Search - 3x3 Eyes, Vol. 1: Immortals on DVD

Little Known Anime Classic

summerwolf | USA | 12/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"3x3 has to be one of the virtually unknown classics of anime-and this DVD set has to be the best deal for a fan there is. Previously only the first 4 parts of the 7 were release on VHS, leaving 5&6 hard to find-while 7 never actually came out for the public (at least in America, I could be wrong else where.) The mini-series begins the saga of Yakumo, and his quest to make Pai, his demon-acquaintance, human. A strange bond develops between the two of them, binding them together through thick and thin. Their journey takes them to Hong Kong and back to Japan, where they finally become separated-how they get back together is a story in its own. The animation is great is some places, and lacking in others-but the strange plot and crazy characters make up for it. The music might seem a tad familiar to any one who has seen Braveheart-you might even swear that the producers of Braveheart borrowed it from the anime :) 3x3 Eyes is, however, extremely gory, which is critical to plot. But the gore is well done, and a vital part of enjoying the anime, in my humble opinion. ;) The series is truly superb for any otaku or anime-fan, but perhaps a little too much for someone just getting started on their anime fix."

This is the best anime title of all time, now even better.

Peter Clarke | Chicago | 03/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, I own and have seen the old Streamline dub of 3x3 Eyes. So I'm speaking not of a long ago recollection of the old dub, but from an actual recent comparison of the old version vs. this new DVD. This new Pioneer DVD release is 1000 times better than that old crappy dub by Streamline. Not only does this DVD have great voice "acting" (note the emphasis on the word "acting", something which the old dub lacked), but it finally completes the series that has long been incomplete (thanks MGM/Orion for leaving us in the dark for 4 years). OK now before you say "why am I so gaga over this new dub", let me say that I still prefer watching the Japanese Language version with English subtitles (something that this great DVD version offers for the first time). But Pioneer gets an "A" for effort for putting serious work into making a good quality dub. A lot better than many dubs out there. I enjoyed it a lot, but who can resist Megumi Hayashibara as Pai. Although Christian Campbell does a great Yakumo. What I don't like about this DVD is the image quality of the 1st OVA series. But I blame that on the quality of the original source material and not the DVD authoring process. Still it's much better than my Streamline VHS. The extras are somewhat lacking (just some image gallery and cast bios) still I give Pioneer kudos for including a voice cast images & bios for both the English and Japanese actors, something you don't often see in an anime DVD. One important note comparing the old Streamline version to this new DVD, which makes this DVD version better. You can see that Streamline actually did some editing to 3x3 show when they made their VHS "perfect collection" in 1992. You don't get to see the images of Kayanwang's grave and the ruins of Kunlun which run during the end-credits of episode #1. And at the start of episode #2 & #4, Streamline decided to edit in their own music into the show rather than using just the voice over and sound effects. Plus it's nice to hear all 4 of the end title music scores from the first OVA. Speaking of the music, did anybody notice that the movie Braveheart practically stole Pai's theme from 3x3 Eyes as their own love theme? Kaoru Wada should be suing James Horner for theft. I have seen many anime sites list this DVD to their essential collection list and I am one to agree with them. It's well worth the extra money to own this classic."

Two stories, two goals (and monsters in the way)

kopfkissen | 06/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"3x3 Eyes was one of those not so 'normal relationship stories between a boy and a girl' from the early 90's. The set is a compilation of all 3x3 Eyes anime to date. This is definitely a region 1 DVD so those out of the US stuck with a non-region 1 DVD are out of luck.Immortals is the first half of the story, and is about Pai's (the triclops) quest to becoming human, but she needs the help from a boy called Yakumo; who she has been looking for, for four years; and an ancient statue. I just so happens that an evil cult is also in search of this statue at the same time. The main characters are loveable. Yakumo is a silly character, but means well. He is also a hopeless hero does his damnedest to protect Pai in times of danger. Pai is a dual personality character. Most times cute and innocent, but the triclops character the opposite, but rational. The art from Immortals is dated, and perhaps slightly inconsistant. It was made at a time just before the use of bright and bold colours which is common in current day anime. The story it self has a good mix of action, monsters, comedy and drama.The Legend of the Divine Demon is the second part of the series, and takes place some four years after the end of the first part. First of all, the style of art is noticeably different to the Immortals, but it does not alter the fact that it is a continuation of the original story. This time the story starts with Yakumo in search for Pai. When Yakumo does find her, Pai does not remember him, or the events from four years back. The original plot from Immortals takes a back seat in this installment of the story, which is basically about regaining Pai's memory, which in turn uncovers some other, perhaps unnecessary, convolutions in story. I would suggest people start the second disc with no expectations for it to be like the first disc. This part is certainly less comical, the characters are less likeable, but the action remains about the same. Yakumo is much more confident in fighting, although his adversaries have also gotten stronger.Over all it is a good story to watch, there are strong themes of devotion and friendship, so it's not the regular mindless action for no-reason story."

Strong in story and mood

Matic | Florida | 05/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This anime appears at first to be a typical horror genre film, but reveals itself over time to be a remarkably good story. Don't let reviews from people who fail to follow the story through mislead you, there is a cohesive and well-written story here. Imagery can be very violent and bloody, be forewarned. Classic storytelling themes are well played here - the heroes are determined to move forward to meet their fates, victories come with their price, the "heavies" are truly frightening yet the true battle occurs (as with any good story) within the characters themselves. Imagery is well done but dated, editing is excellent, the english voice acting and translation is awful (I ordinarily prefer the english translations but in this case suggest watching these DVDs subtitled, as the translations of the subtitles carry the story far better than the english dub.) Overall I would say that this is a relatively unknown series to english-speaking audiences and that it shouldn't be so. Fans of anime classics like Akira, Armitage etc will enjoy this, as will fans of American supernatural-themed stories (Buffy, etc.) I'm comfortable saying that the people who take a chance and purchase this series will probably be glad they did so."