Search - X - Eight (TV Series, Vol. 8) on DVD

All Good Things...

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 12/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the last volume in what has been a remarkable retelling of Clamp's original manga series. The final apocalypse has come, and the two Kamui's (Kamui and Fuma) must face each other to decide the fate of mankind and the earth. Building to this final struggle are a series of battles between the Dragons of Earth and Heaven. Betrayal and counter betrayal crisscross until only these last two, the bearers of the dual aspects of the divine shinken, retain their powers.I've been looking forward to this DVD for some time. The original film completely bobbled the story from the manga, creating more confusion than anything else. This series has managed to capture the essence of the manga, even while carving out creative ground for itself. I wanted to see how the grim build to the finale and the finale upsurge as the last, true message of the story was delivered. I can honestly say that director Yoshiaki Kawajiri has exceeded my own expectations. While many great series have seen release in the U.S. this year, X is the closest to that indefinable perfection that anime strives for.The story managed to retain its focus on Kamui's struggle with destiny and fate while polishing each of the characters on both sides of the conflict. My worst criticism is that Fuma, Kamui's twin star, is painted too darkly. While the Dragons of Earth believe that humanity must be destroyed if the Earth is to be saved, I feel that they should be frightening, but not black hearted or evil. Of course, this is a quibble. Kawajiri has chosen to highlight the dramatic difference between the sides, which enhances the impact of the end. I certainly can't say that his interpretation of Fuma was a failure.Unlike many other series who have shifted to Kabbalistic, Christian, Aztec, or other symbolisms to create an esoteric atmosphere, Kawajiri (and Clamp) have always depended on roots in Japanese mythic and occult processes. This gives the elements of the story a sense of belonging which is often missing when the spiritual layer is only a thin veneer. In any case, the story, acting, art, and music are all superb, with nothing being spared to make this a landmark production."

A touching end to a wrenching series

Wiggle | Kansas City, MO United States | 11/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the very beginning, X had me in its pocket. By the time I reached this last volume, I was on pins and needles to find out what would happen. Each successive episode of this too-short series gives the viewer that much more time to fall in love with the characters, so it's no wonder that all my favorite characters are mysteriously alive at the beginning of this disc. Since it's CLAMP, since it's X, the reality of a bloodbath is inevitable. Rather than feeling rushed or slapped-together, to me the abruptness of some of the action seemed like a Japanese way to end the series. Some characters have to accept their fate so that others can change what was thought to be inevitable.I only know the anime, not the manga, so I can't compare one to the other. However, taken on its own, X the TV series gives a satisfying, if not exactly happy, ending."

Great Retelling

Jer | Long Island, New York | 12/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great retelling to Clamps X. I think that this story was very well done. Great CHaracter formation and also great story consept. The one thing I would probably complain about is all the volume were too short. 75 mintues wasnt that long to be telling such a wonderful story. Great Ending. I recommend this for everyone."

A masterpiece comes to a fitting end !

TranceFan28 | Philadelphia, PA United States | 12/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another beautifully animated, visually stunning volume of X TV. The second episode which focuses on Sorata and Arashi may be the best episode of the entire series. I loved this show as a whole and I will cherish my boxed set of it forever. This is a must for fans of the series and I'd advise new fans to start from the beginning so these episodes have more emotional impact. Well done CLAMP !"