Release Date: 24/06/2009
Languages: English, Japanese
Genre: Action/Adventure, Anime, Mystery/Thriller, Occult/Supernatural
Subtitles: English subtitles
Runtime: 100.0 mins
Format: DVD, Region 4 (PAL)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen Full Height Anamorphic

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Based on the original story by Ryohgo Narita, “Baccano!” brings us a different look at New York in the early to mid 1930′s. Mafia turf wars, robbery, killing sprees and other events are what can be found throughout at least the first 4 episodes (as that is how many are contained on Volume 1). In graphic detail by the way.

It’s hard to choose one particular character in this as there are so many of them, and I have a feeling that there are many still to come in later episodes. For now, here are a few characters (and their voice actors) that we meet in this volume: the ditzy robber duo Isaac (J Michael Tatum) and Miria (Caitlin Glass), mafia identities Luck Gandor (Jason Liebrecht) and Firo Prochainezo (Todd Haberkorn), psychopathic killer Ladd Russo (Bryan Massey) and his quiet girlfriend Lua Klein (Carrie Savage)… This list goes on and continues to grow with each episode, and I’m impressed with how many familiar voice actors were involved with this project.

I’m not as impressed with the series itself however. While it was interesting at times, I found it very confusing as to what was going on and who certain characters were. The focus didn’t stay long enough on certain characters or situations to really understand what had happened or was going to happen in some instances. Hopefully with the next volume the premise will become clearer.

All I can gather from the series so far (apart from the mafia wars, killing and robbery) is that the train named “The Flying Pussyfoot” that some of these characters are on is a major scene in the story, as well as the fact that some of these characters become immortal, but how this happened is not yet known. It does have something to do with a formula though, of that I am sure. And of course there’s some nasty creature coming after the passengers on the train.

Special Features? You got it!:

• Episode 4 Commentary with Tyler Walker (Line Producer & Director), Caitlin Glass (Miria), J Michael Tatum (Isaac) and Bryan Massey (Ladd).
• Textless versions of the opening theme (Gun’s & Roses) and closing theme (Calling).
• Trailers for other Madman anime releases

This sort of anime is not generally my cup of tea, and with the amount of characters and continual back and forth with the storylines, it’s easy to see why some might get frustrated with it and scratch it off their list. However, if you find the time period as well as the events that occur interesting, you are likely to enjoy this series.

Review product was provided by Madman Entertainment, and does not affect the outcome of this review.