Girls & Panzer [Blu-ray]
N**E
"Panzer Vor!" for "Girls und Panzer!"
I own a few books about WWII tanks and have watched many documentaries on WWII tanks. Needless to say, I really enjoy things about tanks! Especially in video games or TV shows! That being said, I also play an online game that has everything to do with these things called, "World of Tanks," and it is how I first heard about this anime. Some people absolutely hate it, but many more absolutely love it!I first saw this show being streamed on Crunchyroll (an anime streaming website) and after hearing about it from some fellow online-players, I decided to give it a shot. For the first two episodes, I honestly couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous (but entertaining) the concept of little Japanese high school girls shooting each other in tanks was. However, by the third episode not only was I hooked, but I suddenly was taking the show a lot more seriously! The concept is pretty far-fetched, admittedly, but the show is an absolute blast! And honestly, I don't think I could even use a calculator to add up all of the "far-fetched" anime plot lines out there! In comparison, this one is pretty damned believable.Just a few of the amazingly well-drawn tanks you will see in this anime are: Pz.Kpfw. IV, Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. F., M3 Lee, Sherman Firefly, Elephants, Pz.Kpfw 38(t), Cromwells, Jagdpanthers and even a Maus!. The list goes on and on and you can check under the Wikipedia entry for this anime for a few more of the tanks you will see. Fact of the matter is, however, that you WILL NOT find a movie, cartoon, television series or any type of viewing material that will show you more tanks in action than this show does! Okay, I must admit, the Military Channel's, "Greatest Tank Battles" probably will have this beat, because it is a historical depiction of tanks and tank tactics and not one meant solely for "entertainment purposes." But barring that... this show is FANTASTIC and definitely wins the medal of most unique and entertaining anime!Amazingly enough, the tanks are drawn perfectly and exactly like their real-life counterparts. And the show will even help you learn a little bit about tank mechanics! They talk about penetration, distance, modifications and armoring among other things. Also, one might assume that the anime would be predominantly about the dramatic lives of Japanese high-school girls with a sprinkle of episodes regarding tanks... however, this is not so! Tank battles and character development are interwoven deeply and I would say that they both appear about 50% of the time and at perfect, well-timed moments.This show got surprisingly big in Japan and they even have plans to import it this year to NA/EU (Dec. 3rd 2013 by Sentai Filmworks). It is pretty short, with only 12 episodes, so it isn't a huge time-investment either. Already, more OVA's and even an entire movie are being worked up to follow the huge success of "Girls und Panzer"!Honestly, there is no reason not to like this show (unless you don't like anime or don't like tanks; failing those however, NO REASON whatsoever!). Although some obvious reality of the show has to be cut to make for an entertaining anime series (and really, they do this in board games and video games ALL the time), it stays as true as possible to real tank battles and they use real tank tactics! Not to mention, I loved the "World of Tanks" plug they did in the show, which is apparently where the creator got the inspiration for it.I would recommend this to just about anyone who is either interested in tanks, anime, both, or is wanting a truly unique series! It's an addicting show, with interesting characters and a great balance of drama and action! But I must point out that if you are not easily entertained, that you *MUST* stick with it until Episode 3, where the first tank-battle actually occurs before you begin to make judgments. Even then, I would watch the "Battle with Pravda (Ep 7)" (an amazing and epic battle) before throwing out words of resentment and discouragement to others who might otherwise be genuinely interested in this show. This show really is great, but you have to give it an honest chance!With some pretty epic tank battles, its incredible originality and enjoyable plot line, I definitely give the, "Panzer Vor!" for "Girls und Panzer!" \( ^_^)/Edit: Oh! There is also a video of the dubbed version from Sentai Filmworks! You can find it by going to Youtube and searching for, "Girls und Panzer Sentai Filmworks." -- Honestly, the propaganda reminds me a lot of 'Rosie the Riveter,' but with tanks!!!
T**N
An Interesting Concept Done Well
While the concept of high school girls battling in tanks is an odd one, to say the least, Girls und Panzer does it quite well, ensuring that viewers can easily relate to the girls and their rivals, who battle it out for the championship just like other school athletes, ensuring that we enjoy seeing their efforts from beginning to end.The plot is somewhat standard sports fare- a relative underdog team, with a talented but less than confident leader, must defeat all its rivals and win the tournament, but it's done fairly well. The various characters have their own reasons for competing, which helps the viewers get invested in their struggles and root for them.Miho is a relatively interesting protagonist who changes a great deal over time, particularly becoming somewhat more confident in herself and willing to command, without losing sight of who she is. Her friends also have their own struggles to deal with, and develop nicely over the course of the series.The secondary cast is fairly large and diverse; its size is a natural result of how each of Oarai's five tanks requires 3-6 girls to crew, and the team gets larger over time, and its diversity is a result of a broad variety of clubs and groups of friends being recruited. Unfortunately, many of the groups are limited to one or two personality quirks per individual.Oarai has an interesting collection of rivals, from the laid-back and friendly Kay from the American-themed Saunders to the egotistical and ruthless Katyusha of of the Russian-themed Pravda. Such characters could have used more screen time, though, especially Miho's older sister Maho, who becomes significantly more likable and interesting in light of Little Army showing more about her true motivations and relationship with Miho. Additionally, Oarai's match against their second opponent in the tournament, the Italian-themed Anzio, is skipped entirely, and only shown in an OVA.The tank action is quite entertaining, and appropriately suspenseful for the protagonists, who tend to be outnumbered and overpowered in most of their battles. The "flag tank" rule in most tankery matches- defeat a single tank with a flag to win- gives the Oarai girls a fighting chance in spite of their disadvantages, and effectively keeps things suspenseful.The series is somewhat short, at around 12 episodes, and while the series resolves most of the plot threads, there are some that could be expanded on further, such as Miho's relationship with her family. Here's hoping there will be a second season..While I'm usually a fan of English dubs, I recommend watching the original Japanese in this case. The English voice actors are decent, but not especially good.All in all, Girls und Panzer is well worth your time, as it provides both exciting action and a well-written story.
R**R
Anime + actual tank knowledge
The story is what you'd expect from an anime about school girls riding tanks. The tank battles are dramatized but surprisingly accurate to the fighting styles of different WWII nations and the strengths & weaknesses of different tank models.
M**O
Loved it, had to get it again
Saw it on Crunchyroll some time ago before it was removed. After buying the first Finale film from a con, I just had to get back into it againa nd I wanted to have this series with me always. It was fun then and it is fun now. It is going to be among one of the timeless anime.
T**Y
Silly fun.
Picked up after a bunch of fans of The Chieftain YouTube channel kept talking about. Specifically a army tanker that wanted something to watch with his daughters that wasn't blood and guts type. After his recommendation I bought it. Don't expect realism. This is a ridiculous premise and is largely played for laughs. The only serious part is the cold mother and some PTSD flashbacks from nearly losing friends when a tank slips into a deep river.Considering getting the other movies because fun anime is sorely lacking as of late.
J**N
BE WARNED: The 2023 re-release still doesn't have Katyushka's song
I had the original 2014-or-so release of Girls und Panzer on Blu Ray here that had that awful polka-sounding Tetris theme rendition put in place of Katyushka's awesome song when Ooarai is fighting Pravda, and sadly must report the 2023 re-release is no different. So disappointed!
I**.
No problems. No issues.
Very good anime show. I like just wondering if there's the second season to this.
R**N
Brilliant Anime
The entire show is perfect (in my honest opinion). The tanks are cool, the girls are cool and the visuals and soundtracks are cool. This series has become my favourite anime ever and I've already purchased all of the movies to go along with it. I highly recommend watching this anime if you haven't already and if you have then watch it again. Nothing will ever be as good as this and I shall love this anime till I die (but even after I die I'll still love it).
M**I
Cadeau
Cadeau qui a fait très plaisir
K**S
Amazing
My first purchase on amazon I wasn't sure if it would be good but I'm happy I got it nice and sealed along with the rest of the anime. It arrived quick too.
A**ー
手軽に観るなら
結構面白いから観てみれば?と、友人に言われ視聴してみた。始めの方数話観て無いので取り合えず買ってみました。結構はまってしまい、他のBlu-rayも購入。
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 week ago