Copyright © Takahashi Rumiko / Shogakukan, Inc.

Featuring twelve of the most hilarious and slickly animated RANMA episodes released in America, this DVD box set brings together the delightful OVA collection from one of the most popular and successful anime series in history. And while these episodes might not be the best introduction to the wacky universe of RANMA 1/2, this well-produced and extremely entertaining set is absolutely essential for any RANMA fan.
If you don't know RANMA, then you probably haven't had much exposure to mainstream anime. In essence, RANMA 1/2 is a comedy, full of romance and martial arts action, where a disturbing number of the main characters have been cursed with shape-shifting abilities that are triggered by cold water. Ranma himself turns into a girl, whereas his friends and rivals mutate into ducks, cats, pigs; even Ranma's father becomes a panda when doused. I should mention that everyone also happens to be a martial artist of some sort, so much of the comedy surrounds the various crushes and combats between all the plentiful characters.
The OAV series follows on the heels of the dozens of television episodes and handful of theatrical movies that came after the original (and absolutely amazing) manga series by Takahashi Rumiko. As such, these episodes take for granted all the complicated interpersonal dynamics developed in these previous incarnations. For example, you really have to know what's wrong with Ryoga in order to get the humor of him frantically running across a lake with Akane in his arms!
Episodes like "Curse of the Contrary Jewel" (about a locket that changes Shampoo's personality from amorous and tender to shrewish and cruel) epitomize the delightful physical and romantic humor that makes RANMA so entertaining. And I must say that "Team Ranma vs. the Legendary Phoenix", where a strange creature attached to Kuno's head makes him invincible, made me laugh so hard I cried. There is even a Christmas episode that manages to bring in almost every single character that ever appeared in the television series and movies.
These episodes also have their sentimental side, of course. One episode deals with Akane's sadness for her departed mother by contrasting it with her inept cooking ability. "The Two Akanes, 'Ranma, Look At Me!'" is rather spooky as Ranma must realize his true feelings for Akane after she is possessed by a demon.
Naturally, as an OVA series, the animation here is of superior quality, with fantastic details, vibrant colors and extremely fast-paced, well-choreographed fight scenes (that might involve anything from hair ribbons to cooking utensils). Deformed and fanciful facial expressions are used to hilarious effect. However, fans of the manga and television series will not be able to help but notice that the female character designs of Nakajima Atsuko are noticeably more, well, well-endowed.
The English dub, scripted by Trish Ledoux and acted by a variety of clearly talented individuals, is simply a joy to listen to. Each character is unique and entertaining, and the actors do a great job matching the craziness on screen with the appropriate emotions. Whether their characters are screaming or crying, laughing or scheming, the English voices create a nearly perfect complement to the original Japanese (which is available as well on the DVD). Another nice touch is that a couple of the opening theme songs are presented in English, and nicely sung at that.
As far as DVD goodies go, the third disk in the set has a few enticing extras. My favorites were the seven music videos, where you can watch the various opening and ending themes without the words of the credits appearing on screen. You will also find character bios, plus sketches and maps of the Tendo residence. Finally, there is a text interview with Takahashi, taken from the pages of ANIMERICA.
If you appreciate humor and action, and you know who's who in the Ranma pantheon, then I'm sure you'll find these episodes as engaging and entertaining as I have. This RANMA OAV box set can touch your heart and tickle your funny bone; all you have to do is put the disks in your DVD player.

Released in North America by Viz Communications, Inc.
DVD, 3 discs, 375 minutes
Subtitled/Dubbed, D-RBS01, $119.98
Available now in the USA
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