Anime is expensive. Its not quite mainstream yet, though its getting there, but despite that its usually very difficult to tell if its worth buying a DVD, and to be honest, theres more crap out there than good. So, this here list is (based on our personal opinions) what is worth paying RRP for, and what isnt. Occassionally we'll even say why it is/isnt worth the RRP price =)

Animes worth buying:

Neon Genesis Evangelion- With the release of platinum edition, there are fewer DVDs to buy. Its got an amazing storyline, and is very well done. Its original (though it wont seem that way if you've watched RahXephon, considering RahXephon is just a ripoff of NGE.) and it makes you think. Its also got a fair amount of action.

Serial Experiments Lain- Another original, makes you think type anime. There are only 4 DVDs to buy, which is kind of a shame considering how good it is, but its handy for your wallet. Its very well done, though some people find it very difficult to understand. There is no action in this series, though. So, if your idea of good anime is DBZ or Fist of the North Star, don't bother with this one.

Fruits Basket- only 4 DVDs, but theres a *lot* more episodes than normal per disc. Its a very sweet, cutesy anime, but isnt entirely aimed at kids. Its enjoyable on an adult level too, which is rare among cutesy type animes. It isnt particularly thought provoking, though its nowhere near 2-dimensional regarding storyline, and theres a small amount of action in it to keep it lively.

Outlaw Star- A good mix of humour and action, with enough twists and turns in the plot to keep it interesting, despite not being thought provoking. The characters are well thought out, the storylines just plain cool, and unlike a lot of series's, it got the length just about right- the plot isnt dragged out too much, nor is it rushed through without being fully realised. It manages a very good balance.

Dragon Half- Unfortunately, there are only 2 episodes of this anime. Its extremely funny, and contains some not-very-serious action scenes, and basically leaves you feeling upset that thats all there is too it. The storyline doesnt come anywhere close to an end, either. Despite that, simply on the virtue of its amusement level, its worth buying.

Naruto- To the best of my knowledge, it isnt yet possible to purchase Naruto on DVD in these here english speaking countries. Nor have I seen the dubbed version. Based on the japanese version though, it'd be money well spent. There're a hell of a lot of episodes (up to about 160, at time of writing, with the end nowhere near in sight) but almost all of them are good. There are bad episodes, true, but they are pretty few and far between. This anime is mostly action, with some emotive scenes and a bit of humour chucked in. The main characters an idiot, the second character's an asshole, but if nothing else its got Hinata Hyuuga in it, which counts for something. (even if she is a very minor character >.<) At the moment, its still legal to download Episodes 33 onwards (though it wont be for long, so hurry up and DL it), so until the law changes in that respect, we'd advise you to read a brief summary of the events of episode 1-32, then download the rest. All of it. Because it rocks.

Speed Grapher- An anime about a corrupt, money driven Japan, where the gap between the rich and poor does nothign except get bigger. The main character is a photographer who cant get aroused unless holding a camera. Chasing after him (sexually) is a gun-weilding psychopathic police officer who cant come unless shes holding a gun. She also has a nasty habit of self-defencing anyone who annoys her, also with her guns. Chasing after him to kill him is an elite club led by a mysterious businessman, out for his life after he discovered one aspect of their corruption and abuse of power. Also because he kinda ran off with a girl they were holding captive at this club, which wasnt the best of ideas on his part. Unless it gets seriously changed, this'll probably end up an adult anime (though it is most definitely not hentai)