Rating: 
Summary: .....Magnificent....
Review: Ok, first thing I want to say is GREAT JOB to Software Sculpters for mastering this series with the original Japanese elements (in the form of cast, crew, etc in Japanese script) A LOT of companies usually delete these out, like what Pioneer did to Fushigi Yuugi. Definitely one of the better shojou titles I've seen so far. A beautifully woven story filled with action, romance, mystery, intrigue, and a LOT of surprises, Shojou Kakumei Utena keeps me watching! Can't wait to see the next one! If you're looking for an anime that's not so run of the mill, not what you expected, GET THIS DVD!
Rating:
Summary: A Real Sleeper Hit
Review: When I saw the first volume at the video store, I was skeptical, but I'm glad I tried it. All though it seems marketed towards girls (with the pink boxes and all) it's good and interesting material no matter who you are. The plot is wonderful and strange, in fact, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. Anime has become a collection of cliches, with the most successful anime those which put those cliches together the best rather than being original (aka Escaflowne). While a lot of the standard anime conventions are in here, there is a lot of new stuff, too. Most of the characters are based around personalities rather than a single character trait & a contrived tragic past (like we have in most anime). You won't find the "spiky-haired, blonde & boisterous martial-artist" or the "bouncy, big-busted, schoolgirl-packing-heavy-weaponry" here. Although many of the male characters have the stereotypical long-haired, slender, Girl's Anime appearance, they're all much more deeply characterized, and the heroine does not bubble over them like in most girl's anime-in fact, they seem to be the anathema of her tastes. Utena's character is almost an ideal-she's strong, smart, tough, and righteous, but without being preachy or melodramatic, and is not bubble-headed or overly-effiminate as most anime heroines tend to be. She's a true tomboy (again, not the contrived idea of a tomboy present in most anime),and she is presented in a matter-of-fact way that makes her much more real than most "perfect" heroes. Unlike most supposedly strong anime heroines, she does not slobber over the various pretty-boys, or act as though having a boyfriend for the big dance is a matter of life or death. In fact, she doesn't concern herself with these things at all. The plots are well done and reasonable, though the main plot of the "End of the World" seems to get lost for a few episodes, and it instead becomes a social commentary and a satire (especially the episodes involving Nanami), but I didn't mind. From what I've seen so far, Utena gets involved in a weird plot involving the Student Council, where challengers duel to possess the "Rose Bride" (the duels are not fought for blood-to win you must knock off a rose pinned to your opponent's chest), and the final victor is destined to receive some great power. Fans of gritty, dark stories, or the mindless, derivitive blood-and-breast anime that so many seem to think is the pinnacle of animation may not like it, the story is pure romance (Romance as in idealistic fantasy, not as in love and relationships), a sort of modern fairy tale. Think Don Quixote over Sailor Moon. One note, though, the lyrics of the battle themes have the most ridiculous lyrics I've ever heard, anywhere. Even worse than Escaflowne's one-lyric songs. Absolute Destiny Apocalypse plays every time Utena prepares for a duel, and each battle has it's own laughably bad song. The beginning and ending themes are really good, though-the lyrics of the opening song actually make sense (again, unlike most anime). Also, I know everyone else is denying it, but I'm telling you there is a very subtle but very strong and clear homosexual subcontext to the story. No, I don't think the characters are gay, but it's definitely suggested a LOT, and very blatantly at that. This may just be fan-service, though-homosexual themes are very popular among girls anime.
Rating: 
Summary: Way Better Than Sailor Moon
Review: The first time I saw Utena I was like, this is from the Sailor Moon people. The plot was so much better than SM and it seemed much more mature, if not a bit harder to understand. Well, I watched it a second time and I completely fell in love with one of the characters. I don't care if he is supposed to be three years younger than me, Miki is one of the coolest anime chara's I have ever seen, and the stop watch thing is soooo cute. If your a fan of anime, or someone who wants to see what all the hype is about, then this (and Fushigi Yuugi, my absolute fave anime) is for you. Believe me, you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: A storyline as intriguing as it is BIZARRE!
Review: Okay, first things first. There is so much to say about this show. A lot of people are thrown off of this anime because of the unusual art style. PLEASE don't let that stop you! This series gets better with every episode. Every wicked plot twist brings an answer to an old question, along with a brand new set of questions! And if you start analyzing all the subplots going on, it will only get you hooked more. The character growth in this series is amazing. There are some you will think are very small part sidekicks that will really suprise you later on! And then Utena Tenjou is just awesome; a strong, confident female lead that keeps going no matter what the odds are (even in the shadow of a math makeup exam!). Utena is an anime that will draw you in and leave you wanting more. (And the episodes that follow these are even better!) Plus, whether you like subtitled or dubbed videos, this is excellent in both areas. The English cast is well fit to the characters and the dub script is very faithful to the translation, unlike many other dubs. Recommended to anyone who loves a great storyline, and I promise, it will only get better on the next DVD release!
Rating: 
Summary: Change Your World.
Review: Okay, I admit it. I'm addicted to Utena. I saw this box set with a friend and was immediately hooked. The entire story pulls you in, each line is there for a reason, and there are interesting hooks that they don't explain in the box set (like Miki's stopwatch, you'll know it when you see it.) That just serves to make you want more. I've managed to get ahold of all but the last 3 episodes (Japanese friends are good) and it only gets better as each episode and story arch unfolds. I swear to you, this will change your world.
Rating:
Summary: It's time for a Revolution
Review: This television show is based on manga by Miss Chiho Saito.The television show consists of thirty-nine episodes. This is the taleof a fourteen year old girl named Utena Tenjo, she is an eighth grader who likes to dress in a boy's school uniform, fence, and play basketball. When Utena was younger, suicidal and filled with much sadness as a result of her parents' deaths, she met a prince on a white horse (literally). She was so touched by this prince and their meeting that Utena aspired to become a prince herself to rescue princessess and at the same time find her prince, especially since he gave her a ring and said that it would one day lead her to him. Now, as an adolescent woman attending Ohtori Academy she comes in contact with the student council. They are men and women who also wear the same type of ring that Utena's prince gave her. They fight secret duels for the possession of the Rose Bride and to revoluionize the world. Also Utena meets a princess (literally) in distress, Anthy Himemiya/the Rose Bride. She is a solitary girl who is constantly harassed by other students; she has no will of her own, and serves as the obedient servant to whichever council member wins the duels. Anthy's ill fate begins to take a change in a different direction when Utena ends up winning a duel and becomes engaged to her. Utena uses this engagement as an opportunity to try to help Anthy regain her will and to keep her safe form the other Council members. The story is far more complicated then my summary and is filled with so many different themes like: sexism, gender-role stereotypes, identity formation, abuse, women's rights, revenge, childhood fantasy ( the prince on a white horse coming to save the princess), jealousy, hatred, love, and self-esteem. It's just the kind of show that'll outrage you at times and fill you with joy and hope at others, because of all the things that it involves. This is the kind of story that not only dazzles you with beautiful animation; it grips you with emotionally powerful storytelling, and makes you really think.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, for lack of a better word - you'll be hooked
Review: Absolutely stunning, a must have, you will not be dissapointed, the characters are masterpieces, the whole series is a gem. Go out and get it.
Rating:
Summary: Actually REGION 0 encoding
Review: This DVD is actually REGION 0 encoding. It will play in ANY region...not just USA. I've got this DVD and absolutely LOVE it! I can't wait for the second edition this spring to see all the episodes that the people who have the VHS tapes have been raving about. Utena certainly raises many questions here and I hope they're all answered on the next DVD...which is sure to be just as excellent.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Ever
Review: Utena is definently the best anime I have seen! It combines an interesting plot with hilarious humor. I have the first 3 videos (so far) and I have watched them all at least 3 times. I would reccomend this to anyone who has an interest in anime.
Rating:
Summary: Revolutionary Girl Utena -- Weird and Wonderful
Review: Upon first viewing the Utena series one is left with one question... "WHAT?" This does not ever stop the viewer from continuing to watch the show, looking for answers to the question. Before you know it, you've watched the entire tape and are in desperate need of more. Utena has a way of sucking you in. The universe created in this show is both extraordinary and intriguing. The show keeps you guessing, keeps you laughing, and keeps you wondering just what exactly is going on between the characters. In short, a fantastic show. The DVD is the way to go. Two VHS tapes on one DVD with all the bonus features such as being able to jump to the ridiculous songs and being able to watch in japanese which is a must for any anime fan. While Utena does a much better job of staying true to the original dialogue and concept, being able to watch in japanese is always a plus. My highest praises and recommendations go out to Revolutionary Girl Utena and I am anxiously awaiting the next DVD.
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