Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos

This feature-length anime serves as a follow-up to the popular TV series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, centering on the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who violated “God's domain” by attempting to resurrect their dead mother via magic. Now Ed, a powerful “alchemist” (matter-transmuting wizard), has a bionic arm and leg, while Al lacks a proper body altogether; the boy's sundered consciousness was salvaged by welding it to an empty armored suit (a waif-like voice emanates from the massive hulk). Expanding the geography of the franchise, The Sacred Star of Milos takes the Elrics west in pursuit of a mysterious rogue magician, ultimately bringing them to a unique metropolis called Table City, a wondrous, duct-filled place that sits on a plateau circled by a ravine where exiles and refugees dwell. Various factions vie to control Table City—at the center of the conflict is 16-year-old Julia, who's leading the effort on behalf of her people, the Milos—and the whole thing ends with an apocalyptic showdown. Presented in a dual-language set, rated TV-14, extras include a “making-of” documentary and audio commentary. Sure to appeal to fans, this is recommended. (C. Cassady)