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SUMMARY

Kawai Sasami is just an average grade 4 student. That is until she’s asked by the prospective Queen of Juraihelm, Tsunami, to help restore world peace by transforming into the Magical Girl Pretty Sammy. However, things are afoot in the magical kingdom of Juraihelm. Tsunami’s rival, Ramia, aspires to the throne of Juraihelm as well, and plots to squash Pretty Sammy at every opportunity with the help of the evil Magical Girl Pixy Misa.

Can Pretty Sammy save the world and still pass her school exams? With the help of her mystical partner Ryo-okii, she’ll do her best.

DVD VISION TEST

VIDEO: The overall quality of the animation is outstanding for a television series. Good lines and vibrant colors grace every scene. No color bleeds or pixelation were noted over the 26 episodes.

AUDIO: This anime is presented in Japanese only with English subtitles. The background music and image songs are well done, and convey the spirit of the show effectively. The audio as a whole is finely balanced throughout, and the sound effects compliment the visuals perfectly. The subtitle translations are very good, with only slight westernization of some phrases.

EDITS: This is the only release aside from the television airing, which I’ve not seen.

EXTRAS: Each volume has a mini shitajiki (pencil board) and full color artwork on the case, along with an art gallery; however, the artwork reminds me of good fan art versus studio production. The real gems are the Omake Theater videos, and an included "Pretty Sammy the Movie" trailer (no there’s no movie coming out!). Clean opening and closing titles round out the extras.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: An outstanding production, which incorporates drama, tragedy, mystery and fulfillment with lighthearted comedy, Magical Project S should entertain fans of the Tenchi Muyo series as well as first time viewers. From Sasami and Misao’s struggles to overcome their personal fears, to the vindictive and selfish actions of Romio, this fairly typical maho shojo (magical girl) anime touches upon everyday life situations with which everyone can identify. Japanese culture, history, and folklore add even more to the well-written story. The inside jokes and anime references in the closing episodes push the enjoyment level to 120%!

ACTING: The seiyuu (voice actors) are all re-cast in their original Tenchi Muyo roles. Some names have been changed, such as Aeka (Takada Yumi) playing the role of Romio, and Ryoko (Orisaka Ai) as Oryo with the others appearing in cameo roles. All the voices match their characters, with the exception of Washuu (Kobayashi Yuko) who does sound like an adult genius and not a young girl of 12. But hey, she is a genius after all. The highlight for me is Yokoyama Chisa in her roles of Kawai Sasami/Pretty Sammy and Tsunami and Kasahara Rumi in her roles of Amano Misao and Pixy Misa. These women have wide range, wonderfully expressive voices, and really bring these characters to life. The returning main characters of Tenchi all maintain their original character. The supporting characters’ seiyuu do a fine job as well portraying the various typical school children we have all encountered growing up.

FAN SERVICE: I personally feel that "fan service", as Katsuragi Misato says, is information for the fans about the series, not ecchi content. The series does well in introducing characters and background information in a concise and flowing manner, with the exception of Kawai Ginji, Sasami’s mysterious father. What does he do for a living? There is no real ecchi content, except for some cherub nudity (of course Cupid never wore clothes) and a few bath scenes with Sasami, which are more insight into Japanese society than ecchi content.

CONCLUSION

As I sit back and recount the almost 11 hours of Magical Project S, I have had a few realizations.  Foremost is regarding the outstanding direction of Akiyama Katsuhito (Bubble Gum Crisis) and the 100% cell animation production work of AIC (also Bubble Gum Crisis). I almost felt like I was watching a film instead of anime due to the life-like little motions of everyone.  Even the secondary characters were graced with emotion and personality.  Each second of the series is well thought out, and nothing is wasted.  Transformation sequences are short compared to a lot of anime, and the “dead silence” shots are just the right length to be very funny. Akiyama-san had a great vision for this story, and AIC delivered in full. 

The writing also deserves mention. One great aspect of the series, as with Tenchi Muyo, is the incorporation of Japanese history and society into the show. Some of this may be lost on the western viewer, so I’ll mention one of my favorite examples. Masaki Katsuhito (Tenchi’s grandfather), and Yosyo (Aeka’s brother), play characters who’s surname is Hagakure.  They are ninja living in a western (US old west) village. The Hagakures resist the efforts of Jigoku Oni, played by Masaki Nobuyuki (Tenchi’s father), to buy out their home, thereby completely transforming the old Japanese town into a western amusement town.  What many may not grasp, is that there was a book written in the 17^th century by Yamamoto Tsunenori titled “Hagakure”. Hagakure is translated as either “hidden leaves” or “falling leaves” and deals with Yamamoto’s view of the decline of Bushido values in society.  Also, the name Jigoku Oni is translated “Ogre Hell”.  Additionally, the guide to strategy written by Miyomoto Musashi, “Go Rin No Sho” (A Book of Five Rings), was penned to his student Teruo Nobuyuki.  Nobuyuki is taught again the values and strength of Bushido, this time by Hagakure.  Yes, the episode “East vs. West” is much more than just ninja versus cowboys. 

The latter episodes incorporate many references to other anime shows and will have you in stitches.  That is, if you’re fairly well rounded in anime.  If you see a person with a facial scar, cloak, and skull and crossbones, and say “who’s that?” sadly, you’ll not understand one of Pixy Misa’s greatest entrances. And for all you Evangelion fans, you’re not left out either, “She’s got an M field!” If you don’t get that one either, treat yourself to some Eva too!  Also, as one who has watched the first, and I mean original, sentai ranger series, the “Cool Blue-sky Rangers” appearances had me ready to pose too! 

Now, what I really enjoyed most in this series is the development of the two main characters Kawai Sasami and Amano Misao.  Sasami is at first unwilling to be Pretty Sammy, although, when confronted by evil or forced to protect those around her, Sasami’s resolute character shines. Misao’s personal struggles and the efforts of Pixy Misa are central to the show (of course), but more so than just as the antagonist.  Misao is shy, unsure of herself, and lonely.  All she seems to have is her best friend Sasami.  And with Sasami’s help, Misao is able to define herself, and overcome the jealousy and loneliness in her heart. Some of the best episodes of the series revolve around Sasami and Misao, and they may make you forget this is a comedy. The climax of their struggle may even bring a tear to your eye.  If you’re not moved emotionally by the end of episode 20, you’re probably a voomer. (Note that the Japanese pronounce V’s as B’s)

What didn’t I like about this series?   I didn’t like Washuu cast as a child, and her singing!  But I’m of the opinion that her bad singing and even worse guitar playing is just another inside joke on western culture, just like her appearances in “High Plains Drifter” garb. Notice I’m not complaining about the love triangles and unrequited love?  Thankfully, what small part these staples of shojo anime do play in Magical Project S is reserved for supporting characters.

As a whole, the meticulous production quality, excellent writing, and outstanding acting raise Magical Project S beyond any shojo anime I’ve seen.  It has something for any anime fan: cute girls, magical battles, monsters, ninja, giant mecha, space battles, and even lethal karaoke!  For fans of Tenchi Muyo, this is a “must add” to your collection.  If you enjoy humorous yet dramatic anime, and don’t mind cute girls in skirts, this is one you should definitely rent.  You just might realize you’re the 1,100,001,103^rd fan.  

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