REVIEWED: SEASON 1 & 2 (ALL EPISODES) / DIRECTOR: GORO TANIGUCHI / STARRING: JUN FUKUYAMA, YUKANA NOGAMI, TAKAHIRO SAKURAI / RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 27TH (BLU-RAY – REVIEWED)

Set in an alternative version of Earth in 2017, Lelouch, the son of the King of Britannia (one of the three nations controlling the world) vows to get revenge for the death of his mother in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – one of the most popular and recognisable anime series of all time.

Originally airing for two seasons between 2006 and 2008, Code Geass is a perfect example of the superb storytelling, character development and gorgeous visuals that the medium of Anime can produce. The story that follows the titular Lelouch is truly gripping suspenseful from start to finish. After an incident involving a truck, Lelouch meets the mysterious girl, C.C. who gifts him the Geass power that allows him to control the will of anyone he looks at. With this newfound power, he creates the Japanese terrorist group, the Black Knights, and fights back against Britannia to free Japan of its slave name, Area 11 – that’s pretty much the basis of the story, any more shared is deep into spoiler territory – and this is one anime you do not want to have spoiled.

The easiest way to describe Code Geass is that Lelouch can be compared to Light from Death Note – a smart individual with a plan for humanity who is gifted a life-changing power that can change the course of history. Throughout the story, Lelouch encounters various hurdles such as the resisting military, other similar intellectuals and the people that he cares for the most. A lot of the show can also be compared to that of a chess game of war- every move that he makes must be meticulously planned out to pinpoint precision otherwise he loses.

The animation in Code Geass is easily the most visually appealing of its generation – every character has a striking unique look, the vehicles and mechs that feature are awe-inspiring and the action set pieces are like a fine wine. Coupled with a standout soundtrack, Code Geass is the perfect anime for new and old fans alike – if you are looking to get into the wonderful world of anime, this show is a fantastic place to start.

Special Features:

The Special Features on this 8-Disc pack which covers all 50 episodes (25 in each season) are a fantastic accompaniment to a brilliant show. From audio commentaries to concept art, fans of the show have plenty to sift through after a good old rewatch.

• Season One
  • Disc 1
    • Stage 01 Commentary (with Japanese Cast)
    • Stage 04 Commentary
    • Stage 05 Commentary
  • Disc 2
    • Stage 08 Commentary
    • Stage 11 Commentary
    • Stage 14 Commentary
  • Disc 3
    • Stage 19 Commentary
    • Stage 21 Commentary
  • Disc 4
    • Pictures Dramas – a selection of still images and concept art accompanied by the voice-over talent from the scenes they are depicting
    • US Voice Actor Interviews – Johnny Yong Bosch, Yuri Lowenthal, Kate Higgins, Karen Strassman)
    • Trailers
    • Textless Opening Songs – COLORS (version 1 and 2), Kaidokufunou (versions 1 and 2), Hitomi no Tsubasa)
    • Textless Ending Songs – Yukyou Seishun ka, Mosaic Kakera (versions 1 and 2)
• Season Two
  • Disc 1
    • Turn 01 Commentary (with Japanese Cast)
    • Turn 04 Commentary
    • Turn 06 Commentary
  • Disc 2
    • Turn 08 Commentary
    • Turn 12 Commentary
  • Disc 3
    • Turn 15 Commentary
    • Turn 19 Commentary
    • Turn 21 Commentary
  • Disc 4
    • Final Turn Commentary (Cast Side & Staff Side)
    • Picture Dramas
    • Extra Flash: Baba Theatre Redux
    • Broadcast version of NEXT TURN (post-credit scenes for each episode)
    • US Trailers
    • Trailers
    • Textless Opening Songs – WORLD END (versions 1 and 2)
    • Textless Ending Songs – Shiawase Neiro, Waga Routashi Aku no Hana (versions 1 and 2)