DVD Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1

(Funimation, 325 minutes)

http://www.fullmetalalchemist.com/

If you’re an anime fan, chances are you’ve already seen, read, or at the very least heard of Fullmetal Alchemist. Originally published as a manga written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who lost everything the night they decided to commit the greatest taboo in alchemy, bringing someone back to life. The series was adapted into back in 2003 and met with critical success for its deeply moving character drama and overly dark story. The only problem was that it strayed away from the original manga’s story, developing a new one in its place leaving purists calling foul.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is Studio Bones answer to those wanting to see an anime that more closely reflected the source material. Not to be mistaken for a sequel, Brotherhood instead retells the series from the beginning, adhering to much tighter story that leaves little room for divergence from what Arakawa originally intended.

Unfortunately, this means that the early episodes of the first series were bound to get reanimated. To some this will probably feel like an unnecessary rehash. Others, i.e. those who are new to the franchise won’t mind considering everything is new to them.

Set during an earlier time period in a world similar to our own, Alchemy is the leading form of science, allowing the military to win wars and create new inventions to further the progress of the state. Edward and Alphonse are two gifted young alchemists who committed the ultimate forbidden act in alchemic practice when they attempted to bring their mother back from the dead. Because alchemy was founded on the principle that everything is based on equivalent exchange, Ed lost is arm and leg while Al was stripped of his body, binding his soul to a suit of armor.

Flash forward a few years later and the two now work for the military, with Edward as a state alchemist and Alphonse following him around central. Due to Ed’s young age, he is looked at as something of a prodigy, gaining him the respect of other state alchemists. Together the two use the resources granted to them by the state to hunt for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, the key to restoring their bodies. As the show carries on, the two encounter a host of villains wanting to use the stone and the alchemists hunting it for their own purposes, namely the Homunculi.

Knowing the importance and anticipation behind this series, Funimation really stepped up to the plate to make this a worthwhile release. Rather than releasing the series in single disc format like the company did with the 2003 original, fans are treated to 13 episodes housed on two discs. In comparison to the previous release, that’s three times the amount of episodes. In addition, two audio commentaries featuring various members of the English voice cast can be found, one on each disc. Both are lively and somewhat informative as those new to the cast explain their takes on the role that was previously acted by someone else. Also included is the standard textless opening and closing as well as trailers for upcoming releases.

From top to bottom, the presentation of the show is superb. Studio Bones really went out of their way to make sure this was the definitive take on Fullmetal Alchemist. Not only does the animation show signs of improvement, the series received a stunning widescreen transfer that also helps put it a notch above it’s predecessor.

If there is one flaw to this set, it’s that it is basically a repeat of what has come before. While its almost guaranteed that the rest of the series will be different, those who have seen the original will come out of this with a sense of déjà vu. It also doesn’t help that because the animators knew they would have to animate the same story again, they opted to move through it as quickly as possible, creating pacing issues, though as stated before, new comers will be hard pressed to notice.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a gem of a series and truth be told, Brotherhood is as well. While there are minor gripes to be found, the quality of the set more than makes up for them. Regardless of whether you enjoyed the previous series or are a staunch supporter of the source material, this is the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist that everyone has been waiting for.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood part 1 - A-