Texhnolyze
Publisher
Geneon / MVM
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
22 episodes / 24 minutes
Year
2003
Texhnolyze Volume 2: Spectacle
By otaku_kei
5th Aug 05  For anyone who has watched the first volume then I am sure you will agree with me that this show is doing something a little bit different. Focussing more on visual storytelling then dialogue exposition so much of this story is told by the nuances of a character rather than long speeches. Also as dark dystopian visions of the future go this show owes more to the merciless, brutal malaise seen in Mad Max then the traditional futureshock scenario from films such as Blade Runner. So with the dark future, and human-technical evolution where is this show going? How will the actions of the principal characters Ichise, Yoshi, Onishi and the rest impact the city of Lukuss? Well its one hell of a ride seeing how this singular show ploughs on with the narrative. Texhnolyze continues to be an experimental show that proudly wears its differences and revels in its uniqueness. The characters are not the typical heroes or villains of anime. Onishi may be a mob boss, but seems to act with a concern of the city in his heart. Ichise, still recoverring from his grievous wounds of the first volume continues to travel aimlessly trying to come to terms with his new cybernetic limbs. Yoshi, who seemed the most normal and human of the characters in the first volume takes a decidedly darker personality turn across these episodes. And still the prophetic girl Ran appears around the city clearly following an agenda all her own. I find myself still at a loss for words as to really get to the core of this show. When viewing, it is all so clear, and such a fantastic piece of sci-fi that I think has the potential to appeal to a broad interest group not simply anime fans. The central plotline is still largely shrouded in mystery. It is clear that not all is as it seems, but by the end of this disc we still have little understanding of any of the underlying truths. This show may on the surface be about conflicts between mob groups , but knowing the tone of the other shows that Yoshitoshi ABe has previously been involved with this show will have more to say about humanity and technology - how they are compatible and how they inhibit mankind. But I have to say that this title remains awkward to watch. Whilst not as oblique as the episodes from the first disc this volume remains a title that requires your full attention and for you to think about what is happening on the screen. Now of course that means that this show is not going to appeal to everyone, and I think for those of you out there who enjoy lighter toned, happier anime then this title is just not for you. But for those fans of dark storytelling, hard sci-fi or those who want to try something a little different then this show has it all. Personally this show has me hooked, but then I've always been more intrigued and entertained by the show that engages the brain more than just instant gratification.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: Japanese Language 2.0; English Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Textless Opening; Alternate Dialogue Outtakes; MVM Trailers
Release information: COMING SOON - 15th August
Notes: Another MVM release that proves just how good a decision it was to partner with Madman for DVD authoring. The quality of this disc is clear: both language tracks come through nicely, the subtitles are well timed, no visual problems that I could pick up on. The menu's are quick to navigate and clearly laid out. All in all a good quality disc. The extras are even worth mentioning in a positive way. Of course we once again get the universal Textless Opening and Trailers, but also the Alternate Dialogue Outtakes. These outtakes are a mixed bag of the voice actors just messing around, but worth listening to for the announcment on Texhnolyzed Testicular Atrophy - a bizarre and amusing little adlib.
-- otaku_kei 5th Aug 05
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