Record of Lodoss War

Record of Lodoss War - The Complete Series (Collector's Edition)

Since the first chapters debuted as a direct-to-video release in 1990, this sprawling sword-and-sorcery epic has delighted fantasy fans with its ancient prophecies, lost kingdoms, enchanted swords, dragons, and wizards. The tangled story line borrows heavily from The Lord of the Rings, the Star Wars films, and numerous other fantasy works. Six mismatched characters find themselves thrown together to protect the land of Lodoss from imminent destruction: Parn is the impetuous young warrior with heroic potential who typifies the genre; in place of the usual spunky girl, there's Deedlit, an elf with magical powers. They're joined by Etoh, a young priest and healer; Ghim, a dwarf-warrior with a heavy heart; Slayn, a wizard in training; and the rascally thief Woodchuck. Their allies include the dashing lord of a desert realm, a mercenary and her Berserker companion, and a benevolent, Arthurian king. They're pitted against an array of villains that includes human warriors, an evil sorcerer, dragons, kobolds, zombies, and Karla, the mysterious "Gray Witch" [sic]. An elegant art nouveau sensibility runs through the designs of Lodoss War, especially the extravagant armor of the warriors. But the film lacks a coherent plot, probably the result of producing so much animation in a short time with multiple directors. Characters are forever dropping in and out of the story: the initial villain, the evil emperor Beld, is replaced by his henchman, Ashram, who is superseded by the dark sorcerer, Wagnard. The last three episodes build to a titanic climax that leaves a lot of plot points unresolved. Hard-core fantasy fans will love Lodoss War; but other viewers are likely to tire of its drawn-out and needlessly complicated story. Unrated; suitable for ages 12 and up; considerable violence and an extremely complicated plot. --Charles Solomon

Record of Lodoss War - Chronicles of the Heroic Knight (Complete Series)

Record of Lodoss War began as a serialized role-playing game in Comptique magazine in 1986. The story was adapted to novelizations, audio books, and video games, followed by a 13-part OAV (original animation video) series, which was released in two parts in 1990 and 1991. Five years later, the 27-part broadcast series was completed. Although some characters, settings, and incidents appear in both continuities, the OAV and broadcast versions of Lodoss War were made independently, and the discrepancies in their sword-and-sorcery narratives can't be reconciled.

The broadcast series is divided into two linked adventures involving the supernatural treasures hidden by the last rulers of the Kingdom of Sorcerers 500 years earlier. The first tale (eight chapters) centers on Parn, the honorable Free Knight, and his High Elf companion Deedlit, the heroes of the OAV series. With some help from an assortment of allies that includes King Kashue of Flaim, an annoying grass sprite, and a berserker mercenary, Parn defeats the megalomaniacal knight Ashram, who seeks to rule a united Lodoss with the Scepter of Domination. The second adventure takes place 10 years later and focuses on Spark, a young Knight-in-Training at the court of King Kashue, who idolizes Parn. Spark and a veritable army of secondary characters battle the evil sorcerer Wagnard, who plots to resurrect the destroyer-goddess Kardis. Kardis will destroy every other living thing in Lodoss, leaving Wagnard to rule an eternal Kingdom of the Dead. From these adventures and Parn's counsel, Spark learns what it means to be a true knight; he wins the respect of his men and the love of his lady. Unfortunately, the story line breaks down in the later episodes, when writer Katsumi Hasegawa seems to lose track of the plot and many of the characters. Ashram returns--despite having fallen into a lava pit in episode 8--but as a noble and prudent ruler. Karla, the ancient gray witch, opposes Wagnard, then allies with him. Several "dei ex machinae" appear at the last minute to save situations. The lapses in the storytelling may help to explain why many fans prefer the shorter OAV series, although both versions offer plenty of ancient prophecies, spells, dragons, duels, star-crossed romances, and apocalyptic threats. The individual episodes are separated by "Trailers," odd little segments in which child versions of the main characters make fun of each other and the story. Unrated. Suitable for ages 13 and up: minor nudity and profanity, considerable violence and grotesque imagery. --Charles Solomon

Five years past, a band of six adventurers defeated the conquering armies of Marmo, the dark island, and saved the accused island, LODOSS. Since that day, the survivors have been honored as heroes, and their deeds have become legends. But the darkness never perished... Now, a mad wizard threatens to raise an ancient evil — the goddess of destruction. Old heroes must heed the call to defend their homeland and new heroes are forged as the battle for LODOSS begins anew.

Record of Lodoss War - The Complete Series (Vols. 1-13)

Since the first chapters debuted as a direct-to-video release in 1990, this sprawling sword-and-sorcery epic has delighted fantasy fans with its ancient prophecies, lost kingdoms, enchanted swords, dragons, and wizards. The tangled story line borrows heavily from The Lord of the Rings, the Star Wars films, and numerous other fantasy works. Six mismatched characters find themselves thrown together to protect the land of Lodoss from imminent destruction: Parn is the impetuous young warrior with heroic potential who typifies the genre; in place of the usual spunky girl, there's Deedlit, an elf with magical powers. They're joined by Etoh, a young priest and healer; Ghim, a dwarf-warrior with a heavy heart; Slayn, a wizard in training; and the rascally thief Woodchuck. Their allies include the dashing lord of a desert realm, a mercenary and her Berserker companion, and a benevolent, Arthurian king. They're pitted against an array of villains that includes human warriors, an evil sorcerer, dragons, kobolds, zombies, and Karla, the mysterious "Gray Witch" [sic]. An elegant art nouveau sensibility runs through the designs of Lodoss War, especially the extravagant armor of the warriors. But the film lacks a coherent plot, probably the result of producing so much animation in a short time with multiple directors. Characters are forever dropping in and out of the story: the initial villain, the evil emperor Beld, is replaced by his henchman, Ashram, who is superseded by the dark sorcerer, Wagnard. The last three episodes build to a titanic climax that leaves a lot of plot points unresolved. Hard-core fantasy fans will love Lodoss War; but other viewers are likely to tire of its drawn-out and needlessly complicated story. Unrated; suitable for ages 12 and up; considerable violence and an extremely complicated plot. --Charles Solomon

Lodoss, the accursed island, has seen wars ravage its kingdoms for thousands of years. Now comes an evil beyond any it has ever faced before, and a party of six are drawn together in battle. Six who barely know each other, but who are destined to become heroes as they encounter enemies and allies beyond their wildest imaginations. Contains all 13 episodes.

Legend of Crystania Complete Collection

Legend of Crystania: The Motion Picture

This three-part OAV is set in the same universe as Record of Lodoss War, but there's little overlap between the stories. The choppy and often difficult-to-follow narrative traces the effort to resurrect the evil wizard-king Barbas. Opposing the attempt are Sir Redon and his retinue, a dark elf, the twins Irim and Kirim, and assorted other warriors. The characters wander through Crystania as the story builds to the inevitable confrontation in which Barbas is defeated not by Redon, but King Ashram, who's spent the last 300 years trapped in the World of Chaos. The filmmakers fail to give the characters distinct identities: at the end of "A New Beginning," Kirim turns into a swan who will carry souls to paradise, but the viewer has no idea how or why he's making this transition. Unrated; suitable for ages 12 and up: Violence, grotesque imagery. --Charles Solomon

Legend of Crystania: The Chaos Ring

The land of Crystania has been at peace, but like a shallow sleep, the peace is shattered by nightmares born of the deepest night. The seas that protect Crystania are coming undone, and the Bell of Wakening tolls on, loosing terror after terror. Tornados, basilisks and Dragon Lords roam the land heralding the return of the Gods' King Barbas. Who can save Crystania from the coming armageddon?

Legend of Crystania: The Motion Picture

This three-part OAV is set in the same universe as Record of Lodoss War, but there's little overlap between the stories. The choppy and often difficult-to-follow narrative traces the effort to resurrect the evil wizard-king Barbas. Opposing the attempt are Sir Redon and his retinue, a dark elf, the twins Irim and Kirim, and assorted other warriors. The characters wander through Crystania as the story builds to the inevitable confrontation in which Barbas is defeated not by Redon, but King Ashram, who's spent the last 300 years trapped in the World of Chaos. The filmmakers fail to give the characters distinct identities: at the end of "A New Beginning," Kirim turns into a swan who will carry souls to paradise, but the viewer has no idea how or why he's making this transition. Unrated; suitable for ages 12 and up: Violence, grotesque imagery. --Charles Solomon

Record of Lodoss War - Chronicles of the Heroic Knight - Anime Test Drive

Try it... Buy it... Get $10 Back! • Epic sword and sorcery in the tradition of Lord of the Rings • "A+…simply perfect" - Animejump.com • The warrior hero Parn must unsheath his sword against an evil wizard! • Each Anime Test Drive DVD includes a $10 mail-in rebate coupon (for use with the purchase of the corresponding box set at a great low price) • Contains the first 2 episodes and over 45 minutes of cool anime trailers!

Record of Lodoss War

Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight