DVD Review: Gungrave Volume 2

Gungrave Vol. 2: The Sweeper
Release Date: September 28, 2004
Released By: Geneon Entertainment
DVD SRP: $29.98 - 100 Minutes
Video: Widescreen (Anamorphic) - 1.85:1
Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Japanese (DTS), Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo) & English Subtitles


Introduction
Gungrave is a 26 episode series that originally aired in Japan on October of 2003. Gungrave is based off of a popular video game by the same name and is created by Yasuhiro Nightow the man behind Trigun. The animation produced by Madhouse the team behind Texhnolyze, Trigun, Tenjo Tenge, and Vampire Hunter D. This is the 2nd volume out of seven that includes episodes 5 (Mllennion), 6 (Big Daddy), 7 (5 years later), and 8 (Family).

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Extras and Packaging
In the extras department there's the conceptual art that showcases character designs for the anime. There's also a video game promo for Gungrave Overdose for the PS2 looked which looked rather good. The cover art for Geneon's release looks rather nice overall especially with the foil covers that come which is limited. Harry MacDowel and Brandon Heat are showcased on the front with Bear Walken and from the looks of it Gary in the background.

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Animation
The animation for Gungrave so far have gotten mixed reviews from fans. From what I've watched I don't think it disappoints though the character designs could of needed a bit more work.

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Audio
Geneon outdoes itself by releasing multiple audio tracks for the Gungrave DVD release which includes the English 5.1, Japanese 2.0, and Japanese DTS tracks.   Listening to the Japanese 2.0 track everything sounded alright.

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Story Review
The previous volume had Brandon and Harry joining an organizational crime unit called Millennion.   They dominate the town with criminal activity, money laundering, business activities and much more. With Brandon and Harry separating with their own ways they have to fight their up in the organization. Brandon is placed to work for a loan shark wing in which they have to extort money from individuals who don't pay. On the other hand Harry is making his name known in the Mllennion. He dreams the day when he becomes successful in the organization with the help of his close accomplices.

The next episode gives more insight on Millennion's head boss Big Daddy. It also shows the other side of Brandon Heat. Brandon Heat isn't emotional nor is he head strong. In the previous volume Brandon dealt with the death of his close friends. Marie is now living with the head of Millennion, Big Daddy. Big Daddy protects her after he makes a promise with Marie's late uncle. After Brandon secretly meets Marie Big Daddy agrees that both can see each other. Can see that Brandon most wants to do is protect the person he cares for the most and that is Marie.

At a party for which Big Daddy is attending Harry MacDowel uncovers a plan to assassinate Big Daddy by their rivals The Lightning. At the same party Brandon finds a risks his own life to the utter admiration of Big Daddy. For their accomplishments Brandon and Harry get accepted to ?The Family? of which their members are closest to Big Daddy. They both climb the ranks in the organization in different ways. And both have different goals and achievements that will come from this.

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Overall
The story progresses at a rapid rate with this volume. The characters of Big Daddy, Marie, Harry and his followers, Brendan, and the rest of the Family are put into place. What happens to them and where the story goes on from there is anyone guess. I certainly enjoyed watching this volume. The continuous story arc makes it easier to watch and more interesting.