DVD Corner

El Cazador De La Bruja Volume 1 and Spice And Wolf Season 1 DVD Reviews

“El Cazador De La Bruja” and “Spice And Wolf” are both unique, but flawed anime series.

El Cazador De La Bruja Volume 1

GRADES:

Content: B-

Picture: B+

Audio: B+

Extras: C

The Show:

The first 13 episodes of “El Cazador De La Bruja” essentially sets up the series. We are introduced to the main characters Nadie (a bounty hunter) and Ellis (an amnesiac girl with powers). The bulk of the series sees Nadie protecting Ellis. The two travel around Mexico together in order to find clues regarding Ellis’s secret past. Along the way, they encounter other bounty hunters, strange characters, and travel away from a convent to a silver mine.  

‘Bruja’ is a unique western esque series that is a refreshing change of pace from most anime series. Yes, the story is a bit forced and rushed and the Ellis character is more than a little annoying, but there’s a strong ongoing story arc and some fun characters (namely Nadie) that are worth tuning in for. Speaking of Nadie, her character is definitely the reason the series works. She’s a feisty, funny, butt kicking bounty hunter who owns every scene she is in.

Summary: If you’re looking for a different type of anime, “El Cazador De La Bruja” is worth looking into. Just a note: “El Cazador De La Bruja” Volume 2 is also available on DVD and I will be reviewing it shortly.

Picture And Audio:

The widescreen picture quality is well above average. The animation is clean looking throughout

This set contains both English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Japanese Stereo tracks. The Japanese Stereo track is predictably flat, but it is preferable to listen to as the voice work is superior. The English track is livelier when it comes to the action and the impressive music score, but the English dub is peppy and over the top.

Extras:

Extras include 10 Funimation trailers, textless opening and closing songs, and another pointless commentary track by the English voice director and voice cast on episode 1.

Spice And Wolf Season 1

GRADES:

Content: B-

Picture: B+

Audio: B+

Extras: D-

The Show:

“Spice And Wolf” season 1 (which consists of 13 episodes) is another road trip series much like “El Cazador De La Bruja.” This time, however, the series follows a traveling fur and wheat merchant named Kraft Lawrence who begins to travel around with a wolf girl named Holo as they conduct business, travel from town to town, meet Sheppards and other people, encounter other traders, and even other wolves.

While undeniably original, “Spice And Wolf” is a somewhat hit-and-miss anime series. The story comes off more like an RPG series than an anime series as the characters travel around and trade (or find money) like a playable character would do in an RPG game. Additionally, I felt the story was heavy with exposition and that the series lacked a deep story arc. ‘Wolf’ is very much a character driven series and that’s where the show shines. Both the main characters (Kraft and Holo) are likeable and it’s interesting to see their chemistry together and how their friendship/romance develops throughout the course of the season.

Another aspect I was rather fond of was the animation itself. The show looks beautiful. I was very impressed by the town designs, the locations, and exterior snow and forest scenes. The Imagin animation studio deserves a lot of praise for their work.  

Picture And Audio:

The widescreen picture quality is top notch. The animation is generally high quality here with some stunning town and nature designs and it looks superb on this DVD set.

English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Japanese Stereo tracks are included. As per usual, the English dub is hit-and-miss and the Japanese Stereo track is the better of the two as far as the voice cast goes.

Extras:

Extras include textless opening and closing songs, trailers for “Dragonaut,” “Tsubasa- Reservoir Chronicles,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Dragon Ball Z,” “Gunslinger Girl,” “Le Cheavalier D’Eon,” “Tower Of Druaga,” “D. Gray-man,” “Case Closed,” and “Nabari no Ou.”

January 8, 2010 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | El Cazador De La Bruja Volume 1 DVD Review, Spice And Wolf Season 1 DVD Review