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Wednesday, 17 February 2016

Unboxing [US]: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Collection 1 & 2 (Blu-ray)

Despite being popular, the Brotherhood version of the Fullmetal Alchemist series is going out of print thanks to Funimation not being able to renew the license (they tried but Aniplex won't budge). Nevertheless I took this time to finally get my hands on the Blu-rays since I already own the UK PAL DVDs.


Here's a look at Collection 1 and Collection 2 of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second series based on the manga Fullmetal Alchemist and was animated by studio Bones. It's one of the few anime adaptations out there that starts again from the beginning of the manga and finishes the rest of the story. The first adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist (back in 2003) went into an original story route due to catching up with the manga. Brotherhood is considered by many to be the best anime ever made and I certainly feel it's one of the best and the one that I recommend for newcomers out there.

In February 2016 Funimation announced they no longer have the rights to the Brotherhood version, this includes the OVA collection (and not The Sacred Star of Milos). This shocked everyone as it's one of Funimation's biggest sellers, and it's speculated that the rights will go to Aniplex of America instead (while Aniplex produced the series, Aniplex of America do have to bid for all Aniplex-produced shows regardless). You can find out more about this situation here.

Collection 1 and 2 of the series were handled by Funimation and while the series was first brought out as individual parts, this version was re-authored to include the modern Funimation style subtitles for the earlier episodes as well as place all episodes across 8 discs instead of 10. The Collection set includes the English dub as well as original Japanese audio with English subtitles. The Blu-ray is region locked to A while the subtitles are locked. Extras from the individual parts do carry over to the collection sets including Episode Commentaries and Outtakes.


Blu-ray Specs - Collection 1:
Languages: Japanese, English
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 2.0 [Japanese], Dolby TrueHD 5.1 [English]
Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9
Region: A
Subtitles: English [Japanese language & On-screen]
Subtitles Locked: Yes
Discs: 4

Blu-ray Specs - Collection 2:
Languages: Japanese, English
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 2.0 [Japanese], Dolby TrueHD 5.1 [English]
Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9
Region: A
Subtitles: English [Japanese language & On-screen]
Subtitles Locked: Yes
Discs: 4

Plot Synopsis (via Funimation):
Edward and Alphonse Elric's reckless disregard for alchemy's fundamental laws ripped half of Ed's limbs from his body and left Al's soul clinging to a cold suit of armor. To restore what was lost, the brothers scour a war-torn land for the Philosopher's Stone, a fabled relic which grants the ability to perform alchemy in impossible ways.

The Elrics are not alone in their search; the corrupt State Military is also eager to harness the artifact's power. So too are the strange Homunculi and their shadowy creator. The mythical gem lures exotic alchemists from distant kingdoms, scarring some deeply enough to inspire murder. As the Elrics find their course altered by these enemies and allies, their purpose remains unchanged - and their bond unbreakable.

Extra Content - Collection 1:
Episode Commentaries
Textless Songs
Trailers

Extra Content - Collection 2:
Episode Commentaries
Outtakes
Textless Songs
Trailers


At the time of this post, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is available on Blu-ray and DVD from Funimation.

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