5/5 Very Enjoyable
  by RDrops
I must say, when my b/f first told me about this anime I thought it would be kind of lame, but it was actually pretty good. At first the main character doesn't seem very "likiable" but she gets a lot more likiable near the end, the main guy character is always likiable though it gets kind of hard to watch because he is very dense about some things.

I would recommend this my friends. ^_^

5/5 WOW.
  by Ahmad Alghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
BUY TYHIS ONE. IT'S REALLY GREAT. RESEMBLES "FATE/STAY NIGHT" WHICH IS A GREAT SERIES.
GO FOR IT.

5/5 Another Great Funimation Release and Great English Dub
  by M. Gaudet (A Galaxy Far Far Away)
The only negative i can think of this release is it does not have the original uncompressed Japanese audio that was on the japan releases in PCM, here it is downsampled to a low bitrate ac3 mix to fit the english dub on the same discs and use less discs and charge less money.
Also i would have been interested in seeing Shana voiced by the same english actress as Louise from the familiar of Zero for continuity reasons as both feature the same japanese voice actress.

Still the voice actress Here is an old pro and not a newcomer and also not an amateur. She really stands out as excellent, really reminds me of stage actress.

4/5 Not both seasons of the show
  by R. Fuller
I loved this show, there's no doubt about that...but what I disliked once I found out was that this isn't the entire series, I know it doesn't say that anywhere; but when it says "Boxset" that means "Entire collection" to me...

Truth is it only contains Season 1 Episodes 1-24 + OVA

Its a great show that I'd recommend to anyone wanting a romantic mix-up action comedy anime to watch.

By the way, there are about 4 special episodes out that weren't on this set, along with a movie.

And thats all I have to say.


5 out of 5 for the anime

4 out of 5 for not stating that it was only the first season...

5/5 Recommended Collection Item
  by R. Miles
Here we go again. Another story of a supernatural being coming into the world with challenging feelings all the while fighting evil. So why is this one so different?

I wish I knew. This series compelled me to the very end with its music, art style, and stories. To help put it in perspective: Cowboy Bebop is my favorite (as it is with others) and this series has now tied with it.

When a good anime series ends, I will feel disappointed it's over. But with CB and Shana, I was angry it was over. Why? I wanted more. I still do. When an anime inflicts this type of emotion, it's worthy to own. Shakugan no Shana isn't the greatest story ever told, but it captures you and it doesn't let go.

The balance between action and story telling (character development) is excellent. One doesn't over power the other, and this is what keeps the series going. The conflicts over feelings and doing what's right keeps all the stories together and flows extremely well throughout the 26 episodes. You're guaranteed to have a favorite character by the end of it.

The Pros:
-The artwork is outstanding. No "scrolling narration" as seen in many "better" anime. The CGI used (Unrestricted Method spells) blends nicely with the art and doesn't overpower any scene. It's not just painted characters on watercolor backgrounds (which frequently have moving action to add realism and aren't static).

-The music is good, but not great. The best feature about this collection is the music does NOT overpower the scene (why production companies do this is a mystery) so you're not trying to figure out what the characters said. That being said, the music ties in well with the action and emotions.

-Sector skipping. You can even skip over the annoying FBI warning!

-Character development is exceptionally done well. Unlike many other anime, this series doesn't close with a finalization of romance. In fact, the ending leaves it so open, a sequel was bound to happen (and thankfully, it has. Now, if Geneon/FUNimation will only get it here!)

-No excessive cussing or "panty shots". This series didn't need them to sell it, thank goodness. Note: There are a couple of bathtub scenes, but no nudity. In this instance, the bathtub scene was a nice addition only because the Flame Haze has never had a bath before! Exceptionally done!

Now, sadly, the cons
-There are a few scenes in which it seems the script was altered for American audiences. While I can't quite put my finger on it, it just seems the translation was altered. Luckily, it took nothing away from the story.

-26 episodes isn't enough! I want more! So will you.

It seems there's a huge debate regarding anime and young girls in scant outfits. While I don't understand the basis of the argument (they ARE cartoons), I do know some material seems offensive to some. With that, there is a WARNING I must include.

There is a brother and sister duo that seem to be way too close (including french kissing) and nearly crosses the border on incest. If this type of material or imagery of young girls in their underwear is offensive to you, I would not recommend this series, especially to those under the age of 16.

Personal note: The underwear scene wasn't done to "sell" the series. It is part of Shana's transition into the world, where she feels nudity isn't something to be ashamed of. In fact, the interaction between Shana and Yuji regarding this actually shows RESPECT for the situation, not a sell. Don't let something like this deter you from the series. You'll miss out.