Witch Hunter Robin

Arrival

Review by Matthew Anderson

26 Episode TV series

Company: Bandai Entertainment

Running Time: 125 minutes (5 episodes)

Region: 1

Rated: PG-13 (Violence, subject matter and mild language)

EXTERNAL EXAM

In Japan, a secret war is being waged between humans and witches.

On the side of the humans is the Japan branch of the STNJ, run by Takuma Zaizen. At his command is an elite strike team, lead by the enigmatic Amon. Each member has a special ability that comes in handy during some very tight situations.

All across Japan, the number of attacks by witches are increasing. Apparently, a witches power is passed down familial lines, so who knows how many people have this dormant gene.

However, the STNJ has a secret weapon. A "magic user" named Robin. Trained by the Church, possessing awesome pyrokenetic powers, and with a knowledge of the dark arts, she can succeed where her others have failed.

However, Amon and the rest of the STNJ are not very happy with having a witch on the team. The fact that she has a slight problem with her aim doesn't help matters either. Can Robin earn the respect of her peers before she is dismissed from the team?

DVD VISION TEST

VIDEO: Great video quality. There are no pixels, color bleeds or rainbows to be found. There is a little edge enhancement, but it's not that noticeable.

AUDIO: The Japanese and English 2.0 audio is the same. Both are fairly well mixed, with some interesting surround sound elements. While not very aggressive, it will not disappoint those who like their sound crisp and clean.

EDITS: None. Everything is exactly the way you would see it in Japan. Bandai has the right idea.

EXTRAS: We have the text less open and close, STNJ Personnel Files, Liner notes, and a reversible cover.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: It's not quite what I expected. Another great concept idea from Hajime Yatate, Witch Hunter Robin combines teen drama with cool action. Chief Writer Aya Yoshinaga and the "Robin" staff has given us an very entertaining series.

ACTING: I am quite pleased with the voice acting on both the English and the Japanese cast. I think that Crispin Freeman is perfect as the rather droll Amon, and Kari Walgren soft voice is a good match for Robin. If you don't listen, you might miss Johnny Young Bosch. I couldn't tell that it was him until I read the liner notes.

I do like Akeno Watanabe's voice for Robin. Her vocal tones are similar to the talented Norika Fujiwara, and it's very soothing to the ears. With the "effeminate" tone of the male characters, combined with the bishonen character design, this should make some of you ladies swoon.

FAN SERVICE: A couple of tantalizing glimpse at Robin. We know that she sleeps with her hair down, and naked. As this is an original series, there is no manga to refer to.

FINAL EXAM

Welcome to London, Japan.

Okay, I am being facetious, but in many ways, Witch Hunter Robin would fit right in the city of London. The Tokyo shown here is very gothic, with Victorian looking buildings, trendy Nuevo clubs, and a bunch of men (and women) in London Fog trench coats.

This is the world of those who hunt witches. Like the "Hellsing" organization, the STNJ is ready to purge this peril from our day. They use this mystical goo called "Orbo" to deflect a witches power, and then use orbo bullets to paralyze their "targets". Typical with the pacifist Japanese, they view capture as a more humane way to deal with this problem. Despite being a witch herself, Robin has been trained in the old ways, which means to stop a witch you have to kill a witch. I am sure the writers have a sense of irony, since Robin's power is the ability to burn witches.

The writers are very much on the same page, with each episode similar in tone and pacing. They also seem to have embraced the current trend of "character driven" shows like "Smallville" and Charmed. Each character is an individual, with a complex and interesting history, of which we only get little snippets. There are some obvious plot threads started here, most noticeably in episode 5. I will be interested to see if "Single eye" will return. They are either setting him up to be a major player, or a "one that got away" character.

I like the look of the series. From the Goth uniforms of the STNJ to the cool Orbo guns, this series is "visually appealing". The only thing I don't like is the bizarre ponytails Robin wears. She looks better with her hair down.

For the first time, someone uses the subdued color pallet of computer aided animation to great effect. The dark browns, blacks and grays that made "Risky Safety" rather drab, help emphasize the very Gothic trappings of Robin's world. I guess it's not the color that is the problem, it's how well the animators use it.

This volume is not really worthy of the Platinum Edition name. The extras are typical for a Bandai release. Perhaps vol 2 will be better.

"Witch Hunter Robin" is a very well done series. With interesting characters, quality animation, and excellent acting, you won't go wrong with this show.

Quick word of advice. Be careful of who you annoy. They could be a real witch.

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