PREQUEL
In the first Tenchi Muyo, we meet our hero as a simply curious boy, and by accident or fate he unleashes a demon protected by his ancestor and a magical sword for many years. Like a cat, Tenchi often tests fate by getting into everything, and the guy’s got to have nine lives because he frequently escapes the clutches of this foe.
THE STORY
In this chapter we are introduced to a sibling who later connects the story back to Tenchi though rage and quick assumptions. Misao, brother of Mihoshi, is a very protective sibling. After a hearing several messages from his sister about our beloved Tenchi, Misao goes ballistic and conjures up a plan that will bring destruction to not only Tenchi, but possibly planet earth. Upon embarking on this mission we discover that Mihoshi has a secret lover that exposes herself when death gets close in a battle. Misao is no match for Mihoshi and the crew, they easily capture the rebels and in no time the misunderstanding is cleared up. There’s never a break for our friend Tenchi though, as he is destined for battle. Equipped with Light Hawk wings he is encountered by a powerful foe. He calls himself the warrior “Z”, because his real name, a string of numbers is much to long. “Z” is devastatingly powerful and is capable of blowing apart planets and moons with seemingly little effort. It becomes so intense that Tenchi is able to use matter conversion and yet these magnificent powers seem to have little effect against the powerfully evil “Z”. There is a strong build up in the battle risking to threaten other dimensions, making this a somewhat engaging show. There are even times when Tenchi travels outside of or through dimensions and the representation of this is very clever, making such a concept tangible for even a young child. Some “hyper-dimensional beings” step in to deal with the situation, as there are very few people who can create light hawk wings, and contain so much power. These beings are capable of “creating infinitely linked universes” and quickly postpone the battle to prevent the possible end of several universes. They hope to restore harmony to an otherwise chaotic world. The light hawk wing capabilities are necessary to create this harmony they are seeking and so far the only people who can do this are Tenchi and Z. I won’t tell you the outcome of the battle, as you’ll have to see for yourself. Each episode goes really in depth with old and new characters flashing back and forth from past to present. This series deals greatly with the space-time continuum so it is important to pay attention, as the dialogue can sometimes get technical. I still found it relatively easy to track, but the last episode really get into things, which is nice. If you liked the first Tenchi Muyo, you’ll love this one.
PRESENTATION-Creative and diverse
This anime is full of creative characters from outer space! They range in body type from catlike to goddess, and hairstyles from green spikes to pink pigtails. Using the minimalist approach some frames single out the character and the background is almost removed. Still yet other images take us to outer space and show the earth blow apart with water running over the edges of magma, it is a sight to see. The changing compositions make this an intriguing series. There are even moments when grey scale and color meet like a scene from wizard of Oz, we are carried to many wonderful and enchanted planets and thrilling scenarios.
EXTRAS-lots of them, and fun times in Japanlt;/span>
As for the DVD itself, it comes with a little insert informing us of all the upcoming shows and has clip art from each featured attraction such as Full Metal panic and other Funimation hits. The extras from the menu include:
THE REAL TENCHI TOUR: Part 1-here we see sites where artists based there ideas and art work from actual locations. It’s interesting and a good informant if you haven’t seen the first series. We are taken a long on a hike though parts of Japan and it’s exciting to see the place if you can’t afford a ticket, it’s a great way to take a hike from your home.
THE REAL TENCHI TOUR: Part 2- Filled with more history of Japan and the show this is a continuation of some great sight seeing we can do here in the U.S.
JAPANESE TV SPOTS: this is just an add from Japan for the Third DVD
LOVELY COOKIN MUSIC VIDEO: This is a tour of the music studio as well as a song from the show sung in English
TRAILERS: These include; Funimation Channel, Baki the Grappler, Spiral, Case Closed, Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Ohki, Dragon Ball Z, Gunslinger Girl, Full Metal Alchemist and Z-Store.
OVERALL-Amazing as Usual
This is one anime that got its name out on the streets a while ago because so many people loved it. I found myself inclined to check it out, and I was glad I did. With an involved plot that discusses dimensions and space-time continuum as well as psychotic bothers that are overly protective and adorable cuddly catlike creatures, what’s not to love? This DVD is comedic, informative, and has some great battle scenes.
Overall: 8.0