Description
It is the 1920s, and Japan is under attack by demonic invaders. The government has designed sturdy, albeit steam-owered, robot armor suits for the impending battle, but only young ladies with the proper combination of virtue and spirit can pilot the robots successfully.
Customer Reviews:
Very good anime.......2007-06-11
Just when I thought I was going to hate mecha type anime for the rest of my life. Something surfaced and made me a believer. And that something was Sakura Wars. Why this collection isn't over flooded with good reviews? I DONT KNOW!
For starters I never seen or played the video games, so I cannot say anything to those who played the games. And thats good for me because I couldn't expect anything. The story; there is an organization whose sole purpose is to protect the world from a demon threat. That organization is called the flower division.The setting is in Japan in the 1920's but they are very far in technology. They use mechas powered by steam and they're piloted by female pilots. This is not your typical fan service and defenseless bimbos crying out and wearing skimpy clothes for no reason whatsoever. This anime is very mature.
The animation is spectacular in my opinion. I really dont care about the animation involving anything but I noted it anyway. I just feel whats the big deal about the animation. If the animation is good but the story and a few other elements is weak, then animation means nothing. The soundtrack for the opening and ending credits is alright. I really didn't care for the opening that much.
The charcter development is second to Crest of the Stars. I find it impossible to dislike any of the characters. The snobs, geeks, almost manly looking weight lifting buffs are all likable. They spend alot of time helping you get to know the characters. When the Flower divison aren't fighting demons then they plan for a live show or play that they rehearse all day for. I kind of felt some of the story involving the plays dragged a little too long. But I come to appreciate it because it really did help with the overall character development. The action scenes are pretty good but don't come into this expecting high octane, mass casualty deaths, and an incredible amount of gore. This series isn't about that.
I don't feel this anime is for everyone. If you enjoyed Crest of the Stars or something in that ballpark, then you can enjoy this. If your very heavily influenced with lots of action, gore, an in your face straight up plot, and thats it. This anime MAY not be for you. It can be about as fun as watching paint dry.
The essential Sakura Wars - watch this before watching the others!.......2006-03-01
Anyone interested in Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) - whether a fan of the games or just interested in the anime - should definitely watch this 5-disc compilation of the entire 25-episode run of the TV series. Be aware, though, that the story told in the TV series is slightly but significantly different from that told in the OAV (and also from that told in the new manga version, which is now being published in English in the USA). I definitely recommend watching the TV series BEFORE watching "Sakura Wars: The Movie", because otherwise the latter won't make much sense to you at all and the TV series provides a tremendous amount of character development missing from the OVA. (Also, I strongly recommend watching the TV series and the movie both before watching "Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris", since that particular anime takes place in the timeframe between the series and the movie.)
Note also: the TV series has a lot of emotional heft to it and can get dark, almost somber in places, but I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that everything works out in the end. HOW it works out, though, you'll just have to watch to find out! :)
P.S. On further thought, I wanted to put in a word here about the alternate-history background of this anime. Sakura Wars takes place in a timeline where steam appears to have become the dominant method of power generation and propulsion (right down to steam-powered telephones!!) and also where technology in this version of the 1920's is up to at least 1990's levels (computerlike machines and some form of virtual reality simulator are seen being used in several scenes, and there is obviously some kind of video technology as well). Also, socially and politically, the 1920's Japan of Sakura Wars seems to be a very different place from the 1920's Japan of our "real" time line - in fact, according to the new English translation of the manga, the characters for the Imperial era "Taisho" used in this series translate to "Broad Truth" in English, not "Great Truth" as in our actual history. Something to be aware of as you watch the show.
Sakura Wars!!!!!!!!!.......2005-11-11
i love this series and i ordered this whole collection on [...] they have awesome stuff there for low prices!!!!!! all about anime!!!!!!
Amazon.com
The feature adaptation of this long-running continuity has been pumped up with redesigned characters, computer-generated mecha, jazzy special effects, and flashy tracking shots. Unfortunately, all this visual razzle-dazzle doesn't add up to much. Director Mitsurou Hongo doesn't bother to introduce the characters or the set-up, and Ojhi Hiroi's story has a jingoistic edge. Brent Furlong, the head of the American Douglas-Stewart company, plots to replace the Operetta Troupe Flower Division with his unmanned mecha Japhkiels. His real objective is the conquest of Japan, but he underestimates the young women of the Flower Division, who defeat his mecha and demons. The flat, drawn characters and the 3-D CG mechanical devices look like they're taken from two different films, and the leaden pacing makes the film feel much longer than 85 minutes. The TV series is less flashy but more entertaining. (Unrated: suitable for ages 12 and older: considerable violence) --Charles Solomon
Description
The Imperial Fighting Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo against the demons. However, this time, the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a new type of Fighting mecha that will revolutionize Japan's defense. A superior fighting machine that will make the Flower Division obsolete. However, the girls suspect something when members of their team begin to vanish. But what can they do when their division has been placed on indefinite stand-by status? Comes with Reversible DVD Cover. Features English 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, and Anamorphic Video
Customer Reviews:
Stay far away if you have no knowledge of this series.......2007-06-20
If you never seen the Sakura Wars TV series at the very least. Then this movie will seem like nothing more than an incoherent mess. All of the character development, and the entire story lies in everything before this. This is just a movie to add on.
Now since I got that out of the way. I found this movie to be disappointing. The characters have new voice actors and this is terrible for Marya for the simple fact her russian accent is gone. And some of the characters original personalities did not carry over. Names are mispronounced as well. This is very unacceptable to me. Because in the series the characters were very unique. And Sakura especially had evolved alot towards the end. She seems to be right back at that clumsy stage. The dialogue in this one is pretty lame as well. This is definitly were you can tell the original personalities didn't carry over for everyone, especially Marya. The dubbing is weird for the english version, especially in the begining.
The only thing that saved this from 2 stars for me was 2 things. The animation and the fight scenes. Like I always say, animation is non existent if the anime fails in numerous areas. But this is one time the animation cannot be overlooked no matter how bad this movie could have been. They really put alot into the animation. The fight scenes were also well done. The plot was somewhat slow and boring for me. To include there were several holes in a few scenes. And midway through the movie, a part of the ending was incredibly predictable.
If your a Sakura Wars collector then this should fit well in your collection. If you weren't too crazy about the series or the OVA then I say skip it. Cause it isn't that much different. Skip this movie altogether if you never ever seen Sakura Wars TV series.
Finally, A movie for the Sakura Wars series........2006-11-03
It starts where the OVA left off, Ichiro Ogami is in Paris (Sakura Taisen 3 for the Dreamcast and Ecole De Paris for the dvd by funimation) and troubles are rising for the Imperial Flower Troupe when Douglas Stewart from America introduces a new fighting brigade known as Japhkiel. Maria disappears and all hell breaks loose. With character designs by Kosuke Fujishima and story by Ouji Hiroi, This movie will leave you cheering for the Imperial Flower Troupe. If you loved this movie then get the sequel Sakura Taisen Sumire Special released by Funimation. Not as good as the movie but still needs to be seen.
Best for knowledgable Sakura Wars fans.......2006-03-02
By "knowledgable", I mean folks who have at least played the games (not that those are easy to get in North America!) or watched the OVA or (much preferably) TV series - the latter has MUCH more in the way of character and story background. In fact, I believe that the intended target audience for this movie was just that - the people in Japan who've played all the games so far and watched everything on TV and therefore are completely up to speed on who's who and what's what. I watched the new 5-DVD set of the TV series, which I've reviewed elsewhere, before I saw this movie, and in consequence I found the movie much more enjoyable. I do agree with the other reviewer's comment that the movie's ending was rather muddled; to me, it seemed rather tacked on. Also, there was no real effort to introduce the "new" characters outside the ones that would already be familiar to most American viewers, but again that's a side effect of the fact that the movie seems to have been intended for a more "knowledgable" audience than most anime fans in the U.S.
In short: If you're already a Sakura Wars fan and have watched the TV series, you'll probably enjoy this. Otherwise, you're better off watching the OVA or TV series first.
Sakura Wars: The Movie.......2004-05-05
From the acclaimed television and OVA series comes the full length movie of Sakura Wars. The animation is much better in this movie and when you watch the Oobu being loaded on the transporter bullet engine you are in for a wild treat.
Some characters may appear to be flately drawn but this is a more somber and darker movie.
If not familier with the characters do not get this first but buy the TV series then the OVA series followed by this movie. It is then that you will understand the characters. I would have given it a 5 star, but the extended CGI loading and launching of the bullet engine was a bit distracting from the story line.
Boring!.......2004-04-02
I've not seen the TV series at all. I saw the preview of this DVD on Last Exile (which is a pretty cool series) I was attracted by the excellent detailed animation in the 2 minute preview. I couldn't find a review on it so I went and bought it. Unfortunately all this movie has going for it is the animation. Which personally I think is superb! The story is sorely lacking and the translation must be way off, Heck I don't speak a word of japanese but I can even tell I was missing more to the story. There is no explanation to any of the characters nor why they are there except there deamons attacking Japan. No explanation on the demons at all. Plus the movie seems skip alot from scene to scene without explaing any of the event. To top it off you have an ending that makes no sense. You don't even know what exactly is happening. I advise just to rent it and if you do put it on mute and just look at the eye candy.
Amazon.com
The 25-episode broadcast series based on the Sega game is set in 1926. Under the leadership of handsome Second Lieutenant Ohgami, the seven women of the Imperial Theatrical Troupe, Flower Division stage plays, appear in films, and quarrel. Sharpshooter Maria and swordswoman Sakura defeat a Russian murderer and his steam-powered mecha in episode 1. In episode 2, psychic Iris has a tantrum, runs away, and steals a gangster's boat (which becomes a bonding experience with another actress); the group defeats the ghost of a silent screen star in episode 3. But these adventures don't add up to anything. The characters are so underdeveloped, they're little more than ciphers, and the mélange of fake accents the voice actors affect doesn't help. It may make sense to fans of the game. (Rated 7 and older, but appropriate for 12 and older: violence, minor profanity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
To Clarify Matters:.......2003-03-29
The editorial review is completely in error. This is not the broadcast TV Series of Sakura Wars. This DVD contains the first 3 episodes of OVA 2 (anime made directly for the video market).
These episodes focus on the characters of the TV series in greater detail, exploring their lives, personalities and histories in a series of one-offs. For example, the first episode focuses on Maria and Sakura, the second on Iris and Reni. The third episode is a rich treat that features the whole cast in a dramatic "horror" story.
Unfortunately, American audiences are not getting the full scope of this magnificent series, because the 25 TV episodes are not available on DVD yet. I was fortunate enough to have seen it in a different country, and all the necessary character introduction, development, action, etc. was established in the TV series.
Understand that this OVA series allows an audience to "revisit" their favorite characters in slower-paced and different settings, as stand alone episodes. Treat them as short stories, not chapters of the same long story. Artistically inspired by old Japanese movies, each episode encompasses a slightly different mood and "flavor".
If you have caught the TV series, then nothing more need be said. You'd probably buy this DVD just to see more of the characters. Though the caveat is that there is less action, and more slower-paced exposition in the OVA. If your only exposure to Sakura Wars is through the OVA, then hold on for a bit, and do not make a judgement about the whole series until you have seen the TV episodes.
Sakura Wars 2-Electric Boogaloo.......2003-01-12
This is the 2nd SAKURA WARS video series. Taking place after the SAKURA WARS 2 video game, Lt. Ogami is leaving to head up a new division in Paris, France(where the SAKURA WARS 3 game takes place). Before he leaves, he recounts all the memories he's had since he became part of the Imperial Flower Division. Each episode of this 6-episode series is a flashback of his. Episode 1 actually takes place in between the SAKURA WARS 1 & 2 video games. Episodes 2-6 happen afterwards with new characters Orhime and the group's only other male character. The OVA is blessed with brilliant CGI animation and a truly memorable soundtrack, especially the Broadway-like songs! The only down side is that there is no real enemy for the Imperial Flower Division to fight in this as there next demon attack doesn't happen until the SAKURA WARS motion picture. They do take down some mafia hoods, a ghost, an a old acuqaintence of Maria's who tries to blow up the theatre. However, nothing that warrants the use of their steampowered mechas, so the opening credits are the only time during the entire series you actually get to see them, or the team in their new military outfits. The DVD is good with great bonuses like the Japanese trailers, but the dub is very stale with the fake European accents, so stay with the Japanese language track! If you liked the original OVA series, then by all means continue with this great followup.
pretty good intro to the Sakura Wars universe.......2002-10-17
Though the Sakura Wars (or Sakura Taisen, or ST) universe is pretty detailed, this DVD serves as a decent intro to the main characters. Even if you don't know the characters, the episodes are well-written enough to be taken as entertaining short stories. I'd give it 5 stars for ST fans and 4 stars for non-ST fans. The only noticeable problem with the first DVD is that there are no koubu (steam- and spirit-powered mecha) vs. koubu battles that are typical of the video game series. However, the storytelling makes up for it.
By the way, even if you don't understand Japanese, at some point you should definitely listen to the original voice actresses instead of the dubbed ones. One of the hallmarks of the ST series is its excellent voice cast such as the veterans Yokoyama Chisa, Tomizawa Michie, and Orikasa Ai. Episodes 1 and 2 feature stage and screen actor Sonooka Shintarou as Dandy Boss.
If you like the DVD, look for the new Sakura Wars game that will be released in the US in 2003/2004 on the PS2.
Anime goes to the Theatre.......2002-09-27
This installment of the Sakura Wars OVA's takes the spirit Warriors on various episodic adventures. Unlike the first OVA, there are no great Mech battles...which is OK. The various stories serve to develop the characters more and show the efforts they put into their Theatre Troup and solve mysteries. I actually liked this one better than the First OVA's that came out a few years ago. Dubbing was good. Even though the accents weren't authentic, the actors breathed so much fun into them that I didn't care. Great animation and score as well.
More Sakura Wars!! ...And it's the Sakura Wars 2 OVA!.......2002-09-08
The Sakura Wars first released in America was the Sakura Wars 1 (coming to our shores...finally...next year!) OVA. This one takes place during the Sakura Wars 2 game. Sakura Wars is about a team of women (and their guy captain Ohgami) protecting the capital from evil in their steam-powered robots called Oobus. Unlike the first OVA series, there are no real Oobu fights which is good because the characters are really the best thing about this cartoon/video game series.
This DVD contains 3 (out of 6) episodes of the Sakura Wars 2 OVA.
Episode 1: Ohgami finds a brooch with a bullet inside and remembers Maria. Maria's past is brought back when a man from her past comes back and causes trouble by putting a bomb in the theater! Will Maria realize that caring for people is not a weakness after all? Can Kohran disarm the bomb? Will Kanna and Sumire even fight on stage?? (Duh.) I loved this episode so much! Maria is so cool! XD/ Plus you gotta love the 'Dandy' group's spoof of Grease. "You idiot! All foreign gangsters dance around their territory!"
Episode 2: This time, Ohgami remembers Reni (a new character from Sakura Wars 2). Basically, this episode is about Iris' relationship with Reni. Iris blames Reni for her poor performance and soon, that leads them into a mess of trouble. A cute episode.
Episode 3: Ohgami remembers Sumire and Kanna. As usual, Sumire's ego is causing a disturbance in the team. Meanwhile, is there a ghost haunting the studio?? Sumire denies the story and gets haunted by the ghost along with the others. I loved this one because it was a great story.
The extras are great! Which should be expected since there are only three episodes in this DVD. There are 4 Japanese promos, the first one being my favorite. The first promo is one for one of the Sakura Wars stage shows (and so is the third one). The other two promos are for the Sakura Wars 1 and 2 games. Also ADV included a moving "sketchbook" which is okay and the Japanese boxes art. Along with that there are the usual ADV previews and character info (which isn't very extensive as it should be).
Now the dubbing of the series is medicore. (Which is expected since this is ADV.) Most of the English lines don't match up to the Japanese lines and the characters say dumb things like "sistah" and other valley girl or whatever sayings. But the actors weren't bland at all, they actually seemed to be enjoying it. Kohran's accent is horrible but Ohgami's voice actor was pretty good (yay!). The Japanese version is fantastic! Lots of kewl accents and some of the best acting around makes the characters come more to life. Without their talent, the characters would be nothing.
The menus are pretty and the basic setup is well done. Meanwhile, what's cool about the theme songs is that when a character is going to be the main star in the episode, they play their part of the Sakura Wars 2 theme song. For example, the first episode's theme song is sung by Maria since the episode completely stars her.
All in all, Sakura Wars is a gem in the anime world. I applaud the people who made these OVAs for not making them feel too 'gamish' like other video game animes.
Amazon.com
The young women of the Imperial Theatrical Troupe, Flower Division, continue their adventures in this second volume of the 25-episode broadcast series. In the fourth and fifth episodes, Sakura attends the wedding of a cousin, a family event that provides an opportunity for flashbacks of her heroic father's sacrifice of his life in the ongoing Demon Wars. Sakura has inherited the "blood of the destroyers of evil" and may someday face a similar challenge. Drama turns to farce as the other members of the troupe arrive, convinced that Sakura is being forced into an arranged marriage. In "Dramatic Picture-Card Show," the girls somehow take on the identity (and supernatural powers) of a gang of comic book superheroes. Sakura Wars is based on a Sega game, but the characters remain underdeveloped and the stories don't form a particularly coherent narrative. (Rated 7 and older, but appropriate for 12 and older: violence, minor profanity, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
excellent for Sakura Wars fans, decent for newcomers.......2002-10-17
This DVD contains two stories about Sakura Wars (aka Sakura Taisen, or ST) spanning three episodes. Episode #4 is an entertaining story for both Sakura Wars fans and newcomers about the Hanagumi's attempt to save a neighborhood from developers. Episodes #5 and #6 are not very interesting to new viewers because they flesh out a lot of the background to one of the main characters, but fans will really enjoy watching the animation of the previous demon wars that, until this OVA, were only shown as still pictures in the video games...
Average customer rating:
- War in the Cherryblossoms
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Sakura Wars
Starring:
Sakura Wars Ova
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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ASIN: B0002VKZRU
Release Date: 2004-10-26 |
Description
The year is 1919, and armies of mechanized soldiers are advancing on the capital. Luckily, Kanzaki Heavy Industries has developed a new weapon that is to be piloted by a group of courageous young women assembled from around the world to pilot steam-driven giant robots into single combat. Can the Flower Division save Earth?
Customer Reviews:
War in the Cherryblossoms.......2007-09-04
Although I liked this DVD, it suffers from the same problem as a previous item I reviewed, Galaxy Fraulien Yuna: Being based on a video game series, it assumes the audience is already thoroughly familliar with the basic plot/premise of the story. It mainly serves to "flesh out" the characters already established by SEGA in their popular series of Japanese games.
This OVA is the first of several, and deals with the establishment of the Imperial Flower Division of supernaturally-endowed maidens who oppose the Forces of Darkness in their ill-defined attacks on Imperial Tokyo. The six principal characters are introduced and given barely enough screen time to tell them apart in the 4 different episodes that make up this DVD. The Forces of Darkness are virtually ignored and their motive is murky at best. The original episodes were released separately in Japan, and the loose story line and connection between the segments was somehow not thought to be a shortcoming. ( It is! )
Although the characters are rather sketchy, some manage to stand out; I particularly liked the main character, Sakura. She is the "new girl" in the combat/theatrical troupe, and has to go through the familliar routines of trying to fit in, after mastering a difficult sword technique which reminded me very much of that used by Motoko in Love Hina.
As usual for an OVA, the animation is superior to a regular TV series. The music is also very good. The main claim for this particular reissue is the 5.0 sound on the english dubbed track.
Amazon.com
Based on a popular Sega game, the OVA of Sakura Wars is set in the 1920s, when demons are attacking Tokyo. To combat them, Kanzaki Heavy Industries has developed the Oobu, a low-tech mecha armor powered by "spiritual energy." Sumire Kanzaki, the arrogant granddaughter of the owner, is the first to control the armor successfully. She's immediately taken into the Imperial Floral Assault Unit, charged with defending the capitol. She's joined by karate champion Kanna Kirishima, sharpshooter Maria Tachibana, psychic Iris Chateaubriand, klutzy gadgeteer Ri Kohran, and sword fighter Sakura Shinguji. The arrival of their male commander, Ichiro Ohgami, a comic cute guy in the Tenchi Muyo mold, inflames tensions and rivalries. When they're not quarreling, the members of the Floral Unit put on plays, which somehow increases their spiritual energy. The threat of the assault by demons who resemble the monster in Alien gets derailed as the girls defeat a Russian murderer and his steam-powered mecha, and the ghost of a silent film star. Even the plays fall by the wayside when Sakura leaves Tokyo to attend a cousin's wedding, and the rest of the Unit follows, convinced they have to save her from an arranged marriage. Sakura Wars suffers from a surfeit of characters and an underdeveloped plot--and the hokey European accents the voice actors affect don't help. (Rated 7 and older, but more appropriate for 12 and older: violence, minor profanity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
Description
Throughout time, tales of the Imperial Flower Combat Troupe have thrilled the world. Now, three of the most popular animated stories ever told: SAKURA WARS, SAKURA WARS: RETURN OF THE SPIRIT WARRIORS, and SAKURA WARS: WEDDING BELLS, have been gathered into one amazing OVA Collection!
Venture into the lives of Sakura Shinguji and the Imperial Flower Combat Troupe as they defend the world from evil. Witness the battle that will shape one girl's destiny and seal the fate of many. Follow the legendary warriors as they struggle with the shadows of their past and the demons of their future. Adventure awaits in this monumental chronicle of SAKURA WARS!
Customer Reviews:
A big step down from the TV series.......2007-09-03
I wish amazon would allow half star ratings. This was more like 2.5 stars to me. The OVA collection was not a good follow up to the TV series at all. In fact after watching this I appreciate the TV series a whole lot more.
The OVA is 3 DVD's. Sakura Wars, Return of the Spirit Warriors, and Wedding Bells. Sakura Wars is the least of the three. With only 4 very weak episodes. First of all, the english dubb sucks terribly to me. The voice actors from the TV series was so much better. The voice actors for Iris and Koran(especially) to me was just devastating to my ears. Also this first one has nothing to do with the events from the TV series or the following ova its apart of. Its a seperate story and according to one reviewer you have to be familiar with the game. I guess thats probably some of the reason I don't like it. The rest of the reason, just like the entire collection it was just poorly written to me with uninteresting stories.
Return of the Spirit Warriors and Wedding Bells are 6 episodes total. These continue after the TV series bringing two more characters who's talents were never exposed and just poorly developed. The boy is basically Iris from the TV series. Mostly quite and speaks in the same droned out voice. I have several more gripes but I don't want this to sound like a first class hate review which I'm very well known for.
The animation and the soundtrack especially are definitly the strong points.
Overall I was disappointed with this. There is only 2 episodes I can watch again. This does not capture the same greatness from the TV series. This collection did not have the same effort put into it by a longshot. If your a huge fan of Sakura Wars in video game or movie form then check it out. If your just an anime fan and your looking for something new, check out the tv series first. If you want to continue further check this out also. You just might like it.
???.......2005-06-10
The story of Sakura wars is well done however based on what is seen on the OVA 2 Discs there are missing parts of the story. Like what happen to Ayame Fujidea (The vice commander), when and under what conditions do orhime and reni join the flower division. Apparently there is another story that also takes place in Paris with a european team under oghami. Personally I think that ADV or someone should issue the remaining stories. However even with the hole the story is a good one and should be view by any one who likes a mecha story involving deamons.
TV series better?? I THINK NOT!!.......2004-12-02
These were the first OVA DVDs that I ever had so they played an important part of my anime fandom. I also consider this to be the BEST DUBBED ANIME EVER!! I'm sorry, but (for the Japanese version mind you) Sakura has no buisness sounding like Sasami from Tenchi muyo, Kohran should not have an OSAKAN accent, Reni (from OVA 2) doesn't sound emotionless, And Sumire isn't all that arrogant, and she sounds like SAILOR MARS!!! I swear these series were never meant to be watched in Japanese at all. Oh, and I saw Sakura Wars TV 2 weeks after I saw the OVA's AND THEY DIDN'T USE THE SAME DUB VOICES LIKE IN THE OVA'S!!! The animation in the TV series was terrible, the plot was slow, it didn't have it's funny moments like in the OVA's and Maria is a total witch in the TV series! So get the OVA's, but skip the TV series, and the MOVIE!!
Watch the series in order first.......2004-05-12
This is actually an incredibly wonderful series as long as you watch it in the correct order so that you know what exactly is going on.
The first OVA of this collection (Sakura Wars) can actually be skipped all together since it is based on the video game that was never released to the United States. Unless you are familar with this game, you will be completely lost with what is happening.
The other two OVAs that are included with this set actually take place after the TV series and have no real central plot. Instead it is meant to expand on what you already know of the characters that you learned about in the TV series. It is possible to enjoy this series without seeing the TV series (I certainly did) but it may still be helpful to have some background info.
If you really want to enjoy this box set, do yourself a favor and watch the 6 volume TV series first. Then skip the Sakura Wars OVA and just go straight into the other two which are actually worth watching. You'll get much more value for your money and a much more pleasurable viewing experience.
Where's the War?.......2004-02-18
This anime had many characters and failed to fully develop any of them into likable characters. Even though they were supposed to be an elite force, they never worked well as a team: they constantly argued and disobeyed orders (especially Sakura)- it was very annoying. Their Kobu's had guns but were highly inaccurate against the enemy, which is really strange because, the team trained every day. This anime had too many episodes where the team kept training and training and training- enough already! Sakura Wars was very boring and suffered from severe flaws of logic. The stories were weak and sometimes seemed incoherent, one minute they fight creatures and next they were talking about the food at dinner. The dialog was boring and pointless and without direction. The team all lived together in an opera theater and performed shows, while the Kobu's were hidden somewhere in the basement of the theater, talk about lax security. You would think that the government should be more careful about guarding these powerful machines. The fact that the team had to fight monsters and perform opera shows and dances later on, was absolutely absurd! It was enough that they were saving the city from the monsters and ghost attacking without working their asses off to perform on stage. The genre mixing doesn't work either: mech like monsters, ghosts, spiritual crystals, opera singing, girly talk, mechs with swords. The Kobus didn't have a lot of speed so it didn't make sense to give them swords. Many times the fights between the mechs and ghosts were won out of sheer luck not skill. Take away the excellent sounds and designs and you're left with a piece of crap. Sakura Wars was a waste of my time and money. Good for teens and adults. Ends on episode 25, has four ovas.
Average customer rating:
- why would I need a pencil board set
- A movie for the gamers...
- Perfect but one little Mistakes
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Sakura Wars The Movie Limited Edition
Starring:
Chisa Yokoyama ,
Michie Tomizawa ,
Urara Takano ,
Kumiko Nishihara , and
Yuriko Fuchizaki
Director:
Yorifusa Yamaguchi ,
Hideki Takayama , and
Toshiya Shinohara
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
Geneon
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ASIN: B0000A1HOR
Release Date: 2003-09-09 |
Description
The Imperial Fighting Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo against the demons. However, this time, the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a new type of Fighting mecha that will revolutionize Japan's defense. A superior fighting machine that will make the Flower Division obsolete. However, the girls suspect something when members of their team begin to vanish. But what can they do when their division has been placed on indefinite stand-by status? Comes with Reversible DVD Cover. Features English 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, and Anamorphic Video. Special edition also includes Mini-Pencil Board Set.
Customer Reviews:
why would I need a pencil board set.......2005-09-29
The Imperial Fighting Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo against demons. However, this time, the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a superior fighting machine that will revolutionze Japan's defense and make the Flower Division obsolete. However, the girls suspect something wrong when the members of their team begin to vanish!
A movie for the gamers..........2003-11-26
"Sakura Wars - The Movie" is a creation that builds upon every aspect of the four games which it is based on. For someone who has played these games this movie is a fun experience because all of the characters have already been fleshed out and the parts of the story that the movie doesn't explore have already been explained. It's nice because one doesn't have to listen to a bunch of introductions for characters that they already know, but unfortunately for someone who hasn't played the games this movie must surely seem very disjointed with incredibly shallow characters (and a whole lot of them ^^;). This is a movie for fans, and if you are new to the world of Sakura Taisen this isn't the place to start.
Having played all the games, I have to say I really enjoyed this movie. The animation is a little different from the games (the characters look a bit smaller-eyed), but is absolutely lovely. You can almost understand why the Ecole De Paris OVA and the TV series' animation was so mediocre after watching this, because this is expensive high-quality stuff. They must have spent all their money on it ^^; The backgrounds are especially notable, and the Imperial Theater seems to have gotten a revamp. It's very pretty ^_^
As always, the voice acting is top notch. I can't comment on the english dub because I haven't watched it, but the original will bring back every cast member from Sakura right down to the Baragumi. Lachette's actress is also very good, but even though I have heard she is some sort of professional, I can't stand her singing voice. During the "Subete wa Umi e" song performance it's very grating and drowns Sakura's voice out completely.
The story isn't anything special, but it isn't bad. It follows the usual fare... A man named Brent Furlong has brought in a new type of robots, the Jakphiels, that will make the Koubu obsolete, but his real plans are an economic takeover with some city-destroying evilness thrown in. He has a minion named Patrick, blah blah blah... The formula will seem familiar. It is. Also, an original character, Lachette, is introduced, but there are already eight members of the Hanagumi, and the large focus on her seems silly.
The other characters all have their moments, and there's a lot more character development for Reni than usual, which is nice. Also, Kanna's lines don't consist of only fighting with Sumire. This brings up another point, which is that the characters are actually in-character. The anime endeavors for this game have a tendency to take the most stereotypical trait of a character and just run it into the ground... Over and over again. This movie is a really refreshing change from that. Thank goodness...
The music is by Tanaka Kohei, as usual, and is mainly themes from the game that have been redone. He did a really good job and everything seems very polished, especially the new version of Kiseki no Kane, which has to be 200% better than the original. There is a rewritten version of "Subete wa Umi e" sung by Lachette and Sakura instead of Maria and Sakura, but the lyrics are poor compared to the original and Lachette sounds absolutely horrible... Please, someone bring Maria back... She did a much better job ;_;
In conclusion, because this review has gotten really long (sorry ^^;), if you have played the games you will probably enjoy this movie. If you've only seen the OAV or TV series, or have no knowledge of Sakura Taisen at all, you probably won't like it. This is a total fan movie, and it doesn't really aspire to be more than that.
Perfect but one little Mistakes.......2003-10-05
Sakura Wars the Movie is one of the best Anime Movies that I ever has seen ( I hope I can see it in the German cinema once)
this film has all Action fun and beautiful pictures !!!!
No matter you are a Sakura Wars Fan or not Each Anime fan must have seen this film and the Extras on the DVD is wonderful
But there is a mistake in the Limited Edition (not on the DVD)the mistake is on the Mini-Pencil Board Set !!!
On the card over Reni is a Misspellings !! Her Name is RENI NOT LENI
You like Anime ?? Buy it !!
Description
It is the 1920s, and Japan is under attack by demonic invaders. The government has designed sturdy, albeit steam-powered, robot armor suits for the impending battle, but only young ladies with the proper combination of virtue and spirit can pilot the robots successfully.
Enter young Sakura, arriving in the Imperial Capital from the countryside to join the Imperial Flower Combat Troop. She has the qualifications to be a fine robot pilot, but she's surprised to learn that this secret Defense Force has a cover story as a musical theatre troupe-and they take their cover jobs very seriously indeed. It's costumes, line readings and robot combat galore, as Sakura struggles to learn the ropes, learn her lines, and do her part to save the nation!
Customer Reviews:
ninja meets mecha.......2005-09-29
now, this is a very cool title! steam powered robots and tanks in a fedual time along with aristocratic ninjas, a very interesting combination! not only is this a popular anime, but the action figures are a hot seller as well! the storyline is almost like a clan war based theme and the animation is quite good.
Intriguing.......2003-12-14
I've never played the game(s) but I know in #1, you play as Ohgami, who is not introduced until episode 4 (of the 5 on this disc). I thought this was odd, but the first three focus on Sakura and the other members of the group, letting you get to know them. Thus, it starts off a bit slowly but picks up speed towards the end of the disc. You really have to watch the whole disc before you decide whether you like it or not.
The music sounded very unique to me. Oftentimes, the tones would catch my attention and make me listen further. It's a nice, rich sound.
I didn't listen to the dub and had no issues with the orginal voice actors.
The graphic presentation is very...varied. Mad House (the studio) used a variety of filters on the video so sometimes it looks like you're watching a weak TV signal, a film reel, etc. For the most part, they used soft colours, which take a bit of getting used to.
My box is slightly snug around the DVDs, but it's not hard too get them out.
Overall, looks to be an interesting ride.
mixed opinions.......2003-06-16
Whether or not you like the TV series is largely dependent on how you started watching it, and what exactly you liked about it. The OVAs and games were largely light-hearted and crowd-pleasing; the TV series is, as others have said, much darker. Personally, the TV series was my first introduction to the franchise and I adored it. It focuses less on the dramas and more on the existence of the characters' flaws and fears, as opposed to their triumphs over them. True to the series, though, the rather macabre tone is broken up by the occasional comic episode. That said, the art is horrendous.
In summary, the TV series is character-driven, dark, and badly drawn. I enjoyed it immensely, but it depends on what you're looking for. If you want something light, look for Taisen's other incarnations.
Meh........2003-03-30
I'm not too happy about the Sakura Wars TV series. First off, the first episodes are filled with Sakura torture and that's about it. Ohgami enters and things get a little more lighter, but things don't get good until Kohran and Kanna enter...which is around episode 6 or 7.
The good: simple and sometimes beautiful animation with soft colors. There's a lot more character development to be found in this series which is great.
The bad: Sometimes the animation goes from good to fair to poor to REALLY poor. All the characters, except for Sakura, Kohran and Kanna, have completely changed. Maria is extremely, extremely cold which ticks me off because in the first OVAs, she was the only one who accepted Sakura before Kohran and Kanna came. Sumire is a mega-you-know-what now but thankfully, she gets better as the series goes on. Iris is extremely quiet and not cheery at all. Her lines constist of those breathy sounds she does and whimpering. But what really urks me is the overall darker tone of the series. Blood, violence and people being chopped in half, I dunno... I miss the lighter mood of the games and OVAs. Plus Orihime and Reni only make a 30 second appearance later on in a film reel. (Boo!)
I strongly recommend that if you know the story of Sakura Wars, you skip this DVD and get the others. If you really want it, prepare to be disappointed if you're a mega-fan of Sakura Wars like me. Although, that's my opinion...
I gave it four stars because ADV's dvd deserves it! Extras include production sketches, clean opening and closing animation (I love the closing animation!)and a printed booklet with background information ^_^. And once again, listen to the Japanese version...for the love of corn... XP;;;
Amazon.com
The time is the early 1920s, and Tokyo is menaced by an invasions of demons. To combat them, Kanzaki Heavy Industry has developed robotic battle armor powered by spiritual energy. Sumire Kanzaki, the arrogant granddaughter of the owner, is the first candidate to control the armor successfully. She's joined by karate champion Kanna Kirishima, sharpshooter Maria Tachibana, diminutive blond psychic Iris Chateaubriand, Chinese gadgeteer Ri Kohran, and sword fighter Sakura Shinguji to form the Imperial Floral Assault Unit. The threat of the demon invasion falls by the wayside as the girls get involved in theatrical productions that somehow increase their spiritual energy. The arrival of their first male commander, Ichiro Ohgami, a comic cute guy in the Tenchi mold, adds a little sexual tension. Based on a popular Sega game, the OAV of Sakura Wars suffers from a surfeit of characters and an underdeveloped plot. At two hours, it feels either half an hour too long or an hour too short. --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
Much Ado About Demons.......2005-08-02
Once upon a time there was an extremely pair of Japanese video games entitled Sakura Taisen, which told the story of the Imperial Flower Combat Troop - a group of young women who are actresses by day and demon killers at night (I might have that reversed). Their struggles to defend Tokyo and an incredible plot that mixed magical girl, combat, demons, and Shakespeare in way no normal mind could predict caught on like wildfire, and it was only a matter of time before the video games were redone as a TV series. Preparing the way for the series was this delightful OVA which introduces the plot and characters to the small handful of people who didn't know about the games.
The story unfolds in a 1920's 'steampunk' version of Tokyo. Traditional clothes and mundane street scenes are a background for gothic machines that puff and clank impressively. Having fought off one attempt by alien looking demons, the mood is tense as everyone waits for the next wave of evil. Gradually, the Flower Combat Troop is brought together: Kanzaki Sumire - obnoxious grand-daughter of the man who has invented the spiritual armor the troop uses; Maria Tachibana - first captain of the team; Iris Chateaubriand - a very young and powerful psychic; Kirishima Kanna - the tough warrior; Ri Kohran, the team's mad scientist, and Ichiro Ohgami - one of the few men who can move Oubu (actually Koubu) armor.
And last, but hardly least, there is Shinguji Sakura. Her father fought and died during the previous Demon Wars as possessor of the power to seal evil power. She has inherited that capability, as well as the Spirit Sword Arataka. Her first struggles are to awaken her ability to use the sword. That done, she comes to the Flower Division where she must overcome her clumsiness and difficulty with machines as she becomes an important part of the team.
'Team' is an important word here. While the plot is either about acting or the killing of demons, the real story is the relationship among the members of the Troop. In the final analysis it is their abilities to transcend their own natures and open their hearts to each other that makes a fractious group of talented women into a fearsome mecha team.
Graphics, animation and music are excellent, and the success of this OVA paved the way for the TV series which captured hearts everywhere. The healthy and upbeat nature of this set makes it a natural choice for almost any age group and one of the better introductions to one of anime's most popular forms.
I actually liked this title...........2003-02-27
This is a pretty cute show. It has excellent animation, a good story, and good music. My beef with it is that the show ends after a couple of episodes--it just stops.
This is an OVA, and the Sakura Wars TV series comes after it. And both come after the game.
I think I should have had a little knowledge of the games before I watched this, since it just picked up with the Demons. It didn't give ANY background on the Demons at all, which had me lost for the first episode or two. But as it went along I stopped worrying about how and why the Demons existed/were there and focused on the show itself.
The dubbing in both versions is top notch. I personally prefer the English version. Since the girls are from various countries, not just Japan, they cannot be expected to speak Japanese all that well, and without an accent.But in the English, we get to hear the girls in their "native" tongues and with "native" accents. What I mean is this: The French girl *sounds* French (and she even speaks in French when we first meet her). The Russian Maria has a definitive Russian accent, which comes across very well even though we never get to hear her speak in Russian. And the Chinese teenager talks with a Chinese accent, and also speaks in Chinese.
So, watch this. You won't regret doing so, but you might want to watch the TV series just to get a little better idea of what is going on. Or get (or at least see) the games.
Sakura Wars is taking over the world!!.......2002-09-08
With the Sakura Wars video game coming next year, the Sakura Wars 2 OVAs coming out in October, this Sakura Wars DVD was released awhile ago in the USA. Actually, this charm is the Sakura Wars 1 OVA. This will make more sense when the game comes out next year. ^____^ (Get the game!!!)
This DVD is a real treat for us Sakura Wars fans with rich animation (unlike the Sakura Wars TV episodes) and loveable characters. The first 2 or 3 episodes take place before the game and the last two episodes take place somewhere in the game's course. This is why people are like "what the heck happened?!" between each episode. This DVD dragged me into the Sakura Wars fandom...which I do not regret! ^_^v Get the second OVAs in October, you won't regret buying this DVD or anything else Sakura Wars, believe me.
Very nice animation, but not enough development.......2002-07-22
I orginally brought this DVD because I had heard about it, and was curious about the show. When I watched it, the animation looked great. The colors are very vivid, the characters and settings are beautifully drawn. I mean, the backgrounds were one of the best parts of the show! I enjoyed a lot of the show except for one MAJOR thing: The plot was too weak. Every act left a gaping hole in what had happened. It left me wondering what happened between the eposides. I felt that the plot needed to be developed more, and they needed to be more through with the eposides.
If you enjoy beautiful animation, and awesome settings, then this would be great for you, but if you crave a more through story development, then this wouldn't be right for you. Hope this helps!
You have seen nothing yet..........2002-02-12
This is juz a bit of sidetrack of the original game. Go get the dreamcast version(note: you will need to understand japanese to play it).
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