Alternative Movie Reviews

This is DVD disk 2 of 4.

The "Alternate World" series continues with a deepening of romantic relationships and infatuations of those in love.

Continuity Notes: El Hazard the "Alternative World" is the 3rd El Hazard series. The original "Magnificent World" is the best, so start out with that one. The "Alternative World" series is continuation of "Magnificent World" and is not part of the "Wanderers" series.

Cautions: This series is the most adult of any of the El Hazard series. Lots of sexual inuendo like a sitcom, but nothing really happens.

I have never see a series that could manipulate a plot like this anime has. I showed 3 different senarios based on the same world but different demensions. This series has romance comedy action and adventure all rolled into one big "yet to small for me" series. I can watch them over and over and never get bored for you notice something new about it each time. Take a look at the other el hazards they are just as good hell may be better "but i dought that"

El Hazard : The Alternative World continues the beautiful story of Makoto, Nanami, and Jinnai in their adventures that take places after the Original El Hazard OVAs and El Hazard OVA2. It's an Excellent Addition and a must buy!

Arena-This strong episode sees Kirk locked in a life and death struggle with the lizard-like Gorn. The episode commences with the kind of in-the-trenches warfare rarely seen on TV. The brutality of the killing brings out bloodlust in Kirk, who seems ready to exact revenge until control is taken out of his hands. A rather innovative take is then applied to the battle, one which forces Kirk to rely on his wits and keep a level head. It is one of the trademarks of Trek that Kirk eventually shows mercy. Here that mercy is rewarded; if only it were so simple in the real world. (4 stars)

The Alternative Factor-This episode, in which a loner travels between universes in a small ship, just never comes together. Despite the fact that nothing short of the universe is at stake, the episode feels trivial. While Robert Brown certainly has a tough assignment here as the two Laseruses (Laserii?), he seems torn between trying to make each of them 'real' while still being sufficiently different that the viewer will not become confused. Unfortunately he does not succeed in either regard, and the seemingly haphazard storyline doesn't assist the viewer any either. The team also seems to struggle to fill up the episode's allotted hour, but the main problem is the story is presented in a way that doesn't make sense; everything feels arbitrary and desultory. The self-flagellation between universes, while memorable, is not particularly effective either. About the best thing about this episode is the end-the disturbing idea of someone spending eternity battling a madman. (2 stars)

Being an ORIGINAL trekkie (I care not for johnnie-come-lately Trekkors who have no clue what this series meant in '66), I have strong memories of watching Kirk and Spock every week. When the reruns began to be aired locally (some years after the rest of the country, apparently), I got to see stuff I did not remember. The Alternative Factor became my personal favorite because of the struggles: 1. Kirk and Spock not understanding the nature of the situation 2. Lazarus dealing with his opposite self's actions after they swap universes 3. Stopping anihilation successfully.
The state of budgets and special effects somewhat hurt the visual storytelling, but the rest of the show I find heroic in a very classical sense. I was always blown away by the magnitude of the sacrifice of the rational Lasarus, and Kirk's words at the end chill me even today. Maybe having a friend who looked like, and whose intellect was on the order of Spock's, gives me a different perspective toward this tale. I always felt like Kirk to his Spock, but without a ship to command (Boy, did we need one). Hey, If networks today would pay attention to what Gene and the guys were up to, we'd have shows like...like...like...Enterprise today. Hey, we do! Trek Lives! Long Live Treckkiedom!
This is story telling at it's peak, galactic in scope, human at it's heart, and gut wrenching in it's conclusion. They don't come better than this, even with bigger budgets. This is the stuff that inspires kids to be great achievers, and grown-ups to think about why we do what we do. Great stuff, if you pay attention.

"Arena" - Episode 19 - This episode features a duel between our Capt. Kirk and the Gorn. An interesting plot, surreal music, location and the Gorn character give this episode a wonderful campy feeling. Great episode to watch at pitch black night!!

"Alternative Factor" - Episode 20 - An excellent episode that deals with the orignal crew being thrown into unfamilar territory. A man named Lazarus is thrown into an odd state of flux where him and his counterpart switch between a positive and negative universe. An insane Lazarus on one of the sides is bent on destroying both universes. They both eventually meet to fight in the gap between universes eternally. Great epsiode that explores a more complex concept of the universe than the crew usually deals with!!

Arena-This strong episode sees Kirk locked in a life and death struggle with the lizard-like Gorn. The episode commences with the kind of in-the-trenches warfare rarely seen on TV. The brutality of the killing brings out bloodlust in Kirk, who seems ready to exact revenge until control is taken out of his hands. A rather innovative take is then applied to the battle, one which forces Kirk to rely on his wits and keep a level head. It is one of the trademarks of Trek that Kirk eventually shows mercy. Here that mercy is rewarded; if only it were so simple in the real world. (4 stars)

The Alternative Factor-This episode, in which a loner travels between universes in a small ship, just never comes together. Despite the fact that nothing short of the universe is at stake, the episode feels trivial. While Robert Brown certainly has a tough assignment here as the two Laseruses (Laserii?), he seems torn between trying to make each of them 'real' while still being sufficiently different that the viewer will not become confused. Unfortunately he does not succeed in either regard, and the seemingly haphazard storyline doesn't assist the viewer any either. The team also seems to struggle to fill up the episode's allotted hour, but the main problem is the story is presented in a way that doesn't make sense; everything feels arbitrary and desultory. The self-flagellation between universes, while memorable, is not particularly effective either. About the best thing about this episode is the end-the disturbing idea of someone spending eternity battling a madman. (2 stars)

Being an ORIGINAL trekkie (I care not for johnnie-come-lately Trekkors who have no clue what this series meant in '66), I have strong memories of watching Kirk and Spock every week. When the reruns began to be aired locally (some years after the rest of the country, apparently), I got to see stuff I did not remember. The Alternative Factor became my personal favorite because of the struggles: 1. Kirk and Spock not understanding the nature of the situation 2. Lazarus dealing with his opposite self's actions after they swap universes 3. Stopping anihilation successfully.
The state of budgets and special effects somewhat hurt the visual storytelling, but the rest of the show I find heroic in a very classical sense. I was always blown away by the magnitude of the sacrifice of the rational Lasarus, and Kirk's words at the end chill me even today. Maybe having a friend who looked like, and whose intellect was on the order of Spock's, gives me a different perspective toward this tale. I always felt like Kirk to his Spock, but without a ship to command (Boy, did we need one). Hey, If networks today would pay attention to what Gene and the guys were up to, we'd have shows like...like...like...Enterprise today. Hey, we do! Trek Lives! Long Live Treckkiedom!
This is story telling at it's peak, galactic in scope, human at it's heart, and gut wrenching in it's conclusion. They don't come better than this, even with bigger budgets. This is the stuff that inspires kids to be great achievers, and grown-ups to think about why we do what we do. Great stuff, if you pay attention.

"Arena" - Episode 19 - This episode features a duel between our Capt. Kirk and the Gorn. An interesting plot, surreal music, location and the Gorn character give this episode a wonderful campy feeling. Great episode to watch at pitch black night!!

"Alternative Factor" - Episode 20 - An excellent episode that deals with the orignal crew being thrown into unfamilar territory. A man named Lazarus is thrown into an odd state of flux where him and his counterpart switch between a positive and negative universe. An insane Lazarus on one of the sides is bent on destroying both universes. They both eventually meet to fight in the gap between universes eternally. Great epsiode that explores a more complex concept of the universe than the crew usually deals with!!

First off, if you don't get the whole series of El Hazard The Alternative World (4 DVDs), that's because it's actually a sequel to El Hazard The Wanderers (which is about < 9 hrs in length) and that was a really good anime (I rate it at 4 stars) compaired to this one. Second, After watching both El Hazard shows, I have come to the conclusion that you probably don't need to watch this one at all...it's boring with a really weak plot...the anime just didn't do justice to the first El Hazard series...you can do without it... If you can manage it, try and find El Hazard: The Wanderers instead...

This is DVD disk 1 of 4.

The series continues with more than a few of the cast from El Hazard getting transported to an alternate dimension version of the El Hazard we've become familiar with.

It's nice to see the characters adapt to their new roles. For some of them, it's their first time, for the earthlings it's their second. Don't want to provide too many details that will spoil your experience other than a hint that the ancient weapons are resolved a bit differently in this series.

Technically, this series lacks some of quality of the original series, but it's still worthwhile for die hard El Hazard fans.

Continuity Notes: El Hazard the "Alternative World" is the 3rd El Hazard series. The original "Magnificent World" is the best, so start out with that one. The "Alternative World" series is continuation of "Magnificent World" and is not part of the "Wanderers" series.

Cautions: This series is the most adult of any of the El Hazard series. Lots of sexual inuendo like a sitcom, but nothing really happens.

The Alternative World is, acccording to the AIC site, the first TV version of the El Hazard series. It has 13 epidsodes on 4 DVDs, ... US.
Visually speaking, the colors are brilliant with slightly too much red for my eyes (a product of aging and improper equipment set-up). The quality of the art is excellent, and attention to details is good.
Audio wise, the English dub is good (Pioneer has done well with all it's English versions). Unlike some translations, the story works well in English.
The story is easy to follow, even if you haven't seen the original version. I was able to understand what was going on, who was who, and the basic point of the plot. The situations are slightly adult in nature, but it doesn't mean that a younger viewer won't enjoy the series. Overall, the story is funny and entertaining.

This is DVD disk 3 of 4.

The "Alternate World" series continues with political manipulaions and alliances. Jinnai, of course, becomes linked with something really evil.

Continuity Notes: El Hazard the "Alternative World" is the 3rd El Hazard series. The original "Magnificent World" is the best, so start out with that one. The "Alternative World" series is continuation of "Magnificent World" and is not part of the "Wanderers" series.

Cautions: This series is the most adult of any of the El Hazard series. Lots of sexual inuendo like a sitcom, but nothing really happens.

In these episodes (8-10)

The action starts to pick up as the story behind Gilda and the Emperor gets revealed to make the plot twinge into the third and final act.

Although it hasn't got the most exhilarating plot or most exciting storyline, its got portions with hilarious jokes and gags that can make you laugh your way through the entire series.

This is one of the "Tenchi" like series I really enjoy and would recomend.

On a technical note:

The video quality is crisp and beutiful. It was only during the opening sequence that I could notice any pixelation.

The Audio is also really good with clear dialog and solid sound effects.

This is DVD disk 4 of 4.

End of the "Alternate World" series. Will the visitors do what they need to save their Alternative World? Can they find a way back to the magnificant World of El Hazard? Will the raunchy jokes keep getting worse? Will Jinai get his deserving punishment?

Continuity Notes: El Hazard the "Alternative World" is the 3rd El Hazard series. The original "Magnificent World" is the best, so start out with that one. The "Alternative World" series is continuation of "Magnificent World" and is not part of the "Wanderers" series.

Cautions: This series is the most adult of any of the El Hazard series. Lots of sexual inuendo like a sitcom, but nothing really happens, until the last episode. It mainly a "fan service" encore purification ritual with lesbian groping. Mostly harmless silliness, but some may wish to skip the last episode.

First of all, I'd like to say that I would have given this five stars, if not for how it ended. I won't give it away, but though it ends in true El-Hazard fashion (BTW, I will say that the ending hints at another series,[duh!]^_^), there is something of a plot hole. That coupled with how quickly everything was wrapped up made me slightly disappointed. However, with the excetption of these two factors, the ending wasn't that bad. Of course, the story, plot, and humor are still top-notch, and if you are an avid El-Hazard fan, like me, you'd do well to get this one. I mean after all, if you've been collecting the series so far, why stop at the next to last volume? And as for the final episode, it comes in as something of an addendum to the series end, kind of like an apology for the mediocre main ending of the series, if you ask me. But oh, if it is an apology, it's a darn good one! This one kicks in all the cheap laughs and "romantic" misunderstandings of the first OVA series. As a matter of fact, it takes place in a very familiar locale, to those who have watched the original, and once you see where it is, you know that it will be loads of fun and laughs galore! So even though the ending needed work, I'd strongly suggest this volume, if just for the final episode. That one had me rolling, and -ah- blushing (you'll find out what I mean). And all in all, Otaku like me know that El-Hazard is one of the best, and it makes for an undoubtedly good (though could have been better) ending to a great series. I for one, have no regrets buying it, and I doubt anyone looking for really good anime will either.

This series has the potental to be my fave. I like its depth of storyline, even in this tape. The animation is awesome, and Mokoto is sexy ^_^ If you like fantasy-hero type anime, I highly recomend it. If I am not being clear enough, I can't wait until I get my hands on the next episode... and I definately want to see the entire series, and that is just based on this first episode!