Basilisk: Complete Series (Anime Classics) [Blu-ray + DVD]

soooo, one of the top reviews mentioned the connection for the story arc to a novel from 1950s japan, which also saw the release of Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai...maybe this was a time when Japan was trying to advertise their rich history and what better way than sharing ninjas. Every man who's in touch with the warrior inside appreciates martial arts and ninjas embody that. So Ninja Scroll the OVA is an anime classic and I think this is too...honestly, I think that the Ninja Scroll OVA should have endeavored to be more like Basilisk. Some of the characters are clearly similar, which lends credibility to being inspired by the same novel. Gyobu and Okoi, for example translate to the rock guy and the woman with the poisonous body (co-main character) in Ninja Scroll.I think if you took the ending from Ninja Scroll and used it for Basilisk--you'd have THE (!!!) complete ninja story. Basilisk does a very rich job of developing its main characters and also compelling the viewer to identify with one of the rival ninja factions.I don't know why I'm so in love with this series, I'm on my 3rd screening in the past two years, because the ending is just so awful. It is NOT an ending, that I can imagine, any viewer would desire. I have no idea whether it's a faithful translation of the Kouga Nina Scroll novel mentioned by the other review, but goodness--if this series could have been punctuated with an ending like Ninja Scroll--it would easily be a 10/10--but it didn't, and as such I give it a 9/10 or 4.5/5.0 stars.Another reason I think it's not quite the 5-star showing it could have been is the English dub is awful. I prefer English dubs when available so I'm not so distracted by following the dialogue and can concentrate on enjoying the action more, but the English dub seems to change some of the conversations on the fringe but enough so that it changes the story in subtle ways that I believe alter the viewer's ability to enjoy the identity of characters. It seems like minutiae but changing the essential fabric of a character's identity, even if at the fringe, nonetheless changes it. Think of it in terms of a frame for a picture, the frame doesn't change the picture itself...but it can either complement it or take away from it. And I think that's what the English dub does...I originally watched the Japanese dub 'cause a friend gave me the version he D/L'ed and I loved the series. I tried watching it recently (after buying the blu ray) in English* and was just disgusted. The English voice characterization absolutely takes away from the character given by the Japanese dubs. The Japanese dialogue is sooooo much better and this coming from an anime fan who prefers English dubs.So if you're a fan of ninjas and anime, this has it all...it has an intelligent story that's rich with character development and super high on action, the sequences of combat are soooooo intense! I love it! I'm notta perv, but damm--if Okoi was a real woman, hahahaha...she's a smokin' portrait of a woman.Hyoma from the Kouga faction is my favorite--dude's a blind swordsman and just a certified monster on the battlefield. Lots of the ninja are really cool and their portrayals of ferocity and savagery in battle are uncanny and just splendid displays of tao of the warrior.This tale of rival ninja clans is amazing! Easily one of the best anime out there...warning, the ending SUCKS! But the whole journey to the destination is so good, it's worth suffering over and over again. The characters are just so enjoyable and the story is fun. I actually like the music too...Anyway, I think it's a must own, right up there with classics like Berserk, Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, it's just a quality show from start to finish.Must see anime especially for those who prefer a more mature story and theme and are more averse to the kiddy-type stuff.This one gets the Your Favorite Antagonist guarantee X2 and I hope my stream of cosciousness-style review was enough to capture your expectations and make a sale--you'll thank me later!!!!!* this series is so good I had to own it so I could watch it every few years, even though the ending is highly undesirable...this series is perfect for the first 23 of 24 episodes, as far as I'm concerned.

I wasn't too sure what to expect going into this one. I'm not a huge fan of anime, i only have watched a few shows the whole way through (Fullmetal Alchemist, Death Note, and Elfen Lied, and i loved all 3). So i read a couple reviews, and for the price i thought it would be an alright buy. But i was pleasantly surprized to find that this show packs quite a punch, with it's seriously awesome action sequences and well thought out story. The story revolves around two rival ninja clans in fuedal Japan. The no-hostilities pact that has bound their hands for so long is broken at the start of the show, and ten members from each clan duke it out to decide a victor to their bitter rivalry. The cool part about this series is that every episode has recurring consequences, there is no filler or useless dialogue. The main plot had almost panned out by the halfway mark, so it kept me guessing as to what was next for most of the show. The pacing and story also move along at a quicker pace, so it keeps things feeling fresh the whole way through. Overall i would suggest this to anyone who is a fan of serious-toned action anime, with a fair amount of violence, stunning animation, and a well told story. If you purchase this one, you won't be disappointed.

Highly recommend to watch. Sort of a Romeo and Juliet feel, so don't expect everything to be upbeat.

It was a gift, and they loved it

This belongs to your collection. Gripping story, wonderful voice cast, absolute classic. Buy it now!

Whoever thinks this is a bad anime, needs to think again, watch it and re-watch it again.2 clans that have hated each other for many years, ninjas, samurais, powerful guys, monsters and sexy ladies make this anime one of a kind if not one of the best that I have seen in my life. And I can name a few like my all time favorite dragon ball series, full metal alchemist and cowboy bebop. But quite honestly, the smooth graphics and action pack makes this an awesome series, there is simply no words to describe it but for you to watch it.And NO! This is not even close to Naruto.

I love Basilisk it tragically love story. Iga and Kouga are both ninjas, but the hatred between the clans was 400 years earlier it continued to Oboro and Gennosuke's time. And no this isn't like naruto this is for older adults its for mature audiences. While Naruto is about ninjas yes, but Naruto is aim for teenagers while this Basilisk takes it a step up from that. There's brief nudity in Basilisk and a lot more in its manga form. I don't get how most people make the comparison between Basilisk and Naruto.

Seen the trailer to this show and was instantly hooked so I went on a limb and purchased it and it’s one of my favorites… reminds me a lot of Ninja Scroll. Watch this and skip the next seasons.