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Real Bout High School is nothing new. In-fact, it borrows from so many different series, that you wonder if the writers can come up with anything original.

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Real Bout High School

Enter the Samurai Girl

Review by Matthew Anderson

13 Episode TV Series

Company: TOKYOPOP

Running Time:100 Min (4 Episodes)

Region: 1

Rating:PG-13 (Language, Violence, Partial Nudity)

EXTERNAL EXAM

At a private academy called Daimon High School, Ryoko Mitsurigi is considered the best. Why? Simply because she has won every single K-Fight since defeating the previous champion, Shizma Kusanagi (whom Ryoko calls the Red Monkey). From Amateur Ninja's to the Rugby team, Ryoko is unstoppable.

In between fights she trains with Tatsuya, the schools kendo instructor, engages in petty fights with her senior, Azumi Kirabyashi, and deals with the zealous Daisaku, leader of her fan club.All is going well until she finds a mystic jewel. The gem transports her to another dimension where Ryoko ends up fighting monsters. Now, with all these weird things happening around her, can Ryoko keep her champion standing? What are the K-Fights really? And why is Azumi helping her?

Watch out! Samurai Girl is on her way!

DVD VISION TEST

VIDEO: A beautiful looking transfer, TOKYOPOP has done a fantastic job. The colors are perfect, there are no pixels, no wrinkles, no defects.

AUDIO: Good audio mix on both the English and Japanese. With all the fighting on this disc, you can imagine how loud it is. The dialogue is center base, with the music and sound effects hitting you from all sides.

EDITS: Each episode uses the clean open and close animation. No other edits as far as we can tell.

EXTRAS: For the first time, we see some of the promotional material that goes with a TV series here in Japan. They have included the "Special End Corner" series. These are 5 minute, behind the scenes segments hosted by two of the voice actresses. The original TV spots, as well as voice out takes,the translator notes, and a reversible cover make this one packed DVD.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: The series is based off of the manga created by Reiji Saiga and Sora Inoue. However, it is Series Compositor (and writer) Aya Matsui and her group of writers who are giving us this story. Frankly, nothing in the series is new or original, story wise. If you have seen Street Fighter and Battle Athletes Victory, you have seen Real Bout High School.

ACTING: The cast on both versions perform well. But with little chance to really stand out from one another. Despite a group of well know talents from both sides of the Pacific, withscripts this mundane, there are few chances to stretch those acting muscles and shine.

FAN SERVICE: Well there is, and their isn't. It seems they can't make up their mind , so the panty shots come and go with no rhyme or reason. Mind you, the female characters are all very attractive, with nice bodies. Also, check out the babes on the special end corner segments.

Also, keep an eye out for the "K-fight queens" in their "Street Fighter" inspired outfits.

FINAL EXAM

Real Bout High School is nothing new. In-fact, it borrows from so many different series, that you wonder if the writers can come up with anything original.

One example is the K-Fights, which are nothing more than pale imitation (and trimmed down ones at that) of the "exams" in Battle Athletes Victory. There is even an annoying announcer, cheering the contestants on. Or how about Ryoko? Her last name happens to be Mitsurugi, and she starts training at the Hiten shrine. Hiten Misturgi? Me thinks someone's been watching a bit too much Ruroni Kenshin. It is possible that the writer's could have done all of these things as a way to parody anime (as many other series do), but if that is the case their attempts fall flat.

It's a shame that the story is so unoriginal, because the animation is beautiful. Any time Gonzo (Gate Keepers, Blue Sub 6) is a part of the animating process, it looks wonderful. The character designs are attractive, the motion smooth and the style flows freely.

Also, with the great job TOKYOPOP did on this disc, it's a shame to have wasted all the effort on such a mundane release. With a flawless transfer, great sound, and plenty of extras, they take full advantage of the DVD format. And, we have to admit, the video game theme for the menus is quite clever.

So, besides the animation and the DVD, is there anything else to recommend this movie? Actually, this DVD will be very popular with the little chibis (kids). With the near continuous action and broad physical humor, our kids were laughing and cheering throughout all four episodes. They watch it over and over again. However, since there are plenty of panty shots, some green blood and violent battles, it would be a good idea for parents to review the disc first. TOKYOPOP's rating system (another victory for the company) recommends sharing this with viewers aged 13 and up, but you can take it down a notch or do, depending on your house rules.

In the end, Real Bout High School looks and feels like a Play Station RPG/Fighting Game, and has about as much plot. Despite the negatives, adding this disc to your collection isn't a bad thing. The quality of the animation and the wonderful packaging makes it worth keeping around. Pick up a copy of Real Bout High School (or, as my son calls it, Samurai Girl). There are worse ways to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon!

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