Ergo Proxy - Box Set (Classic)

According to amazon.com's review, this series got attention because of Radiohead's single, "Paranoid Android," was the closing theme song. I'd hate to tell the reviewer this, but I don't have a taste for Radiohead. What first caught my attention was when I saw the cover for the first volume and noted the dark, muted shading, the unique name of the anime, and the intriguing-sounding premise. Watched the first episode, and I got hooked! Real bad!Some may get very confused at first abotu what's going on (as evidenced by this show's sole 1-star review), but I was starting to catch on- maybe not with what the entire mystery, but I was catching on to the series itself.What really makes the show admirable for me is that it doesn't present an Earth we're all used to, or it would've been far too convenient and, likely, too laxed.Aside from the dark, moody, muted, yet elegant color direction, it has multiple thought-provoking themes, all that creat multiple threads of a storyline that, along with many seemingly innocuous statements throughout the first 22 episodes, creates a jaw-dropping setting and story for the last episode that did drop my jaw.Some people may not get much or no sense out of maybe three episodes since they don't follow the normal structure of the other eipsodes, yet I felt as though they ee elaborately created foreshadows that took twenty minutes to explain along with, in one episode in particular (Eternal Smile [The Girl With a Smile]), shows a unique depth of emotion with something most would take for granted.Though short-lived, it proved its merit for me and may get me to do the personally impossible- watch an anime series all over again, even if just for the exceptionally beautiful animation direction. And maybe for the philosophies of human life presented throughout, and the total anarchy shown in the last couple of episodes.

Ergo Proxy is a 23 episode post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk-ish anime. I really enjoyed it, the dark, bleak world it sets up and the mysteries surrounding it kept you guessing until the end. It's intricate story and the themes from philosophy and psychology that are interwoven throughout keep you thinking about it long after it's finished. I should also make note of the show's interesting cast of characters, great animation, and high quality english dub. If you like anime with mystery, a cyberpunk/dark science fiction setting and aesthetic, and profound themes, Ergo Proxy is definitely something you should pick up. I would also be remiss not to mention this anime's great price. Twenty six dollars for a 23 episode anime of this quality? Sure there's no blu-ray, but still, this deal is phenomenal. Thank you FUNimation!

Holy smokes, where do I begin? This anime is a must watch for fans of philosophical anime series. Without giving too much away, it does start off slightly on the slow side, but it picks up immediately within the first couple episodes, and while there are a few episodes that are slower, it flows fairly well.I watched the English Dub version, and it was very good. I didn't mind it at all, and it seemed that the English voice actors were chosen with care. Purists will want to watch with subs, though.Be aware there are a few episodes throughout the series that are kind of oddball episodes, and don't seem to fit - but also be aware this anime is the product of the mid 2000's, and reflects that time period very well in some respects.If you read my other reviews, you'll see I give a lot of 5 star reviews. Some people say that's a bad thing, but if I really care about a product, I want the people who made/sell it to know. This series is easily worth the whole 5 stars.One last note: There is some language in the series, but no nudity. Violence is there too, but nothing too extreme.

Ergo Proxy is a perfect combination between a mysterious /high concept scifi-psychological thriller which manages to entertain you and not bore you. This show is also intellectually stimulating; and requires a lot of patience and some base level understanding of philosophy. I highly suggest you get familiarised with Rene Descartes before watching this show.As for the product itself, the anime classics DVD edition is really neat and balanced. The inside art of the case is good as well.However, there was a minor scratch on the case. But it wasn't a big deal.The stacked cases felt of a much better quality and were removable, so it was good as well.Hence I give this product a 5 stars.