Fullmetal Alchemist: Season Two, Part 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)SOME SPOILERS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS REVIEWFullmetal Alchemist is an amazing series, but one of its greatest achievements, in my mind, is that it managed to not only maintain its stellar quality over time, it consistently got better and better until it actually hurt to see the series come to an end. Seeing all of the plot threads that have been building throughout the whole series coming to fruition is a great payoff, sure, but it's made all the better by the fact that nothing feels like a cop-out; there wasn't a single moment where I thought "Oh, these guys were running out of time and so they just threw that up there." No, everything flows to a logical, incredibly satisfying and poignantly melancholy conclusion. It certainly isn't a Hollywood-style happy ending, but that was never what the series was about in the first place. And even more gratifying than the ending was being able to look back on how all of these characters had grown and changed throughout the series: Lust springs to mind first and foremost, having gone from being your stereotypical femme-fatale to a multi-layered, incredibly sympathetic and tragic heroine. And I never, ever thought I'd be able to empathize with a psychopathic monster like Envy, but the final scenes of episode 50 made me come really close to doing so, even as he... well, I won't spoil it for you here.
In short, Fullmetal Alchemist is an incredibly well done, superbly animated and acted show. The Japanese and English voice tracks are both equally impressive (one of the RARE few animes in which this has happened, the only other to my knowledge being Samurai Champloo). And sure, if you're reading this product description you're probably going to buy this anyway and you've seen the series before, but in case you haven't, just know that you're about to see some of the finest episodes of one of the best anime series ever. This world definitely goes out with a bang, and not a whimper.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist: Season Two, Part 2

As the chaos surrounding the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone boils over, Edward Elric is left to face his destiny and bear the burdens of his actions alone. Scar, determined to reenact the horrors of the past, must be stopped at all cost. But when those who sought to save lives are instead sought as fugitives of the State, the Elric brothers will be forced to flee…Alliances shift and factions fracture as undeniable truths glare in the light of day and the rumor of civil war drives unrest. And yet all seek the Philosopher’s Stone. Al has been changed into something impossible to comprehend and as the brothers are separated, his suit of armor begins to disintegrate. Ed has precious little time left to find his sibling. These weary young men have traveled a long and difficult path, seeking to regain what was lost. Enemies have been toppled, friends have been buried and the State will be remade. Even the one inevitable truth will be called into question – The Law of Equivalent Exchange.

Get 68% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist: Season Two, Part 2

Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 13: Brotherhood (Episodes 49-51) (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The trials of the Elric brothers have all been leading up to the events of this volume, which deals with the final, all-out culmination of the struggle between the story's forces of good and evil.
As Hawkeye deals with the madman Archer and Mustang tries to redeem himself by taking personal responsibility for stopping Bradley's reign of terror, the time of Dante's triumph draws nigh. As Ed races to save Al, he finally faces his greatest challenge - an inevitable, to-the-death battle with the psychotic, androgynous shapeshifter Envy - that even his love for Al might not help him win this time.
Although loose ends are left for the movie which follows, alot is wrapped up, particularly Mustang's storyline and the shocking revealation of exactly why the mere mention of any of the Elrics, especially the boys' father, throws Envy (who has some of the volume's most memorable moments) into an unspeakable rage. In a way it almost seems sad that a movie follows, because the ending of the series proper just seems so right.
As a whole, this was an intelligently written and extremely moving series that transcended it's genre.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 13: Brotherhood (Episodes 49-51) (2004)

At the end of destiny, where will peace be found? The brothers Elric will consider the answers that are left once the Philosopher’s Stone has guided their saga to its end. True sacrifice, the deep love of family, the cruel truths of life and death… these are the realities that will bring the Fullmetal Alchemist’s tale to a close.Episodes: The Other Side of the Gate Death Laws and Promises DVD Features: Character profiles Production art Image gallery Textless songs

Get 81% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 13: Brotherhood (Episodes 49-51) (2004)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Season 1, Part 2 Box Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As I am lazy and my sentiments are pretty much the same as when I reviewed the first boxset, I pretty much c/p'd that review and just added necessary changes.
If you love the Fullmetal Alchemist anime, this is a great box set to get. This box set comes with DVDs 5-7 of the series as well as booklets/inserts for each DVD. Each booklet contains beautiful artwork from the show, character profiles, and comments from production staff. The main box and the boxes that hold the discs and inserts are really well done; they keep everything safe and have great artwork.
I noticed the product description didn't have a rating. I, personally, wouldn't recommend this for those under 13-14 years of age. Things get violent and there are several adult topics prevalent (war, murder, politics, racism).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist: Season 1, Part 2 Box Set

Weary of limb and sore of heart, the Elric brothers return to the village of the childhood after four long years. And despite much needed auto-mail care, this homecoming proves bittersweet as the boys sift through the ashes of their innocence. But as Ed refocuses on the future where a startling secret waits to be uncovered, Al begins to worry about his loss of the past…While memories fade, shocking information about the true nature of the Philosopher’s Stone is revealed. And the deeper Ed digs, the bloodier that truth becomes. How are the brothers to reconcile their desperate desire to reconstruct ruined bodies against this knowledge of the stone’s gruesome cost? Deep within the confines of a secret State laboratory, Ed’s morality will be put to the ultimate test, even as elsewhere Al is left to battle for his life and sanity both. And as rumors of military corruption and conspiracy draw others into the investigation, those closest to the Elrics look to suffer the most.

Get 84% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist: Season 1, Part 2 Box Set

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Complete Second Season Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Fullmetal Alchemist" follows the adventures of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, in a parallel world called Amestris, which closely resembles our own. There is one fundamental difference: in Amestris, the science of alchemy has superceded all of our sciences in importance. It's obvious why: alchemy combines all of them. If you understand the composition of matter, you can almost instantly take something--lead, say, or dirt--and create gold or flowers out of it. Matter is matter; matter of any kind can become matter of anything. There is one rule to this science, however: the law of equivalent exchange. To gain, something of equal value must be lost. The one exception to this rule is life: there is no matter of any kind that can be traded for life.
After the sudden death of their mother, Edward and Alphonse ignore this crucial rule, and try to bring her back. The attempt ends in disaster: Alphonse loses his human body, and Edward is maimed. The creature they made is nothing like their mother: it is a monster.
In order to restore Al's body, Edward has no alternative but to find the Philosopher's Stone, the only object on earth that can skirt the rule of equivalent exchange. However, the military is the only organization with real information on the Stone. So, in order to obtains what he needs, Edward must join the military--losing most of his freedom in the process. It's equivalent exchange all over again.
In the second season, the consequences grow more dire, the storylines deeper, more emotional, more moving, and more tragic. Pursued by evil, inhuman creatures known as the Homunculi who are also after the Stone, Edward ends up separated from Alphonse, and the two brothers embark on individual, parallel courses in order to do what they must, courses that could end the life of one or both before their goal is reached--or before they ever see each other again.
"Fullmetal Alchemist" has a brilliant story populated with brilliant characters. Both the plot and the people are among the best I have ever encountered in a fictional work of any kind. I'm not even an anime fan; I stumbled on this because I thought the story sounded cool. It's beyond cool; I don't often use this word, but I will repeat: it is brilliant. I can't recommend it enough.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist: The Complete Second Season

When the Elric brothers recklessly attempted to raise their mother from the dead, the horrors they unleashed marked the beginning of a long journey into the darkest corners of the cruelty of mankind. Now, destinies are converging for those who remain to fight for the light of salvation.
The hunt for the truth behind truths is growing more desperate, and ruined Ishbal waits at the end of a road choked with wreckage both human and soulless. Amid rumors of new war and resurrected horrors of the past, hidden masters rush their pawns down this path of betrayal and doubt. As these seekers of the Philosopher’s Stone grasp for answers, the most sacred tenet of Alchemy is questioned – The Law of Equivalent Exchange. But the harshest judgment is reserved for the belief on which the Elrics have built their lives – the faith in an unbreakable bond between brothers. Weary and broken, Edward and Alphonse must face the ultimate sacrifice. Will it be enough to make them whole?

The Season 2 Box Set contains the Complete Second Season - Episodes 26-51.

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist: The Complete Second Season

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 2 (2010) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In Japan, "Fullmetal Alchemist" (Hagane no Renkinjutushi) has been a popular long running anime and manga series created by mangaka Hiromu Arakawa. The original manga series was serialized in Square Enix's "Shonen Gangan" since 2001, while the 51-episode TV series created by BONES was shown on television in 2004 and was followed by a film to conclude the series.
The popularity of "Fullmetal Alchemist" has led to many novels, OVA's, drama CD's, soundtracks and video games and a lot of these releases have been distributed in various countries and its popularity is a testament of how people have come to love the series which has won many awards in Japan including being voted for the #1 most popular anime series of all time.
Despite it's popularity, the series could have gone on longer but because the anime series was created when the manga was only several years old, the anime series only lasted 51-episodes and there were differences between what the director featured on the anime series and what Arakawa had in the manga.
So, in 2009, a new series titled "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Furumetaru Arukemisuto) was created by BONES and this time around, the series would follow the manga much more closely. Currently there are over 60 episodes that have aired in Japan and the series is still ongoing. Also, unlike the previous anime series, this series would be created in HD (540p). The first 13 episodes of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" would feature its first 13-episodes covering the first 26-episodes from the original anime series but from that point on, the series becomes a whole new storyline which features more characters and for the most part, something new and different for the viewers, especially fans of the original series.
To make sure that there is a difference between this series aside from the storyline differences compared to the original, the staff is different this time around as well as the character designs. The director for "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" would be Yasuhiro Irie (who worked on RahXephon", "Cowboy Bebop", "Macross Plus", "Gunparade March"), series composition by Hiroshi Ohnogi ("Eureka Seven", "Area 88, "Aquarion", "RahXephon", "RIN", "Skullman"), music by Akira Senju ("Red Garden", "Mobile Suit Victory Gundam", "Silent Service"), character designs by Hiroki Kanno ("Angelic Layer", "Eureka Seven", "Ninja Scroll", "RahXephon") and art design by Takeshi Satou ("Mobile Suit Gundam 00', "Ghost Slayers Ayashi", "Please Twins!").
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is a series about two young alchemist brothers named Edward and his younger brother Alphonse Eric (aka "Al"). Their father left them and several months after their father left, an epidemic hit their village and killed their mother. Grieving and alone without their mother, the two quickly tried to hone their alchemist skills and hope to bring their mother back alive by using a human transmutation (this is illegal and considered taboo by alchemist).
While performing the transmutation, a dark shadow comes and literally breaks apart the body of Alphonse and as for Edward, he is shown "the truth" but in return for doing the transmutation, there is a toll and in this case, he loses his legs and feet and his right arm. And the transmutation to bring their mother fails as Edward was only able to revive a disembodied figure. In a short time allowed before the dark shadow leaves, Edward was able to bond Al's soul to a suit of armor but there are some consequences. And these consequences and guilt have plunged Edward to the lowest he had ever been.
Meanwhile, a military figure named Roy Mustang has come and is shocked to see that Edward was able to survive a human transmutation and also anchoring his brother's soul and thus gives Edward a chance to join the military to fight with them but at the same time, gaining access that may give Edward a chance to bring his brother back to life and also his own body as well.
With this opportunity, this gives Edward a chance to repair what he did wrong and help his brother. But as they investigate on how they can get their bodies back and investigating what is known as a "Philosopher's Stone", an unknown group is out there, observing his every move and willing to kill in order to get to Edward.
In part two of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood", the story begins to focus on the military encounter with the Homunculi, the investigation of Hughes death and Winry coming face-to-face with the murderer who killed her parents.
VIDEO:
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Part Two" is presented in 1080p HD 16×9 via a HD native source. It's important to note that although the conversion was made to 1080p, I've read that the actual Japanese original masters were created in 540p. With that being said, this is a TV series and one can't expect OVA or film quality but I manage to compare the DVD and Blu-ray version and the Blu-ray looks much more colorful, much more detailed and looked much better and more colorful than its DVD counterpart.
I did notice edge enhancement and I'm sure the conversion of a 540p source to 1080p possibly led to the jaggies that can be seen at times. Granted, I'm a bit picky when it comes to video quality but the fact that this is created by BONES (a busy anime production company) and the fact that this is not an OVA or film, for a TV series, "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" looks very good. Granted, it's not uber-vibrant but there is a good amount of shading, detail, blacks are deep and overall, I felt the Blu-ray looked much better than its DVD counterpart.
AUDIO:
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Part Two" is presented in English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and in Japanese Dolby TrueHD 2.0. Overall, the 5.1 lossless soundtrack sounds very good and there is a good amount of surround usage and its much more immersive than its Japanese lossless counterpart. There is quite a bit of action in this second volume, plenty of battles are featured and many episodes that utilize the surround channels.
The Japanese lossless soundtrack is still good, especially if you have a receiver in which you can change the setting to stereo on all channels. I do prefer the Japanese lossless soundtrack in terms of acting especially during the more emotional moments in this second volume (which there are many). But I've watched the series in both Japanese and English and for the most part, both are well done and similar to "Dragon Ball Z" and "One Piece", the English dub has caught my attention and this time around, I was watching many of the episodes in English. But both voice acting are well done.
Subtitles are in English.
NOTE: You can not use your audio button to switch from Japanese to English and vice versa while watching the series. You will need to press your guide button to switch to another audio. Also, you can not optionally remove English subtitles unless you choose the English lossless soundtrack. So, for those who want to watch the series in Japanese with no English subtitles may be disappointed by this.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Part Two" comes with the following special features:
* EPISODE 14 Commentary - Audio commentary by Mike McFarland (ADR Director/Line Director and voice of Havoc) and voice talents Chris Patton (Greed) and Vic Mignona (Edward Elric) talking about reprising their role for "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood).
* EPISODE 23 Commentary - Audio commentary by ADR director and voice talent Mike McFarland (Havoc) and English Dub voice talents Todd Haberkorn (Ling Yao), Monica Rial (May Chang), Trina Nishimura (Lan Fan).
* Textless Opening and Closing Songs - The textless opening and ending theme songs.
* Trailers - FUNimation Entertainment trailers.
JUDGMENT CALL:
Like the first part of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood", there is a good amount of episodes that will make you laugh and even make you want to shed some tears as not only does the series feature a good amount of action, fun and upbeat moments but also heartbreaking episodes. Especially those dealing with Ed and Al's realization of what happened to their good friend Hughes and when we see Winry confront the man who killed her parents. Heartbreaking scenes but definitely added to the enjoyment of this series.
Aside from the more emotional scenes, the battle between the military and the homunculi is starting to ramp up and we get to see a number of awesome battles between the military and the Homunculi and also an introduction to Lin Yao, Lan Fan, May Chang and also a confrontation with the murderer Scar.
If anything, while the first series was more or less trying to jam pack a lot of story (that people saw in the first series) in its first 13 episodes, this time around the storyline becomes much more focused on what took place on the manga series. More character development was needed on the military characters and the writers have done a wonderful job in including more scenes with Roy Mustang, Jean Havoc, Riza Hawkeye and also on the newer characters Ling Yao, Lan Fan and May Chang. As well as showcasing the homunculi and what they are capable of.
I really enjoyed part two of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" and how well-paced, how action-packed and how much deeper the episodes were. This latest volume was quite addicting and I definitely enjoy how the series has continued to grow and improve with each episode.
As for the Blu-ray release, as explained with my review for the first volume, some people may have issues that this series is not true 1080p but created in 540p and then upscaled to...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 2 (2010)

The moment has finally arrived for fans of Edward and Alphonse Elric as the brothers encounter new characters, dangers, and mysteries in Part Two of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, “the most anticipated new anime in years." (Otaku USA)
The path to the Philosopher’s Stone now enters unfamiliar territory, where the Elrics face exotic strangers who use alkahestry, a version of alchemy native to the distant kingdom of Xing. As insight is gained into the secret world of the Homunculi and their enigmatic creator, Lust feels the fires of Mustang’s rage in battle – and the outcome of the clash will shock you. Winry endures the trial of her life when new horrors of the Ishvalan massacre are revealed. Truly, the gate is opening on a new era of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Are you ready to see what’s on the other side?

Get 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 2 (2010)

Fullmetal Alchemist - Season 2, Part 1 Box Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a must have for any Fullmetal fan! The box sets are gorgeous and make any anime collection.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist - Season 2, Part 1 Box Set

The Elric brothers have fallen once more under the care (and the stern eye) of the one who taught them the art of Alchemy – The formidable Izumi. But as a new player emerges from the jungle, it seems as if everyone has plans of their own for this mysterious young boy. Disgusted with the reckless pursuit of their goal, Izumi sends her former students away…As both good intentions and the best laid plans go astray, the Elrics are soon separated by kidnappers and Ed must face the homunculus Greed alone. Must death be the only path to reunion? With reinforcements seeking to help the two brothers, they are soon on the path to Ishbal once more. Between the flood of new questions and the trickling flow of answers, this site of the mysterious war looks to be their only source for truth. But as the journey to the ruins and their guide reveal a dark series of events, will Ed and Al be ready for what they find? Or will they be forced to question everything they believe?

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist - Season 2, Part 1 Box Set

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i'm an avid viewer of anime. i've seen plenty since first tuning into toonami when i was 11 since then i've yet to be as impressed as i was with fullmetal alchemist brotherhood and the original fullmetal alchemist. this anime will make you laugh and cry all in the same episodes. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys anime.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 3

Edward and Alphonse Elric’s reckless disregard for alchemy’s fundamental laws ripped half of Ed’s limbs from his body and left Al’s soul clinging to a cold suit of armor. To restore what was lost, the brothers scour a war-torn land for the Philosopher’s Stone, a fabled relic which grants the ability to perform alchemy in impossible ways. The Elrics are not alone in their search; the corrupt State Military is eager to harness the artifact’s power. So too are the strange Homunculi and their shadowy creator. The mythical Stone lures exotic alchemists from distant kingdoms, scarring some deeply enough to inspire murder. As the Elrics find their course altered by these enemies and allies, their purpose remains unchanged – and their bond unbreakable.

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Part 3

Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - The Conqueror of Shamballa (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having just seen the sneak preview screenings of the english language reversioning of Fullmetal Alchemist - Conqueror of Shamballa, I can say without reservation that it is a thrilling and must-see epilogue/ending capping off what is without question one of the greatest masterpieces of anime. However, DO NOT START your exploration of this story with this movie. Some of the things that make this story so great are its character development, story arc, pacing, and unexpected twists of plot. To be properly appreciated, Fullmetal Alchemist MUST be seen in sequence from episode 1 through episode 51, and THEN this movie. If you try to watch this movie before seeing the series, not only will you find it largely incomprehensible, but knowledge of what happens will SPOIL many of the surprises that await in those 51 episodes. Virtually no backstory is provided; viewers are assumed to have seen the series.
All the charm and wonder of the series is here in this film. All the voice actors from the english reversioning of the series were brought back to voice their characters for the movie. The care and attention to detail shown by both the original creators and the reversioners is remarkable to say the least. I only wished it was longer. The epic story of the Fullmetal Alchemist, in its entirety, will stand for decades as a monument to and inspiration for what can be achieved in this medium. This film is the final coda at the end of all its symphonic glory.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - The Conqueror of Shamballa (2006)

The movie you've been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode, the Elric brothers must reunite to prevent ultimate catastrophe as the worlds of reality and alchemy collide.The movie you’ve been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode,DVD includes: • Reversible cover • Movie booklet • 40-minute documentary - "The Making of Fullmetal Alchemist – The Movie" Filmed on location in Tokyo with director Seiji Mizushima and staff.

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - The Conqueror of Shamballa (2006)