Rating: 
Summary: Blood and Roses
Review: "Berserk" presents the reviewer with an interesting dilemma. One would have to be in complete denial to miss the fact that it is unabashed exploitative violence. In a fascinating interview, Producer Toshio Nakatani makes it clear that the series was intentionally created for a late night TV slot where they felt they could draw its targeted 16+ audience. The real question is if it is just exploitative violence or if the creative staff has managed to make it much more than that.This set of episodes, set in the 'quiet' before the storm are very much the proof of "Berserk's" real depth. We see sides of many of the characters, main and supporting, that we have only glimpses before, and the sudden turns in the relationship between Caska and Guts are highlights of the series. While we are never far from bloodshed, it becomes evident that it is there for more than simple fan service. The key to these episodes is the completion of Griffith's twisted defense against those who plotted to stop his rise to power. Guts, in aiding Griffith this time, realizes that he needs to move on and seek is own purpose, putting his sword in no one else's service. This precipitates a confrontation with Griffith that has far-reaching impact. A year later, Guts is living with a sword smith, perfecting his skills, when he finds out that Griffith has been arrested for high treason, and the Hawks are in flight will Caska as leader. Guts returns to help, and the result is quite surprising. The artwork in this set of episodes seems to do the best job of recalling the original manga work, with the illustrators deliberately shifting from anime style to something more painterly when the moment seems proper. The music, strong, and sometimes grating, underlines the nervous state of the characters, as they move into their places for the final drama. This is a harsh series, suiting its medieval setting, and the individual viewers will have to decide if it is what they seek. For those that can deal with the violence without prejudice, there are many rewards for following the story. Whatever you might think of it, it is certainly an outstanding example of its kind.
Rating:
Summary: Blood and Roses
Review: "Berserk" presents the reviewer with an interesting dilemma. One would have to be in complete denial to miss the fact that it is unabashed exploitative violence. In a fascinating interview, Producer Toshio Nakatani makes it clear that the series was intentionally created for a late night TV slot where they felt they could draw its targeted 16+ audience. The real question is if it is just exploitative violence or if the creative staff has managed to make it much more than that. This set of episodes, set in the 'quiet' before the storm are very much the proof of "Berserk's" real depth. We see sides of many of the characters, main and supporting, that we have only glimpses before, and the sudden turns in the relationship between Caska and Guts are highlights of the series. While we are never far from bloodshed, it becomes evident that it is there for more than simple fan service. The key to these episodes is the completion of Griffith's twisted defense against those who plotted to stop his rise to power. Guts, in aiding Griffith this time, realizes that he needs to move on and seek is own purpose, putting his sword in no one else's service. This precipitates a confrontation with Griffith that has far-reaching impact. A year later, Guts is living with a sword smith, perfecting his skills, when he finds out that Griffith has been arrested for high treason, and the Hawks are in flight will Caska as leader. Guts returns to help, and the result is quite surprising. The artwork in this set of episodes seems to do the best job of recalling the original manga work, with the illustrators deliberately shifting from anime style to something more painterly when the moment seems proper. The music, strong, and sometimes grating, underlines the nervous state of the characters, as they move into their places for the final drama. This is a harsh series, suiting its medieval setting, and the individual viewers will have to decide if it is what they seek. For those that can deal with the violence without prejudice, there are many rewards for following the story. Whatever you might think of it, it is certainly an outstanding example of its kind.
Rating:
Summary: Blood and Roses
Review: "Berserk" presents the reviewer with an interesting dilemma. One would have to be in complete denial to miss the fact that it is unabashed exploitative violence. In a fascinating interview, Producer Toshio Nakatani makes it clear that the series was intentionally created for a late night TV slot where they felt they could draw its targeted 16+ audience. The real question is if it is just exploitative violence or if the creative staff has managed to make it much more than that. This set of episodes, set in the 'quiet' before the storm are very much the proof of "Berserk's" real depth. We see sides of many of the characters, main and supporting, that we have only glimpses before, and the sudden turns in the relationship between Caska and Guts are highlights of the series. While we are never far from bloodshed, it becomes evident that it is there for more than simple fan service. The key to these episodes is the completion of Griffith's twisted defense against those who plotted to stop his rise to power. Guts, in aiding Griffith this time, realizes that he needs to move on and seek is own purpose, putting his sword in no one else's service. This precipitates a confrontation with Griffith that has far-reaching impact. A year later, Guts is living with a sword smith, perfecting his skills, when he finds out that Griffith has been arrested for high treason, and the Hawks are in flight will Caska as leader. Guts returns to help, and the result is quite surprising. The artwork in this set of episodes seems to do the best job of recalling the original manga work, with the illustrators deliberately shifting from anime style to something more painterly when the moment seems proper. The music, strong, and sometimes grating, underlines the nervous state of the characters, as they move into their places for the final drama. This is a harsh series, suiting its medieval setting, and the individual viewers will have to decide if it is what they seek. For those that can deal with the violence without prejudice, there are many rewards for following the story. Whatever you might think of it, it is certainly an outstanding example of its kind.
Rating: 
Summary: The best Fantasy Anime
Review: Berserk is one of the best series I have seen. The saga of a man with a giant sword grows complex, promising to surprise you with plot twists and gives a fair balance between action and story. This is also a more mature anime, judging by its gore, but also about the themes present in the series. Overall a well-done anime and one that makes my top five!
Rating:
Summary: The best Fantasy Anime
Review: Berserk is one of the best series I have seen. The saga of a man with a giant sword grows complex, promising to surprise you with plot twists and gives a fair balance between action and story. This is also a more mature anime, judging by its gore, but also about the themes present in the series. Overall a well-done anime and one that makes my top five!
Rating:
Summary: Anime creators should all take a lesson.....
Review: From the first episode of Berserk that I watched, I have been hooked. This is perfect example of how grand animation and over the top characters are NOT required for a great film. The story line of this series is one of the most complex, deep stories I have seen since Ghost in the Shell. Although there is not much battle in this DVD, the story takes some unexpected twists when Griffith weakens after Guts leaves, and lets his pride and ambition collapse. Guts and Koska finally share some tender moments and the plan is hatched to rescue Griffith. A great series and flashy, loud, over-the-top Anime creators should remember that solid story, complete character development, and simple, direct animation is the way to go for many fans. LOVE IT!!!
Rating:
Summary: Anime creators should all take a lesson.....
Review: From the first episode of Berserk that I watched, I have been hooked. This is perfect example of how grand animation and over the top characters are NOT required for a great film. The story line of this series is one of the most complex, deep stories I have seen since Ghost in the Shell. Although there is not much battle in this DVD, the story takes some unexpected twists when Griffith weakens after Guts leaves, and lets his pride and ambition collapse. Guts and Koska finally share some tender moments and the plan is hatched to rescue Griffith. A great series and flashy, loud, over-the-top Anime creators should remember that solid story, complete character development, and simple, direct animation is the way to go for many fans. LOVE IT!!!
Rating:
Summary: It just keeps getting better
Review: I was hooked to this show from the start, and I have to say, with each volume it only continues to amaze, intrigue, and just get better and better. Is this volume ever the emotional rollercoaster! These characters we've come to know up until this point take some drastic turns (for the better and for the worse, depending on how you look at it, I suppose). And this is precisely what makes "Berserk" a stand-out anime series. The characters are multidimensional and realistic, and this show is not afraid to make you go from loving a character to hating one. In this volume, the structure has changed; Guts leaves the Band of the Hawk, only to return a year later and find that Griffith has been arrested for the rape of the Princess, and Casca has taken over leadership of the Band of the Hawk. The Band's operative is to rescue Griffith, but there is the sense of some reservations on Guts's part. Should this man, whose done so many terrible things to get where he is, really be rescued? Was it entirely his fault? And how could they possibly do it? If you've stuck with the series this far, this disc WILL NOT disappoint! It will just leave you begging for more. **note: Be sure to watch the "Outtakes" on this DVD. They are hilarious!
Rating:
Summary: It just keeps getting better
Review: I was hooked to this show from the start, and I have to say, with each volume it only continues to amaze, intrigue, and just get better and better. Is this volume ever the emotional rollercoaster! These characters we've come to know up until this point take some drastic turns (for the better and for the worse, depending on how you look at it, I suppose). And this is precisely what makes "Berserk" a stand-out anime series. The characters are multidimensional and realistic, and this show is not afraid to make you go from loving a character to hating one. In this volume, the structure has changed; Guts leaves the Band of the Hawk, only to return a year later and find that Griffith has been arrested for the rape of the Princess, and Casca has taken over leadership of the Band of the Hawk. The Band's operative is to rescue Griffith, but there is the sense of some reservations on Guts's part. Should this man, whose done so many terrible things to get where he is, really be rescued? Was it entirely his fault? And how could they possibly do it? If you've stuck with the series this far, this disc WILL NOT disappoint! It will just leave you begging for more. **note: Be sure to watch the "Outtakes" on this DVD. They are hilarious!
Rating:
Summary: You thought Evangelion was good, get a load of this
Review: My God Berserk is the Anime series to watch, if you havent seen Berserk or even heard of the Anime then you cannot call yourself a true anime fan if you let one of the greatest anime ever just pass you by. This is one of the few Animes where you can actually see the characters grow not only mentally but physically as well. The story is so engrossing that if you've been with the series this far and then watch the first episode again you cant believe how much the characters have changed because throughout the whole series you grow with the characteres. By far one of the best Anime stories of all time and hopefully there will be a 2nde season because the manga is still going strong. Hell, if Rouroni Kenshin can do it for some 90 something episodes then why cant Berserk. This is a must watch, the story changes so radically in this Volume that i still keep watching it over and over again. Not to mention just to see Griffith get his finally!!! Anyways, give Berserk a try if you havent already but you wont be disappointed. Remember to go back and watch the 1st episode just to see how much the characters have changed.
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