Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie Conqueror Of Shamballa Limited Edition Collector's Set [2005] [DVD]

Before I start, I'd like to say that this review may contain spoilers for those who have not seen all of the original series. After an impressive 51 episode run, the series of Fullmetal Alchemist has come to an end. However, if you still haven't had your fill of Alchemic action then rejoice, there is more. This release sees the hugely popular anime series continued in this full length animated movie; 'the Conqueror of Shamballa.

With Edward Elric stuck in 'our' world, during the time when the nazi's were beginning to mark their authority in Germany, our Fullmetal hero is determined to get back to his world, Shamballa, so he can be reunited with his brother Alphonse and the many other people he has left behind. Meanwhile, Alphonse has been training to become a great Alchemist like his brother and consequently dons the same red cape that Edward did in the series. This movie progresses, by switching the narrative between both worlds and following each brothers journeys.

It becomes instantly evident that the movie incarnation of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise is a higher budget and ultimately bigger scale project than the series. The full length outing oozes quality and style from every frame and is a brilliant finale. If you loved the series then you are bound to enjoy Conqueror of Shamballa as it basically more of the classic action and adventure that made the show so great. Through the course of this movie, it is difficult to tear yourself away from the gripping and involving story.

Like the series, the movie contains some great music with the main highlights being a song by popular J-rock band Larc~en~ciel (the guys who did the series' second opening song) and a spectacular latino sounding song, sung by a band of gypsies at the start.

This special edition release of the movie is beautifully presented in a book design case, which is protected by a cardboard slipcase. Inside the case is a 64 page art and info booklet and an envelope containing artwork postcards as well as the 2 discs. The first disc contains the film with the choice to watch in either English or Japanese with subtitles as well as trailers, production art and a documentary with the Japanese staff. The second disc contains cast and crew interviews for the English dub as well as 3 audio commentaries. Funimation have really pulled out all the stops with this release and rightly so as this movie is well deserving of all the pampering and bonus material that has gone into it.

If you have watched the entire 51 episode run of Fullmetal Alchemist, then you need to watch this movie. And at £12 for this awesome, special edition, this is practically a steal. It is possible to watch the movie and find some kind of enjoyment if you havent seen the series, as the movie goes about briefly recapping the basics of the show. However, for the full experience, you need to watch the series first. Conqueror of Shamballa marks the end of Fullmetal Alchemist...for now. It's been an epic journey and one helluva ride. Any true anime needs this in their collection.

I'm a huge fan of Fullmetal Alchemist, both in the anime and manga forms, but I had big expectations of the movie to wrap up the series effectively, and I have to say it was better than I could have dared hope for. I loved the TV series thoroughly so of course when the US got the movie over a year ago I wasted no time in importing it, and now seeing the UK is finally seeing it released I thought I'd give the rest of you the lowdown.
You really need to watch the TV series first, while the film is watchable on it's own you will be at a huge disadvantage plot-wise if you haven't (and if you're new to anime completely it'll make even less sense - this isn't going to win any new fans that's for sure). Following on a few years after the last episode we find Ed still trying to find his way back home from our world, and getting mixed up in all the usual calamity as he goes along.
The movie is brilliantly animated, with some fantastic effects and action sequences, and it wraps up the FMA story very nicely. It isn't as funny as the series but it still throws in a few of the trademark laughs, and all the old favourites are back in action.
I've watched many anime series hopelessly finish without completing plotholes or just leaving many aspects unfinished, but FMA was a solid series and the Conquerer of Shambala is a superb ending to it all, FMA fans will love this but I advise newcomers to start on the TV series first.
It's insane that it took so long to reach the UK, especially considering how long the American's have had this but it's finally here, and if you enjoyed the TV series then you absolutely must watch this.

I really enjoyed this movie. And looking forward for a new one. I hope there is going to be one.