Rating: 
Summary: Quality
Review: This is my favorite dvd ever. I own like 100 and have seen a thousand. Samurai x Trust and Betrayel is the best. If you can afford it buy trust seperatley from betrayel. Awesome story, awesome violence and fight sequences, and really wonderful art. Every detail has been well thought out.
Rating:
Summary: Start of a Great Man
Review: This Movie is simply amazing. While it may be terribly violent and does hold some pretenses, that simply adds to the drama. I will be brutally honest, the fight scenes are bloody, and extremely violent. The way I see it though, it just adds to the idea of how he is this amazing assasin, who doesn't want to be. The character development is beyond good, the music is timed ever so perfectly, and the animation is top notch. The story is beyond amazing, I've seen the entire series and even the SX:Reflection DVD before this, but after seeing all of it(and the movie) I can say that this is probably the best of it all. Personally I like the character conflict with Tomoe and Kenshin, its pretty depressing/uplifting/shocking. The Development is pretty amazing, this is probably the best thing I've ever seen.
I don't know about seeing the series first, it definently doubles and even triples the effect of the movie. I don't know if you should see it first, but I certainly suggest it, the series has a lot more humor than the OVA's(which barely have any) and the sword fights get less realistic to a degree, but its worth it. Its definently worth it to last through the series before seeing this. On a 1-10 scale, I rate this movie at 100. Its simply unrateable, and is a must but must be watched at a certain time and be ready. At the end of the movie you feel like a diferent person, almost as if you were in his position. Its a little depressing, but if you think about it it also shows a lot of hope and possibilities. I think you should be prepared for an emotional trip though, it definently will yank at you a good amount.
Rating:
Summary: The Birth of a Legend
Review: This is the first taste of Rurouni Kenshin I ever experienced, and, to tell the truth, nothing save the original manga (and possibly the Shadow of the Wolf DVD) have been able to match my awe and appreciation for this masterpiece.Samurai X (and that is the ONLY time I'm going to call it that) Trust and Betrayal combines the four Kenshin OVA's into a two-hour movie that tells the story of how a small boy became the legendary Hitokiri Battousai, how it nearly destroyed him from within, and how he was saved by the woman he loved, even though he could not save her. This is a truly great anime, and is taken nearly word for word (and drawing for drawing) from Volume 19 of the RK manga, telling the story of how Shinta became Kenshin, trained under Seijuro Hiko in the arts of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, and lent his sword to the patriots during the time of the Bakumatsu. Here, the character interaction and development is handled with the same grace and beauty as the deadly sword combat, some of which is simply astonishingly good. And that's not to mention the superb animation work, which is probably the best in the series' history. Overall, not only is this DVD a great deal (it costs half as much as buying Trust and Betrayal seperately) but it is also deserving of a permanent place in your DVD collection. Even if you are not usually a fan of anime, this is well worth the money and time. If you miss out on it, you miss out on pure animation magic.
Rating:
Summary: Good? It's great!
Review: I didn't truely know what I was missing until I saw this DVD. I figured that Kenshin was always Kenshin ("...that I am")and not some huge assassin...but that's just me. Let's just say I didn't get to watch too much of Rurouni Kenshin after Saito shows up...heh- Anyway, this DVD shows what Kenshin was like as a child and his life as an assassin...all the stuff I wanted to know as I watched the RK series. As some might describe it...the main color scheme is red. And I like that b/c while watching the series you think "Now if some dumb little kid is watching this they're going to think-'Hey! Kenshin's not getting bloody when he gets cut! Let me try!!'" (let's hope to God that they're not thinking 'I want to be an assassin when I grow up!') But I recommend this DVD to anyone who likes RK and a LOT (understatement) of blood (and I know this review wasn't helpful so don't rub it in...) ~Aiko-chan
Rating:
Summary: Masterful anime
Review: Samurai X is a prequel (in time) to the tv anime Rurouni Kenshin. It is set smack in the middle of the Meiji Revolution, a powerful time period for storytelling. Our hero is Kenshin Himura, an orphaned boy who is taught the secrets of Hiten-Mitsurugi swordsmanship. As the Meiji revolution engrosses more and more of Japan, Kenshin leaves his master to fight for the innocent people the revolution victimizes. His master scoffs at him and tells him if he does this thing he will become a murderer. The rest of the film follows Kenshins role in the Patriot army and his destined showdown with the family of one of his victims. This is truly epic storytelling, and the language, animation and tone rival anything American animation can produce. Just be warned, if you like this movie you will likely get hooked on Rurouni Kenshin as well, which is not a bad thing. Samurai X has a lot of bloody battles and killers, a love story, and a good deal of actual historical characters... all making it a remarkable work.
Rating:
Summary: SAMURAI X IS THE BEST!
Review: This is the best movie I have ever spent $22.00 on! The graphics are great and are a welcome change of pace from the anime from the TV series(not that they're bad). The battles are the best, especially the ambush of the meeting(love the music there)! Be warned that the battles are EXTREMELY BLOODY and some are very gross. If you buy this, you'll want to buy the soundtrack, Samurai X Ova Soundtrack! SAMURAI X 4 EVER!
Rating:
Summary: Watch an epic love tragedy unfolds before your very eyes!
Review: Being a huge fan of the original manga and TV series, it was a great joy to hear of the prequel OVA (original video animation). From the moment Himura Shinta witnessed the killings of his companions to Himura Kenshin's longing gaze as he left the Chosu clan, there was not a single moment during this OVA that did not move me with awe, sadness, sympathy, fear, anger, hate, and any other emotion you might've felt. In the true tradition of Japanese Kabuki tragedy, Rurouni Kenshin - Tsuiokuhen embodies everything that a romantic tale from the Meiji Era should have. From the extremely subtle yet meaningful love story of Kenshin and Tomoe, to the brief yet bloody sword battles of the Shinsen Gumi and Chosu factions, this OVA is filled with breathtaking attention to detail. Animation is perhaps the least perfect element of this OVA. The reason for this is the use of live footage for the few water sequences. Somehow the image of real water set crashing against an animated beach doesn't go down well for me, Fortunately, this is very very few in numbers and doesn't affect the overall rating of the OVA. From the animation of the sword battles to the character designs of Tomoe and Kenshin, every single line and movements were drawn to draw out various emotions from the audience. That said, the use of muted colour perfectly convey the atmosphere most appropriate for this melancholic drama. This OVA simply has one of the best soundtracks ever! Not just for anime, but in the film world in general. Taku Iwasaki's use of string and flute absolutely spot on for the mood needed to reinforce the images on screen. The quality is so good that i was often confused as to whether is was synth or orchestrated. In my opinion, this rates just as highly, if not better, with anime soundtracks of Macross Plus, Cowboy Bebop, Saishuu-Heiki Kanojo, and Rahxephon. Perhaps the strongest, but also potentialy weakest, element of the OVA is the story. They managed to start and conclude, beautifully i might add, the love story of Kenshin and Tomoe, which, in hindsight, was perhaps the main theme of the OVA. There was never any danger of the story left unfinished. The background to which the love story is set, was the Meiji restoration of the mid-19th century. The producers also combined seamlessly the historical epic story with the love story, and still manage to include real life characters such as Katsura Kogoro, his teacher Kido Koin, and Shinsen Gumi members such as Okita without any awkwardness. In fact it only added to the epic feel that we are experiencing history in its making. Some people confuse the story as simply that of how Kenshin got his scar, an element which was also well done. The scar was not simply character design nor a cosmetic convenience. A point well worth reminding to watchers of the TV series. Never could one imagine how to make such simple injuries to something more. Yet the makers of this OVA managed to make it into Kenshin's destiny, a reminder of his tragic past. As i said before, the story have one potential weakness, that the background story of Meiji Restoration requires a somewhat significant understanding of 19th century Japanese history. Otherwise newcomers to the Kenshin saga might be lost as to the relationships of the various clans and characters and what their allegiances are to both the Tokugawa Shogun and Emperor Meiji. Nevertheless, this OVA is a prequel, and therefore the producers are assuming that you've seen the TV series. Taking this into account the only conclusion must be that the story element is, yet again, flawless. The characters are the most important element to an anime, along with story, in my opinion. Unless, of course, it is intended to be short stories, as in the case of Full Metal Panic Fumoffu. The character of Kenshin may not be the most sophisticated nor original character ever written, however, his character development is perfect when you combine it with that of Tomoe's. The way the characters interact with each other is simply understated, yet perfect. People may not like how Saito Hajime and Okita, as well as Hiko Seijuro are not as developed as can be. However, their characters are already given much more room to develop within the TV series. With so many potential points that may have affected the review of this OVA, we must never forget one fact that this is a prequel. One must watch the TV series if they are to enjoy it to the maximum. Points such as lack of character development for the side characters and the confusing background story will only be felt by those that have never watched the TV series. The value of this OVA lies in not only its collectable value, but also in the opportunity of watching a classic epic love tragedy. This is an anime truly worth the tag of a tragic love story. And it is eminently watchable. Anyway, you can always impress those anime-sceptics with this breathtaking OVA. To me, the word flawless is a very hard word to give out easily, seeing as it encompasses a plane of existence that is inhabited by the very few. Rurouni Kenshin - Tsuiokuhen is as flawless as an anime can ever hope or aspire to be.
Rating: 
Summary: A technical review of the US' releases' mistake.
Review: Samurai X Trust and Betrayal are a must watch for the fans of Rurouni Kenshin the TV series for many reasons. This movie brings to you the dark and secret life of Kenshin's past, which the TV series shrouded in mystery. Needless to say it is absolutely necessary for one to watch this movie to understand the profound impact of a certain event in Kenshin's past which triggers in him a vow to never kill again. Trust and Betrayal is dark, full of gore, yet it is beautiful at the same time. You will find examples of allegories, symbolic representations of freedom, all laid out with a beautiful soundtrack that casts a deep impression. The movie serves it purpose to display the chain of events in Kenshin's past and does it properly.
Rating: 
Summary: Rurouni Kenshin OAV is Excellent, This DVD is mediocre
Review: First, the two stars are for this directors cut DVD, NOT the series. I absolutely LOVE this series. I decided to buy this DVD because I fell in love with the divx bootleg versions of the OAV, which were fan subbed. I can literally watch the divx versions over, and over again. I expected the DVD to be at least as good as the divx version, plus more because it was a directors cut and it would be DVD quality. I was wrong. The amount added to this directors cut DVD isn't even noticeable. The main difference is that the episodes are all spliced into a continuous movie. The MOST disappointing part of this DVD was that they CHANGED the sound track. They TOOK OUT the background music in some of my favorite scenes. I was shocked. Why the hell did they do this? The animation and the background music were absolutely perfect together. It seemed like reactions and emotions of the characters were timed to fit with the music. The music added a lot of drama and made the scenes very memorable. But in this directors cut the music is missing. No words can express how disappointed I was. I guess I should point out that I don't even watch anime with dubbed voices anymore. From my experience, American voice actors suck. I wasn't even able to watch 5 minutes of this DVD with dubbed voices without getting sick. My second disappointment was with the English subtitles. I do not speak Japanese fluently (yet), but from what I know, I was able to see that the English translations were not very accurate in many parts of this DVD. Although the English in the fan sub wasn't perfect (broken grammar, misspelled words, etc), I felt the translations were more true to the series and Japanese culture in general. Third disappointment was that when inserting the DVD I was greeted with a very obnoxious advertisement for some stupid anime magazine. When are these stupid companies going to realize that I don't pay $25 for a freaking DVD to see god damn advertisements?
This is the last non-imported Anime DVD I will buy in a LONG time. The Rurouni Kenshin OAV is my favorite Anime series of all time, and I hate this DVD. If there were an American company that sold Anime DVDs that WERE NOT dubbed, had ACCURATE English subtitles, and didn't put advertisements on the discs, they would get 100% of my business. Until that day comes, I will continue to buy imports. If you're going to buy either the directors cut or Trust and Betrayal separately, I would buy them separately, solely for (what I assume to be) the unchanged musical sound track. But, this is just my opinion, I don't actually have the separate DVD's.
Rating:
Summary: Samurai X- Trust and Betrayal (Director's cut)
Review: Samurai -X Trust and Betrayal takes a darker look at our samurai hero Kenshin. Trust and Betrayal follows Kenshin back to when he was little boy named Shinta, and gives a closer look on how Kenshin got his name and how he became Butossai,the manslayer. What makes Trust and Betrayal even more special is how it interduces Kenshin's first love Tomoe and how she and the cross shaped scar follwed him forever. To truly understand how Shinta became Kenshin in the best way Trust and Betrayal showed all the missing gaps that the tv show could not from the angery brother Enishi to Tomoe and her love for Kenshin Samurai X Trust and Betrayal is a piece devoted to telling kenshin's past.
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