Naruto Shippuden - Series 1 [DVD] [2007]

Firstly, if you haven't watched Part 1, go watch it now, and while you're at it read the manga too.

Naruto is back, and has some cool new moves...

This box set covers the first 4 box set volumes of Naruto Shippuden, which collectively cover the whole of the Kazekage Rescue Arc and all but one episode of the Sasuke and Sai Arc. The action starts straight away with a reintroduction to the series and two intense battles. Naruto begins to learn more about the sinister Akatsuki organisation, and gets sent on a mission to rescue Gaara from the almost comedic Deidara and Sasori. Both of these new characters are mysterious and evil, and lead to some epic fight scenes. There is a good mix of slow, clever step by step battles, and the more action intense battles. (Episode 26 is one of the most intense, epic episodes the franchise has ever seen)

Next there is the Sasuke and Sai Arc, an arc that introduces a few new characters, and more importantly reintroduces Orochimaru, Kabuto and Sasuke. Here we really get to see the Nine tails' power, and above all Naruto's determination to rescue Sasuke.

The animation continues to be fantastic, even better than part 1, as does the music.

So to conclude, this is a brilliant buy, and the price isn't too bad considering that this is 20+ hours! A must for any Naruto fans.

I'll begin by saying, as far as value goes, this is definitely the way to go. I've been buying anime since back in the day of four episode sets at the price you get most box sets these days. I'm in Australia, where 13 episodes of Naruto cost more than I spent on this whole set. So needless to say, as someone who has watched a lot of Naruto, and knew what to expect, I definitely feel I got my money's worth.

If you don't know what to expect from Naruto, then you likely haven't seen the first series. Needless to say, you should check out the original series first, as this series definitely has an ongoing narrative. And it's a narrative that has been drawn out for as long as they could! Each episode on it's own generally offers very little to the story, with a whole lot of padding and unnecessary scenes. This was the case with the original series and it is no different here. Expect to see a lot of flashbacks, stare downs, internal monologues, etc.

That being said, for as drawn out and frustrating as the story can be, I really did want to keep watching, because I wanted to see where the story went. You don't get the full story with this box set, but you do get several story arcs. Another positive note is that it is almost entirely manga material, meaning that most of it is story related, and not just filler the anime often uses to fill in the gaps between manga chapters.

The story also has some likeable characters, not least of all the protagonist, Uzumaki Naruto, who, as stated in the anime itself, has something about him that makes you want to cheer for him. However, unlike much of the original series, it does not feature many of the secondary characters being involved in the plot. Rest assured though, I hear we get a lot of that later on.

In the end, it all comes down to whether or not you are interested in checking out this series. If you saw the first series and enjoyed it, then you can't really go wrong here. This is 52 episodes of the show at a great price. The sort of deal that makes me wonder how, as an anime fan, I managed to survive before discovering internet shopping!

Now i dont usually buy this kind of thing because the split season boxsets are cheaper.
but, this one.....

-8 discs!
-52 episodes! (from episode 1-52)
-1210 minuets of naruto shippuden!

and more (but what else would you need?)

i would reccomend buying it new rather than used because then you can guarantee the box wont be ruined, the discs wont be scratched. and the thing itself wouldnt be broken.

if your a fan, or if your not buy it .if ninjas, blood, mythical beasts, and crazy fighting moves (aswell as some moving storyline backed up by charming music) suit you then you should get this!