Customer Reviews

Ranma 1/2 - OAV Series, Episodes 1-12

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1995, I took a job grading standardized tests while working on my degree. My first assignment was grading essays written by 11th graders in Oklahoma. And while many of the essays were dreadfully composed, one student in particular wrote an excellent essay on Japanese Anime. At that time, I had searched for animation that matched the humor, edge, and wit of the classic Warner Brothers' cartoons, and had met with little success. In this essay I graded, this student used Ranma ½ to illustrate the best characteristics of Anime - bilingual puns, hilarious situations, and subjects that certainly would not qualify as politically correct. Shortly after the essay, I sampled many of the various Anime and Manga distributed by VIZ, and to my disappointment, found much of this genre poorly written and poorly animated.

I found Ranma ½, however, an exception to the mediocrity that plagues so much Anime and American animation today. And in my opinion, this collection of stories is of better quality than the television series or feature-length movies. Without exception, the animation of the OAV series surpasses that of the television series and compares favorably with the two theatrical releases. I also find that the pacing of the OAV episodes is better than both theatrical releases. In the OAV series, the timing of the gags is impeccable, the characters are well developed, and the satire, while sometimes gentle, is often razor sharp. And if you investigate the stories more closely, you will find that Rumiko Takahashi has a knack for retelling Japanese myths and legends in hilarious ways, often turning your every expectation on its head (Reawakening Memories, Hell Hath No Fury, and One Grew Over the Kuno's Nest). And, when you compare the quality, length, and cost of the OAV series on DVD to that of the movies, the OAV series is the one to buy.

Finally, should the student who introduced me to this amazing series read this review, thank you.

If you are buting this DVD set it means you actually know Ranma's history, so I'm reviewing just the DVD presentation. The case is very original, all three DVDs come together, the box unfolds and shows the DVDs. It has a space for a booklet, but there is only a sheet with the episodes list, I think they should make a booklet or something. The DVD menus are fine, easy to use, maybe more colors in the menus were needed, but it's ok. The last DVD has all the op. and ending from the original japansese edition without credits, so, you get the RANMA DOCO LD for free. It has the transcription of the Animericca interview to Rumiko Takahashi, and other goodies. The subtitles are just too yellow for my taste, but you get used to them. By the other side, the subtitles are very close to the original japanese meaning. For example, in An Akane to Remember (OVA Special) Ranma says in english (dub): "There's something you don't know: Akane is mine!", but in japanese he actually said something different... and the subtitles are according to that. So, I suggest you to buy this DVDs if you are a Ranma fan, the price is just great, and you'll be very happy with them.

Well, since Ranma is an older series and most likely anyone buying the dvd set will probably know the general plot to Ranma, I won't go into a synopsis on the OAV series in this set. I'll comment instead on the presentation. First off, the box is encased in a plastic see-thru slip cover ala Fushigi Yuugi. It even opens up ala Fushigi Yuugi. There are pictues of Ranma, Genma, Shampoo, Moose, and Ranma's mom?(Or Akane's) in the inside covers. The disc hub is unfortunately that ungiving, unmoving hard hub that feels like you can split a disc while removing them. Be careful with the discs while doing so. Also, included in a side pocket to the sleeve is a sheet detailing the episodes in order along with a general synopsis of the story. Picture quality in this set is great. Crystal clear although I did find one minor picture glitch in my first disc. Subtitles are done in yellow with black background which is a bit harsh on the eyes. The subtitles also seem to shimmer a bit. I find it's a little bit annoying, but liveable. Still, despite some minor quips, the set is worth its price if you're a Ranma fan.

I'd heard a lot about this series in the past, but I'd never actually watched it until purchasing this box set. First impressions............Slightly odd, slightly twisted. Martial arts, combat, romance and characters who change into different things when splashed with cold water, Ranma changes from a dark haired boy, into a busty red headed girl, and back again with hot water, this is definitely not a boring story. Differing from the excellent Tenchi OVA set, this story of Ranma doesn't start at what can be called the beginning, and at first this caused some confusion. However watching some of the extras on the three discs, the story explains itself. Suddenly from initially being slightly strange, with gender bending characters, the story has now become addictive. I've now watched this set several times, and it keeps getting better. The presentation and picture quality are excellent, equalling that of the Tenchi box set. All in all this is an excellent package in presentation, story and content. If you enjoy the Tenchi Muyo series, Ranma is a must for your collection. If like me you haven't seen any Ranma episodes before, this set is a great introduction, and although it may seem strange at first, it is highly addictive and very enjoyable, it's a purchase you won't regret.

If you want an introduction to Ranma, this set is not good for you. If you loved the tv seasons and manga, you just found the spot. This dvd contains 12 episodes (OAV) that means they are not part od the tv series, but aditional standalone chapters. In fact, they are 10 complete stories, because the second dvd has two stories of two episodes each, but believe me, they are the best ones.
Excelent quality, in japanese and english versions, but you'll prefer japanese with subtitles. Also, each AOV has its own opening and closing songs, but they were replaced on each disc by the ones dubbed to english. The good news is that all the original songs were placed in the last disc, without the anoying credits!!!. Those are the DOCO songs, the group of voice actresses of the serie. Some of the best songs from Ranma. If you have the cds (DOCO first, DOCO second or DOCO Karaoke), now you'll have the videos!!!!
Enjoy it.

Technical:
This Boxed set features 12 OAV episodes.
This set of 3 DVDs were mastered well and shows off the high quality animation. There are very little compression artifacts. I had to look hard to find one. The sound is Dolby Digital 2.0 in Japanese and English (although the English version sound like the bass should be turned down a notch).

Story:
This set was not intended for newcomers to the Ranma ½ world. There is very little to no character introduction in this DVD set. For those looking to see the Ranma series from the beginning, take a look at "Ranma 1/2 Digital Dojo - The Complete First Season Boxed Set."
The first episode starts right off with a zany comical love triangle between Ranma, Akane, and Shampoo. But that's the way most of these episodes are: A zany wacky comical love triangle.

Ranma:
The Ranma ½ series is a story about a boy who is training at the "Anything goes Dojo of Martial Arts." A while ago, Ranma's father took him on a quest to train when they "fell" into a curse. Now Ranma, his father, and other characters is this series have to be careful around water. The curse turns Ranma into a girl when he is soaked with cold water. Yes, he actually morphs into a girl, his father turn into a Panda bear! Warm water turns them back to normal, but you can guess how a boy turning into a girl can create some "interesting" situations.
The real story is centered on how Ranma and his fiancé, Akane (don't) get along. Their problem is that they both love each other, but they're just to stuck-up and arrogant to admit it. Throw in three other women who are trying to steal Ranma's heart, and other men who are trying to steal Akane's and you have a real winner!
This is a lighthearted romantic comedy that I think everyone will enjoy.
Not for little kids though, slight language and brief nudity.

Ranma 1/2 is a highly popular ramantic martial arts comedy. Gender roles, food and splashing water are the basis for physical comedy; while the fact that Ranma has multiple fiancees (Akane, Shampoo, ...) provides the basis for romantic comedy.

I've seen more than a few Ranma episodes/movies, and this OVA series easily reigns supreme. In contrast to other Ranma stuff, this series provides deeper insight into the Ranma and Akane characters. Without viewing this series, you won't know who they really are.

As expected of an OVA, the quality of animation was great. However, the "Love Panic" theme song was a special delight. Juxtaposition of the Japanese and English tracks reveals a rare bi-lingual synergy. Credits free "Music Video" version is in a bonus track.

The "Desperately Seeking Shampoo" episode is my all-time favorite. The true feelings of Shampoo, Akane and Ranma are revealed. If you're not into the Shampoo character, you probably will be after seeing this one. ^-^

Exceptional cuteness was in the "Japanese Doll" episode. I also noticed special extra cuteness in the box set enclosure with comic images hidden under the DVD disks and on the plastic protective sleave.

This is a must for any Ranma 1/2 fan and also for those who collect "best of class" anime.

This DVD set is a great compilation of the Ranma OVA series, with the obvious added benefits of DVD media

Although these are original anime stories, regular Ranma fans will realises that many of these stories could easily have been included in the TV series and could be argued that the quality of the some of the stories are not worthy of OVA treatment. There are a few stories which are a bit 'special', but none have the predictable story line of Ranma and friends running to save Akane from trouble, or any random acts of chaos around the neighbourhood in an attempt to introduce the audience to the characters. The stories are variety, some have plenty of action, others with less action, and more focused on the characters realtionships

The art of the DVD is excellent, however this can also be said of some of the later Ranma TV series as well. The only real difference is the length of each epsiode, which runs for a 30 mins (incl credits). The voice acting by Viz is done well, and this includes good lip synching (which is why sometimes does not match the subtitles, but the context remains the same)

The DVD contains standard scene selections, choice of two audible languages and english subtitles. Extra features are only included on the third disc, which include some sketches of the Tendou household, character summaries, some short music videos, and an interview with Takahashi Rumiko (creator). The DVDs are strictly region 1 NTSC encoding, so it would pay to check out compatibility with your DVD player.

I enjoyed the variety of stories in this set. You can get tired of the same old story in Ranma for too long, and I certainly enjoyed this far more than the Ranma movies.

If you buy this thinking you'll start at the begining . . . you might be pretty dissapionted. All the episodes here are based on stories in the later Ranma 1/2 manga(comic books).It starts around book 20 and I'm still seeing the stories in book 30 (Japanese books, the Viz graphics versions are in the same order but they seem to put 1&1/2 Japanese manga into one of their graphic novels.) They seem to keep the same continuity as the books mostly, so if you're a solid Ranma 1/2 fan you'll be happy.
The film quality is pretty good and the stories they chose seemed to work on film.
Some of the stories are Shampoo & the Contrary Brooch,Tendo X-mas Scramble,The Tunnel of ... Broken ... Love, The Two Akanes plus more.
Tanoshima!

I haven't really seen much of Ranma 1/2 the series since they don't show it on TV and I don't like spending too much money for a VHS with just a couple of episodes in it. I HAVE read a few volumes of the manga though, so I'm somewhat familiar with the characters that appear in the OVA. I love the manga, with its humor and crazy stories (and fighting styles).

There were really great episodes, some not so great, but I guarantee you, you'll get at least a few laughs at each one of the stories. This is a must-have for Ranma 1/2 fans. I recommend this also to other people who like comedy anime. I guess that people who aren't familiar with the series can enjoy the OAV, but I STRONGLY suggest to at least familiarize yourself to the story and the characters to get the most out of the DVD set. I also like the extras that came along with the third disk :) Oh yeah, watch the english-subtitled, Japanese audio version for those who don't really understand the language (like me), the voice acting is much much better (of course) than the English version, you get more emotion in the Japanese version.

Overall, this is a really good buy for Ranma 1/2 and anime fans.