Product Description

Edward Elric changed the night he trapped his younger brother's spirit in the unfeeling steel of an ancient suit of armor. That night, Edward and Alphonse exploited the clandestine science of Alchemy to attempt the unthinkable- resurrect their dead mother. They failed, unleashing an alchemic reaction that ripped their bodies apart. Four years later, an expanding evil lurks behind the false face of freedom. With rebellion crushed, the State turns its eye to increasing its grip on the people by seizing a legendary artifact that would ensure complete domination and plunge the land into State controlled darkness. Now a lone State Alchemist combs the country for a single stone that could amplify his Alchemy. If successful he would control a power permitting him to restore the precious things that were lost. But it would also allow the State Military to senselessly obliterate countless more. The Alchemist is soon faced with the harsh truth that the power to create is but a breath away from the power to destroy, and that with each birth, death must follow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30620 in DVD
• Brand: FUNIMATION PRODUCTIONS, LTD
• Released on: 2005-02-08
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Original language: English, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .38 pounds
• Running time: 105 minutes

Amazon.com
It's easy to understand why Fullmetal Alchemist has regularly topped viewer polls in Japan since its debut in 2003: the fantasy-adventure by director Mizushima Seiji (Generator Gawl) offers a satisfying blend of slapstick comedy, exciting adventure, and genuine warmth. Young Alphonse and Edward Elric delve into forbidden knowledge when they use alchemy to try to bring their mother back from the dead--and pay a terrible price under the principle of "equivalent trade." Al becomes a disembodied soul in a suit of armor; Ed loses an arm and a leg, but later receives mechanical prostheses. The brothers wander through a world that resembles late 19th century Europe, seeking the legendary Philosopher's Stone, which they believe can restore their bodies. Unlike American programs that juxtapose smart-aleck humor and heavy-handed sermonizing, Fullmetal Alchemist has real heart. Neither the comedy nor the action detract from the bond between the brothers that constitutes the emotional core of the series. (Rated TV PG: violence, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews

I'm adicted to this series
Yeah like the title says, I've become addicted to the series. I'm older and still like to watch cartoons like this. The plot is a little crazy at times but it's a really good series.

You should get addicted to it like I am.

Equivalence -- to get you must give...
I've seen the manga around but it didn't seem that interesting but thought "Why not?" when I saw the DVD set. Boy, am I glad I gave it a chance.

Two brothers, Ed (11) and Al (10) at the start of the story are trying to do an alchemical transformation to get the dead mother back. Al loses his body and Ed his leg in the attempt but then Ed gives up an arm to meld Al's soul to a suit of armor in the room where they performed the rite. They've broken the strictest alchemical law against life transformations and they've paid dearly.

The story is told with flashbacks to the brothers at even younger ages, showing their mother and neighbors. Al now bodiless and living in a suit of armor and his brother Ed with a metal arm and leg are determined to set their mistake to rights. The brothers are devoted to each other and the interactions between them are poignant and deeply philosophical...not necessarily to them as they move forward to achieve their goals but to us the viewer. The boys have a strong sense of right and a strong moral compass and they know that they may have to set aside their distaste for evil, or just nastiness, in order to get to the references and help they need.

The artwork is fairly typical for anime and well done. Action tends to be stills with lots of lines indicating movement. The temper tantrums of Edward are very off putting for me (his face turns half blue and very 'toonish) but it's typical also. While the artwork at times can be distracting the story is strong and very emotional, the characters pull this from average to outstanding -- if the quality continues in the next set of discs and forward this is well worth the reputation it has gained.

Great Show - Poor DVD
I love this show and I'm very happy to be able to watch it whenever I want. My only complaint is this DVD. It skipped the beginning on the first episode, repeated endings and the ending credits a few times, and at one point froze despite the fact that there is no fingerprints or scratches on the disk. It made what should have been a very pleasurable experience, frustrating. I paid for this and it should work right. I really hope that this is the what I have to look forward to in the rest of the Fullmetal Alchemist videos.