Suzuka Volume 1 DVD Review

By SmugDude Published: August 22, 2007

PACKAGING AND MENU

7 / 10

In terms of the basic DVD packaging nothing really stands out, but what FUNimation has done a good job of late is including a DVD box with the first DVD release of a series. As a result, buyers of the first disc get a nice keepsake box for storing and displaying the remaining DVD’s when purchased. That said, aside from this one little nugget everything else while nicely done is pretty basic.

FEATURES

5 / 10

Truthfully, this is probably the most disappointing aspect of the DVD as the features were really barebones with the sum total amounting to text-less versions of the opening and closing themes, other trailers, and a “year book” which really was no more than screen shots taken at opportune moments in the DVD. So needless to say for those searching for extra nuggets of animated goodness, this disc really lacks them.

VIDEO

7 / 10

Due in part to the simple storyline the animation isn’t really overly complex, but like the story itself this too is done well and users should not mistake the absence of complex visual sequences for a lack of quality. What’s important to pay attention to, however, is the fact that the animators do a quite skillful job of blending in a few CGI scenes with seemingly more traditional animation. All of which, leads to a very well animated series that does a nice job of not getting in the way of the storytelling.

AUDIO

7 / 10

The audio track is quite high quality and with a solid, but not spectacular Japanese cast and while the English always just sounds odd to me it is definitely more than passable. Though I have to admit the Japanese seiyu for Yamato does a much better job of embodying the awkward humility that is at the Yamato’s core. Separately, the music and background soundtrack while do a good job of enhancing the awkward mood of much of the character interaction. In addition, the opening and closing themes are very well done and while I can’t honestly say they are the best I’ve ever heard will admit I never skipped those tracks because I wanted to hear the themes in their entirety. All in all, a very solid job managing the soundtrack.

CONTENT

9 / 10

Suzuka is set in modern-day Tokyo and from the get go is clearly a boy-meets-girl anime with the opening scene involving our young male protagonist, Yamato Akitsuki, walking by his new high school and marveling at the beauty and grace of a female high-jumper, Suzuka Asahina. Through a convenient twist of fate both characters end up in the same high school class and interestingly enough residents at the same boarding house as neither is originally from Tokyo. Of course, no Japanese Anime would be complete without at least a third-leg to this love triangle, which comes in the very cute form of another female classmate Honoka Sakurai who is the feminine anti-thesis of the outwardly indifferent and jock-like Suzuka. Obviously, hi-jinx and awkward moments ensue as Yamato gets deeper and deeper into this love triangle, but unlike a lot of other shows that pollute this innocent story line with big robots or magical characters Suzuka stays true to this very simple story that it tells very well. All of which, make this a bit of fresh air in the crowded world of anime that at times can resemble more of a DVD-based choose-your-own adventure novel.

That said, the strength of this series is how the characters are both introduced and grown from the first episode. In this case, the characters interactions are centered on the somewhat common romantic triangle theme. At the center of the triangle are Yamato, Suzuka, and Honoka. Yamato is enamored with Suzuka, Suzuka gives Yamato tons of mixed signals, and Honoka is very obviously interested in Yamato (though its clear Yamato doesn’t really get it). Beyond this core group is Yasunobu Hattori who is the resident playboy and confidant of the social awkward Yamato and while not core to the story his actions and advice do a lot to advance the story. That said, it’s a little early to really comment on where I think all of this will lead as after only 5-episodes the best that can be said is that I’m engaged and identify with the characters and have enjoy the process by which they were introduced.

OVERALL

8 / 10

On first glance, Suzuka appeared to be some sort of sports based anime, but once you actually open the case and being watching it you realize that its really a high school-based romantic comedy. However, unlike a lot of other romantic comedy pieces Suzuka makes no attempt at being some sort of cross-genre hybrid. So for fans of big robots, super hero characters, or magical fantasy worlds you’ll really have to look elsewhere for your fix. As a result, instead of relying on gimmicks Suzuka does exactly what most romantic comedies are afraid to do; sell itself solely on the merits of its characters and its character development. Both of which, I feel it did a good job of and what’s most important with the first DVD in a series – it hooks you by creating endearing characters that people can identify with and hinting at how they could grow in the coming episodes. All of which, definitely has me anxious to see the next disc and the rest of the story. As a result, it’s a true must watch for fans of the romantic comedy genre – especially those who enjoy a more serious drama that’s free from some of the campy antics and hysterics that sometimes over-power good storylines.