Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure: V.1 Visions (ep.1-4)

While visiting Mitsuki's home, Kasuki is accidentally transported to a parallel world where he's shocked to discover that his "visions" of warfare are actually the reality of that world. And that he's very much alone.

Despite having borrowed plot elements from several other anime series, Parallel Dual successfully creates it's own unique universe. Refreshingly fun and light-hearted, the series has some surprisingly emotional moments, especially as the climax approaches. While none of the characters or plot lines will be nominated for the Emmy Awards, they're certainly developed enough for the viewer to appreciate many of the emotions that the characters feel throughout the series. Parallel Dual doesn't break any new ground in either technology or plot devices, but it does succeed in being highly entertaining.

As a side note, the series is strangely addictive. I found myself constantly feeding my DVD player until I had finished all four DVDs and then suddenly realized that eight hours had passed (much to my chagrin).

The animation is beautiful, the sound crisp and clean, the extra's well put together and overall was very impressive.

Content wise, the storyline strikes as a slightly less serious version of Neon Genesis Evangelion, whilst still retaining some thinking parts. The robots are very reminiscent of Evangelion, as are many of the characters. If you enjoyed Evangelion, I'd certainly recommend this.

I was so impressed with this disc that I immediately ordered the rest of the series - a definite vote winner here.