The plot: After their parents are mysteriously murdered, two children (Thor and Rai) are sent to a penal colony planet (Chimera) that contains dangerous, killer plant life. Additionally, the planet is home to various criminals whom are apart of several Rings (AKA groups). There four rings are called Ochre, Sun, Blanc, and Night. The real mysteries throughout this 11 episode series, however, is why Thor and Rai were sent to Chimera to begin with and how they can get off the planet.

Normally, many anime series go on for far too long, but “Jyu-Oh-Sei- Planet Of The Beast King” is a series whose run was criminally short. “Planet Of The Beast King” sets up an intriguing premise filled with meaty themes about everything from animalistic nature, survival of the fittest, politics, and even nature itself, but the series ends before it ever really gets going. It’s a shame too as the writers could have really explored the characters and the vast universe that was depicted in this series. Instead, we only get what is essentially a cliff notes version of a this tale.

Speaking of the universe, the animation here is flat out stunning. The space environments, the jungle planet Chimera, the characters, and the ships are all extremely detailed. I wish more animated series would follow this model.

Summary: “Jyu-Oh-Sei” is certainly worth checking out, even though it is rushed and over rather quickly.

A clean looking widescreen picture quality. The colors especially looked sharp.

The English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track contains clear sounding music and dialogue. The Japanese Stereo track is also decent.

Extras:

* Funimation trailers.

* Textless songs.

* Original commercials.

* A passable Episode 6 (“Blanc RD”) commentary by voice directors and actors.