A remake of Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, can be found in Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. This is a manga/anime combination that was produced between 2004-2005. The story follows young Viscount Albert de Morcerf through his boring Parisian lifestyle. This fifteen year old is searching for something beyond the richs walls of the Morcerf home, beyond the stunning countryside of his country. He finds it when he visits Carnival in Luna, meeting a certain charming person that will have an impact on his life... One that he could never know the significance of.
The story itself is set in the very far future, the year 5053 when the beginning is released. There are many technological advancements that can be found--- spaceships, automatic books and newspapers, computer that can be controlled with a flick of the hand. It's much more impressive than life today, and gives the audience a feeling of supernatural awe.
However, avid fans of Dumas' original story may be a little turned-off at the prospect of many radical changes throughout the pages and episodes. The major difference (not re-noting the century) is that while The Count of Monte Cristo was told specifically in the view of Edmond Dantès, Gankutsuou is told from the perspective of Viscount Albert de Morcerf, a rather insubstantial character from the original novel. Dantès' back story is quietly revealed through the entire story, while the main focus is put on the young Viscount. Another difference would be the genre. The Count of Monte Cristo was recorded as an adventure; however, Gankutsuou is science-fiction and fantasy, while it still retains the adventure twang.
There are some similarities between the two, however. It still follows the story (while in this, it is a back story) of the betrayal of Edmond Dantès, complete with Villefort, Mondego, and Danglars being all wealthy in Paris. Albert de Morcerf, Franz d'Epinay, Valentine, and the family of Maximilen all share an important role in this animated series as well.
There are some similarities between the two, however. It still follows the story (while in this, it is a back story) of the betrayal of Edmond Dantès, complete with Villefort, Mondego, and Danglars being all wealthy in Paris. Albert de Morcerf, Franz d'Epinay, Valentine, and the family of Maximilen all share an important role in this animated series as well.
