Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Anime Classic, 17 Sep 2007
Tenchi Muyo was first broadcasted in the UK in the late 90's on Cartoon Network, which was one of the few anime series broadcasted on TV at the time. Over the years they showed the spin off series; Tenchi Universe and Tenchi in Toyko and without a trace the legacy known as Tenchi faded away.
However in 2005 MVM released Tenchi Muyo in 3 separate volumes, and then in one hugely awaited mega box set.
So what exactly is so special about this series that has formed several manga series, at least 5 spin off series and countless fanbases?
Tenchi Muyo is centred around a teenage boy named Tenchi Masaki who, at the start of the series is spending his summer with his grandfather, awakens a demon from it's cell when his curiosity gets the better of him and ventures into a dark cave. The demon retaliates her release by attacking Tenchi and blowing up his school, however her awakening triggers unwanted visitors from outer space and Tenchi world is turned upside down!
The series falls under the following categories: sci-fi, comedy, fantasy, action, romance and harem - which is best describe as a series centring on a bloke who's living with tons of women who are in love with him. The best example of this series is `Love Hina', although unlike `Love Hina' (which was released 6 years after Tenchi) the series goes into much more depth and proves to its viewers why so many people have come to love this series.
The Tenchi Muyo OVA was made in the early 90's, despite that the animation is very sleek and easy on the eye, the graphics for the sci-fi moves and weapons (such as teleportation and light sabers) are very well portrayed. Designs of the outfits of the characters, the background and spaceships are really well done, a lot of thought when into them.
The series is never short on comedy with its wacky cast of alien women, perverted adult men, a clueless teenage boy and evil wanted criminals entering Earth's orbit. However the sci-fi elements are combined with various forms of comedy and hinted romance in the works, which proves to work brillantly. The sci-fi themes are well thought out, some nice ideas are planted but are not the main focus, and don't go into much detail.
There are plenty of different types of comedy to go around, from quick witted lines to slapstick to fan service type humour. Romance is in the mix but is not `over the top', (like emotional orchestral music with a passionate kiss), since Tenchi is too clueless to see the women's affections towards him - which is part of the fun!
There are a few intense and highly entertaining `battle' episodes that make this series stand out from many other titles, and the story behind them is solid enough to not classify them as pointless and `just for show'. In fact the battle at the beginning of the 2nd disc is one of my favourite anime episodes of all time!
The other episodes that take a step back from 'outer space' action are light hearted but include character development and plots appealing enough to keep the audience interested and laughing most of the way through. Overall the series is mostly comedy but it's thoughtful rather than common humour of 'guy bumps in woman's breasts and gets bashed into space' kind of routine.
Although all the women are in love with the dim-witted Tenchi, they have different personalities and bring their own little bit into the series. You have the demon awakened in the first episode: Ryoko who is very forward about her infatuation with the boy, quite short tempered and is not afraid to use what powers she has. Then we have Ayeka, a delicate princess from a far-off planet and provides comic moments with the constant fights between her and Ryoko. We also have Sasami, the sister of Princess Ayeka, a ditzy blonde galaxy police officer by the name of Mihoshi and last, but not least, Washu - a red haired scientist who wishes to perform `experiments' on Tenchi...
If customers reading this also saw the series on Cartoon Network a while back, are ought to know that the series shown on TV is different to the version on this box set, the 12 certificate on the box is not a joke. On the Toonami version; the women who often posed nude, the few swear words said plus mentions of the popular Japanese beverage "sake" are cut out - however this box shows the uncut version! Meaning more footage to behold, nudity, some swearing and less `tea' in all it's former glory are seen on this DVD set.
Both the Japanese and English tracks as well as the music score are a pleasure to listen to. The music is very fitting for the tone of the series and you'll find yourself humming to when you're not even watching it! The English voiceovers did a good job at protraying the characters; I had no problems with them when watching them on Cartoon Network and I still don't now. However if you are planning to watch the English dub be prepared for the characters mouths to more for a few seconds with no voices provided. Thankfully thought these aren't as noticeable as I'm making it sound and this problem only lies in the first volume.
The biggest drawback to this box set is, this isn't the complete OVA series. The first part of the OVA series (this box set) was first made in 1992 and finished in 1995, however the 2nd half of the story (available in another box set known as "Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Oki", also available on the Amazon website) was made in 2003, meaning slightly different in tone and animation style. Since both parts of the OVA are licensed by different companies, you are only going to get the first part of this series in this box.
In my opinion this is the best part of the entire Tenchi merchandise, with Tenchi Universe following in 2nd place. But whether you plan to buy both box sets or just this one are up to you, if you decide the latter be prepared for some questions not to be answered.
DVD Extras wise, there isn't much to brag about, apart from an alternative Japanese soundtrack and trailers (which they amusingly named "Propaganda" in the animated menus). However box set does contain this "Mihoshi Special" episode (which was provided on another box set in the US). The "Mihoshi Special" was only broadcasted once on TV in the UK and is not avaliable if you purchase the 3 DVDs separatley.
Whether you're a newbie to anime or a long-term lover you'll find something in this box set. If you're uncomfortable buying a DVD box set that only contains half an anime series, then I recommended purchasing the TV series "Tenchi Universe", which currently is only avaliable in Region 1 format.
UPDATE (08/10/07): Geneon (previously known as Pioneer) have announced in the USA that they are no longer producing anime DVDs, this includes Tenchi, they will go out of production from November and who knows when in the UK - buy while it's still here!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Anime ever, 21 Aug 2007
I instantly fell in love with this series as soon as i saw episode 1. Well to be specific i fell in love with Ryoko cus she's awsome! well if your a Tenchi Fan then u Have to own this. its that essential. YAY!
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