
	Format VHS Released in North America by Pioneer Length 85 minutes English Subtitled Version Reviewed
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Tenchi Universe Volume 1

Tenchi Muyo on Earth 1 (TV Series)

tenchi universe review

Tenchi Universe is the TV series edition of Tenchi Muyo!, a completely different take on the OAV series. It is a much more entertaining series that stays true to the original, but the path it takes is a lot more fun. Ayeka and Ryoko are still fighting over Tenchi, Mihoshi is still the biggest ditz ever, Tenchi’s grandfather is still the wise man while his father is as infatuated with the girls as ever, and Tenchi is still stuck in the middle, often walking into situations at the worst possible moment. Some changes to the characters include Sasami who is a little more mature in this series and Ryo-Ohki who, while still the cute little space bunny, has far more human character traits. Tenchi Universe Volume 1 is a hilarious tape and from the beginning shows how much more depth there is to this series in terms of the characters when compared to the OAV episodes.

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This volume largely introduces the characters, with Ryoko and Mihoshi appearing in the first episode as they crash to Earth after a spaceship chase. Ayeka comes in the second episode, answering a distress call put out by Mihoshi, consequently starting the battle for Tenchi. Episode three introduces Sasami, who seems a little older and wiser than she did in the OAV series, while Washu makes her appearance at the end of episode four.

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The character development in this volume is one of its strongest features. While Ryoko and Mihoshi are true to their characters, they’re character traits are far stronger than that of the OAV. Right from the get go Ryoko is ga-ga for Tenchi and her cunning, mischievous demeanor is far stronger here. If you thought Mihoshi couldn’t be any more of a ditz after watching the OAV series, guess again, because she takes it to new levels here. On the other hand Ayeka is less prim and proper in Tenchi Universe and far more open about her feelings for Tenchi, not to mention that she’s far more ready to come to blows with Ryoko here. Between the strong character development and the slapstick humor, this tape is very entertaining to watch.

In terms of visuals and sound these first four episodes are very good. There is a lot of detail put into the environments, from worn out steps, to little touches to the dinner table. What really stands out, and is a steadfast trait of all the Tenchi series, is how well the characters convey their emotions. They are all so animated. Their emotional antics make Tenchi Universe a real roller coaster ride, whether its Mihoshi being sucked into one Ryoko’s stories and balling her eyes out, Tenchi’s father getting all excited because "Tenchi’s becoming a man", or the full range of emotions of Ayeka and Ryoko, it all makes for some excellent fuel to keep the show moving at full speed. Musically the show’s tunes are very much like that of the OAV series, fun loving and quirky (some of the tunes come straight from the OAVs).

If you’re looking for a really fun anime series to check out Tenchi Universe is definitely an option. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Reviewed by Mr. Nash


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