Last Exile Complete Series DVD Anime Classics

Similar to another commenter, I purchased this series to fill up an order a few years ago. I had little in the way of expectations and the cover art didn't catch my fancy too much either.

The quality and overall level of enjoyment I took from the series was seriously unexpected. It manages to break away from any particular mold and holds its own with a unique plot and background elements. The level of mystery and intrigue continues to mount throughout the episodes and it does a great job of making you want to continue watching the next episode, and the next, and the next, etc. to find out what happens.

Last Exile is a complex story involving a large cast. When I would pigeonhole a character as an anime trope, the development showed a depth I had not anticipated - every time. On one level, Last Exile is a commentary on war and disengaged leadership, but on a personal relationship level, it is much, much more. There is little humor and no fluff, but the story is very engaging. I found it difficult to stop watching and finally surrendered a Sunday to watch it through. This one will not leave you unmoved - don't miss it!

I purchased this series along with 8 others. To be honest, used this to fill up the order and get free shipping...
Turned out to be the most enjoyable of all I ordered! I'm not looking to spoil any plot lines or anything, but from a proud nerd who's watched over 130 series so far (and owns over 40!), this is definately worth looking into. Don't let the cover fool you, this story contains no ugly CG.

Last exile is different Anime science fiction. There aren't any space monsters, robots or devious corporations. The plot is imaginative, the characters are plausible and the animation is excellent.

I feel that the only deficiency in Exile is that the explanation of what Exile is and how their civilization came to be are murky in Exile. Those things are better explained in Fam: the Silver Wing. I recommend that before watching Last Exile, you read the description of Last Eile in Wikipedia. That description will give you the background that you will need to better understand Last Exile.

Last Exile is worth buying. The price for the 26 episode Hyb version is a good value. You usually won't get so much for your money.

I agree with Raymond. My husband and I loved Last Exile. Good characters, good development of same, satisfying ending. However, we would have happily watched more to get background, and certainly wouldn't have found that this slowed down the story at all.

My review is based off the original Geneon release not the Funimation release.
This title was one of my favorite releases back in 2003/2004 as it had a very good story and strong likeable characters.
I am coming back to this series after just finishing Fam the Silver Wing which I also recommend if your a fan of Last Exile.

Summary.. good series that holds up well even though its from the early 2000's. Catchy opening song and Range Murata was the original character designer so that's a plus.

First disc had faded colors so it appeared pastel like. Second disc had much better color with just a little missing contrast. Overall, great effort put into scenery. Characters come across pasty and 2d. So much for art.

Story line is totally shallow. The girl is totally into herself, the boy tries to act the hero, and the Captain is like Harlock without any scars. No character development to explain why any character acts the way they do. No purpose to the story except the strong shall rule.

Unfortunately I'll never know if it got better. Disc 2 did come flawed and when I had the chance to watch the series, my time for return was up. Review is based on the 7 and 1/2 episodes I was able to watch.

Definitely save your money and buy something worthwhile like "Trinity Blood".

This is the best steampunk anime series I've ever seen. The blended animation is breathtaking, especially since most of the action scenes are airborne. The music accompanies the artwork very well. Maybe some of the tropes are familiar, but you won't notice when the story gets rolling, Highly recommended.

The story is engaging and the characters all bring you into the story with their personalities, their dreams and desires. That alone would make Last Exile a 'must see' but the visuals. Oh the visuals. They take it from a really good story into the levels of epic masterpiece. With so much of the story taking place in the sky, the visuals give you the feeling of flight the character designs and costumes lend to the feel of the world.