Rating: Summary: The Japanese English subtitled version is 100 times better. Review: As an anime fan, I am open to all types of anime make and re-makes so Im being fair in this assessment. For Weiss Kreuz, or, as the Media Blasters people prefer to call it, "Knight Hunters" --which I think is corny and unauthentic in comparison to the symbolism of the original name--, I personally think the story line itself is great and has many references to gothic culture and religious issues, clever use of dual code names for the main characters, the symbolism of the assassin girls' names, the grandeur of the beliefs of the "bad guys", and basically all other workings of the such nomenclative details in the anime. (sorry! Im trying to avoid including spoilers. haha)
However, in reference to the production of the anime, I feel that the voicing for the Japanese version is more in-character. After all, judging by their interviews, we can see that they were more committed to analysing their own personal character's psyche pre-recording. This is proven by the American voice-actors' out-takes. These out-takes, although humorous, clearly puts across the message that the dubbing actors were not as serious. Moreover I think that the new voice-character combination simply makes the American anime remake feel really off-balance and cheesy.
If you have sampled the original, never mind if you dont understand what they are saying, the range of voice-talents itself is visible, and really wide. The expression, the tone! Plus, the animation was made for Japanese audio, surely one can tell that the lip movements of the characters are more in-sync in the original language?
I just feel that if you want to watch anime, you should purchase the Japanese audio version, with English subtitles, not English dubbing. Unless of course you really dont mind and cant find these versions. Well, to each his own, I am merely giving my take on Weiss Kreuz/ Knight Hunters as a whole on whatever experience I have. The subbed version is where the authenticity lies. Actually, the subbed version is second best, but the closest to authenticity we can get, since we all dont understand Japanese. So that's too bad; there are some ingenius expressions within the anime that cannot be translated into English, well, the problem of the century really, that involves everything that needs translation. I am from Singapore and dont understand Japanese (but wish I could), but appreciate the beauty of the language. I urge you as an anime fan to DO buy this Weiss Kreuz piece of work, but dont miss out on searching for Japanese subbed versions! :)
You will not regret it!
Rating: Summary: Schwarz take action Review: From buying the first three DVDs, I noticed that there was a slow start to the Wei? Kreuz series mainly in vol 1 and 2. But as the series progresses, the story develops more and more around the Takatori family and we are introduced to Schwarz hence there is a lot more excitement throughout the series. Schuldig gets lots of screen time to begin with and because of this we see what his abilities are i.e. telepathy, speed and mind manipulation. Actions from the other members follow suit soon after in later episodes.From where the previous volume left us, Omi is still shocked from finding out he is Takatori Mamoru, who is the younger brother of Masafumi and Hirofumi. Episodes 11 and 12 focuses on Omi's struggle from realising he is Takatori Mamoru. Not only did he find out who his brothers are but he also finds out one other secret connecting to Ouka. There are many family secrets being revealed in this volume and Persia discovers something about him and Omi. I won't say anymore since it will give away spoilers. Schuldig takes this opportunity to torment poor Omi about killing both his brothers as well as attempt to get all of Weiss against one another. Ouka becomes a pawn in this game as a result. Episodes 13-15 focuses on the rise of Takatori's power as a politician and this concerns Persia, who we learn is Takatori Reiji's younger brother. Volume 3 of Weiss Kreuz is the conclusion to the first arc of the series. There's tragedy but there's victory in the end. Altogether I'd say this volume packs enough excitement for a night or two.
Rating: Summary: Schwarz take action Review: From buying the first three DVDs, I noticed that there was a slow start to the Weiß Kreuz series mainly in vol 1 and 2. But as the series progresses, the story develops more and more around the Takatori family and we are introduced to Schwarz hence there is a lot more excitement throughout the series. Schuldig gets lots of screen time to begin with and because of this we see what his abilities are i.e. telepathy, speed and mind manipulation. Actions from the other members follow suit soon after in later episodes. From where the previous volume left us, Omi is still shocked from finding out he is Takatori Mamoru, who is the younger brother of Masafumi and Hirofumi. Episodes 11 and 12 focuses on Omi's struggle from realising he is Takatori Mamoru. Not only did he find out who his brothers are but he also finds out one other secret connecting to Ouka. There are many family secrets being revealed in this volume and Persia discovers something about him and Omi. I won't say anymore since it will give away spoilers. Schuldig takes this opportunity to torment poor Omi about killing both his brothers as well as attempt to get all of Weiss against one another. Ouka becomes a pawn in this game as a result. Episodes 13-15 focuses on the rise of Takatori's power as a politician and this concerns Persia, who we learn is Takatori Reiji's younger brother. Volume 3 of Weiss Kreuz is the conclusion to the first arc of the series. There's tragedy but there's victory in the end. Altogether I'd say this volume packs enough excitement for a night or two.
Rating: Summary: Schwarz take action Review: From buying the first three DVDs, I noticed that there was a slow start to the Weiß Kreuz series mainly in vol 1 and 2. But as the series progresses, the story develops more and more around the Takatori family and we are introduced to Schwarz hence there is a lot more excitement throughout the series. Schuldig gets lots of screen time to begin with and because of this we see what his abilities are i.e. telepathy, speed and mind manipulation. Actions from the other members follow suit soon after in later episodes. From where the previous volume left us, Omi is still shocked from finding out he is Takatori Mamoru, who is the younger brother of Masafumi and Hirofumi. Episodes 11 and 12 focuses on Omi's struggle from realising he is Takatori Mamoru. Not only did he find out who his brothers are but he also finds out one other secret connecting to Ouka. There are many family secrets being revealed in this volume and Persia discovers something about him and Omi. I won't say anymore since it will give away spoilers. Schuldig takes this opportunity to torment poor Omi about killing both his brothers as well as attempt to get all of Weiss against one another. Ouka becomes a pawn in this game as a result. Episodes 13-15 focuses on the rise of Takatori's power as a politician and this concerns Persia, who we learn is Takatori Reiji's younger brother. Volume 3 of Weiss Kreuz is the conclusion to the first arc of the series. There's tragedy but there's victory in the end. Altogether I'd say this volume packs enough excitement for a night or two.
Rating: Summary: Weiß just gets better and better... Review: I bought the first DVD after reading about the series online, and wasn't entirely impressed. The second DVD had more well-animated episodes and a definite plot, probably enough to get a person hooked. This, the third DVD, is not only exciting and pivotal but much easier on the eyes. We get to see (and hear) a lot more of the Schwarz, learn more about Persia and the tangled web of the Takatori family, and finally figure out exactly what happened in Aya's past. If you liked the first two Weiß DVDs, you're sure to love this one. If you saw the first few episodes and ditched the series, now is the time to give it a second chance! If you've never heard of Weiß Kreuz [Knight Hunters]... where have you been and what are you waiting for?! If that's not convincing enough, allow me to mention my little brother. Despite the fact that it meant missing the All-Star Game, he watched this DVD with me all the way through without once telling me how stupid anime is. I think that's about as strong an argument as you can get. Sure, the outtakes are at an all-time low and the English voices aren't worth not having to read subtitles, but that's just the dub, and the rest of the DVD is top-quality entertainment.
Rating: Summary: Weiß just gets better and better... Review: I bought the first DVD after reading about the series online, and wasn't entirely impressed. The second DVD had more well-animated episodes and a definite plot, probably enough to get a person hooked. This, the third DVD, is not only exciting and pivotal but much easier on the eyes. We get to see (and hear) a lot more of the Schwarz, learn more about Persia and the tangled web of the Takatori family, and finally figure out exactly what happened in Aya's past. If you liked the first two Weiß DVDs, you're sure to love this one. If you saw the first few episodes and ditched the series, now is the time to give it a second chance! If you've never heard of Weiß Kreuz [Knight Hunters]... where have you been and what are you waiting for?! If that's not convincing enough, allow me to mention my little brother. Despite the fact that it meant missing the All-Star Game, he watched this DVD with me all the way through without once telling me how stupid anime is. I think that's about as strong an argument as you can get. Sure, the outtakes are at an all-time low and the English voices aren't worth not having to read subtitles, but that's just the dub, and the rest of the DVD is top-quality entertainment.
Rating: Summary: Soap Oprea? Review: The 3rd DVD, is the best one so far BY far. Bishies...the bad guys (who are also bishies), and a soap oprea of pasts and family. You get to see some more of the bad guys (attempting to write without spoilers here), and........SCHU-KUN! The interviews aren't half bad either, if you understand what they are talknig about. The outtakes--scared me. Okay, so they were childishly funny, but I was sweatdropping the whole time. The english dub isn't exactly worth it. But, the production sketches are coolie! You get tosee the sketches of out favorite bishies. I think this one has Tot and the weapons? Anyway, the character development is great (even if the animation isn't the best) and it is starting to have a nice plot. This DVD also marks the end of the first season. DVD 4 and 5 will be the second season. It's a great anime, and now, my favorite Ja~ Shime
Rating: Summary: Soap Oprea? Review: The 3rd DVD, is the best one so far BY far. Bishies...the bad guys (who are also bishies), and a soap oprea of pasts and family. You get to see some more of the bad guys (attempting to write without spoilers here), and........SCHU-KUN! The interviews aren't half bad either, if you understand what they are talknig about. The outtakes--scared me. Okay, so they were childishly funny, but I was sweatdropping the whole time. The english dub isn't exactly worth it. But, the production sketches are coolie! You get tosee the sketches of out favorite bishies. I think this one has Tot and the weapons? Anyway, the character development is great (even if the animation isn't the best) and it is starting to have a nice plot. This DVD also marks the end of the first season. DVD 4 and 5 will be the second season. It's a great anime, and now, my favorite Ja~ Shime
Rating: Summary: The most angsty anime series ever Review: This is a must buy DVD. If you are into hurt/comfort or angst, then Knight Hunters is the series for you. If you tried the first DVD and are still unsure, buy this one. The story has changed from the one shot deals of the first few DVDs to an arc that lasts throughout the remaining episodes. The characters become much deeper and angstier. Add to that a great opening theme and very cute boys and you have the receipe for the perfect anime.
Rating: Summary: The most angsty anime series ever Review: This is a must buy DVD. If you are into hurt/comfort or angst, then Knight Hunters is the series for you. If you tried the first DVD and are still unsure, buy this one. The story has changed from the one shot deals of the first few DVDs to an arc that lasts throughout the remaining episodes. The characters become much deeper and angstier. Add to that a great opening theme and very cute boys and you have the receipe for the perfect anime.
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