5/5 One of my favorite anime series
  by silhouette_of_enchantment (USA)
of all time. "Death Note" is about Light Yagami, a bored, highly-intelligent, 17-year-old high school student who is the son of a police chief. One day, Ryuk (a Shinigami - "death god"), who is also bored decides to drop a "Death Note" into the human realm. Any person's name who is written in the Death Note either dies, (which depends on whether the cause of death is specified or not.) Light discovers the "Death Note," and wants to become the "God of a New World." Under the alias "Kira", Light uses the note to kill off criminals and "bad people," but his new power quickly corrupts him.L Light begins to kill off law enforcement agents and anyone standing in the way of his goals.

The police and public doesn't know who Kira is, but Ryuzaki (aka L) is -- is a brilliant detective determined to stop Kira's killings and bring him to justice. The battle of wits between Kira and L is intense. The viewer is always left wondering who will outwit the other. But just when the intensity begins to sear, it's lightened unexpectedly with humor (like in the episode "Wager.")

I've already watched this box set more than three times, and replaying favorite episodes or moments from the show.

The episode "Makeshift," sums up the tension between Light and L.

Light asks L/Ryuzaki, staring in his eyes (with conviction), "Ryuzaki, Do you think I'm actually capable of becoming a murderer, Kira?" Light asks, "Even after I help you catch him? Do I seem like that kind of person to you?"

"Yes, you do," Ryuzaki replies calmly, "I've always thought so."

Afterward, the two begin fighting.

Seiyuu (Voice Actor) Brad Swaile strikes the perfect balance of the detestable, likeable faux-squeaky clean as Light Yagami, Alessandro Juliani does a brilliant job of portraying L, Shannon Chan-Knight does a wonderful job as "Misa Amani."







5/5 One of a kind.
  by .:BryanN:. (California)
So, this box set includes the first 20 episodes out of 37 of Death Note.

This anime is totally different than the one's I usually encountered and watched. It is a mystery/psychological/supernatural genre, the first that I watched in that genre. It is a really, really good series. The story is top-notch, and the production is great. It always has something to keep you at the edge of your seat, literally. It manages to grab my attention all the time, you don't encounter much anime that does that. Everything about it is great.

I dont' regret buying this because it is worthy to be on my collection. And the packaging is great.

5/5 Dramatic & Intelligent: A Battle of Justice
  by C. M. Gillum (Michigan)
There are many quality anime's these days and as they keep coming out it seems only a very select few really have anything new to offer to the genre. Usually the cliche good versus evil with extremely intense action is the path of most anime's. Many of the Drama based anime's are set in a high school setting and/or are based toward the female audience retaining toward romance. Death Note defies all and steps outside the boundaries bringing something new, fresh and intellectual to the table... Depth. Caution, some spoilers ahead.

The main protagonist Light is introduced as a very intelligent young man and his character actually portrays that cunning very well. Later after coming into possession of the Death Note and in complete understanding of it's abilities he still remains clever enough to keep his true identity hidden while under the persona of Kira. You truly find yourself torn as to whether Light's intentions are pure or sinister as he first uses his power against the 'evil' in the world but later he begins using it to save his own skin. Watching his character slowly progress into something darker was truly an intense roller coaster all on it's own, but the inclusion of L only stresses the situation and twists the plot.

L (yes as in the letter), is an odd, mysterious man whom for years has solved many crimes without ever showing his face. L comes off as extremely eccentric, collected yet maddened by his own intellect. Though he and Light are contrasted as opposites on outward appearances the two are in fact one in the same as far as cunning and intelligence. It is these two characters that drive the series with the Death Note simply being the link that forces them to a battle of wits. This is easily one of the best rivalries I have ever seen in a anime and consistently found myself on the edge of the seat each time the two interacted with one another.

The Death Note could use a bit of describing as well. It is a journal made by and originally owned by a God of War. The possessor needs only write a persons name in it while picturing the persons face and seconds later the person dies. One can also choose how the being dies and even decide when and control the persons actions up to their untimely demise. Further more the God of War that previously owned the Death Note is bound to any human that possess' the Death Note and follows him or her around and is only visible to those who touch the Death Note.

All in all it should be obvious that I was impressed with the series. The character interaction between Light and L is very intense and the game of cat and mouse portrayed is a nail biting suspense unlike any anime I have ever seen. The plot is thick with numerous twists as well as various interesting characters and a good deal of action to keep the storytelling intense. Simply a great anime that should be at the top of every anime fans must own list. I would also advise getting the second set with this, you'll end up buying it anyways. A very dark, very well written and extremely well acted anime that for a person who has watched hundreds of animes can honestly say this may well be the best of the best.

5/5 Product review
  by Alex (MA)
Packaged in a paper box with a sturdy paper slipcase. (It's Shiny! ^^)

English and Japanese audio with optional english subtitles.

This is a very intelligent anime and if you try multitasking while watching it you'll probably get lost. -I also think that the artwork is very good in this anime, I like the "lighting".

It does leave on a cliff hanger. =[ The good news is that there is only ONE more box set to buy to complete the series. It looks identical to this one, except for the "1" being replaced by a "2".

5/5 Unexpected and awesome
  by Timothy B. Kemash
Death note was kind of those everyones into it so I think I'll stay away for a bit......boy was I stupid haha

I would recommend this series to anyone who sits at the edge of their seats during suspenseful parts in movies. If you are a person like this then you fall off the edge of your seat about 5 times an episode. Though this might be an exaggeration this series is really good.

At first I watched it and to not make spoilers its a great series that uses a lot of good techniques to trap the audience with good cliff hangers, a unique story, and character developement that is pretty good along side this all. They do awesome camera angles only found in better animes and have fun twisting things around making it confusing but very entertaining.

In the end you have death note, a good series and if you have people who aren't familiar with anime this is one that could get them hooked...