves a woman from a demon. In gratitude, she leads them to a large palace but immediately Sanzo knows something is wrong.
It appears that things are not as it seems in the palace and what looks real may not be real at all.
It appears that a man named Dougan has been waiting for the Sanzo team but why?
Although I haven't followed the "Saiyuki" animation, I found the characters of the animation very intriguing. It reminded me a bit of the popular "Guilty Gear" fighting video game series.
One worry that I had about "Saiyuki Requiem" was that I wouldn't get into the movie because I had never watched the anime television series but the good news is that this film in a way, explains the characters backgrounds, so people with no knowledge of the series can enjoy it.
As for the film, the animation quality was not as top notched as I would expect from a theatrical movie but it was ok.
There is good usage with animation and CGI in several parts of the movie and it was nice to see a 5.1 audio track for both the English dubbed and Japanese versions.
As for the DVD, I'm happy that the movie was anamorphic and there were several special features included.
Commentary with the English cast, interview (not video but text) with creator Kazuya Minekura, character profiles & art gallery to introduce people not familiar with the TV anime series, original Japanese promos and TV spots and a bonus fold-out and double-sided poster.
"Saiyuki Requiem" was an enjoyable film, although the quality of the animation made me feel that this was like TV episodes pieced together.
If anything, the film made me more interested in the television animated series because the characters are pretty cool.
As for the DVD, I know there will be some people who may have reservations of picking this DVD up because they have no prior knowledge of the television series but I will say that this DVD explains each of the four main character's backgrounds and their mission.
So, if you are curious if you want to check out the anime "Saiyuki", the film will definitely make a good starting point and help you decide if the series is worth checking out.
It definitely made me want to check out the anime series.
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