Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Part 1 [Blu-ray] Review
While I was a huge fan of the original FMA anime, I'm going to have to out on a limb and say that this new series has,
insofar, provided more action, more character development, and more of almost everything else, than the first thirteen
of the 2004 series. There is (almost) no filler, and the plot moves along at a more satisfying clip than before.
The reason for this is that "Brotherhood" hews a lot closer to Hiromu Arakawa's original manga, and has a lot more
material to adapt than the first series. Those who were weary of the initial series' slow start need have no worries
with this new version.
The English voice acting is as amazing as ever, with the talented Vic Mignogna giving his all as tormented young
alchemist Edward Elric, the role which made him famous in the anime community. There are a few changes in casting,
the most noticeable being Maxey Whitehead taking on the role of Alphonse, Edward's bodiless younger brother, a
role original occupied by Aaron Dismuke (for those curious about that change: Dismuke's voice had matured too much
for him to be able to reprise the role; he does, however, play the part of Young Hohenhiem in "Brotherhood.")
Whitehead does a good job with the part, though, and diehard fans will get used to her voice after the first
episode or two.
The animation is top-notch, and looks especially good on the Blu-Ray release. The music is also phenomenal,
especially the excellent opening and ending themes by Yui and SiD, respectively. But really, would you expect
any less than great animation and music from the sequel to one of the most skillfully-animated and musically-interesting
anime of the past decade?
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is one of the best anime of the year, for both fans of the old series and complete
newbies to the franchise. This set is a no-brainer purchase.
Animation: A+ (In a word: Gorgeous.)
Music: A+ (Some of the best BGM I've heard in ages, sandwiched between a catchy opening and ending theme.)
Sound (Dub): A+ (Just as good as the original, especially the outstanding Mr Mignogna.)
Sound (Sub): N/A (didn't watch; I didn't like the Japanese V.A.s in the first series, so I suspect I won't like them here.)
OVERALL: A+ (One of the finest anime I've seen in years, and a great addition to anyone's collection.)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Part 1 [Blu-ray] Overview
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood faithfully recreates the story from the classic manga - see Fullmetal Alchemist the way the creator intended!
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.
Stills from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Part 1 (Click for larger image)
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Track This Product 
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Part 1 [Blu-ray] Specifications
As the television adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's manga Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) remains one of the best and best-loved series of the last decade, it's surprising Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not a continuation of the characters' adventures, but a remake. Young Alphonse and Edward Elric delved into forbidden knowledge when they tried to use alchemy to bring their mother back from the dead. They paid a terrible price under the principle of "equivalent exchange". Al was reduced to a disembodied soul bonded to a suit of armor; Ed lost an arm and a leg but has been fitted with the mechanical prostheses that earn him the title "Fullmetal". 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. Although the series has been expanded to 63 episodes from the original 51, many of the subplots have been trimmed or eliminated to keep the focus on the Elric brothers. Their encounters with Cornello, the corrupt priest in Liore, and the murderous guardians of the sinister Fifth Laboratory are noticeably shorter. Yasuhiro Irie's direction is less dynamic than Seiji Mizushima's, but he has the advantage of stronger scripts that pack a lot of emotional punch. He balances that intensity with broader slapstick, using the simple, cartoony versions of the characters Arakawa draws in comic sequences. Almost the entire vocal cast reprise their roles, including Vic Mignogna as raspy-voiced, hot-tempered Edward. But Aaron Dismuke was cast as Al when he was only 11 and had to rush to complete the original series before his voice changed. His replacement, Maxey Whitehead, sounds too feminine for a 14-year-old boy. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will delight both fans of the original and new viewers with no knowledge of the Elrics' previous incarnation. (Rated TV PG: violence, grotesque imagery, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
(1. Fullmetal Alchemist, 2. The First Day, 3. City of Heresy, 4. An Alchemist's Anguish, 5. Rain of Sorrows, 6. Road of Hope, 7. Hidden Truth, 8. The Fifth Laboratory, 9. Created Feelings, 10. Separate Destinations, 11. Miracle in Rush Valley, 12. One Is All, All Is One, 13. Beasts of Dublith)
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 14, 2010 23:08:08
Tags : Security Film
