Saint Seiya - Sanctuary (English Subtitled)

Saint Seiya - Sanctuary (English Subtitled) is a landmark Japanese anime series that first premiered in 1986. Notable for its blend of mythological themes with futuristic technology, it has since spun off into various sequels, adaptations, and a fervent international fandom. The show is produced by Toei Animation and released by New Video, known for their catalog of cult classics and innovative films.

At its core, the series follows a group of young warriors known as the 'Saints'. More specifically, the 'Knights of the Zodiac,' the group central to the story, are so-called due to each of their magical armors being inspired by a zodiac constellation. The 'Bronze Saints' – Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki – are the key characters in the show. All of them are orphans trained in Greece to serve the Greek goddess Athena. After learning to harness their cosmos (an energy source within them) and mastering their armor, they return to Japan to locate their patron and protect the world from other Olympian gods' unwanted interferences.

The 'Sanctuary' in the title is the series' principal setting, standing as Athena's shrine in Greece. The sanctuary houses more powerful saints, including the 'Gold Saints,' which our young Bronze saints exponentially collide against as the series advances.

Saint Seiya – Sanctuary introduces its viewers to a world composed of traditional good versus evil clashes. Simultaneously, however, it delves deeper into motifs of sacrifice, friendship, and the struggle to preserve peace against aggressive forces. It indeed displays intense battlefield scenarios, all vividly animated, but it is more than just a spectacle action-show. Beneath the robust facade, it carries a heartfelt story of camaraderie, personal growth, and resilience, which makes it highly engaging.

The landmark mythological anime successfully combines elements of ancient mythologies with futuristic technology to present a fascinating universe of its own kind. The level of detailing cannot be overlooked either – the designs of the armor, the sanctuary, or the world – which contribute to creating a captivating visual feast. Skilled animators imbue each battle scene with an impressive degree of fluidity and dynamism, and there's a clear effort to render each character's unique fighting style and power visually distinct.

Riding high on distinctive personalities, the storytelling takes its time to explore each character and their backstory. All the knights, despite having undergone similar backgrounds, possess their individual traits and philosophies which define their actions. No two characters feel remotely same, from their personality to the constellation their armor represents.

Saint Seiya - Sanctuary introduces mature themes in a tactful and poignant way, never shying away from hard-hitting realities of life, making it much more than a standard 'battle anime'. While maintaining a fantastical setting, the series touches upon the gravity of life-or-death decisions, the power of unwavering perseverance, and the depth of human bonding.

Moreover, the English-subtitled version of the show ensures that non-Japanese audiences can fully immerse themselves in the rich narrative and character development of Saint Seiya. The nuanced dialogues, interactions, and overarching narrative arcs are seamlessly translated, retaining the show's original essence.

The series also features music that adds another dimension to the adventurous journey of the characters. Epic battle scenarios are highlighted by dramatic orchestrations, while tender moments enjoy a softer, melodic treatment.

To summarize, Saint Seiya - Sanctuary is not just about dynamic shounen battles; it is a saga of dedication, camaraderie, and resilience where characters constantly evolve. They are challenged, they adapt, they grow, and they continue to honor their commitment to safeguard humanity and serve Athena.

For fans of anime seasoned with strong character development, intricate relationships, gripping narrations, distinct visual styles mixed with mythology and futurism, it is a grand treat. The 1986 anime Saint Seiya - Sanctuary continues to secure a special place within the global anime-fandom, being a delightful fusion of fantasy, action, and heart-warming stories that transcend cultural boundaries.