Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (巌窟王 ,Gankutsuō?, literally The Ruler of the Cave) is an anime series loosely based on Alexandre Dumas's classic French novel, Le Comte de Monte-Cristo. Spanning 24 episodes, it was produced by Gonzo, directed by Mahiro Maeda and broadcast by Animax across its respective networks in Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and other regions.
Gankutsuou's unusual visual style layers Photoshop textures into digital animation, with backgrounds often rendered in 3D. The series features several famous pieces of classical music, including Tchaikovsky's Manfred Symphony, the Donizetti opera Lucia di Lammermoor, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Gankutsuou is set in the far future, during the year 5053, whereas Alexandre Dumas's original novel takes place during the 1800s. Though Gankutsuou incorporates elements of science-fiction and fantasy, it also retains many aesthetics of France in the 1800s, particularly in regard to social classes and wealth. In addition, each of the episodes begin with a summary spoken in French.
Geneon Entertainment acquired the North American release rights for Gankutsuou released it under the title Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. As of September 12, 2006, all six volumes have been released on DVD. A box set was also released as a compilation of the six DVDs. On December 27, 2008, Funimation announced that they had acquired the license and planned to release the series in 2009.
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Another great yet extraordinarily underrated show, Gankutsuou is a highly unique and attractive show. With a great cast of characters, as well as a gripping plot, Gankutsuou has managed to skate it's way along as a cult hit. For those who haven't seen it who enjoy the classic tale of The Count of Monte Cristo, I say, what are you waiting for?!
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03-18-2009, 09:05 PM #1
The Count of Monte Cristo Discussion
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03-22-2009, 12:00 PM #2
RH says 'Well if you want MY opinion' :
In a Nutshell - Dazzling Artwork and stunning design, plot is closer to the authors rendition than almost anything else, keeps things fresh by adding in a futuristic appearance and one clever way of dueling!
Signature By: Contra Fates
'If video games were people, I'd be such a playa!' ~ Mellusia
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05-10-2009, 05:32 PM #3
I really, really enjoyed this Anime, and I just picked up the boxset at Best Buy recently, and can't wait to watch it all over again.
The animation is beautiful, the voice acting [in both languages] is ace, the soundtrack is amazing, and the plot is incredible! If you like the story of the Count of Monte Cristo, and if you're into dark, twisted, intricate plots, then Gankutsuou is an awesome choice for a 26-episode anime.
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05-11-2009, 08:18 AM #4
All you had to say was 'great animation'. I am freakin' there. How much was the box set, by the way?
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05-11-2009, 12:17 PM #5The boxset was $55. Since Funimation now licenses it, they just call it 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' so when you're looking for the boxset, look under C instead of G.
Originally Posted by Fuyumine
Also, watch it in English, I've watched it in both, and surprisingly I found the English dub to be more enjoyable.
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05-11-2009, 10:20 PM #6
Great animation and good english dubbing? What is this, Cowboy Bebop? LOL. The box set's price isn't half-bad, either. I've bought much more expensive ones in the past.
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05-12-2009, 02:25 AM #7I highly recommend it. Though, if you can find a boxset or a set of the DVDs released by Geneon on eBay I'd recommend it, as Geneon put out really pretty disc art and loaded the discs with extra features. Funimation didn't really add any. xD But, it's the anime I cared about, so it wasn't a big deal. Originally Posted by Fuyumine
I got one of my friends to start watching it, after we watched Gurren Lagann, and he likes it. xD So, to go from such a drastically different Anime to one like Gankutsuou and enjoying it, means it's a bloody good show! xD
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05-12-2009, 03:47 PM #8
So far this is really, really good. So far I'm more amazed at the art style than anything else, though. Like, the static patterns and such give the show a very surreal look. And the voice acting is done very well. Definitely worth picking up!
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05-12-2009, 07:52 PM #9I'm glad you're liking it so far! Make sure to get back to me once you watch Episode 18 and tell me you're reaction. xD Originally Posted by Fuyumine
Also, be prepared for tons of mindfucks, the show is FULL of them.
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05-13-2009, 11:38 AM #10
Me and Kendra are rewatching this with a friend and I'm picking up a few pieces here and there that I missed. A lot of the Franz x Albert moments that I didn't think about my first time around. A lot of the comparisons between the duo's relationship and the count and Fernand's relationship.
Anyway, everyone should check it out...its great stuff!Signature By: Contra Fates
'If video games were people, I'd be such a playa!' ~ Mellusia
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05-15-2009, 01:29 PM #11
I finally got some more time to watch the series, I think I am on episode 5? And...yeah, The Count is by far my favorite anime character thus far. He might become an all-time favorite by the time I'm done. Pure awesomeness.
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05-15-2009, 06:25 PM #12Just get to Episode 18. <_< Originally Posted by Fuyumine
I do agree that The Count is a great character, though, but Episode 18 just makes you go: "WHY?! WHY, COUNT, WHY?!" xD
It's such a good show. You better find more time to keep watching it! It's worth it.
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05-15-2009, 09:10 PM #13I can't seem to watch it fast enough! LOL I have a cousin that wants to watch it with me, so I wait until he's got some free time so that we can check it out together. He's really, really into it. I might have to hide this box set from him after we're done, I think. LOL. Originally Posted by Seraphim
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05-16-2009, 12:44 AM #14Syn
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Omg, episode 18 one of the most epic episodes in animes for me, just...WOW!! I won't ruin it, so I'll just sit back and watch the rainbow ^_^
Haydee = *omgIcantstopdrooling*
Franz = *omgsmexy*
Peppo = *omghot* YES, PEPPO IS HOT!! *runs away*
I have to say this series needs more publicity than the ever so popular Naruto/Bleach stuff... sigh @ those two series... SIGH!!!!!
I need to get the soundtrack for the series.
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05-17-2009, 12:36 PM #15You guys are seriously going to make me just break out the DVD and finish watching it, now. LOL. Originally Posted by Happy Sumo
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05-17-2009, 12:45 PM #16Do it! Originally Posted by Fuyumine
You won't mind watching it again with your cousin. xD
What episode are you up to? Just 5?
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05-17-2009, 07:38 PM #17
Yep, I'm still up to episode five. My cous' is supposed to be coming over today so that we can finish it finally.
You know, the more I watch this, the more I find myself feeling less and less empathy for Albert. Like... I'm really starting not to like him. :(
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05-17-2009, 08:28 PM #18Albert is a child-like character, is the main point of the story. He's only 15 years old, despite how he might appear in the show. I admit he can get a bit frustrating at times, but, what 15-year olds don't? xD Originally Posted by Fuyumine
Yep, I'm still up to episode five. My cous' is supposed to be coming over today so that we can finish it finally.
You know, the more I watch this, the more I find myself feeling less and less empathy for Albert. Like... I'm really starting not to like him. :(
Still. Episode 18. That is all. xD That should turn things around.
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05-17-2009, 08:33 PM #19
Yeah, that's the thing. I know that he's young, and young people in general piss me—holy crap! I think... I think I'm officially "old"... Oh God! I'm a 24 year old senior citizen! *Leaps out of the window.*
*Returns from the hospital.* Ahem, as I was saying. XD
The thing that irritates me about him is his naiveté, which is understandable in folks his age. But then, I was very, very cynical growing up, so I really can't empathize with him very well. He's become more tolerable as the story progresses, though.
And is there no bounds to the Count's awesomeness?! JESUS!
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05-17-2009, 08:46 PM #20Haha, well hello there, Grandpa! xD Originally Posted by Fuyumine
Albert is a very naive character, but it makes sense given what he is: an aristocrat. His whole complaint, which was stated in Episode 3 is that he doesn't really know much about life, and feels caged within the walls of Paris. He knows he's an inexperienced little rich kid, and wished to learn more and see more.
Unfortunately he'll get his wish, but he won't be happy about it. xD
What episode are you up to now? The Count's awesomeness continues for a while.
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