THE STORY-Complex and Riveting
(If you want to be surprised do not read this.)This DVD starts out in the middle of the action. Telling a non-linear story the viewer is immediately drawn in. A mutual friend of all characters involved, LISE, is found dead, and detectives can’t be sure if it was a suicide or a murder. Each character is being carried unconscious to their own homes, and are placed back in their beds, then we meet them. We are introduced to KATE first, a high-school perfectionist likely to be on the honor role and idolized by other students. She is also Lise’s best friend. Next we meet ROSE, the sweet heart that cares for all the kids. Third we meet RACHEL the partying prepster that’s got a rude attitude. Lastly we encounter Claire, a tough kid from the ghetto, known as a rebel. This anime unlike others has a SINGING, making it almost musical like, full of drama and horror it’s a great combination. The four characters go about their days confused as to what happened the night before…what they later discover is shocking. The four do not know each other but each are linked to Lise. As it turns out they have been BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE! Forced to battle zombies to earn their stay amongst the living, these four girls must wait with anticipation every night till midnight to find out if they have been called into duty. After entering a mansion where Lise’s body is found the four are murdered, and wake up the next morning only capable of remembering bits and pieces of things. Two agents take over their lives and inform them of what they have been called into as well as the past. From here on out it is a psychological as well as physical battle to stay alive. This story unfolds in shocking ways, and I would recommend it to anyone that likes some Zombie action as well as drama. It is suited well for admires of action and gore as well as drama and sweet songs. A mixture as awesome as the alchemy that went into making this series should be examined carefully.
PRESENTATION-Great Modern style, Full of detail!
Even the opening credits create a thrilling artistic moment. Using interesting layering effects, and complex backgrounds this is one anime you will have to have on your shelves. The arial shots and transitions from scene to scene are wonderful. Using swooping and zooming effects this anime is quickly brought to life. This is my favorite style of anime as its detail really finishes off the piece. I would quickly use are work from this series as a screen saver or desktop background.
EXTRAS- Typical, not too exciting
This DVD includes a clean opening and closing (no credits), previews and credits. This seems like a poor attempt at extras as it’s basically taken the opening and closing elements and divided them. I would hope that something this exciting would possibly come with an insert or some artwork but we are left wanting in this category.
OVERALL- A thrilling tapestry of plot complete with a beautiful style.
This is a murder mystery, zombie thriller with plenty of character development and extraordinary attention to many aspects. I am surprised that I have not heard more about it. I would say that the crowd that enjoys Hellsing would probably like this thriller.
Overall: 9.0