Samurai Girls [Blu-ray]

Samurai Girls is set in the modern day, though an alternative version where Japan still looks and feels very feudal with dynastic powers and Samurai warriors existing alongside a sprinkling of modern technology. A young man called Muneakira finds himself in an all-girl military training academy training and discovers that his kiss can turn a girl into a near-faultless Samurai Goddess - it's a set-up which seems ideal for lots of fan service and childish over-acting over matters of a more mature nature. In fact, that's basically what the series is about.

There's very little plot here, and what little exists is often transparent and clearly there just to get one of the girls in a position to be nude or at least on the verge of it. If I were a teenager I'd probably love the series, but as a 32 year old it often fails to hold my attention. It's still watchable though thanks to the great artwork. There is a lot of digitally created art here, but instead of soulless block colour we get beautiful bold outlining and great shading. Backgrounds look hand painted (whether they are or not!) and sometimes the series employs brief scenes of greyscale or a retro-grainy film effect - these successfully add atmosphere and highlight that you are seeing something relevant but somehow separate to the action. Animation is incredibly smooth and although colours are often muted, they are still crisp and in the brighter scenes they look superb. There is banding at times but nothing distracting.

Breasts and pants fans will love this series. It's not overdone either, it's surprising how skimpy girls can get boring after too much exposure (pardon the pun). This has a childish feel to it at times due to the frequent, bashful sexual references and exaggerated embarrassment when there's such a mention. This is an adult world where the girls will happily fight and battle, but any mention of kissing sees them they blushing and acting offended.

In a nutshell: There's enough story to keep the series moving but not enough to make it compelling, thankfully it's constantly watchable and by the 12th episode it feels as though the series has concluding in a way which is faithful to how it all started. You'll probably find yourself appreciating the quality of the visuals than the depth of the plot.

Hugely excited!!! This is awesome and have already pre-ordered my Blu-ray. Fab action packed anime and plenty of fun! I couldn't decide between Blu-ray or DVD but opted for the former on the grounds it's going to look brilliant in HD.