Ranma 1/2

Production
Fuji TV, Kitty Film
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Year
1989

Ranma 1/2: Big Trouble In Nekonron, China

By otaku_kei
26th Jul 05

Rumiko Takahashi is one of the anime and manga worlds more prolific creative forces having created such titles as Maison Ikkoku, Inu-Yasha and Ranma 1/2 quite possible her most famous creation. Ranma 1/2 has been one of animes' biggest success stories running as it did for 161 TV episodes between 1988 through till 1992, three movies and an OAV series. This review is of the only Ranma 1/2 anime to get an official UK release the first movie. Now as I'm sure you can appreciate with such a long running show there is a lot of back-story to be taken into account especially for someone new to the franchise as I was, but do not worry this movie just dispenses with any back-story and does not bother to try to accommodate new viewers. Best just to sit down and enjoy the action packed ride!

This release hurtles along at a breakneck pace, never slowing down for character development, or really just explaining the plot. A quick explanation as to why so many of the characters have disturbing transformations when they get wet would have been useful, but that is at least provided by the character profiles in this releases extras. As it is this story just lets the action play out as all the residents form the Tendo family dojo, as well as a bunch of the TV series regulars go off to rescue one of their friends who has been kidnapped. Cue the action, adventure, elephants and trans-gender hilarity. Now this really threw me when I first started to watch this movie - why are so many of the characters metamorphs? Who knows, and really who cares when the movie does not really take itself seriously enough to care. As long as you as the viewer are willing to accept the madcap premise behind the show then I think you'll find a lot to enjoy here.

Now this may well be a deciding factor though for many of you considering on shelling out your hard-earned money - this film is old, and the age shows. Now it carries the age well, but the quality of the animation may be anathema to those for have been raised on a diet of Gonzo studio productions. Also for those wwho may be wanting to get a sample of what Ranma 1/2 is all about this may not be the best starting place for everyone as it does assume quite a lot of prior knowledge about the show. But for those amongst you who wish to get to know a bit of anime history a little better, or for any fan of Rumiko Takahashi's work then this is an essential purchase.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English Language 2.0; Japanese Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Character Profiles; Original Japanese Ending; Concept Art; MVM Trailers

Release information: OUT NOW

Notes: Again a release with no technical problems as MVM (& their DVD authoring partners Madman) provide more quality discs for the UK markets consumption. Both language tracks come through clearly, and no noticable problems with the subtitles. The film is quite old so no surprise to see that reflected in the animation, but this is due to the age of the show not the disc quality. The film is light on extras. Most useful is the character summaries, as these will help anyone who is new to Ranma get a quick taste of the history of the plethora of characters who appear in this film. Otherwise the other extras seem to come pretty much as standard.

-- otaku_kei 26th Jul 05

Ranma 1/2 Images