Baccano! 1

Not for the easily confused or frustrated, the first volume of Baccano!—compiling the initial four episodes—jumps back and forth in time between 1930 and 1931, while following a huge cast (roughly 20) of gangsters and thieves. By the end of the final episode on this disc, however, the various factions and narrative threads start to fall into place in a tale revolving around a pair of wacky lovebird thieves, an outrageously violent hitman and his followers, and others, who have decided to hijack, rob, or otherwise terrorize a train named the Flying Pussyfoot…and did I mention the immortal named Szilard who is trying to replicate a formula for eternal life? Even if the story of how several criminals became friends and gained eternal life weren't compelling enough, the characters in Baccano! are quirky and interesting, not to mention very coolly designed and animated. Challenging, confusing, chaotic, but also wildly entertaining, this first volume of a 13-episode series is presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-MA. DVD extras include actor commentary. Highly recommended. [Note: Baccano! 2 and 3 are also newly available, with 4 slated for release on June 16.] Aud: P. (L. Martincik)