Shangri-La - Complete Series - S.A.V.E

I posted a pretty grumpy review when Funimation first released this series (first half was over $60!!!, second half was around $40). The prices were outrageous for a 24 episode series ($100+ with both sets combined). So here is why I am laughing all the way home:The S.A.V.E. set I received is actually a repackaged version of the Volume 1 Special Edition with Volume 2 inserted into it. I know this because the set has the Special Edition case and the first volume does not have a UPC. The second volume does have a UPC. The entire thing was covered with a SAVE paper that was easily removed. Now I have the deluxe set case with the complete series for FIFTEEN BUCKS!!!So now is a great time to nab this underrated series.The story is great, albeit a bit confusing at times. It's based off a two part light novel (which I haven't read) but I feel that they probably fleshed out a bit more of the story (considering No.6 was 11 episodes based on a 9 volume light novel series).The story is set mid to late 21st century. Global warming has wreaked havoc on the planet. The new 'capitalism' involves trading carbon credits (pollution). There are areas of massive jungles in order to absorb carbon. Tokyo is one of these so called "jungle-polises".The story revolves around several central characters. Kuniko is the main heroine, though many other characters receive nearly as much screen time. She joins a band of rebels called 'Metal Age' whose goal is to overthrow the Atlas Corporation, a company that has control over the military, the legal system, and even commerce.Several of the themes are typical for any future-dystopian anime series, but the characters are what make this series interesting. Kuniko's 'adult figurehead', Momoko, is actually a cross dressing man. Her grandmother raised her, but Momoko is definitely a 'mothering' personality. Ryoko is a very interesting female villain, and head of Atlas Corp, Sayoko is a clairvoyant young girl who puts liars to death, and Karin (my favorite) is a super genius young girl who creates a computer program (MEDUSA) in order to control the world economy - and Atlas is not amused.If you enjoy anime, or just good, complex dystopian stories, then this is a great purchase. It is one of the best deals Funimation has offered. This and Mushi-shi (also S.A.V.E.). Get it now while the getting is good!

Shangri-La is one of those series that, though fairly new, will always be overlooked by series such as One Piece or Attack on Titan. In spite of all that, it is quite possibly one of the best anime series I have ever seen in my entire life.The StoryShangri-La's story is one that has been told multiple times in the anime universe, but Shangri-La tells it in such a way, that it seems entirely new. If I had to describe Shangri-La, I'd say it has the same overgrown, toxic forests of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and has the evil army/government of Origin: Spirits of the Past, searching for this one important girl. Despite it's borrowed narrative, it is still a great series that deserves to be watched. Now as far as age rating goes, I'd recommend ages 15 and up. It has a well deserved TV-MA rating, as it contains nudity, mature sexual content/themes, language, and violence and some blood/gore. Even with all of it's mature content, it's still not as adult as series like Speed Grapher or Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne, so it could be viewed by slightly younger audiences.Now, about this particular S.A.V.E. Edition....This is the S.A.V.E. Edition of the Gods. It is what all S.A.V.E. editions should strive to be. I'm not even kidding. While my own copy hasn't arrived yet, I have seen the same edition elsewhere, and I must admit, I was entirely surprised. If you're not familiar with S.A.V.E. Edition DVD's/Blu-Ray's, they are normally in a standard DVD or Blu-Ray case depending on the format, wrapped up with a hideous, booger-green border on the side, which reads S.A.V.E. and all the other stuff about how this edition is great for your wallet and whatnot. Well, this edition was a nice surprise indeed. Originally, I considered picking this up in parts, being Limited Edition Part 1 and then Part 2, thereby allowing me to get the gorgeous chipboard box. When I saw the actual S.A.V.E. edition, I was surprised to see that it was THE EXACT SAME as buying the first two parts, with a Limited Edition Part 1. In other words, you were ripped off if you picked up the first two parts separately. If you want the best deal, go with the S.A.V.E. version of Shangri-La, and you shouldn't be disappointed.All in all, this is a great series that deserves to be watched, and this edition is a steal. If you're interested in a story that is somewhat similar to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind or Origin: Spirits of the Past, then this is probably for you. I myself, highly recommend it.

It was an interesting anime. Touches base on the environment going sideways and people cashing in on the economy on it. Lot of fighting and you have to watch to find out what happens in it. Has good story line but some parts are a little drawn out.

I've been wanting this for a while. Great story, great animation...Though Funimation subtitles leave a lot to be desired. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

An alright anime.

A good story

Spent a lot of the series wondering where it was going and playing it at 1.5x speed because things were happening so slowly. A lot of things that happen earlier in the series don't get explained or make sense until later in the series. Some things never make sense. There's no worthwhile extras on the DVDs. I'm glad I didn't pay more than $20 for it. It might be worth a second watch with knowledge of everything that's going on behind the scenes but i would probably end up fast forwarding through most of it again.