Unlike other anime titles in the Shōnen (boys) genre "Full Metal Alchemist" caught my attention immediately. It had magic, mystery, and cute boys - which were some of the major draws to titles like "Sailor Moon" and "Princess TuTu" in the mahout shoji (girls) genre. I was excited for it and made every attempt I could to watch it. However, at the time, life got in the way and I wasn't able to sit down and really enjoy the series like I wanted too, so I filed it away into catacombs of my memory as something that could've been. Then, Funimation (the company responsible for the release of my favorite anime film of all time "Wolf Children") released Full Metal Alchemist: The Complete Series on Blu-ray. After ten long years of waiting, I was finally able to sit down and enjoy this breathtaking series.
Co-produced by the animation studio Bones, Mainichi Broadcasting System, and Aniplex, the series is adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. The original Japanese episodes were directed by Meiji Mizushima and follow two brothers, Edward and Alphonse (more commonly called Ed and Al) Elric, who are trying to master the art of alchemy. After the loss of their mother, they try to use a forbidden spell to bring her back to life, however alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange states that nothing can be gained without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.
Despite the warnings of everyone around them, the brothers move forward with the spell and it backfires, costing Ed his left leg and Al his physical body. Ed is only able to save his younger brother by transferring his spirit into a large metal suit if armor - which, in turn, costs him his right arm. To restore Al, the two go off on a quest to find the philosopher's stone. The brothers encounter many interesting characters along their journey, including a long lost family member.
Unlike a lot of English dubs of Japanese anime of the time, the Full Metal Alchemist translations are rather good, which is a consistency with most of the releases by Funimation, a very welcome consistency. It's funny, it's engaging, and at times, romantic; basically, the series has it all and it's good - really good. Zach Bertschy, the executive editor of Anime News Network calls the series "One of - if not the - greatest anime ever." After finally being able to sit down and enjoy the series from start to finish, I have to say I agree with him. Even the box art to the release is beautiful, another consistency with Funimation. They company takes great care - and pride - in what they do and it makes a difference. My only issue with the series is that there is not more of it to enjoy. After the initial episodes, the series concludes with the follow up film "The Conqueror of Shamballa", which during its premiere was the number 3 film in Japanese Box office.
Originally released in September of 2015, The box set can be purchased directly through Funimation for $48.74. In addition to all fifty-one episodes as well as commentary on episodes 19, 25, and 51. There's also a limited edition creator's notes booklet, and a set of ten collector art cards. There are several different sets for the film available and "The Conqueror of Shamballa" can also be purchased here for $14.99.