Sakura Wars

Starring:Animated
Studio: Adv Films
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The time is the early 1920s, and Tokyo is menaced by an invasions of demons. To combat them, Kanzaki Heavy Industry has developed robotic battle armor powered by spiritual energy. Sumire Kanzaki, the arrogant granddaughter of the owner, is the first candidate to control the armor successfully. She's joined by karate champion Kanna Kirishima, sharpshooter Maria Tachibana, diminutive blond psychic Iris Chateaubriand, Chinese gadgeteer Ri Kohran, and sword fighter Sakura Shinguji to form the Imperial Floral Assault Unit. The threat of the demon invasion falls by the wayside as the girls get involved in theatrical productions that somehow increase their spiritual energy. The arrival of their first male commander, Ichiro Ohgami, a comic cute guy in the Tenchi mold, adds a little sexual tension. Based on a popular Sega game, the OAV of Sakura Wars suffers from a surfeit of characters and an underdeveloped plot. At two hours, it feels either half an hour too long or an hour too short. --Charles Solomon

Sakura Wars TV: Complete Collection
Average customer rating:

Very good anime

The essential Sakura Wars - watch this before watching the others!

Sakura Wars!!!!!!!!!

Sakura Wars TV: Complete Collection
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BKSJI4
Release Date: 2005-12-27

Description

It is the 1920s, and Japan is under attack by demonic invaders. The government has designed sturdy, albeit steam-owered, robot armor suits for the impending battle, but only young ladies with the proper combination of virtue and spirit can pilot the robots successfully.

Customer Reviews:

Very good anime.......2007-06-11

Just when I thought I was going to hate mecha type anime for the rest of my life. Something surfaced and made me a believer. And that something was Sakura Wars. Why this collection isn't over flooded with good reviews? I DONT KNOW!

For starters I never seen or played the video games, so I cannot say anything to those who played the games. And thats good for me because I couldn't expect anything. The story; there is an organization whose sole purpose is to protect the world from a demon threat. That organization is called the flower division.The setting is in Japan in the 1920's but they are very far in technology. They use mechas powered by steam and they're piloted by female pilots. This is not your typical fan service and defenseless bimbos crying out and wearing skimpy clothes for no reason whatsoever. This anime is very mature.

The animation is spectacular in my opinion. I really dont care about the animation involving anything but I noted it anyway. I just feel whats the big deal about the animation. If the animation is good but the story and a few other elements is weak, then animation means nothing. The soundtrack for the opening and ending credits is alright. I really didn't care for the opening that much.

The charcter development is second to Crest of the Stars. I find it impossible to dislike any of the characters. The snobs, geeks, almost manly looking weight lifting buffs are all likable. They spend alot of time helping you get to know the characters. When the Flower divison aren't fighting demons then they plan for a live show or play that they rehearse all day for. I kind of felt some of the story involving the plays dragged a little too long. But I come to appreciate it because it really did help with the overall character development. The action scenes are pretty good but don't come into this expecting high octane, mass casualty deaths, and an incredible amount of gore. This series isn't about that.

I don't feel this anime is for everyone. If you enjoyed Crest of the Stars or something in that ballpark, then you can enjoy this. If your very heavily influenced with lots of action, gore, an in your face straight up plot, and thats it. This anime MAY not be for you. It can be about as fun as watching paint dry.

The essential Sakura Wars - watch this before watching the others!.......2006-03-01

Anyone interested in Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) - whether a fan of the games or just interested in the anime - should definitely watch this 5-disc compilation of the entire 25-episode run of the TV series. Be aware, though, that the story told in the TV series is slightly but significantly different from that told in the OAV (and also from that told in the new manga version, which is now being published in English in the USA). I definitely recommend watching the TV series BEFORE watching "Sakura Wars: The Movie", because otherwise the latter won't make much sense to you at all and the TV series provides a tremendous amount of character development missing from the OVA. (Also, I strongly recommend watching the TV series and the movie both before watching "Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris", since that particular anime takes place in the timeframe between the series and the movie.)

Note also: the TV series has a lot of emotional heft to it and can get dark, almost somber in places, but I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that everything works out in the end. HOW it works out, though, you'll just have to watch to find out! :)

P.S. On further thought, I wanted to put in a word here about the alternate-history background of this anime. Sakura Wars takes place in a timeline where steam appears to have become the dominant method of power generation and propulsion (right down to steam-powered telephones!!) and also where technology in this version of the 1920's is up to at least 1990's levels (computerlike machines and some form of virtual reality simulator are seen being used in several scenes, and there is obviously some kind of video technology as well). Also, socially and politically, the 1920's Japan of Sakura Wars seems to be a very different place from the 1920's Japan of our "real" time line - in fact, according to the new English translation of the manga, the characters for the Imperial era "Taisho" used in this series translate to "Broad Truth" in English, not "Great Truth" as in our actual history. Something to be aware of as you watch the show.

Sakura Wars!!!!!!!!!.......2005-11-11

i love this series and i ordered this whole collection on [...] they have awesome stuff there for low prices!!!!!! all about anime!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Great Ending

Sakura Wars TV - Curtain Call (Vol. 6)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Stage Fright (Vol. 5)
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Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)

ASIN: B0000V8F9W
Release Date: 2003-12-23

Customer Reviews:

Great Ending.......2003-12-29

Sakura Wars is about 6teenage girls who perform plays in the imperal capital. Sumire, Ri, Iris, Sakura, Maria, and Kanna. This is the final volume of the tv series. Your better off watching the dubbed cause there girls from france: Iris Maria:Russia Ri:China. This defently a good show to watch.

Average customer rating:

Grace and Steel
Iris as her 10th Birthday!!!!
A Must See Anime!!!!!

Sakura Wars TV - Crescendo (Vol. 3)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009YXB1
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Description

The forces of evil are growing stronger-even Mother Nature has turned traitor and is itching for a fight. The world needs a team of defenders: a dedicated group that will work together in harmony and ace precision; a band that will refuse to give into their petty squabbles and haunting pasts in order to stand strong against the forces of chaos! Unfortunately, all it has is the Imperial Flower Combat Troop... Contains four complete episodes.

DVD Features: an eight-page printed booklet including production sketches; production notes; clean opening and closing animation; character bios; and previews. Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, English subtitles.

Customer Reviews:

Grace and Steel.......2006-03-10

I'm not sure why the DVD release decided t name this set of four episodes as 'Crescendo', since the major story are only develops a bit - a scene in the first episode and a confrontation with Crimson Miroku in the last. What actually unites the episodes is the further development of the characters and their relationships in the individual episodes, and once again, this is where Sakura Wars excels.

The first episode belongs to Kanna and Sumire as a looming typhoon throws them into an argument about where it will fit and what will happen to Sumire's beautiful poster for the Flower Combat Troop's next show. Then a trip to Koubu training camp finds Kohran and Sakura lost in the middle of a volcano eruption. Sakura learns a valuable lesson in sacrifice and the meaning of friendship that will repeat itself in many episodes

Then next episode is one of my favorites. We learn a lot about Iris when her birthday comes and no one in the Troop knows how to celebrate this Western cousin. It is Iris who learns how much her new friends mean to her in an episode that makes even this old man sniffle. The final episode is the battle with Crimson Miroku, in which Sakura and Sumire must learn to work together. Always a struggle when Sumire is involved.

This is an exceptional set of episodes, each one drawing us further into the life of the Flower Combat Troop. It is the personal element that makes these stories compelling. Keep watching!!

Iris as her 10th Birthday!!!!.......2003-12-14

Ok this has to got to be one of the best sakura wars dvds out there. Iris one of my favorite characters wants to have a B-Day Party.. When she was back home in France she had parties alone cause people thought she was dangerous cause of her psicic power... Sakura Decided to throw Iris a very special party for Iris...*VERY GOOD SERIES*

A Must See Anime!!!!!.......2003-12-11

Ok this is by far the best series ive seen so far its got great story line, Animation, and good art work.... But one problem is the disc has trouble reading on a Xbox. I putted in the disc once and it worked 2nd time it got defective. Great series to watch a must see......

Average customer rating:

Solid Character Work
Very Cool
a must see

Sakura Wars TV - Overture (Vol. 2)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Curtain Call (Vol. 6)

ASIN: B000093NOS
Release Date: 2003-07-08

Amazon.com

As the Sakura Wars TV series continues, two absent members rejoin The Imperial Flower Combat Troupe: karate champion Kanna Kirishima and klutzy engineer Kohran Ri. Kohran teaches Sakura to synchronize her heart with the heart of the mecha in which she fights; Lt. Ohgami builds team spirit among his fractious charges by insisting they cook and eat their meals together. These unorthodox methods pay off as women of the Troupe learn to put aside personal differences and work as a unit, which they must do to fight the rapidly multiplying villains. In addition to Crimson Miroku, Setsuna, a sadistic little mind-reader appears, accompanied by the gigantic Rasetsu. Even more threatening is a sinister swordsman who cleaves a stone in two. How these heavies relate to the destructive Wakiji mecha will undoubtedly be revealed as the plot thickens. (Rated 12 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

Solid Character Work.......2006-01-14

For some unknown reason, I put off viewing this series an the assumption that I wouldn't like it. Of course, I was wrong. Sakura Wars is a very well put together TV series, one that combines the adventure of fighting demon attacks in Tokyo with the complex personal lives and interactions of the people who do the fighting.

Except for their commander, Ohgami, the flower troop are all young women, and all very different in personality and background. Sakura, who comes from a lineage of spiritual warriors, is the title star While the story revolves around her, it doesn't expend its entire focus on the young swordswoman. Sakura represents Japanese tradition come to the city and meeting modern life head on. Her struggle on this DVD is to bond with her koubu, the giant mechanical armor that she wears in their fight with the demon. But what is really important isn't the girl in the suit, but how her relationships with the rest of the team begin to build.

The first new member is Kouran, one of the technical wizards behind the koubu. Very much a geek, she helps Sakura overcome her discomfort with what she sees as a mechanical robot. Then Kanna arrives, a karate expert. She is an Okinawan (for some reason the Japanese think of Okinawans the way we do Georgia crackers) whose blunt and open attitude reveals a warm heart. Her cooking and folksy ways helps the troop weld themselves into a close unit, and her muscle gives them needed power..

Sumire, the irritating actress, also unbends a bit, when a shift in fortune makes her realize that the other girls could be genuine friends. Normally she mocks Sakura's awkwardness, but she suddenly reaches out past her pride. And we also get to see a bit of Maria's story as a Russian revolutionary. She and Sakura become an unlikely team as they race to rescue Ohgami from the demon boy Setsuma.

Just as characterization gives these episodes their depth, the story line binds everything together. The demons give the series purpose and provide the dark mystery that lies behind this steam gothic version of Japan. The childlike Setsuna and his giant friend Rasetsu are chilling opponents, and we are given glimpses of other dangerous characters that lurk in the shadows.

So rather than not like this series, I find that it is exceptionally enjoyable. If you haven't had a change to make its acquaintance I can only say that this is one of the modern classics of Japanese anime, and is well worth viewing.

Very Cool.......2004-01-03

This is good. Ive never heard of sakura wars i just went out and bought it and wasn't disaponited.

a must see.......2003-07-14

i bought sakura wars and i wasn't dissapointed. i highly recommend it to all anime fans . it has a great story , beautiful chracters and everything you could ever want in an anime.

Sakura Wars - The Movie (UMD Mini For PSP)

Average customer rating:

Sakura Wars - The Movie (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Sakura Wars
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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Accessories:

Sony PSP PlayGear Amp
Sony PSP Comfort Grips Black
Sony PSP Psyclone Nodus Sound System
Sony PSP Travel Case

ASIN: B000BGR0NS
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Average customer rating:

Looming Darkness
Not as good as the others!!!!

Sakura Wars TV - Intermission (Vol. 4)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)

ASIN: B0000AQRZG
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Customer Reviews:

Looming Darkness.......2006-05-14

In anime tradition, it is the middle episodes that signal the development of the serious side of the series. So far in the story Sakura Wars has focused on characters, with an occasional battle to remind us that there is a real and dangerous evil out there beyond the walls of the Imperial Flower Combat Troop's headquarters. Suddenly this has changed. The combat has become much more serious, and in the very first episode Sakura's sword, inherited from her father is broken as Aoi Satani the evil sorceror at the center of the demon invasion moves into center stage. His previous identity is a rude shock to Commander Yoneda and Lieutenant Ayame, while tragedy is again averted one senses that things will never be the same.

Two characters face new challenges. Sakure must return home and face the challenges of the ritual that will repair her sword. And Iris, who has always remained behind when the koubu head for battle, must confront her antipathy towards the giant robots and take her own place in the battle. Of course, we're used to Sakura's bravery and commitment, but Iris has gone through some rapid development and now is becoming another key player in struggle to keep Tokyo free of demons.

The last of the episodes is a return to the fray, this time against a resurrected Crimson Miroku. The fighting is grim, and Sumire must come to terms with the fact that Sakura's role is beginning to eclipse her own. As you can see, the story line continues to balance character development against action making this series a memorable success.

Not as good as the others!!!!.......2003-12-11

this ones ok.... But its the slowest one out of all the sakura wars episodes ive seen...... A must see is the sakura Wars ova collection....

Average customer rating:

Excellent Dubbing in a anime

Sakura Wars TV - Stage Fright (Vol. 5)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Curtain Call (Vol. 6)
Sakura Wars TV - Overture (Vol. 2)
Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)

ASIN: B0000DD78M
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Dubbing in a anime.......2004-01-02

Its got Miltary, war, drama ,action,and adventure everything you could want in a anime. Sakura and Iris are my fav characters. Sumire ok but can be a mega-you-know-what sometimes. this is better then Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura.

Average customer rating:

why would I need a pencil board set
A movie for the gamers...
Perfect but one little Mistakes

Sakura Wars The Movie Limited Edition
Starring: Chisa Yokoyama , Michie Tomizawa , Urara Takano , Kumiko Nishihara , and Yuriko Fuchizaki
Director: Yorifusa Yamaguchi , Hideki Takayama , and Toshiya Shinohara
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Crescendo (Vol. 3)
Inuyasha, The Movie 4 - Fire on the Mystic Island

ASIN: B0000A1HOR
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Description

The Imperial Fighting Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo against the demons. However, this time, the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a new type of Fighting mecha that will revolutionize Japan's defense. A superior fighting machine that will make the Flower Division obsolete. However, the girls suspect something when members of their team begin to vanish. But what can they do when their division has been placed on indefinite stand-by status? Comes with Reversible DVD Cover. Features English 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital & Dolby Surround, and Anamorphic Video. Special edition also includes Mini-Pencil Board Set.

Customer Reviews:

why would I need a pencil board set.......2005-09-29

The Imperial Fighting Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo against demons. However, this time, the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a superior fighting machine that will revolutionze Japan's defense and make the Flower Division obsolete. However, the girls suspect something wrong when the members of their team begin to vanish!

A movie for the gamers..........2003-11-26

"Sakura Wars - The Movie" is a creation that builds upon every aspect of the four games which it is based on. For someone who has played these games this movie is a fun experience because all of the characters have already been fleshed out and the parts of the story that the movie doesn't explore have already been explained. It's nice because one doesn't have to listen to a bunch of introductions for characters that they already know, but unfortunately for someone who hasn't played the games this movie must surely seem very disjointed with incredibly shallow characters (and a whole lot of them ^^;). This is a movie for fans, and if you are new to the world of Sakura Taisen this isn't the place to start.

Having played all the games, I have to say I really enjoyed this movie. The animation is a little different from the games (the characters look a bit smaller-eyed), but is absolutely lovely. You can almost understand why the Ecole De Paris OVA and the TV series' animation was so mediocre after watching this, because this is expensive high-quality stuff. They must have spent all their money on it ^^; The backgrounds are especially notable, and the Imperial Theater seems to have gotten a revamp. It's very pretty ^_^

As always, the voice acting is top notch. I can't comment on the english dub because I haven't watched it, but the original will bring back every cast member from Sakura right down to the Baragumi. Lachette's actress is also very good, but even though I have heard she is some sort of professional, I can't stand her singing voice. During the "Subete wa Umi e" song performance it's very grating and drowns Sakura's voice out completely.

The story isn't anything special, but it isn't bad. It follows the usual fare... A man named Brent Furlong has brought in a new type of robots, the Jakphiels, that will make the Koubu obsolete, but his real plans are an economic takeover with some city-destroying evilness thrown in. He has a minion named Patrick, blah blah blah... The formula will seem familiar. It is. Also, an original character, Lachette, is introduced, but there are already eight members of the Hanagumi, and the large focus on her seems silly.

The other characters all have their moments, and there's a lot more character development for Reni than usual, which is nice. Also, Kanna's lines don't consist of only fighting with Sumire. This brings up another point, which is that the characters are actually in-character. The anime endeavors for this game have a tendency to take the most stereotypical trait of a character and just run it into the ground... Over and over again. This movie is a really refreshing change from that. Thank goodness...

The music is by Tanaka Kohei, as usual, and is mainly themes from the game that have been redone. He did a really good job and everything seems very polished, especially the new version of Kiseki no Kane, which has to be 200% better than the original. There is a rewritten version of "Subete wa Umi e" sung by Lachette and Sakura instead of Maria and Sakura, but the lyrics are poor compared to the original and Lachette sounds absolutely horrible... Please, someone bring Maria back... She did a much better job ;_;

In conclusion, because this review has gotten really long (sorry ^^;), if you have played the games you will probably enjoy this movie. If you've only seen the OAV or TV series, or have no knowledge of Sakura Taisen at all, you probably won't like it. This is a total fan movie, and it doesn't really aspire to be more than that.

Perfect but one little Mistakes.......2003-10-05

Sakura Wars the Movie is one of the best Anime Movies that I ever has seen ( I hope I can see it in the German cinema once)
this film has all Action fun and beautiful pictures !!!!
No matter you are a Sakura Wars Fan or not Each Anime fan must have seen this film and the Extras on the DVD is wonderful

But there is a mistake in the Limited Edition (not on the DVD)the mistake is on the Mini-Pencil Board Set !!!
On the card over Reni is a Misspellings !! Her Name is RENI NOT LENI

Amazon.com

The feature adaptation of this long-running continuity has been pumped up with redesigned characters, computer-generated mecha, jazzy special effects, and flashy tracking shots. Unfortunately, all this visual razzle-dazzle doesn't add up to much. Director Mitsurou Hongo doesn't bother to introduce the characters or the set-up, and Ojhi Hiroi's story has a jingoistic edge. Brent Furlong, the head of the American Douglas-Stewart company, plots to replace the Operetta Troupe Flower Division with his unmanned mecha Japhkiels. His real objective is the conquest of Japan, but he underestimates the young women of the Flower Division, who defeat his mecha and demons. The flat, drawn characters and the 3-D CG mechanical devices look like they're taken from two different films, and the leaden pacing makes the film feel much longer than 85 minutes. The TV series is less flashy but more entertaining. (Unrated: suitable for ages 12 and older: considerable violence) --Charles Solomon

Description

Customer Reviews:

Stay far away if you have no knowledge of this series.......2007-06-20

If you never seen the Sakura Wars TV series at the very least. Then this movie will seem like nothing more than an incoherent mess. All of the character development, and the entire story lies in everything before this. This is just a movie to add on.

Now since I got that out of the way. I found this movie to be disappointing. The characters have new voice actors and this is terrible for Marya for the simple fact her russian accent is gone. And some of the characters original personalities did not carry over. Names are mispronounced as well. This is very unacceptable to me. Because in the series the characters were very unique. And Sakura especially had evolved alot towards the end. She seems to be right back at that clumsy stage. The dialogue in this one is pretty lame as well. This is definitly were you can tell the original personalities didn't carry over for everyone, especially Marya. The dubbing is weird for the english version, especially in the begining.

The only thing that saved this from 2 stars for me was 2 things. The animation and the fight scenes. Like I always say, animation is non existent if the anime fails in numerous areas. But this is one time the animation cannot be overlooked no matter how bad this movie could have been. They really put alot into the animation. The fight scenes were also well done. The plot was somewhat slow and boring for me. To include there were several holes in a few scenes. And midway through the movie, a part of the ending was incredibly predictable.

If your a Sakura Wars collector then this should fit well in your collection. If you weren't too crazy about the series or the OVA then I say skip it. Cause it isn't that much different. Skip this movie altogether if you never ever seen Sakura Wars TV series.

Finally, A movie for the Sakura Wars series........2006-11-03

It starts where the OVA left off, Ichiro Ogami is in Paris (Sakura Taisen 3 for the Dreamcast and Ecole De Paris for the dvd by funimation) and troubles are rising for the Imperial Flower Troupe when Douglas Stewart from America introduces a new fighting brigade known as Japhkiel. Maria disappears and all hell breaks loose. With character designs by Kosuke Fujishima and story by Ouji Hiroi, This movie will leave you cheering for the Imperial Flower Troupe. If you loved this movie then get the sequel Sakura Taisen Sumire Special released by Funimation. Not as good as the movie but still needs to be seen.

Best for knowledgable Sakura Wars fans.......2006-03-02

By "knowledgable", I mean folks who have at least played the games (not that those are easy to get in North America!) or watched the OVA or (much preferably) TV series - the latter has MUCH more in the way of character and story background. In fact, I believe that the intended target audience for this movie was just that - the people in Japan who've played all the games so far and watched everything on TV and therefore are completely up to speed on who's who and what's what. I watched the new 5-DVD set of the TV series, which I've reviewed elsewhere, before I saw this movie, and in consequence I found the movie much more enjoyable. I do agree with the other reviewer's comment that the movie's ending was rather muddled; to me, it seemed rather tacked on. Also, there was no real effort to introduce the "new" characters outside the ones that would already be familiar to most American viewers, but again that's a side effect of the fact that the movie seems to have been intended for a more "knowledgable" audience than most anime fans in the U.S.

In short: If you're already a Sakura Wars fan and have watched the TV series, you'll probably enjoy this. Otherwise, you're better off watching the OVA or TV series first.

Sakura Wars: The Movie.......2004-05-05

From the acclaimed television and OVA series comes the full length movie of Sakura Wars. The animation is much better in this movie and when you watch the Oobu being loaded on the transporter bullet engine you are in for a wild treat.
Some characters may appear to be flately drawn but this is a more somber and darker movie.
If not familier with the characters do not get this first but buy the TV series then the OVA series followed by this movie. It is then that you will understand the characters. I would have given it a 5 star, but the extended CGI loading and launching of the bullet engine was a bit distracting from the story line.

Boring!.......2004-04-02

I've not seen the TV series at all. I saw the preview of this DVD on Last Exile (which is a pretty cool series) I was attracted by the excellent detailed animation in the 2 minute preview. I couldn't find a review on it so I went and bought it. Unfortunately all this movie has going for it is the animation. Which personally I think is superb! The story is sorely lacking and the translation must be way off, Heck I don't speak a word of japanese but I can even tell I was missing more to the story. There is no explanation to any of the characters nor why they are there except there deamons attacking Japan. No explanation on the demons at all. Plus the movie seems skip alot from scene to scene without explaing any of the event. To top it off you have an ending that makes no sense. You don't even know what exactly is happening. I advise just to rent it and if you do put it on mute and just look at the eye candy.

Average customer rating:

Sakura wars-ugg
Sakura to the Rescue...
Good Series and Excellent Dubbing! ADV films Rules
Excellent English language production. ADV rocks!

Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Sakura Wars TV - Overture (Vol. 2)
Sakura Wars TV - Crescendo (Vol. 3)
Sakura Wars TV - Intermission (Vol. 4)
Sakura Wars TV - Stage Fright (Vol. 5)
Sakura Wars TV - Curtain Call (Vol. 6)

ASIN: B00008G8PT
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sakura Wars TV is a more satisfying treatment of this popular continuity than the feature or OVAs. The longer format gives the filmmakers time to delineate characters more fully, to explore the nature of the threat the Imperial Flower Combat Troupe faces, and to explain how putting on plays prepares the Troupers for specialized warfare. When klutzy swordswoman Sakura Shinguji arrives in Tokyo in the mid-1920s, she inadvertently alienates the other members of the Troupe. As she works to make amends, she learns that these young women fight in Koubus, special mecha that run on spiritual energy. They battle the Wakiji, mecha that wreak destruction whenever they appear. The first episodes introduce the principle cast members: arrogant Sumire Kanzaki, sharpshooter Maria Tachibana, and petite psychic Iris Chateaubriand. Handsome Second Lieutenant Ohgami assumes command of the Troop, but receives a less than warm welcome. (Rated 12 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon

Description

It is the 1920s, and Japan is under attack by demonic invaders. The government has designed sturdy, albeit steam-powered, robot armor suits for the impending battle, but only young ladies with the proper combination of virtue and spirit can pilot the robots successfully.

Enter young Sakura, arriving in the Imperial Capital from the countryside to join the Imperial Flower Combat Troop. She has the qualifications to be a fine robot pilot, but she's surprised to learn that this secret Defense Force has a cover story as a musical theatre troupe-and they take their cover jobs very seriously indeed. It's costumes, line readings and robot combat galore, as Sakura struggles to learn the ropes, learn her lines, and do her part to save the nation!

Customer Reviews:

Sakura wars-ugg.......2006-11-09

i rate this a two-out-of-five. It's just---so weak! I thought this would be a cute show like with mecha robots, but, yuck, it's just---all over the place! the story-line, well, their isn't one! I have to admit the animation is very crisp, but the voice actors stink, everythings just so wrong. When i rented this from block-bursters, i thought i'd like it, but---nope! a definate 2-out-of-five! (because i like the theme song!)

Sakura to the Rescue..........2005-10-10

I'm not quite sure why I never paid any attention to this series. Other than the fact that robot fighting machines are not my preferred anime genre, especially when manned by psychic young ladies who tend to be nasty or grumpy with each other. After a brief momentary lapse in which I viewed that introductory OVA and actually enjoyed it I decided to check out the series. While the story is indeed what I thought it was, it's also something else entirely, and that hard to define something else is what makes this series a success where similar stories fail.

Sakura Shinjugi is a young woman with a talent for spiritual swordsmanship. She is called to Tokyo to join the Imperial Flower Combat Troop and defend the capital from demonic invasions. What Sakura finds, a theatrical troop that spends their off hours riding giant robots and slaughtering demons, is not quite what she expected. She starts off on the wrong foot with everyone especially Kanzaki Sumire - obnoxious grand-daughter of the man who has invented the spiritual armor the troop uses, Maria Tachibana - first captain of the team, and Iris Chateaubriand - a very young and powerful psychic.

Part of Sakura's problems come from finding herself in a team, when she has previously been alone. She starts off rushing into things without any thought, to the discomfiture of all. She lacks self confidence, and fears her own powers. Even so, by the end of this first DVD she has found a niche and we, as viewer. Have reached a level of comfort with the dynamics of the team. Other than Sumire, for whom there is no hope at all.

There actually isn't all that much fighting in these first episodes. What makes things tick is the writing and acting, which are surprisingly good for a television series of this type. The artwork is well done as well, which a lot of use of shadow and close shots to build the atmospherics. As I did the film, I found myself enjoying the DVD in spite of myself. It's easy enough to see why Sakura Wars became a hit.

Good Series and Excellent Dubbing! ADV films Rules.......2003-12-27

Sakura Wars is a great series. ADV films did a fantastic job realsing this series.
Sakura Wars is a fantastic series you wont be disaponted
The ova and movie can be boring but the tv series rules.

Excellent English language production. ADV rocks!.......2003-05-17

This is a fantastic English languiage production of the hugely popular Japanese series. The voiceover work that ADV produces is splendid. They have managed to get great performances that truly fit the characters. The transfer looks beautiful, and the sound is impeccable. The script is intelligently translated--and the dialogue actually fits the mouth flaps really well! There are some nice extras, especially the subtitle-free opening and closing credits. Of course, you can watch the show in its original Japanese or in the (again, excellent) English dub. I really like the dub on this one. I don't know where ADV gets the actors they use, but they're all terrific. Even minor characters are expertly voiced. I can't wait until Vol. 2 comes out. If you like ADV productions, Sakura Wars movie, or just good Anime in general, get this DVD.

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