DVD Corner

Ga-Rei-Zero- The Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

“Ga-Rei-Zero” is a surprising and action packed anime series.

In this 12 episode series, we are introduced to the Supernatural Disaster Countermeasures Division (or SDCD) who are tasked with taking down supernatural threats (namely ghosts, spirits, zombies, monsters, etc.). The series primarily revolves around the characters Kagura and Yomi. Kagura is a bad-ass SDCD member who is best friends with Yomi while Yomi (a fellow SDCD member) tragically becomes possessed by an evil spirit known as the Sesshousei. Naturally, the relationship become complicated as a result of Yomi’s possession. Other episode plots involve Kashas, zombies, Kagura and Yomi backstory, death, demons, category A B C D monsters, a romance between Yomi and Nori, Tsuchigumo, a Sesshousei possessing Yomi, Mei and Kazuhiro, and Yamabiko.

From the opening minutes of “Ga-Rei-Zero,” I knew this was going to be a fun anime series. Not only did the series feel cinematic and fresh, but it was a visually engaging show filled with unique monsters, gunfights, spirits, bloody violence, vehicles, destruction, and even invisible enemies. In short, it’s an action anime fans dream come true. Granted, the plot borrows elements from “D.Gray-Man” and even “Ghostbusters,” but the show’s unique elements more than make up for the flaws.

Another aspect of the show I greatly admired was the show’s unpredictable scripts. From the ending of episode one, it was clear you really didn’t know who was going to live or die in this series which I found refreshing as there’s nothing worse than a stale and predictable story filled with stale and predictable characters. Speaking of the characters, I liked that “Ga-Rei-Zero” focused more on character rather than being more concerned with action. The relationship and conflicts between Kagura and Yomi really drive the series until the very end. More importantly, you actually care about the characters too.

Summary: “Ga-Rei-Zero” is definitely worth your time. This is one of the few anime series that you wish would be slightly longer.

Note: The interesting thing about this set is that it includes both Blu-ray as well as DVD copies of the episodes in extras. To my knowledge, this is the first Blu-ray release I’ve seen that has included DVD copies which I really like. I hope to see the inclusion of DVDs in future Blu-ray sets.

Video/Audio:

Widescreen Since the set includes both DVD and Blu-ray copies, I am able to compare the two. The widescreen picture quality is solid on the DVD, but the colors are simply much sharper on the Blu-ray release. I did notice the PQ is fuzzy in spots on the Blu-ray, but it’s not a major issue.

The Blu-ray release contains English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0 audio tracks while the DVD contains English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Japanese Stereo audio tracks. The English dub is decent for a change and is worth listening to.The Japanese track is good, but I noticed the dialogue is a little soft with the music and action blaring forth. Naturally, the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 has the most depth here as it’s an HD quality track.

Extras:
* Trailers for “Evangelion 2.22,” “Corpse Princess,” “Excel Saga,” “D.Gray-Man,” “Eden Of The East,” “Gantz,” “Soul Eater,” “Black Butler,” “RideBack,” “Phantom- Requiem For The Phantom,” “Gunslinger Girl,” and “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.”
* Textless opening and closing songs.
* 1 minute of DVD and episode 1 promo videos.
* A 6 part location special in which the show’s staff scout real locations to be featured in the series. This is a fun, picturesque series of extras that I’d like to see more of in other anime sets.

May 5, 2011 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review, DVD review | Ga-Rei-Zero- The Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack