Saiyuki (Double Barrel Collection): Volume 1

Reviewed By:  Carla Land

ADV Films DVD

Review based on first double disk set (episodes 1-10)

Rated TV 14

What it’s (basically) all about: What do you get when you mix a cigarette smoking monk with a banishing gun, a sarcastic half-demon popular with the ladies, a monocle clad man-turned-demon magic user, and a 500 year old demon boy who is always hungry? You get the most interesting retelling of an ancient Chinese legend you have ever seen. Sanzo, Gojyo, Hakkai, and Goku (respectively) are on a god-sanctioned quest to stop someone (they don’t know who) from resurrecting a terrible demon through the use of black magic and technology- a big no-no. Along the way they get on each others nerves, kill hundreds of demons out to kill them, and come to respect and even like each other (though they won’t admit it.) One cool thing is that even though all the main characters are flawed, they also realize that flawed doesn’t mean bad, and sometimes they show others how a little tolerance goes a long way.

Nitty Gritty: The voice work on the English dub is some of the best I’ve heard. The animation is also really good, and in general is not too graphic for younger audiences. Most of the violence is aimed at demons, and once or twice at swindlers. The violence aimed at the demons usually ends in the demons turning to dust, and there isn’t a lot of gore involved. The swindlers get beat up by several different parties, but don’t die. The guys themselves get hurt, Sanzo nearly dying, but they are all determined to see their mission to the end.

There are few inappropriate sexual situations, seeing as the guys have little time for romance. So far there has been no sex or nudity, but a lot of suggestive dialogue and big breasted goddeses and demons.

That having been said, Sanzo is frequently threatening to kill all the others, Gojyo and Goku are often implying that the other is homosexual, and all of them have a tendency to use four letter words- rather frequently. "Sh*t" seems to be the preferred one amongst them, but a$$hole, ass, d*ckhead, son of a bitch, goddam, bastard and hell are all used. Also, there is a LOT of smoking and drinking, especially on the part of Sanzo and Goyjo.

Some of the plot may be hard to follow, especially when there are flashbacks (which are well used to aid in character development.) Since most of the flashbacks deal with each guy’s own personal “demons” (no pun intended) and none of them has a really happy past, they are often the saddest moments of the show.

The disks open with Newtype Magazine and Anime Network previews. One really nice special feature on this set is that you can read about the cultural nuances that might escape our Western point of view. It’s really interesting to read about the cultural differences and it also helps to get a better understanding of the story, including information about the original Chinese legend being retold here. There are also production sketches, clean opening closing animation, and previews on each disk as well. (Previews included are for Noir, You’re Under Arrest, Rune Soldier, Wild Arms, Spectral Force, and Sakura Wars TV on disk one and Neo Ranga, Samurai X: Director’s Cut, Southern Cross, Eden’s Bowy, Rahxephon, and Full Metal Panic! on disk two) Disk two also has a Saiyuki preview..

Survey says: If you live in a really liberal area, this may be okay for YA shelves. Otherwise, this is probably better off in your adult collections based just on the fact that four letter words fly and the content can be a little mature.  (The entire series is also available in a single disk set or a think pack collection, instead of the "double barrel," which may work better for your library.)

Personal Ad: This is my favorite anime of all time. Hakkai is my favorite character, and I think it is really well written. Characters change, plots are twisted, and it’s generally a good time as long as the foul language doesn’t offend. Not only that, but it's quite a value for the price.