FUNimation, the American distributor of many Japanese anime series, has made a deal with iTunes, bringing much of their content available for download. Included is Samurai 7, the animated TV series based on Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai.
As a result, Samurai 7 is now available at iTunes for $1.99 per episode. I am, however, fairly sure that this only applies to US customers.
It seems to divide viewers quite a bit. I for one watched the first episode and simply couldn’t make myself to watch another one. But others have expressed their like of the series.
Of all the discussion we have had of it (more is always welcome! :)), it is perhaps AiYume’s comment from a month ago that to me best summarises it all: “For anime, it was very good. For an adaptation of Kurosawa, not so much.”
This is not to say that anime can’t be better than that — I know a number of anime series that are simply excellent. But most anime, to me, is utter crap, and perhaps when compared to all that, Samurai 7 surfaces as something positive.
I think that I will personally give Samurai 7 another try. One day.
I am debating on this, but will probably buy them on DVD. It is the completist in me that drives it.
As mentioned, AiYume’s comment really hits the mark. I have now seen 9 episodes, and to me its not really that bad, but its best to never think of it as a adaptation to the movie. I am not a big fan of Anime, with only Furi Kuri and Full Metal Alchemist in which I watched every episode. So I cant really judge it on any Anime principals, but I am starting to enjoy this series.
There is a new box set, that will arrive in late March in the USA, I may one day purchase it, just out of curiosity. There is already 7 volumes to the entire series out on DVD right now, if your unaware.
I have seen only the first 2 episodes of it, and it was utter rubbish. They introduced unnecessary characters and unnecessary scenes and the overall effect was awful.