Reviews & Columns |
Reviews DVD TV on DVD Blu-ray 4K UHD International DVDs In Theaters Reviews by Studio Video Games Features Collector Series DVDs Easter Egg Database Interviews DVD Talk Radio Feature Articles Columns Anime Talk DVD Savant Horror DVDs The M.O.D. Squad Art House HD Talk Silent DVD
|
DVD Talk Forum |
|
Resources |
DVD Price Search Customer Service #'s RCE Info Links |
Columns
|
|
Knights of the Zodiac Vol 4
Knights of the Zodiac is the edited version of the Japanese program Saint Seiya. It was shown on cable TV in America for a time, though I believe that the series is no longer being aired. This version offers less blood (and any blood shown is colored blue-green ) and no one actually dies in the program. The show itself is harmed by these cuts, which make the program even less appealing than the original.
This volume brings to a conclusion the first big story arc, with the fight against Phoenix coming to a close. There are some interesting revelations made, and the plot starts to pick up a little speed.
The episodes on this disc are:
Duel of the Dragons: Shiryu battles the Black Dragon while Pegasus is dying due to the Black Plague Horror he received from his evil counter part. Shun tries to reach Pegasus, who has fallen half way down a cliff.
Defeat of the Phantom Demon: The four Knights finally catch up to Phoenix and battle him, but he is much stronger than they imagined.
Phoenix's Secret Revealed: In one of the better episodes of the series, Phoenix revealed what happened to him after he was taken to Death Queen Island for his training. He explains why he turned evil, and has a warning for Pegasus.
Docrates' Fierce Attack: Marin reveals that the previous Pope of Sanctuary has died under mysterious circumstances and that his brother, Ares, is now Pope. He has send the most powerful warrior in Sanctuary, Docrates, is after the Gold Cloth, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.
I've seen both the edited and uncut versions of these shows, and though they are very similar, I think the unedited versions are superior. They just 'feel' better. The hokey green blood doesn't fool anyone, even my young sons. I've never liked this show, but after seeing these programs for a second time, I have to admit that they are growing on me. It's still not a great show, but there is a feeling of adventure inherent in the show that adds some fun to it. To bad this often is not enough to overcome the horrible dialog and contrived plots.
The DVD:
Audio:
The single audio track on this DVD was a stereo English dub. The dub wasn't too bad, but it wasn't great either. The best thing I can say about it was that there were no phony accents. Surprisingly there was some limited use made of the sound stage. The sound quality was about what you'd expect for a children's animated show. It didn't sound full and dynamic, but it wasn't too flat either.
Video:
The show was presented in a 1.33:1 ratio, as it is shown here on TV. There was some digital artifacts present, but nothing that was too bothersome. The print was from the 80's but it looked older. The colors were muted a little making everything look like it was photographed through a very light gauze. There was some grain in the picture, and there were several instances of dirt or spots on the film. Not anything horrible, but not a great print.
Extras:
The only extra on the DVD were trailers for other ADV children's shows. Included in the case was a promo card for the Knights of the Zodiac card game.
Final Thoughts:
Some of the better shows in this series. If you've seen the first three volumes, you'll want to check this one out too, just to see how everything works out with Phoenix. Still not gripping adventure, but it is getting a little better as time goes on. Rent it.
|
Popular Reviews |
Sponsored Links |
|
Sponsored Links |
|
Release List | Reviews | Shop | Newsletter | Forum | DVD Giveaways | Blu-Ray | Advertise |
Copyright 2024 DVDTalk.com All Rights Reserved. Legal Info, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use,
Manage Preferences,
Your Privacy Choices
|