Product Description

See how it all began!

Innocence and flesh were sacrificed when two young brothers ignored the laws of Alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The horrors they recklessly unleashed that night marked the beginning of a journey that leads from darkness to light and back.

In an era of war and corruption, State Alchemist Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse desperately search for the Philosopher’s Stone. The legendary artifact is their last hope to restore what was lost – or it could be their undoing. The grisly truths found in the quest for the relic will test their souls in ways unimaginable. Murder stalks the brothers from the shadows and false prophets conspire to steal their faith. Morality is assaulted by military atrocities and scientific abominations. Amid the ashes of their childhood, Edward and Alphonse will discover the power to create is but a breath away from the power to destroy. The bond of brotherhood will be their greatest weapon in the fight for their lives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6281 in DVD
• Brand: Funimation
• Released on: 2009-01-27
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Color, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
• Original language: Japanese, English
• Number of discs: 4
• Dimensions: 5.00 pounds
• Running time: 660 minutes

Features

• Innocence and flesh were sacrificed when two young brothers ignored the laws of Alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The horrors they recklessly unleashed that night marked the beginning of a journey that leads from darkness to light and back. In an era of war and corruption, State Alchemist Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse desperately search for the Philosopher s Stone. The le

Amazon.com
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) remains one of the best and most popular anime series of recent years. Other shows have tried to copy its singular mixture of slapstick comedy, supernatural adventure and genuine warmth, but none has succeeded. Although they knew it was forbidden, young Alphonse and Edward Elric used alchemy to try to bring their mother back from the dead--and paid a dreadful price. Ed lost his left leg and sacrificed his right arm to preserve Al's disembodied soul in a suit of armor. Edward later received the "automail" prostheses that earned him the title of "Fullmetal Alchemist." As the youngest State Alchemist in history, Ed tries to research the Philosopher’s Stone, which he believes can restore their bodies. But State Alchemists work for the military, and Edward is sent on missions that bring him and Al into contact with new friends, new challenges, and new dangers. The brothers learn that terrible things have been done in the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, by the military and by the Homunculi, Lust, Gluttony, and Envy. These sinister figures believe Ed can succeed where they have failed, even if it means committing multiple murders. The Elric brothers' inner struggles eclipse the violent external battles: Al has begun to doubt that he ever existed in human form; Ed fears that Al hates him for delving into the forbidden knowledge that destroyed his body. But nothing can weaken the bond between the brothers that constitutes the emotional core of the series. Ed sometimes appears hot-tempered and cynical, but his bitter exterior conceals a kind heart; Al is gentler and more patient, but he suffers from the physical isolation his armor body imposes. Fullmetal Alchemist is, simply, a terrific series, and this set makes an excellent introduction for audiences who missed its initial release. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

(1. Those Who Challenge the Sun, 2. Body of the Sanctioned, 3. Mother, 4. A Forger's Love, 5. The Man With the Mechanical Arm, 6. The Alchemy Exam, 7. Night of the Chimera's Cry, 8. The Philosopher's Stone, 9. Be Thou for the People, 10. The Phantom Thief, 11. The Other Brothers Elric, Part 1, 12. The Other Brothers Elric, Part 2, 13. Fullmetal vs. Flame, 14. Destruction's Right Hand, 15. The Ishbal Massacre, 16. That Which Is Lost, 17. The House of the Waiting Family, 18. Marcoh's Notes, 19. The Truth Behind Truths, 20. Soul of the Guardian, 21. The Red Glow, 22. Created Human, 23. Fullmetal Heart, 24. Bonding Memories, 25. Words of Farewell)

Customer Reviews

An amazing anime--even for non-anime fans.
I'm sure between the different versions that have been released that everyone has probably convinced you why you should or shouldn't buy this. I don't consider myself an anime fan per se (I watch sporadically, "Bleach" is probably the only current series I watch regularly) so I am no expert, but I have seen a fair amount, and in my humble opinion this may very well be the best piece of anime ever made. (Again, there are many differing opinions and series and movies.) A close second, in my opinion, would be some of the work of Hayao Miyazaki ("Princess Monoke," "Nausicaa," "Spirited Away") or Satoshi Kon ("Perfect Blue," "Paranoia Agent," "Paprika.")

The pacing, thought-provoking issues raised, character and plot development, action scenes, depth--everything is just about as perfect as one could expect from a series, animated or not.

I would like to add one final note: I saw this edition in a retail store, and it seems to include four individual discs (eps. 1-25, complete season 1--there are two seasons total) and a rather thick supplemental booklet that was labled something to the effect of "episode guide," I assume it may be material similar to what the individual discs have (they are still for sale, but it's much cheaper to buy one of the boxed sets.)

FYI: this is not a bootleg, this is an officially released version.

This Anime Series Ranks With The Best
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those stories that while you're watching, you wonder how anyone could have come up with such a complex and original plot. The anime is based on the manga "Fullmetal Alchemist" but the stories go two separate ways. They share a few similar plot twists, but ultimately the outcome for the two characters is completely different.

This DVD is a great buy for people who enjoy learning about the behind-the-scenes stuff from the show.

The product includes four discs that carry 25 episodes (roughly 4 episodes per disc) and they each come in their own thin, plastic casing. The four casings each have character artwork from the show. The product also comes with a smaller box of six texts. Each booklet has fun facts about characters, plus character drawings and concepts and other fun stuff. The outer box that carries all of this is pretty thick, at roughly 1 1/2 inches, but it's worth the vastness for all of the goodies it holds!

Not the entire season!
Hey,

I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a good anime with good action, awesome voices, and incredible animation. However I believe I should warn you that it is not the entire First Season. If you want the whole season buy the smaller box sets. Enjoy!