Animanga Nation

RideBack, The Complete Series – Limited Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo Review June 29, 2011

Review by: Brenda Gregson

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $69.98 US (Blu-ray + DVD)
Running Time: 300 minutes
Genre: Drama/Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: June 28, 2011

Dance, rider, for the revolution is here.

There are times when I think a short series could have been even better if it were a bit longer in length and, of course, time when I feel that its short length is a good thing. The Complete Series of RideBack is a series that I really wouldn’t have minded if it lasted longer than its 12-episode run mainly because it would have been fun to spend more time with the likeable cast of characters and, of course, the insanely cool limbed motorcycles. Funimation brings us a Limited Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo pack for a series that’s actually a fun ride.

A young ballerina takes the stage with a graceful elegance that seems to captivate the audience who recognize her as Rin Ogata … daughter of the late great premiere ballerina, Yuki Ogata. Her movements are something to behold and there’s a look of complete serenity that makes it clear that she loves dancing. Then, in mid pirouette, Rin Ogata feels a sharp stinging pain in her tendon and takes a fall that she will end her ballerina career forever.

It’s a heartbreaking thing to see your passion taken away from you and somehow Rin tries to recover with the help of her best friend, Shoko, who becomes her roommate in their first day in college. It’s a good time to enter a new life as the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the campus is alive with activity. Rin takes a little walk to a corner of the campus where she catches a glimpse of a machine she’s not fully familiar with but has heard of thanks to a brother named Kenji who is obsessed with them. These limbed machines are known as RideBacks … an unusual fusion between motorcycle and a robot.

A young man from the RideBack club gives Rin the opportunity to try one out and she accepts as she tries a RideBack known as Fuego. Sure, Rin doesn’t quite get the hang of it at first but suddenly she and Fuego become in tune with each another and that passion she thought was long gone is back. Could it be that riding has rekindled the flame inside of her that was extinguished by not being able to dance again? In her first time riding she actually makes Fuego take to the skies as she clears a jump.

Not everyone welcomes Rin to the club as she meets Tamayo Kataoka – the RideBack Queen of the racing circuit. She challenges Rin to a race and it becomes clear to Tamayo that Rin has a natural talent for riding so she is accepted into the club that she runs along with the mysterious Okakura. She is also joined by one of Rin’s fans, a girl named Suzuri. Rin even joins Tamayo in participating in a qualifying RideBack race.

In the meantime, Japan is going through some interesting times as a militant faction known as the Global Government Plan (or GGP) controls the entire group by the year 2025. The military force in Japan is run by a strict commanding officer named Romanov Cullenberg who is about to put into action a plan involving a security force known as the White RideBacks. Naturally, not everyone welcomes the GGP as a group of rebels calling themselves the BMA fight back against the militant forces. Since the group uses RideBacks, Cullenberg targets all riders.

As fate would have it, the BMA attacks the shopping district in order to get the GGP’s attention and Rin’s friend Shoko happens to be in the area. Rin, using Fuego, stages a solo rescue and defying the GGP’s blockade to rescue her friend and ends up meeting the leader of the so-called terrorist group. This action, thanks to some footage taken by witnesses, is seen as an act of defiance and Rin quickly becomes a web and television sensation. Since body knows who she is the media dubs her simply as the Mysterious RideBack Girl.

Using this as an excuse to finally initiate his White RideBack program, Cullenberg authorizes their use just as Rin’s brother, Kenji, decides to join a few friends in a moment of vandalism. Meanwhile, a reporter named Kei Yoda tries to uncover the identity of the RideBack Girl only to come to the conclusion that it might be Rin. Kei confirmed this when Rin jumps into action to save her brother from White Riders that end up killing Kenji’s friends in horrible ways.

Rin not only comes to Kenji’s rescue but she smashes a few White Riders in the process, unfortunately, they end up being cornered and captured. It is the BMA leader, Kiefer, who breaks Rin out of a van as she was being transferred to another facility and it is in their company that she discovers Kiefer’s past and his link to the RideBack Club’s sponsor – Okakura. Little by little we come to discover that these “terrorists” have a good reason for defying the GGP.

Now a wanted criminal thanks to using a RideBack, Rin no longer wants to ride no matter how good it felt to ride one. However, when the GGP have all of Japan turn over their RideBacks, a protest leads one of Rin’s friends to defy the White Riders and the whole thing ends in tragedy. Now, Rin finds herself turning to Fuego once again as the BMA decides to strike against Cullenberg and the GGP forces. This is the real start of the revolution as Rin rides again.

As I mentioned in the start of this review, there are series that would have benefited – story-wise – from being a bit longer and RideBack is one of them. The characters are endearing enough that you wouldn’t mind getting to know them more and we would have loved to have seen more of Rin on the racing circuit. Still, the political aspect of the series is far from boring and the GGP/BMA battles are exciting and even more so when Rin joins the fight against them. Top that off with gorgeous visuals and a great voice cast for both the Japanese and English side and we have a series that doesn’t fail to entertain.

A meaningful, exhilarating and occasionally even inspiring series, The Complete Series of RideBack has a lot going for it than just super cool motorcycles with limbs. In fact, it’s a wonderfully written and beautifully animated series that doesn’t fail to impress or tell a good story. Sure, there are times when it feels like this could have been an even more amazing story but is just one of those anime series that shouldn’t be ignored either way and trust me when I say that you will definitely enjoy watching this one.

BLU-RAY REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
Rin Ogata was once a talented ballerina who strived to be just as good as her famous mother but an injury shattered her dreams. In college, however, she discovers a RideBack machine called Fuego that suddenly rekindles the flame she lost when she couldn’t dance anymore. Unfortunately, the military targets all RideBack riders thanks to their war against a group of revolutionaries.

VIDEO QUALITY: A+
The is really one amazing-looking series with gorgeous backgrounds, characters and stunning action. It looks great on DVD but if you want the best visual experience you really should be watching it on Blu-ray since it really does bring out the colors in this series perfectly.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The soundtrack for RideBack is – simply put – spectacular with a score that picks up at just the right moment and an awesome opening tune by MELL. The Japanese voice cast is stellar with Nana Mizuki and the always amazing Romi Park being absolutely brilliant. As for the English dub, the cast does a great job with Tia Ballard being at the very top of the list.

EXTRAS: B+
Aside from the Funimation trailers and the clean opening and closing theme songs, you’ll find two audio commentary tracks. The Episode 4 commentary has ADR Director Terri Doty with Tia Ballard (Rin) and Kristi Bingham (Shoko) that fun to listen to as is the commentary track for Episode 10 with Terri Doty, Micah Solusod (Haruki) and Trina Nishimura (Suzuri).

OVERALL: B+
The Complete Series of RideBack has the look and feel of a monumental series but it doesn’t quite reach the heights it could have considering the great characters and cool RideBack action. Then again, there’s much to like about the series anyway and it seldom disappoints in keeping you rooting for its main character who finally finds a way to dance again even if it’s for the last time. This is definitely what you call a guaranteed good time so you can’t go wrong with picking this one up.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Kiddy Grade, The Complete Series – DVD Review June 27, 2011

Review by: Sophie Stevens

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $39.98 US
Running Time: 600 minutes
Genre: Sci-Fi/ Action
Rating: TV PG
Release Date: Available Now

A lady should be elegant … but also powerful.

I have to admit a rather geeky fondness for sci-fi anime action shows because – let’s face it – nobody does sci-fi as uniquely as the Japanese do. Whether it’s following a group of bounty hunters in Cowboy Bebop, a squad of pilots going up against alien invaders in Robotech or the cybernetically enhanced leader of a counter-terrorist group in Ghost in the Shell, anime does the genre justice. So it was good news that FUNimation has released The Complete Series of Kiddy Grade in their new Anime Classics collection because there’s much to like about this series, sci-fi fans.

The story takes place in the distant future when Earth-born citizens have become akin to nobility and the galaxy is protected by an organization known as the G.O.T.T. that helps enforce the law. Two of these agents of the G.O.T.T. are Éclair and Lumiere who work the information desk of the main headquarters when things are calm but secretly take on missions as part of the ES Force – a shadow unit made up of agents with special abilities. One is a skillful fighter who is rather impulsive at times while the other is a more youthful-looking powerhouse who thinks ladies should be elegant.

With Éclair’s fighting prowess and Lumiere’s power to control machines, the pair is sent on missions by the G.O.T.T.’s Chief Eclipse as the girls are first sent on a mission to escort a smooth-talking (and mysteriously shady) Auditor named Armbrust who becomes their traveling companion in just about every mission they take on. Speaking of their missions, the girls accept some interesting but difficult assignments such as one mission that has them tracking down an illegal anti-gravity material or another where they attempt to transport a crime lord as his goons try to rescue him.

In yet another mission, Éclair poses as a cyborg in a fighting competition in search of a female fighter who has entered the tournament with cybernetic enhancements that are experimental in nature. Then, on another mission, they help a boy reclaim his inheritance from a group of Earth-born Nouvlesse who won’t accept the boy as the new head of their clan.

The girls aren’t the only ES Force members as we meet other pairs such as the brother-sister team of Tweedledee and Tweedledum or the sultry pair of Alv and Dvergr who don’t seem to like Éclair or Lumiere. They do have friends in the cute mismatched pairing of Viola and Cesario but the real fun is in getting to know Éclair and Lumiere whose history is slowly revealed by way of Éclair who doesn’t remember her past. However, while on a mission, an event opens up a flood of memories for Éclair as we learn what led her to the G.O.T.T. and why everyone keeps saying she’s a lot older than she looks.

Things get serious when Éclair and Lumiere accept a mission on the planet Aure for the Nouvlesse who treat their workers like slaves. When she finds herself on the wrong side of a revolt, Éclair decides to defy the G.O.T.T. and back the slaver laborers … an act that forces Chief Eclipse to revoke their ES Force status and consider them wanted criminals. Soon, the Chief sends other ES Force members to hunt them down so once good friends are now enemies.

While their life on the run is interesting, the real drama occurs when two powerful figures that resemble Éclair and her partner destroy the G.O.T.T. headquarters and put a bullet into the Chief. In a surprising twist, Éclair becomes new acting Chief but when two mysterious figures arrive to cause the new Chief trouble the mystery pair uncovers a plot to murder all Nouvlesse for the pain and suffering they endured thanks to the Earth-born clan’s prejudice.

I won’t spoil the details of what happens next but the story gets nail-bitingly intense as the two girls find themselves in a major battle to save the elite as well as the planet they protect. The series doesn’t have any shortage of battles but the final fight is one of the highlights of the story. There are fun moments in the series such as a day off that turns sour for both girls or the episode where they look into a mystery where major robberies are taking place mid-flight with the victim actually holding the item.

As I mentioned earlier, though, it’s Éclair and Lumiere who are deep characters who – at first – come off as clichés but turn out to be fascinating. Lumiere is a redefined lady despite her child-like appearance and the fact that she sips grape juice as if it were a fine wine is hilarious. Meanwhile, Éclair’s complicated past just keeps getting more intriguing the more the series reveals. Sure, Éclair is the fan service-y character but there’s a secret past that connects her to a major character in the most unexpected way.

The Complete Series of Kiddy Grade is a fantastic sci-fi action series that starts off good enough and just gets better with each episode thanks to a number of twists and turns. The 24-episodes that make up this collection are wonderfully written and animated just right to make for a fun and fascinating series that will certainly please fans of the genre.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A-
Éclair and Lumiere might seem like just two young girls manning the information desk of the G.O.T.T. but they are specialized ES Force agents who are sent out to carry out law enforcement missions. While performing their duties, though, a plot to rid the world of its elite is uncovered and both girls find themselves caught in the middle of a new battle.

VIDEO QUALITY: B+
The visual style isn’t anything new but there are plenty of exciting action scenes that look really good. There’s some fan service for those who care about it but it never gets too excessive. The series is definitely worth watching on DVD.

AUDIO QUALITY: A-
The Japanese voice cast is top notch and will not disappoint in the very least when it comes to the performances but if you prefer the English dub both Colleen Clinkenbeard (as Éclair) and Monica Rial (as Lumiere) really stand out. The score is magnificent while the opening and closing theme songs aren’t too shabby.

EXTRAS: B
This Anime Classics collection includes the original Japanese promotional videos, commercials as well as all eleven Piracy Warnings featuring the original Japanese voice cast that is worth a glance. Then there are trailers for other FUNimation releases as well as the textless opening and closing theme songs.

OVERALL: A-
A highly entertaining sci-fi action romp from beginning to end, Kiddy Grade is one of those series that doesn’t fail to keep you cheering for its two main protagonists. Sure, the ending could have been a bit better but it’s hard to complain when you’re having this much fun watching girls kick butt. The Complete Series collection is a Must Have for sci-fi action fans.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files, Season One – Blu-ray Review June 20, 2011

Review by: Clive Owen

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $44.98 US (Blu-ray)
Running Time: 600 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV PG
Release Date: Available Now

The Spirit Detective is back and shining more brightly on HD.

You just have to love FUNimation’s new Anime Classics line and even more so when they’re presented on Blu-ray as we can see from the high-definition release of Season One of Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files … a true anime classic series that makes a smooth transition to Blu-ray and thus making it the perfect opportunity to introduce it to a new crowd of anime fans.

Then again, Yu Yu Hakusho is one of those rare classics of the Dragon Ball variety that are timeless so all generations could enjoy it so it makes perfect sense to bring it on Blu-ray. You see, Season One begins – interestingly enough – with the death of the hero of this story.

We meet Yusuke Urameshi, a young troublemaker who rarely comes to class in his junior high, likes brawling – especially against his chief rival, a big guy named Kuwabara – and defying his school by not wearing the standard blue uniform. Despite being a juvenile delinquent, though, Yusuke has a heart of gold that becomes evident when he encounters a child playing with a ball too close to traffic. When the ball rolls out into traffic, the little boys runs out to get it as a car comes speeding towards him. So Yusuke does what nobody would expect him to do … he saves the boy but sacrifices his life.

However, this is not the end of his story as Yusuke finds himself floating over his body and it is then that he meets an attractive female Grim Reaper named Botan who tells Yusuke that his brave act has won over the son of the Spirit King Yama. The toddler-like Koenma makes the dead boy a very interesting offer that would allow him to get a second chance at life. Yusuke doesn’t want a second chance until he realizes that people will actually miss him such as his childhood friend, Keiko, as well as his alcoholic mother. Even Kuwabara weeps during Yusuke’s wake.

Getting his body back actually turns out to be a challenge that keeps the first part of the series very exhilarating and fun to watch as Yusuke comes to realize that there are people in his life that do care about him deeply but the story really gets started once Yusuke is back in his body for good. Yusuke is then entrusted with a special duty as a Spirit Detective protecting the world of the living against demons and other supernatural threats. He even gets some nifty powers such as his Spirit Gun (a power that has him direct a Spirit Energy blast from his finger as if it were a gun).

Yusuke quickly finds himself protecting the living world from criminals from the Spirit Realm as he takes on a three-man group who has stolen artifacts important to Koenma. Strangely enough, Yusuke finds an interesting ally in Kuwabara and Botan lends a hand as well as the trio take down the criminals. Among the three thieves are the red-haired Karama and the three-eyed Hiei who actually turn out to be likeable characters and, a little later, become Yusuke’s allies as well. In fact, he even befriends them to the point that they aid Yusuke on two very important missions.

The first mission has Yusuke and his companions that still include Kuwabara (who is not only a great fighter but also has the ability to sense the supernatural) against a group of foes stronger than any Yusuke has gone up against. It’s good that he won a fighting competition that earned him the right to train with a powerful old woman named Genkai. As each of his companions takes on an opponent, Yusuke fight their leader who threatens the life of the girl who has strong feelings for him.

In anther mission, Yusuke and the others are put on a search-and-rescue mission to find a Snow Princess named Yukina who was taken by a human gangster who knows that her tears turn into precious gems he plans on selling. What turns out to be a rescue mission turns into a fighting tournament as Yusuke and his friends go up against the powerful Toguro Brothers and their gang of demons. It is during this mission that the Toguro Brothers reveal that they’ve been working for somebody else … a person with ties to a fighting tournament called the Dark Martial Arts Competition.

When Toguro, who shows us that he’s more powerful than he originally let on during his first battle with Yusuke, threatens the young Spirit Detective that he would kill everyone he loves if he doesn’t enter the tournament, Yusuke accepts the offer. Getting some training from Genkai again and gather his team to join a tournament composed of demon fighters from all over. This is definitely a great setup for Season Two of the series.

Season One of Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files is an impressive and epic series that definitely should be seen on Blu-ray and damn does it look amazing in high-definition. Sure, we’ve seen the series released before but it just doesn’t compare to the quality of this set. As far as the series is concerned, Yu Yu Hakusho is a true anime classic in every sense and one you will definitely want to see again and again. It really is that good.

BLU-RAY REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A+
Yusuke is a juvenile delinquent with a talent for fighting and slacking off but, when he dies saving a little boy, he is given a second chance at life by the sexy grim reaper named Botan. Regaining his body back, Yusuke then becomes a Spirit Detective to defend the living world. While carrying out his duties, though, Yusuke and his once rivals soon become involved in various battles that lead up to a fighting tournament.

VIDEO QUALITY: A+
FUNimation has released the series before and it looked good but there’s no denying how truly amazing this series looks on Blu-ray. In fact, it looks even better than it did when it first came out so this is certainly the best way to watch this classic.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The original Japanese voice cast is where its at if you want to really enjoy the series but that doesn’t mean the English dub cast isn’t bad at all. The soundtrack is a bit on the dated side but you have to admit it makes the fighting scenes even more exciting. Even the opening and closing theme songs are great.

EXTRAS: C
Sadly, there are no audio commentary tracks or other extras aside from the textless opening and closing theme songs and a few FUNimation trailers.

OVERALL: A+
Yu Yu Hakusho is one of those series that deserves to be on Blu-ray and believe me when I say that Season One of this brawling action series will leave you wanting more. This series delivers on every front and by the end of the first episode you will definitely be a fan so if you’ve never seen the series you really do not want to miss this Blu-ray release.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Chrono Crusade, The Complete Series – DVD Review June 16, 2011

Review by: Kiki Van De Kamp

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 600 minutes
Genre: Action/Supernatural
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

There’s more to this series than just pistol-packing nuns and devil worshipers.

Chrono Crusade was one of those manga series I revisit every once and awhile because there was something about the story that spoke to me so – naturally – I found myself loving the anime version for many other reasons that include finally being able to see Chrono and Sister Rosetta in action and it didn‘t disappoint. FUNimation brings us The Complete Series of Chrono Crusade and trust me when I say that you will find yourself drawn into the world of interesting new exorcists.

Covering the 24 episodes that make up The Complete Series collection, Chrono Crusade takes place in 1928 New York City where a convent of the Magdalene Order dispatches Ministers and nuns into exorcising demons they simply call Devils. Among the Order is the attractive yet impulsive Sister Rosetta Christopher and her loyal partner, Chrono, who happens to be one of the Devils yet comes off as kind and considerate. Together, they make an interesting pair as they exorcise Devils and look into cases involving the supernatural.

Aside from taking out Devils with her guns and ticking off Sister Kate, who is in charge of the Order, Rosetta is searching for her brother, Joshua. You see, Rosetta and Joshua once stumbled upon an underground temple where they first encountered Chrono. Befriending the demon, though, came with its own set of problems as Joshua was whisked away after a dangerous Devil called Aion placed demon horns on the young boy. So Rosetta made a contract with Chrono, one that has shortened her lifespan considerably as the hourglass pendant around her neck counts down what life she has left.

Sure, Rosetta is a walking wrecking ball that ends up destroying buildings and every vehicle she gets her hands on but she and Chrono get the job done. However, the pair finds themselves suddenly thrust into a case that might involve Aion who is targeting a special group of people the Order calls Apostles that have been touched by God much in the way that the three children of Fatima were touched. One of the targets is a cute young girl named Azmaria Hendric who happens to be an accomplished soprano who is being held by her domineering father who also has a contract with Viscount Lerajie, a Devil much like Chrono.

They manage to rescue Azmaria who comes to join Rosetta and Chrono in the Order and becomes a regular character in the series as well as the duo’s partner. All three look into Aion’s mission to collect Apostles and meet the beautiful and wealthy Jewel Witch named Satella Harvenheit who joins them despite the fact that she takes an immediate disliking to Chrono. All four end up becoming powerful allies against Aion and his Devils who are still targeting Azmaria and now Rosetta using her brother who seems to confuse his sister with his caretaker … a girl named Fiore who might actually be connected with one of Rosette’s companions.

Aion, in the meantime, sends his cohorts after them starting with a puppet master who can manipulate people into doing her bidding. There are more Devils as well and little by little we learn of Chrono’s connection with Aion and his followers. We also witness Joshua’s suffering due to the horns as he finally runs into his sister who he – sadly – does not recognize. In fact, he has little memory of what he did when he obtained his horns that fateful day.

The series has many lighthearted moments scattered throughout with all the comical mischief coming from Rosetta herself. It’s fun to see her goad Satella on or watching Azmaria try to keep up with group’s difficult battles. Half way into the show, the series turns darker and more dramatic as Aion’s plan becomes revealed and finally executed as the truth about the Devils, Apostles and Mary of Magdalene comes to light.

There’s also plenty of action but the real fun of the show are the characters and how they develop throughout the series … particularly Chrono and Rosetta’s relationship that turns into something even more special. That’s why the ending is a genuine tearjerker so I dare anyone to watch final episode without tearing up. On top of that, there are some great performances both in the original Japanese track and the English dub. And those who like a complete package will find exactly that with this set seeing as it comes with some great extras.

The Complete Series of Chrono Crusade has everything you could ask for in a supernatural-themed anime series and there are more than enough reasons you will find yourself totally captivated by its story. Aside from the interesting theme, exciting action and funny moments that turn serious by the end of the series, you have a different kind of love story that shows us that even the darkest of days has its bright moments. This is one series you really should consider checking out right away.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A-
Sister Rosetta and her kind Devil partner, Chrono, are exorcists for the Magdalene Order in 1920s New York City and their job is going to get very dangerous thanks to a Devil named Aion who knows what happened to Rosetta’s brother. Meanwhile, the pair befriends allies in the fight against Aion and his secret plan to use special people known as Apostles to carry out his evil plan involving a Holy figure.

VIDEO QUALITY: B+
The animation might be a bit on the dated side but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything good to look at throughout the entire series. The visual effects, fight sequences and the Devils definitely give us something to look forward to visually.

AUDIO QUALITY: B+
The voice acting in the series is excellent either way you prefer the standout performances by the original Japanese cast or the English dub cast with Hilary Haag and Greg Ayres doing spectacular work voicing Sister Rosetta and Chrono. Then there’s the score that’s superbly cinematic and the opening and closing theme songs are favorites here in the office.

EXTRAS: A
This set includes a number of extras that range from the cleaning opening and closing theme songs but also the original on-air opening for certain episodes as well as two unused never-before-seen openings for Episodes 21-24. There are also a few FUNimation trailers as well. Best yet there are two audio commentary tracks with Episode 1’s track featuring Hilary Haag and Grey Ayres with the ADR Director Matt Greenfield that’s a lot of fun. Then there’s the audio track for Episode featuring Greenfield plus Chris Patton (the voice of Joshua) that’s rather interesting.

Still, the best stuff comes in the form of all seven volumes of Azmaria’s Extra Classes that feature Azmaria lecturing viewers on the era, exorcist weapons, enemies and key figures of importance that relate to the series. It’s worth a view if you’re not familiar with the religious elements or never read the manga series. Plus, Azmaria is pretty darn cute too.

OVERALL: A-
There are a very few anime series out there that that takes religious context and makes it absolutely riveting, comical and thoroughly entertaining but Chrono Crusade manages to do it almost perfectly. Ripe with dramatic moments and great plot twists, the series blends a good sense of humor and plenty of action to make The Complete Series set a Must Have for those who like a different kind of Heaven versus Hell story.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment

Utena, Revolutionary Girl DVD Set 1: Student Council Saga – DVD Review June 13, 2011

Review by: Sophie Stevens

Publisher: RightStuf!/Nozomi Entertainment
MSRP: $49.99 US
Running Time: 300 minutes
Genre: Romance
Rating: 16+
Release Date: Available Now

You’ll be glad that this revolution was televised.

“If we don’t crack the world’s shell, we will die without being born. Smash the world’s shell for the revolution of the world.”

This is a mantra that is repeated often in Utena, Revolutionary Girl’s DVD Set 1 and there’s a deep meaning to it, especially since the ones saying it are the young members of the Student Council looking to bring change to said world. There’s much to love about a series that makes this love story a rare one so we are certainly glad RightStuf/Nozomi brought us the remastered release in this first set that covers the Student Council Saga.

What begins like a fairy tale turns into something else completely as we meet a girl named Utena Tenjou. You see, when Utena was younger, her parents died and her life – naturally – was turned upside down by this tragedy. Then along comes a handsome Prince who told her to be strong and gives her a ring with a rose crest as if it were an engagement ring. However, instead of patiently waiting for her Prince, she is so impressed that she decides to become a Prince herself.

So Utena, now attending High school, wears a man’s uniform and excels in sports to the point that she’s considered a tomboy. Despite that, though, she’s quite popular with other girls including one that sees her as her “boyfriend.” Then, one day, she sees a beautiful dainty girl in a garden who is suddenly slapped by a handsome man with green-hair named Saionji when an equally handsome student named Touga with flowing red hair steps in to defend the girl.

The truth is that Saionji and Touga are part of the Student Council, a group of students who possess rings with rose emblems and follow the orders of something called End of the World. In order to bring the world its much-needed revolution, one of them must be engaged to the Rose Bride … who just so happens to be the beautiful girl from the garden who goes by the name Anthy Himemiya. At the moment, Saionji is to only one engaged to her despite the fact that not everyone on the Student Council likes how he treats her.

As fate would have it, though, Utena finds herself confronting Saionji over another matter and, suddenly, Utena ends up being challenged to a duel with the green-haired young man. The duels, of course, consist of swordplay but, instead of inflicting a mortal injury to win, the condition is to cut the rose off an opponent’s lapel. The fight is a good one but, surprisingly enough, Utena wins. As a result, Anthy becomes her bride and thus begins Utena’s battle against the members of the Student Council.

While Utena does not take the prophecy of the Rose Bride seriously or her “engagement” to the soft-spoken girl whose only friend is a cute mouse she calls Chu-Chu, she comes to enjoy Anthy’s company. This, though, doesn’t stop the others from coming after her, or Saionji who sees his loss as a mere fluke. Now all the members of the Student Council are bad such as Mickey, who has a genuine attraction for Anthy. Then there’s the Student Council President, Touga Kiryuu, who seems more interested in Utena than the Rose Bride.

Unfortunately, Anthy is seen by nearly everyone she meets as something of an annoyance and she’s often slapped around by other girls. One of these girls hates Anthy so much she comically makes attempts to make the girl look bad only to fail miserably. She is Nanami, who also happens to have a big brother complex and, seeing as she’s Touga younger sister, you can bet she’d do anything to impress him.

While she is still searching for her Prince, Utena takes up the role of Prince herself and meets anyone’s challenge such as the elegant fencer named Miss Jury to her rematch with Saionji that turns so deadly that the result of the fight ends in the challenger being expelled from school. Meanwhile, we learn more about the End of the World and Utena realizes that Anthy really is serious about being seen more of an object than a person. Still, this does not stop Utena from fighting for Anthy as she realizes that she needs that girl in her life.

Smartly written, the story just doesn’t shove cool duels in our faces but rather explains the motivations of each of the Student Council members. We learn that Miss Jury was betrayed by a friend and that Mickey much rather play the piano than fight in a duel. There are also plenty of comical moments that mainly revolve around Nanami. Nanami nearly being trampled by different animals is hysterical and watching her brother box a kangaroo to save her is just comedy gold.

The animation is certainly very old school but that doesn’t mean it’s not lovely or interesting to look at in any way. There are some great duels that are punctuated by the same song but it somehow makes you look forward to every duel that occurs. As far as the romance is concerned, Utena and Anthy might not be lovers but there’s a very deep and meaningful connection between these two girls.

Without a doubt, Utena, Revolutionary Girl’s first DVD Set 1 is nothing short of extraordinary and a true achievement for the genre. This is easily one of those series that will win you over very quickly and hold your attention from start to finish. It’s also a meaningful and wonderfully executed series that has all the makes of a true classic. If you’ve never seen Utena before, this set should definitely be on your Must Have list.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A+
In time when things were bad for her, a girl named Utena met a handsome Prince whose words gave her strength and inspired her to act like a Prince herself. In her prestigious school, however, the Student Council is on a mission to obtain the power to revolutionize the world thanks to a girl named Anthy who they call the Rose Bride. Soon, Utena becomes engaged to the Rose Bride and must duel to keep Anthy from falling into the wrong hands.

VIDEO QUALITY: B+
The animation might be on the dated side but that does not stop it from being an artistic visual masterpiece nonetheless. The use of silhouettes is brilliant and works well throughout the series. Then there are the duels that look stylishly cool. RightStuf/Nozomi certainly did a good job with the remastered video because the series looks stunning on DVD.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The original Japanese voice cast does not disappoint in the very least and Tomoko Kawakami, who passed away this June, was truly talented and it shows as she voiced Utena. The English dub isn’t bad at all either and, for some reason, I think Nanami sounds even better in English. Even the score – especially the dueling songs – are awesome and, yes, the new Dolby 5.1 for the Japanese dialogue is even more amazing if you watch this on a good sound system.

EXTRAS: B+
Each disc contains Nozomi trailers but all three contain extras such as the original TV spot for the CD Box Set as well as the DVD Box Set as well as the clean opening and closing theme songs. The third disc contains the “RONDO-Revolution” music video (shot in New York City, no less) and RONDO-Revolution TV Spot.

Utena fans will love the 46-page booklet complete with Key Art Gallery, Director Kunihiko Ikuhara’s thoughts on the creation of the anime as well as comments for each episode. There are also commentaries from the staff on the HD video and audio remastering as well as an article about the manga. It’s great stuff, indeed.

OVERALL: A+
The DVD Set 1 of Utena gives us a series that is irresistibly illuminating and downright brilliant at times and, yes, if you like the genre you will love every second of this. You cannot go wrong with a series that contains exciting duels, a great sense of humor and an interesting romance story so missing out on this one would be a real shame. We definitely cannot wait for the second part to this series.

Review copy provided by RightStuf!/Nozomi Entertainment

Chrome Shelled Regios, Part Two – DVD Review June 11, 2011

Review by: Brenda Gregson

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $64.98 US
Running Time: 300 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV MA
Release Date: Available Now

Sometimes even supermen need help from their friends.

The first part of Chrome Shelled Regios served as a great introduction to an action anime series that was actually a lot of fun to watch thanks to its good action sequences and its delightfully amusing characters. There was more than enough drama to make things interesting as well, but it is Part Two of Chrome Shelled Regios where the series finally takes off in a fitting finale that makes this second half even cooler than the first.

As Layfon Alseif reveals to the members of his 17th Platoon as well as the entire Zuellni Academic city, he was once a talented warrior of the Heaven’s Blade that seems almost super human in comparison to trained soldiers and even the police force. However, he was exiled from his home city of Glendan by the Queen herself, which is why – in the opening episode of Part Two – Layfon’s childhood friend named Leerin Marfes hopes that one day the Queen forgive the young man for his crimes.

However, Layfon has bigger problems when he meets a young man named Haia and his archer companion named Myunfa who are part of the Salinban Mercenary Training group that have come to Zuellni in search of the “Fallen One” … the spirit that Layfon encountered in the abandoned city in Part One. Haia also seems to know about Layfon and the reason he was exiled but more importantly, has a dislike for Layfon that will quickly be revealed.

With an important competition coming up and the fact that he was recruited to participate in an investigation for the municipal police that includes his friend Naruki, Layfon is suddenly joined by Nina in investigating a possible rumor that the leader of the platoon they about to take on in competition is using a drug called Overload that is used to enhance their power. Meanwhile, the 17th’s sniper, Sarnid, decides to stand with his former teammates this once in order to help their leader, Dinn. It is during this match that a “Fallen One” does appear and Haia steps in only to go up against Layfon in an impressive battle that leaves Haia badly injured.

As dramatic as the first few episodes are there are light moments as well as Nina takes her platoon to go to a secluded and peaceful training camp as we find out that Layfon now has Nina among his admirers. However, an accident nearly kills Layfon when he shielded May-shen (who is in love with him) from falling debris but that doesn’t stop the Academy’s President from demanding that Layfon take care of Contaminoid business outside the city. However, Nina and the others are tired of seeing their comrade take on the heavy burden of protecting the city and decide that they will fight side-by-side for now on as a team.

It’s just too bad that Nina finds herself face-to-face with the Fallen One by herself, an unfortunate incident since the powerful spirit suddenly seizes control of the young leader. It is Felli who senses the change after her sudden disappearance and reappearance in a city far from Zuellni.

Meanwhile, Leerin can see that the situation with the Fallen Ones will get out of hand soon so she decides to take a weapon that was crafted for Layfon to her childhood crush herself. She decides to travel with a member of Heaven’s Blade, Savalis, only to end up meeting Nina in a city that suddenly finds itself facing a Fallen One. As fate would have it, Nina and Leerin become friends not knowing that both women know Layfon.

Unfortunately for Nina, the Fallen One within her begins to call in Contaminoids and something even more powerful and – to top it all off – the city of Glendan is starting to move towards Zuellni. Suddenly, both cities battle against the wolf mask intruders that want to secure the power of the Fallen One for their own personal gain. Fighting as a team, Layfon and the others attempt to save Nina and their city in a climactic battle that is downright exhilarating.

Unlike the first part, Part Two is more serious and even more action-packed, which is a good thing seeing as it makes the ending an exciting one. Sure, the lighthearted moments take a backseat to the dramatic moments and action but that doesn’t mean these episodes aren’t without their amusing moments. Leerin suddenly becoming the groper is a hilarious switch and the Felli-Layfon relationship is still a blast to watch.

Part Two of Chrome Shelled Regios makes a slightly bigger impact than the first part to make this an overall likeable action series with much to offer. Never taking itself too seriously, you’ll find yourself caught up in its world and the characters that make up a good story. It also has a good ending so I am certainly recommending this one to anyone who likes an action anime series that’s exciting and entertaining.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
As Layfon is recruited by the municipal police, Leerin becomes aware that Layfon might actually be more special than she imagined and begins her trek to Zuellni to give her childhood crush a special package. Meanwhile, Nina encounters one of the “Fallen Ones” that latches on to her just when the city of Glendan approaches Zuellni and a mercenary challenges Layfon.

VIDEO QUALITY: B+
There is more visual effects in this half of the series and the fighting scenes are even better as Layfon clashes with some impressive foes. Aside from that, the animation isn’t bad at all.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
I have to say that Monica Rial does a great job with Felli that is right up there with the original Japanese Seyuu’s performance. There’s some great voice acting for both sides so whatever your preference you will find good voice acting. The new closing theme song is just even more prettier than the one in Part One.

EXTRAS: C+
Just like the first set, the second disc just contains more FUNimation trailers and the clean opening and closing theme song.

OVERALL: B+
A minor improvement over the first part of the series, Part Two of Chrome Shelled Regios is an even more dramatic and action-packed finale to this highly entertaining action series. A lot happens in this second half of the series and much of it leads up to an ending that doesn’t disappoint in the very least to make this a series worth viewing.

Review copy provided by FUNimation Entertainment