Product Description

Studio: Geneon Entertainment Release Date: 07/06/2004

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49888 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-07-06
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Formats: Animated, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, Japanese
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.com
Based on a manga by Yasuhiro Nightow, the creator of Trigun, Gungrave is a dark, violent fantasy linked to a video game. In a grimy future metropolis, Dr. Tokioka has somehow resurrected Brandon Heat, a.k.a. Beyond the Grave, to fight the mob run by Harry McDowell, a.k.a. Bloody Harry. As Brandon dispatches hordes of mutant "orgmen" like so many clay pigeons, he's clearly the man for the job. Three of these episodes are extended flashbacks that trace Brandon's past as a two-bit street thug. He and Harry were partners, fighting their way through the city's mean streets and sewers: How did they become enemies? Director Toshiyuki Tsuru stages the many gun battles effectively, but except for the occasional voice-over narration, Brandon remains so stoically taciturn, he's uninteresting. Viewers seeking the special charm that made Trigun so entertaining should look elsewhere. (Rated 16 and older: considerable violence, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews

One of the Greatest Animes of All Time
Gungrave is, without a doubt, one of the best animes I have ever seen. It rivals Cowboy Bebop in complexity and gunplay, if you're into that sort of thing.

Gungrave centers around Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowel, best friends who live aimlessly on the street, doing whatever they can just to get by. But after they pick a fight with the brother of a newly made Mafioso, they find themselves fleeing for their lives. This leads them on a path to joining the syndicate known as Millenion, and here is where the story really begins.

The first episode might put you off, but after you watch the second episode you'll know that this series is something special. The first episode is, rather, a look forward in the series.

There is a Gungrave video game, but this anime is not based on that. Rather, it is its own, rich story which has many differences from the game, and has its own flavor.

The Trigun animation style is clearly evident, but the story far eclipses that of Trigun in story depth, and the music is also well done.

All anime fans, new and old alike, should see this series. Gungrave is one of those shows that only comes once in a while, and truly brings something special to the table.

Anime Paydirt!
I have been waiting a very long time to get my hands on this series and it was worth every minute of the wait time!

A tale of loyalty, trust, and the ultimate betrayal, Gungrave is a seriously driven character story with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

In the opening episode, Beyond the Grave awakens to seriously kick the ass of a multitude of undead creatures. From his stylish attire to his awesome display of firepower, Grave is the type of guy who shoots first and makes damn sure no one is left to answer any questions. Grave makes Vash the Stampede look like a rank amateur when it comes down to serious gunplay.

Later in the volume, we meet Brandon and Harry, a couple of young street punks trying to make it along with their small gang on the tough streets of their town. Through a series of fights and shoot-outs with the local crime boss and rival gangs, we see Harry and Brandon as they step into the world of organized crime.

I would almost say that this tale would be akin to a cross between Hellsing and Trigun, only much better.

Grab your guns and extra ammo, kiddies. It looks like Gungrave will be a hell of a ride.

P.S. As a parent, I would NOT recommend this for younger children. The anime is rated for 16 and up. There are sexual innuendoes, brief nudity, and graphic violence. Purchase this based on your child's maturity level. (I let my 12 and 13 year old watch this and they are still raving about how good the story is!)

Beyond Great
One looks to anime to feast on the imagination of others. This is title is definately a "work of art". On the strength of Hellsing, a predecessor to Gungrave, I hoped to find something long and strong on imagination.

Gungrave more than satisfied the desire to see something at the "next level". It is an anime rich in story, where you love and hate the characters and remember their names. It offers the science fiction and action expected in anime, but with a humanity emphasis usually found in Miramax prestige films.

In countless ways, Hellsing style anime is ingeniously implemented by the authors to provide powerful contrasts with reality. This anime sees something in the genius of humanity and captures it animation. Gungrave captures the best of reality and fiction, mixes them together, and delivers a compelling story.

Gungrave is so good about 1/3 through the 26 episodes, I thought even if the rest was the most nauseating stuff ever conceived by man, this would still be a remarkable effort. Instead, Gungrave only got better and better. Most of all, Gungrave leaves a memorable ending, leaving a powerful message burned in your soul. Chances are you will agree and will join the "Family" of admirers.