 |
   
| 8. 3rdEyeVision
I watched this prior to the full series as I was told it was
a precursor to the 95 episode series. While I would recommend that others watch
it before as well, I must admit, it creates a bit of a false impression of what
to expect from the TV series. This OVA takes us back
to the time just prior to the fall of the Tokugowa era and just prior to the start
of the Meiji. This was the time when Kenshin was known as the legendary assassin
"Battousai" and had no problems slicing right through you if you stood
in his way. I thought this OVA was very well done
and does a lot to explain the background behind the underlying Kenshin
story. The only issue I had was that by watching this first, I felt a little bit
tricked when I began watching the series. This OVA shows Kenshin as he used to
be, a cold-hearted killing machine, and how he got to be that way. From the very
beginning of the TV series, you can tell that Kenshin is a much more peaceful
person, in fact the entire mood of the OVA is quite a few shades darker than any
point in the series. I'd urge anyone who is thinking
of getting into Kenshin to check this out first, but be warned : The majority
of Kenshin is MUCH more lighthearted ( although no less action packed ). |
| 7. End
of Hearts
The Kenshin OVA's are one of the finest piece of work
in the anime world. Featuring the young Kenshin, the OVA tell the story of his
younger years, what events took place to mold him into the Kenshin from the series.
The story is well paced and very well told. However, I must warn you, that it
is advised you see the first 62 episodes of the TV series to fully appreciate
the OVA's. Featuring rich and lush animation, the Kenshin OVA's are a sight
to behold. The character designs are much more realistic and overall in my opinion,
look much better than its TV counterpart. The fight scenes are something to behold.
Featuring extremely realistic choreography, these scenes can get gruesome. Removed
from the TV series are the various techniques. No super fast speed, shouting of
super moves, no nothing of that sort. The soundtrack is also wonderful, being
one of my favorites. Dark mood orchestra and other Japanese instruments wonderfully
create the serious atmosphere of the show. |
| 6. Jin
Rurouni Kenshin Tsuiokuhen is the prelude to the Rurouni
Kenshin series. The story is about Kenshin Himura and what happens during
the end of the Edo Era. It also gives more details to his past if you are watching
this after having watched the series. The plot is an astounding in the way it
creates a powerful, moving, and emotional story. The action sequences lead to
dramatic points and with the excellent musical pieces used; meld the story and
battles together. However, the action does tend to linger off during the middle
of the OVA. This could be beneficial or not beneficial as the pacing really slows
down in the middle while the beginning and end are very fast paced. It depends
on what you're more into. Also due to the story closely following Japanese history
viewers might be confused as to what is happening and for what reason it is happening.
However, this doesn't detract from the overall quality of the OVA. For those who
decided to watch this before watching the series the ending will prove to be confusing.
Viewers may be a bit mislead by certain things. There are numerous amounts of
symbolism and viewers may again be confused if you aren't familiar with the Japanese
culture. The animation is excellent. Everything
flows smoothly and the sword fights are a treat for the eyes. The usage of real
life stills combined with animation creates an even larger dramatic feeling. However,
some may find the use of real life stills out of place in the animation. The atmosphere
created with the animation really sets the mood. The
music is put to excellent use. The atmosphere and melodies add to the entire thing
creating so much more of a dramatic feeling. The overall music is excellent but
the use of it during the sword fighting scenes and the closing cinema is just
astounding. The most dramatic of feelings can be felt after watching this. Rurouni
Kenshin Tsuiokuhen is an excellent anime and I recommend this to anyone who
watches anime. Stay away from the English subtitles though. |
| 4. Dreamer
Shinta, a lonely orphan who witnessed the killing of his only
company while he still was a child, grows up as Himura Kenshin, a Battousai who
won't raise an eyebrow for killing anyone he's ordered to kill. This OVA series
is really a masterpiece, everything in it is perfect. The animation is awesome,
but the show uses a different, and better, art style than the TV series. The fight
scenes are breathtaking and the story is beautiful. Hence, this is a must watch
for anyone who likes anime... no, just anyone. Just beware, since this contains
lots of blood, it may be not likable to some, but if you don't mind blood and
violence then it is a great watch. One last thing, even if this is a prequel,
I really advice to watch the TV series first, and then stay tuned for the 2nd
OVA. One cool feature in the commercial DVDs is that
it has reversible covers, meaning that when take out the DVD cover and flip it,
you'll get the Japanese DVD artwork. Sadly, this hasn't been applied to the TV
series' DVDs. |
| 
 |
