In the deep underground city of Lukuss, after prizefighter Ichise has his arm and leg cut off by enemies, a doctor whose specialty is Texhnolyzation--the replacement of body parts with high-tech robotic ones--gives him new limbs for free (which normally only the rich can afford), using an experimental new process. Meanwhile, Yoshii, a visitor from the surface, befriends an old man called the Sage and his granddaughter Ran (who can see the near future), while the Organo syndicate, who control Lukuss, fight against the Salvation Union, a rebel group opposed to Texhnolyzation. Producer Yasuyuki Ueda and character designer Yoshitoshi Abe are responsible for the excellent series' Serial Experiments Lain and Haibane Renmei, but so far this darkly atmospheric and slowly-paced show is not up to their level. Even so, the animation and music are both very good, and Ueda claims (in an interview included here) that things will pick up. Presented in a dual-language version, and accurately rated 16-up (for bloody violence and sexual situations), this four-episode compilation (in the first of six discs) is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Texhnolyze: Spectacle, Vol. 2 is also newly available, with Retaliation, Vol. 3 slated for release on Aug. 24.] Aud: P. (S. Raiteri)
Texhnolyze: Inhumane and Beautiful, Vol. 1
(2004) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. Geneon (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 4
Texhnolyze: Inhumane and Beautiful, Vol. 1
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