Kimba The White Lion Ultra DVD Box Set (Limited Edition) – Classic Anime Series for Collectors & Fans | Perfect for Home Entertainment & Gifting

I had never seen Kimba before, although I was certainly aware of the Japanese animation appearing on American television in the '60's. Along with Kimba, there was Speed Racer, Marine Boy and Astro Boy, as well as many others. I purchased this product based on word of mouth and the reviews online, including here at Amazon.I was not disappointed at all. Physically, the product arrived as advertised. All the DVDs were packaged in high quality materials, brightly designed. I couldn't wait to view the programs and extras.The included booklet and bonus features disc were informative and entertaining. The inclusion, on the bonus disc, of songs from the original Japanese version made me wish I could understand Japanese. A minor nitpick: Subtitles would have been nice here, but subtitles -are- included for the included original Japanese version of the first episode.No worries though, as the rest of the 52 original episodes, as they appeared on 1960's American television, had been expertly dubbed into English at the time.The Japanese version of Kimba was the first anime series broadcast in color in Japan. Kimba is an odd sort of cartoon, a kind you unfortunately don't see much on television these days. Certainly it was designed for children; there are bright colors, songs and entertaining and sympathetic characters. I would suggest Kimba for any family with children.But there's more. There are lessons here for children and adults alike. Tezuka's original story, as it appeared in manga (Japanese comic books, basically) in the 1950's, had very adult themes at times. The main character, orphaned by humans, fought against his own animal instincts and desires for revenge in an attempt to live peacefully with all creatures, including humans. Death happens, usually leading to an epiphany for the main character or a sort of "deathbed" conversion of the unfortunate. These are certainly odd topics for an American cartoon of the 1960's, made even more odd by the dubbing and editing attempts made by the Americans to soften events."Kimba" tells the story of the first half of the life of the young lion prince. The adult portion of his life was covered in the 1960's Japanese animated series "Jungle Emperor: Onward Leo" as well as in a big-budget theatrical release in 1997 called "Jungle Emperor Leo." This movie is available from Amazon. Be warned though, both the sequel series and the movie are darker and more realistically violent, while retaining there lessons about life and family. The movie ends as the orginal manga did, with the ultimate sacrifice of a major character, and the promise of the continuation of the main character's progeny. NOT for small kids, in my opinion. But worth seeing.The music in Kimba is incredible, once again above and beyond anything in "Made in America" cartoons. This is because the music, scored for full orchestra and choir, was created by Isao Tomita. Tomita went on to create great electronic music in the 70's and 80's, but it is said that he believes his works for Kimba (especially in it's Japanese form Jungle Emperor) was some of his best.In summary, Kimba is worth having for it's historical and nostalgic value. Moreover it has important messages for children (and adults!) who may otherwise be lost in a sea of violent videos and cartoons. I highly suggest you give it a look. You can find more information on Kimba at [...]