Last Exile: First Move

For its 10th anniversary, Gonzo Studio has assembled a stellar cast of anime creators to deliver the visually stunning, "steam-punk" science fiction epic Last Exile, set in an alternate world called Prester where the two aristocratic kingdoms of Anatory and Disith wage a ritual Napoleonic-era-style war fought by archaic rules of chivalry, in which steam-powered battleships gracefully float and fight in the clouds. Meanwhile, the mysterious Guild hovers high in the air overseeing the battles. In this opening volume, protagonists Claus and Lavie, two struggling civilian courier pilots, are given a dangerous mission: to deliver a young girl named Alvis to renegade ship captain Alex Row. The first entry in a seven-volume series, this is an artistically brilliant anime of amazing scope that details the horrific impact of war on human lives, including noncombatants. Featuring both Japanese (with optional subtitles) and English audio tracks, the disc's extras include an alternative opening, and an interview with production designer Mahiro Maeda. Rated 13-up, the excellent Last Exile is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (J. Halsall)