Product Description This new release marks an historic first for releasing a yaoi-themed program with English audio in HD on blu-ray! Ai No Kusabi, a four-episode OVA, is based on a novel by award-winning female sci-fi author Rieko Yoshihara. Set in a dystopian future, the patriarchal society of the planet Amoi lives under a strict caste system overseen by the authoritarian control of a supercomputer named Jupiter. Social class is determined by the color of one s hair, and Iason sits at the top of the pecking order as a Blondie . His privileged life draws scandal when he chooses to take on a mongrel gang leader named Riki as a pet. There are no taboos against the lighter-haired elites staking claim to the dark-haired denizens of the slum, but when Riki commits an unforgivable act, the intensity of their relationship begins to draw dangerous attention. As emotions and tensions escalate, will Iason and Riki escape the fateful consequences of their forbidden romance? Ai No Kusabi is a gritty, suspenseful, and sensual title sparring with heavy topics and themes including systemic racism, sexual agency, and social isolation. The English dub is decorated with a star-studded cast, directed by the team at Kocha Sound (World War Blue, Ladies Versus Butlers, Juden-Chan: Recharged). Extras include: Promotional Videos, Textless Opening & Closing. English Dub, Japanese language with English subtitles. 120 mins. For viewers 16 & Older. Review I was quite taken aback at how good the story was… at its core this is one of the best love stories I've ever seen. --myanimelist.netThe magnum opus of the yaoi genre. --Patrick Drazen, Anime Explosion: What? Why?The story and world are fleshed out and complex, even down to very small details of architectural and prop design... --anime news network P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); About the Director Katsuhito Akiyama is a Japanese animation director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist. He often works with Shinji Aramaki and Hideki Kakinuma. His credits include Bubble Gum Crisis and TV's Thundercats. (wikipedia) See more
D**E
Awesome - but only contains half the series.
This is a 2012 remake of the Ai No Kusabi original series from 1992 to 1994 (I believe were the exact years but it was the '90s). The original series had more content than this remake does because after filming the first 4 OVAs in the remake (which is the entirety of what this product you're considering buying contains), the series remake was discontinued (it's speculated for financial reasons but who knows). Because of that, the major, emotional ending and the entire ending arc that are crucial to the series (and are an ENORMOUS part of what make it such a beautiful story) are not included in this which breaks my heart. While this made the remake MUCH less enjoyable for me, it's still a good series for the content that is included. It only shows the first half of the original story, but I like the graphics much better than those of the original version, it is English Dub which is awesome and the voices are decent (not my favorite, but still good I guess). It's still a beautiful and intriguing story (I won't share spoilers for those who haven't seen this in a long time or who are first time watchers). I also, strangely enough, LOVE the opening song music for the series, and the promotional video under the features section of the disc is compelling and beautiful all on its own (it shows scenes from throughout the 4 OVAs).
C**N
Perfecto
Ha llegado en perfecto estado. Es el re-release de la versión de 2012 con doblaje en inglés más la versión original en japonés (y la opción de subtítulos en inglés). Se compone de 4 OVAs que cuentan parte de la historia original con mucha fidelidad. Muy recomendado.
S**T
Only buy if you've got a ps5 or blu ray equivalent reader
I watched this anime waaaay back in the day online, and I'm so glad to finally have such a clean copy of mine own, with English dub as an option too!The problem though, was that it's a bit difficult to get to work. Just like previous reviews, it doesn't nit play properly on the ps4. Managed to get it to play once to the menu, but it kept skipping and pausing and couldn't do a thing with it.If you're lucky enough to have a ps5 though, it works like a dream and is gorgeous. The English va is quite nice, though it is VERY odd to hear my darling Allen Walker from D.Gray-man being a sadistic blonde lmaoSeriously, you have a ps5 or something equivalent, I say buy it, you won't regret it!
J**Y
Does not work in
Does not work in my PlayStation 4 but works in my DVD player
H**L
I have loved this anime for years
I have loved this anime for years! So when the product popped up on my feed with the English dub addition, it was an immediate purchase! The Japanese version is as beautiful and amazing as usual. And the English version...was WONDERFUL! The voice acting was done beautifully (which is always something I worry about) and I am so glad I can watch both versions now.My only complaint is I did purchase the Blu-Ray addition, but received the standard DVD version. Not a major deal because the graphics are gorgeous. Really hope part two will be coming out soon!
A**R
you will be able to find something you enjoy here.
It pains me that they never finished this. The character designs, the backgrounds, the music and use of CGI are all incredibly well-done. So is voice work in both the original and the english dub. I can't seem to stop rewatching it.Even if you don't care for yaoi or the incredibly dark tone and themes, you will be able to find something you enjoy here.
M**P
FINALLY!!!!!
I've been trying to remember the name of this anime without success. Then I typed yaoi anime and here it is FINALLY!!! YEY
C**I
FAILED on both older DVD player & PC. TO BE FAIR, I ordered a newer DVD player and will try again...
Despite other reviewers saying this item wouldn't play on several devices, I decided to try it out anyway. My DVD player said "No data" (music or video) and my Dell PC (after trying both DVD/CD RW drives) kept saying, "Please insert a disc" (couldn't detect it). Both my DVD player and PC are over twelve years old; so to be fair, I have just ordered a newer DVD player and will try to play it on that once it comes in. Then I will update this review after testing on the newer machine. If it doesn't work, I will still be within the return window; therefore, I think it's still worth a shot to try to get the English-dubbed version. (Good Luck, all you fans out there!)
Trustpilot
1 week ago
1 day ago
