The first broadcast series may be the silliest--and funniest--entry in the Tenchi Muyo! franchise. The first four episodes set up the familiar situation of six women from outer space living at the Masaki family shrine in ... more »previously peaceful rural Japan. In this version, the outrageous space pirate Ryoko arrives first, hotly pursued by bubble-brained Galactic Police Officer Mihoshi. After their ships crash in a nearby lake, Mihoshi sends out an SOS that reaches Jurai Princess Ayeka, who goes to investigate, followed by her little sister, Sasami. When Tenchi's grandfather explains that the shrine was built 700 years ago to imprison a goblin, Ryoko can't resist investigating. She and Ayeka get into yet another brawl over Tenchi and inadvertently release the goblin, who turns out to be the eccentric scientific genius Wasshu. She gleefully adds to the complications and, as Tenchi says in a rare understatement, life is soon "like a carnival." The artists play the story for laughs and deliver. After the grimly serious battles in so many mecha films, it's a hilarious change to see an attack robot slip on a soda can, fall, and flail about like a turtle on its back. Rated for ages 13 and up, but suitable for slightly younger viewers; some sexual innuendoes. --Charles Solomon« less
"Tenchi Universe is a complete retelling of the OVA series, only with a few story changes, new twists, new adventures, and of course, new characters. The first new twist is the introduction of Ryoko and Mihoshi. Ryoko being found injured on the road under a tree by Tenchi, instead of in the cave as in the OVA series. Mihoshi appearing a lot sooner, trying to arrest Ryoko. At least the original characters haven't changed. Mihosho is still a ditzy, clumsy galazy police detective. Whose in the cave this time around? You'll just have to watch and find out. Charcter designs are the same as the OVA, but the animation is well ahead. Humour abounds, as does the action. You won't believe half the stuff that they get themselves into. A tremendous series."
Tenchi rules!
Heather Rembiesa | 08/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really like watching Tenchi Universe, so I bought this DVD at a local Suncoast Pictures Store. Its a bit pricy(I got it for $30), but still highly enjoyble! It's suggested 13 years of age and up rating is highly deservable, because Ryoko swears 3 times(4, actually, because if you turn on subtitles they make a mistake in Episode 3, because Ryoko says "Witch" and the subtitles say the bad word that ryhmes with witch), and they have sexual comments alot(they're funny for the people who get it). If you want to get into the Tenchi saga, I highly recommend this DVD because it contains the first four episodes, and in the extra features it has a charecter description and some video clips of the person as well. Pioneer doesn't bother to list the extra features, so I'll mention them here: Opening with no credits, closing with no credits, Charecter Description and something else(I can't remember what it was...), plus an option to view in english or japanese, with subtitles or no subtitles). All in all, I say get this DVD if you are a Tenchi fan, or an anime fan!"
Good enough DVD - but the OVA is superior
m.a.r.i.l.y.n | East Coast, USA | 07/02/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Tenchi saga retold, this series was made for broadcast television, and sadly, it shows. The animation is more limited than in the original OVAs, and the character coloring, while technically correct, seems too "Saturday Morning-ish". With 7 more volumes to go, the OAV is a much better investment. However, this DVD does have its perks. The finger puppets included with the video are useless, but just the kind of kawaii(cute) extras otaku(fans) drool for. Also, like other Tenchi DVD's, this one contains lots of pencil sketches and the openings/endings sans credits. And if you're a Washu fan, take heart. She shows up by the 4th episode! ^_^"
TV vs. OAV
Heather Rembiesa | 07/01/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'll rate that the DVD itself was pretty good (although it didn't have much in the way of special features). The color and sharpness are stunning; just as they should be on a good DVD, and the sound is a clear advancement from the VHS version of Tenchi Universe. However, fans of Tenchi Muyo looking for a story just as great as the "legendary" OAV aren't in for much when it comes to this Tenchi TV series. The stories are not nearly as in-depth as the OAV, and the characters are hardly developed. Many of the plotlines are toned-down, perhaps to suit a younger audience for easier understanding. However, the series is still worthwhile to see for any Tenchi fan. And for those of you who have seen Tenchi Muyo only on its Cartoon Network debut-- I HIGHLY recommend that you purchase Tenchi Muyo, both the TV and OAV series -- as they were originally meant to be; before all the dubbing and extreme editting."
Much Better Than the OAVs.....
Heather Rembiesa | 11/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this has got to be the best tenchi serious out there... it's highly enjoyable...in my opinion much more enjoyable than the OAV series. it's suited for younger audiences so much more people can check this series out and see what the whole craze is all about. cartoon network killed tenchi universe on toonami, and it's time that fans should go and check out the series as it was meant to be seen. the characters have more depth and are able to be developed into much more than they ever could be in the OAVs. as the series progresses, true feelings and sincere moments are let out in the open and the romantic scenes are executed with such taste. although at the end of the series, tenchi seems to make it clear enough and "chooses" the female that has always been in his heart, it pisses me off a bit that it isn't made definate. but don't get me wrong, the ending is beautiful and one of the most truely touching endings in all of anime, and if u didn't already figure out halfway through the series that this particular woman was the one he loved all along... u're a bigger airhead than mihoshi... and the ending is only fitting and a cute match between the female and tenchi i have to say...kawaii all the way..."