Saiyuki Reload – Volume
3 (Animé TV)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C Episodes: B-
Though we join Saiyuki Reload in its third DVD
release, it is one of the smarter, more amusing Animé TV series that is at
least partly in the Fantasy genre. Though
ideas of “scripture” are a bit heavy-handed, we did look at the tenth volume of
the original series before, impressed with its more serious approach. This has more humor, and that actually helps
it work a bit more.
This time, the rag tag gang that has come together by
happenstance finds themselves in a semi-police state in episode 9, Invisible
Castle. Demon Genjyo Sanzo
has one of the team become a deadly demon.
A Kind Visage asks about the need for parents, while Forest Of
The Spirited Away is an amusing visit to an enchanted forest that is long
overdue.
The full
frame 1.33 X 1 color images are animated better than typical for TV Animé, but
this is not as sharp or as clear as the best block style Animé DVDs, though it
sometimes comes close. The occasional
whiting-out is annoying. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Stereo surprisingly has no surrounds and is here in English and
Japanese. Extras include four gag
“Ura-Sai” segments, three previews for other Geneon titles and “Commercial
Collections (Sanzo Versions)” fans will get a kick out of, being only in
Japanese. A translucent animation-cel
like pencil box art piece came with our copy and Saiyuki in
general could be building up to a major franchise in the Animé field and if
handled right, could make some kind of crossover.
- Nicholas Sheffo
