Overall: 10.0
Continually improving, this volume builds on issues and themes developed in previous episodes, continuing to open a broader understanding of Atlantean culture and why Gargoyle and Nemo are fighting over it.
Story/Character Development: 10.0
Nadia's pacifism, Jean's curiosity, Nemo's steadfast adhesion to his mission; these characters tell a more complex metaphoric story than the simple adventure story the DVD cases purport.
Art/Animation: 9.5
Gainax's early success is golden, a testament to the quality of their work even at the very beginning. Innovative, cost-cutting still work jimmied between beautifully fluid spurts of action give the illusion of seamless movement.
Acting/Translation: 8.0
Jean's accent wavers, yes. But he's still a charming boy. The Japanese and English casts do well. And the fact that so many cultures reside on the Nautilus, the script avoids having to awkwardly attempt to translate cultural allusions.
MPAA Equivalent: PG
Open discussions of death and the psychological consequences of being responsible for death may be heavy for younger viewers, but they are treated in such a way that not only will they be able to handle it, they'll be able to come to their own conclusions about it.
Format: 6.5
DVD. Easy navigation. Scene selection (Acts 1 and 2); English, Japanese, subtitles; textless opening and closings; trailers for Nadia; and a preview of Vol. 5. The disc also includes trailers for other ADV releases.
X-Factors
Don't Tell The Teachers Factor: 10.0
"Someday we must be content with our own ignorance," quoth Electra, telling Jean to chill out with his curiosity. Of course, she doesn't mean it, she just can't think of another way to draw focus away from the secrets of Atlantis.
The Road to Enlightenment is Paved With Darkness: 10.0
And it is.
