Rating: 
Summary: Cast in the name of good, ye not guilty
Review: Paradigm City, is the city of amnesia, where the rich inclose them selves in domes and the poor are left out in the gutters. All the inhabitants of 40 years ago lost any and all memories one day, but where there's a will there's a way, some how the human race is able to move on with no memories what so ever. Roger Smith, the negotiater, knows this all to well, after all the majority of his work centers around lost memories. This series is Batman meets 007 meets big robot. Big O is a MegaDues with an awesome weapon as his arms, what is it? Well you'll have to watch to find out! The first episode Roger Smith is hired to get a man's daughter, Dorthy, back. but Roger failed the mission because the person, or thing, he gets back is an android. But little does Roger know, Dorthy will become part of his life. Roger also has a Butler type guy, kind of like
Alfred in Batman, named Norman. The two are almost identicle (Alfred and him that is). I find the sound track of the series is extreamly relaxing, even though i usually don't like the kind of music. The animation is great! Awesome, awesome flick get it! You won't be dissapointed. Big O... It's showtime!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome show, average DVD
Review: The Big O series is very different yet very familiar all at the same time. The show has a very Batman-esque feel. It's different from other animes. This one feels very american perhaps because of the Batman element. The first episode takes some getting used to, but later episodes improved vastly. What bothers me is why there are no special features on this DVD. What's even more insulting is that there only four episodes on this disc. The series is, strangely enough, only thirteen episodes so why only put four episodes on this DVD? It seems like a cruel marketing gimmick to me, but this series is still a worth a look. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful 'production design, though cliche, it's fun
Review: The genre: Big robots, light noir, pays homage to movies like "Blade Runner", "James Bond", "Mike Hammer" and the comic book "Batman." Though "The Big O" has an original premise they primarily entertain us with with strung together cliches from the aforementioned genres. Though this sounds trite, nonetheless, it works very well and is entertaining. About the premise: The story takes place in a town called 'Paradigm City'. A city whereas 40 years before the population had suffered a mass amnesia from an unknown orgin. Subsequently the citizens at large, surrounded by advanced technology, have had to cope with how to use it and and how make it work. Thus, we have the morphing of low-tech and high-tech gadgets which, when combined, have an art deco look and feel such as the telephones, the typewriters, and of course the giant sized robots known as the Mega Deus'. By the way, our protagonist happens to own one The Protagonist is a man I assume to be in his late 20's early 30's who makes his living as a professional negoitiator. He is brought to life by the voice talents of, David Lucas, also known for his voice work for the character, 'Spike Spiegal' in the anime series, "Cowboy BeBop". The character is a cross between Batman and James Bond with all applicable gizmos at his disposal. A second protagonist named, Dorothy, is a android portrayed by the voice talents of, Liz Sargent, also known for her voice work on "Serial Experiments: Lain" and "Trigun". Dorothy's character, im my humble opinion, comes straight out of the movie "Blade Runner". (Remember the replicant known as 'Priss'?) With that in mind, Dorothy is more intelligent than Priss but she is less emotionally developed. The giant robots here are very heavy looking, pile driving, and possibly artifically intelligent. (Hmm, shades of "Evangelion"?) The battles take place in a generally abandoned part of the city with lots of former high rises being decimated. About the cliches: We have a noir saxophone playing blues rounding out the soundtrack, the grumpy police captain, the wise guy informant at the bar who spills nicely when paid, the giant robot who appears conviently when the proper phrase is uttered, some ... women here and there, and a self centered hero who is a moralist. Caveat: The artistic style here is very Americanized. Not like your general anime style. It has the look and feel of "Batman The Animated Series". Pros: Great voice talents, elegant art direction, a good soundtrack, original premise, cliches that are amusing to see in this context. Cons: The titling in the begining disappoints! It fails to capture any essence as to what the show is about and appears to be hacked together quickly with ... video effects and lettering. The opening song is, in my opinion, a straight [copy] from a "Queen" tune which that was the opening theme song to the Universal Studio film, "Flash Gordon". Overall, its light, fun, and I am glad I own it. ...
Rating:
Summary: I want you Roger!
Review: This anime as a previous review stated has been showing in place of Outlaw Star - an equally good show on Cartoon Network's Toonami. However, I don't understand is why the audience is left with 13 measely episodes. Toonami has been playing them over and over. I don't know if they haven't produced anymore after this or what, I checked around and it seems that's it for Big O.
Just when it was getting good too. The whole premise is set in a futuristic, dark demolished world, mainly the only city known of at this time - Paradigm. Gigantic bio domes clouds some of the city where the rich and lucky folk inhabit. The life outside is harsh, thanks to an event that happened 40 yrs. ago that wiped minds clean. Everything destroyed, people couldn't recall anything so they just live life dealing with what's left, or most of them. Roger Smith comes into play because he "negotiates" with clients ; People who can recall bits and pieces or all of their past. They make requests such as a search for a lost relative or treasure etc. Gradually, through Roger's adventures into finding recollections of people's past we learn of a conspiracy that's oddly related to the 40 yr. event. I felt that the ending was way to rushed, at the 13th episode it's a climatic showdown of learning the true meaning of why everything is the way it is. Why Roger seems unaffected, and other unanswered inquiries. There seems like their should be at least a few more episodes to wrap it up.
Animation is done in soft, muted colors to give it a dank oppressed feel for the world. I love the sleek more realistic character design, very gorgeous and reminescent of Batman. Engaging characters, and a charming hero with common sense for once.
Only annoyance is this DVD holds 4 episodes. ...But get it anyway it's worth at least for sexy Roger.
Rating:
Summary: In the Name of God, Ye not Guilty
Review: This is one of the best mecha anime to hit this states in a few years. It is about a negotiator named Roger Smith who uses the giant robot MegaDeuse. He meets an android named Dorothy an=d allows her to live with him. This series may be short but has many good characters including Norman the butler and the insane Schwarzwald(which is German for Black Forest).
Rating:
Summary: Let the negotiations begin...
Review: This isn't Gothem. This is Paradigm City... A City of Amnesia, where forty years ago everyone lost their memories. Enter Roger Smith, a sauve yet straightforward individual. He is a Negotiator, a middleman hired to negotiate terms for two different parties. Once he takes a job he doesn't quit until it's finished. He's a man with his own set of morals. His "rules" he calls them, and he's one for sticking to the rules. An ex-cop with the Military Police, He lothes the "Job" and despises the coperation that spawned it. The MP's "Parent Company" and Paradigm City are one in the same. This corprate Megaopolus stinks of an old forgotten past, and The Negotiator is stuck right in the middle of it. With the help of his trusty butler Norman, a android girl named R.(Robot)Dorthy Wainright, and the "Megadues" a giant robot called "Big O" perhapes Roger might just be able to figure it all out. This isn't just an animated Noir film. And Smith isn't Bruce Wayne. The similarities end at their reserved cloths and fast cars. This series has got teeth. With plot twists that will leave you asking what's next. Great recuring charaters like the lovely Angle who is defintly much more than she seems. Great gagetry, Smith's sleek black sedan, the "Griffon" is a stylish rolling arsenal at Roger's command via remote wristwatch control. Great accompaning musical score. From the "Big O" theme to the soleful sax music used for incidental and panoramic scenes. Great dialoge and voice actors to boot. The scenes with Roger and Dorthy are some of the great ones. Dorthy is constantly exploring what is to be human, all the while pointing out Roger's shortcomings. Many in comic deadpan that will leave you laughing. Their relationship growing through the series. Finally I will say this. This series is definatly for people looking for something more than you average Saterday moring cartoon. This isn't kiddy stuff. This is thought provoking and mesmerising at the same time. -we have come to terms-
Rating:
Summary: sailor stars5
Review: This series which is showing on Cartoon Network's Toonami, is interesting and has that "amazing anime" feeling. these first four episodes which is on this DVD are the beginning of a great show. personally good anime to me, is when you get goosebumps in excitemnt. this series diffentely provides that feeling. i practically garauntee that after you see this DVD you'll want to continue to watch till the very end!
Rating:
Summary: Most intelleigent, deep minded cartoon ever!
Review: This show will appeal to kids because of the excellent animation and robot battles, but it is of far more value to more mature minds, who can appreciate the religious allusions, symbolism, deep characterization, subtle yet epic plot line, and genuinely witty dialogue that this series displays. The voice acting is top notch and very well implemented. Roger Smith's wry nature plays incredibly well off the characters he is always around such as (though not limited to): 1. Dorothy: a girlish female android who is genuinely hurt by Roger's scathing comments regarding her "unfeeling" robotic nature. There is a certain ammount of romantic tension between these two, and Roger's uncertainty makes their relationship awkward. 2. Norman: a butler who pretends to agree with everything he says, with a genuinely sarcastic nature 3. Angel: a completely mysterious free lance agent, who is always crossing Roger's path. 4. Schwarzwald: an insane, suicidal maniac, who knows many secrets. I love how he and Roger interract, because it is only around this bandaged, ranting mad-scientist that Roger acts dead-pan and cold. Since they are rivals, its very interesting and realistic for Roger to hide his true emotions. It also makes a very stark contrast. The plot is too complex to explain here, so I will simply say that it has the best themes I've ever seen in a cartoon.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome to Paradigm City
Review: Welcome to Paradigm City, a city of Amnesia, named after Paradigm, the company that is both Church and State in the City. Forty years ago something happened, something that wiped out the memories of everyone in the city and the history of what happened before. As far as anyone knows, Paradigm City is the last city on earth. Paradigm is also a city divided, the rich and the lucky live in climate controled domes, while the poor and less fortunate live in the rundown buildings outside the domes. One of those living outside of the Domes is Roger Smith, The Negotiator. Roger is part PI, part trouble shooter, part crime fighter and part playboy. He is a man of Honor, respected for his dedication and his honesty. Once he takes a job, he sees it throught to the end. In his black doublebreasted suits and black sunglasses Roger stands out in any crowd and exudes a sense of professionalism. For Roger, the job is not about money, but is about people. His respectful and humane approach to his assignments and the people he is dealing with, makes him even more likable and often gives him an edge in facing what is to come. Lately his life has been complicated by two ladies. Dorothy Wainwright, aka R Dorothy Wainwright. Dorothy is an android, created in the image of the real Dorothy by her father, complete with her memories. She is far more than a machine but less than human. How much less then human, is a question that both Roger and the audience are often left pondering. From kidnap victim, to client, to Roger's assistant, she becomes a big part of Roger's life in a very short time. Their relationship is fun to watch and leaves you wanting more. Especially as Dorothy asks Roger some tough questions about life and love. Angel, the other woman complicating Rogers life. A name changing mystery woman, she quietly moves up in the ranks of Paradigm. She hires Roger to negotiate the reopening of a power plant in 'Electric City'. After completing her mission, she tells Roger to call her 'Angel'. Her past, her purposes, her goals are all a mystery. When she appears in Roger's life, it means nothing but trouble for him and Big O. Norman Burg, A Gentleman's Gentleman and Roger's chief keeper. Norman maintains both Roger's House and 'Big O'. It is Norman, who presents Dorothy to Roger as his new assistant and is happy to have her help in taking care of 'Master Roger'. Major Dan Dastun is Roger's friend and former commander. Roger goes to him for information, from time to time. He is dedicated to protecting all of Paradigm City and hates it when 'Big O' dukes it out with an opponent, because of the devasation the battles leave in their wake. 'Big O' is a Megadeus class Attack Robot, piloted by Roger Smith. Big, Black, armed with an array of weapons and a devastating 1-2 punch, compliments of the piledrivers in it's arms. Big O is impressive. It's literally groundbreaking entrances are thanks to an underground train that delivers it to the site of the battle and then brings it home. The battles are waged without the silliness of other shows. There is no prancing, no posturing, no transformations or evolving into a new forms during the battles. Just hard hitting and fast paced action, with the battles being won through a combination Big O's strenght and toughness and Roger's skill, cunning and determination. Together, Roger and Big O stand in defense of Paradigm City, protecting it from criminals, mutant monsters, rogue robots, mad scientists and mad men. From the start, Big O's visual style, mood setting music and style of story telling, grabs the viewers and draws them into the world of Paradigm City. This is a show that appeals to the kid inside of all of us and is just plain fun to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Cool and Gothic looking Anime
Review: While I wasn't a fan of this show when it first aired on CN, I became a fan mid way through the first run of the show. Then after that I wanted to watch all of the 13 epsiodes of this show.
The one thing that caught me with this show was the totally different style of drawing that this series has. Not the realist style drawing or the comic style that you see on other Anime series.(I.E. Dragonball Z) This series is take a gotic styling setting that totally set is apart from other series. The gotic style isn't in the buildings or the Mecha, but also in the people. Which is something that I haven't see before.
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