Rating: 
Summary: Genndy Tartakovsky has saved television animation
Review: "Samurai Jack" is an animated series that is in a catagory of its own. In some ways it seems to have stylistically taken ideas from the UPA era as well as from the old Hanna Barbara limited animation (Yogi Bear, the Flinstones, ect.) Although inspired by these "Samurai Jack" holds a quality that surpases the old style. Where the Flinstones and Yogi Bear were driven primarily through dialog "Jack" is comfortable with just sound and movement to sprinkle the canvas with story. The old dialog driven toons were an attempt to save money and they were wonderfull for their time, but this series is spectacualr for our time. As an animation student I have found that each scene and shot has been carefully thought through and established. "Samurai Jack" will live on(although the series has finished)in this DVD collection. Hopefully the other seasons will soon follow suit. This is coming from a fan of Genndy since he worked on "Two Stupid Dogs". The First Season of "Samurai Jack" is a must have in any DVD collection, and after you watch it through you will need to watch it all again with the directors Commentary. PS. I hope they air the fianl three episodes of the series soon, I want to know how the story ends.
Rating:
Summary: Oustanding on Spiritual Level
Review: A truly ground breaking series ahead of its time.
The series is one of the most spiritual TV shows I have even seen.
Sounds strange, underlying all action sequences are the lessons of dignity, humility and honor that jack represents.
For example, we have watched the episode Jack vs. Mad Jack and every time we have profound lessons in it.
I am looking forward to the next seasons releases in 2005.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Animated Shows of All-Time
Review: After winning an Emmy for the two-part episodes "The Birth of Evil," Genndy Tartovsky and company really should be proud of their work. Mixing the far future with action right out of a classic Akira Kurosawa film, the show never disappoints. The only disappointment is that Cartoon Network has cancelled production on the show and has of yet not released any more episodes than the first 12 onto DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: where is Jump Good and the Scotsman's Wife?
Review: Along with another reviewer, I was under the impression that this set included Jump Good and the Scotsman's Wife episode. I am not sure why I thought that, but that is why I bought it. The set is excellent and I would have bought it either way, but I ran home with this set when it came to my office just to watch those two episodes, and they were not there. Again, the set is great either way. I would have liked more extras as many others have noted. If you like the show, buy this set and hope the other episodes are put out.
Rating:
Summary: A lot of Jack for your money
Review: As WB has started to release season sets of its beloved classics, it's also taken the time to dig into the Cartoon Network vaults and pull out the first 13 episodes of Samurai Jack for this 2-disc set. Jack is a warrior who has been trained from childhood to destroy the demon Aku and restore peace to his kingdom. But before Jack can kill Aku, he is sucked into a time portal and thrown far into the future. Now Jack must learn the ways of this changed world, battle Aku's minions, and quest towards returning home. Utilizing stylized art and animation, Samurai Jack combines relentless action with traditional storytelling techniques to become one of the smartest cartoons currently on the air. There's a lot of classic moments in this set, and it's definitely worth a look for animation fans of all ages.However, the set isn't perfect. Extras are pretty sparse, with one short documentary, a video gallery of production artwork, a commentary track, and the original "test pilot" animation. I understand space is limited, but it's still disappointing considering that creator Genndy Tartakovsky seems to have a lot to say. I think either the French or Spanish audio track could've been dropped, or at least made specific to different regions. Including 3 audio tracks on a series where dialogue is often sparse seems like overkill. There are also some minor problems with the video - it looks beautiful up until characters start to talk, then video interlacing problems become visible. It's a minor problem and shouldn't interfere too much with your enjoyment of Samurai Jack, but it's there. Despite all that, Samurai Jack Season 1 is a great buy. This is a cheap, affordable set that deserves a place in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: The best animated show on American television
Review: Both visually and story-wise, "Samurai Jack" is an amazing show. Each episode is packed to the hilt with ground-breaking animation, in-depth and (semi-) accurate cultural references, a compelling meta-story overlaid with serial adventures and a sharp and cutting sense of humor. I dearly love the details, such as the presentation of the Norse pantheon of gods during "Jack and the Lava Monster" and the sly and unspoken sexual tension in "Jack and the Warrior Woman." There really isn't a better animated show on American television, including the excellent "The Simpsons" and "Invader Zim."
This "Season 1" box set is not an actual first season, as it is missing 6 episodes from the first run, and includes the premier movie as the first thee episodes. In this way, the box set is a disappointment. Fans of "Samurai Jack," such as myself, probably already own the DVD of the premier movie, and are feeling slightly cheated.
However, the other episodes included in the set are as top-notch as the entire series. My favorite episode, "Jack and the Scotsman," is included, combing my two hobbies of Japan and Scotland. All of the episodes are brilliant, in fact. I am dutifully awaiting future DVD season boxsets.
Rating:
Summary: They call him Jack
Review: Due to a lack of cable, I only began watching Samurai Jack in the middle of the second season. The first episode I watched, Jack and the Imakandi, got me very interested; the second episode I saw, Jack versus Demongo, hooked me as a lifelong fan. Samurai Jack is a beautifully animated series about a courageous young warrior fighting to undo his mortal enemy's evils.
Season One introduces Jack, a Japanese prince whose kingdom is attacked and destroyed by the shapeshifter Aku. He travels all over the world learning different styles of fighting, and when he is grown, he returns to Japan to take on Aku with a mystical sword forged by his ancestors. The battle comes down to the wire when Aku, in desperation, flings his enemy far into the future, into a world where everyone and everything is controlled by Aku. Dubbed by the locals 'Jack' (we never learn his real name) the young samurai must fight robots and bounty hunters as he journeys for a way to return to the past, while righting injustices along his path.
Samurai Jack combines elements of anime and Western action films in a simply but gorgeously animated feast for the eyes and the mind. While at least seventy percent of every episode involves some kind of action, the quieter moments are treated with just as much reverence as the fight scenes. Jack is a simple and inherently peaceful man who fights only when he has to, a thoroughly likable character because of his strict code of honor and ethics. His quietness and simplicity of words give him far more strength and charisma than any brash, tough-talking anti-hero of a number of Western and Japanese animated series.
Season One has the show still finding its feet; a number of the episodes are not up to par with those of the later seasons, although Jack and the Blind Archers, Jack and the Norse Warrior and Jack and the Scotsman are gems. Samurai Jack surprises with humor sprinkled throughout the action and delights with many colorful characters to balance Jack's tranquility. Best of all, perhaps, it teaches without preaching or pandering. Viewers of any age could learn a lot from Jack's courage and willingness to help others.
I've borrowed the DVD from a friend and have greatly enjoyed rewatching episodes I haven't seen in years, although Season One isn't my favorite. However, I'm saving for and eagerly anticipating the release of the fantastic Season Two.
Rating:
Summary: Desperately underapprciated
Review: Genndy Tartakovsky has outdone himself- and much to the dismay of the few of us who see the brilliance- seems to be far ahead of his time. The combination of innovative animation, demiurgic world-beat soundtrack, and poigniant story lines leave this creation head and shoulders beyond what any series creator, animated or live-action, could hope to purvey.
Season one is fantastic and I am patiently awaiting its successor.
Rating:
Summary: Worth The Wait
Review: Having watched almost every episode possible on CNX (formally Toonami) It is clear to see that Samurai Jack is one of the best animated tv series to date. Although not in a position to comment on the DVD itself, I am sure it will not leave anyone disappointed as long as it includes all the episodes from season 1. (I hope it will be possible to purchase the dvds from Amazon uk)
Rating:
Summary: Stylish Quality
Review: I absolutely love this show. Samurai Jack explodes with a level of style rarely seen. The action, animation and stories are all fantastic. This is an extremely well done TV series. The character of Jack is an immensely charismatic hero. His courage, resourcefulness and ethical code serves as a breath of fresh air in today's sea of common, immoral TV characters. This samurai actually inspires me to better myself in the real world. Not many shows have that effect and even fewer cartoons do! The only special features in this set I liked was getting to see what some of the voice actors looked like. The chance to own the whole first season must not be missed by Samurai Jack fans. I await the next season on DVD eagerly. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in the following: samurais, clever plots, style.
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