Anime Reviews (The '90s): Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection (a Neo-Tokyo 2099 Anime on Blu-ray Disc Review)

This set is magnificent. You get nearly all the “Ranma 1/2” OVA’s and the three films collected in one set, in high definition and for a great price. If you are a “Ranma 1/2” fan, the “Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” is recommended!

TITLE: Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection Edition

DURATION: 11 OVA’s and 3 Movies

BLU-RAY INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, 4×3 Native Aspect Ratio for OVA’s and 16×9 for movies, English and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Viz Media

RATED: TV14

Release Date: September 19, 2017

Original Creator: Rumiko Takahashi

Movie #1

Director: Iku Suzuki

Screenplay by Ryota Yamaguchi

Music by Akihisa Matsuura

Character Design: Atsuko Nakajima

Art Director: Chitose Asakura, Torao Arai

Animation Director: Atsuko Nakajima

Director of Photography: Mitsunobu Yoshida

Anime Production: Studio DEEN

Featuring the following voice talent:

Kappei Yamaguchi/Sarah Strange as Ranma Saotome(Male)

Megumi Hayashibara/Venus Terzo as Ranma Saotome(Female)

Noriko Hidaka/Myriam Sirois as Akane Tendou

Hiromi Tsuru/Kelly Sheridan as Ukyou Kuonji

Hirotaka Suzuoki/Ted Cole as Tatewaki Kunoh

Ichirô Nagai/Paul Dobson as Happousai

Kenichi Ogata/Robert O. Smith as Genma

Kikuko Inoue/Willow Johnson as Kasumi Tendou

Kouichi Yamadera/Michael Donovan as Ryouga Hibiki

Minami Takayama/Angela Costain as Nabiki Tendou

Miyoko Asou/Elan Ross Gibson as Cologne

Rei Sakuma/Cathy Weseluck as Shampoo

Ryunosuke Ohbayashi/David Kaye as Souun Tendou

Saeko Shimazu/Teryl Rothery as Kodachi Kunoh

Tatsuyuki Jinnai/Scott McNeil as Principal Kunoh

Toshihiko Seki/Brad Swaile as Mousse

Yuji Mitsuya/Ian James Corlett as Ono Toufuu-sensei (Dr. Tofu)

Mitsuaki Madono/Alessandro Juliani as Prince Toma

Issei Futamata/Gerard Plunkett as Toristan

Nobuo Tobita/Paul Dobson as Sarutoru

Ranma 1/2 OVA and Movie Collection Limited Edition contains 11 OVA episodes and 3 theatrical movies plus a 32-page booklet and a premium foil stamped chipboard box.

Ranma, the iconic creation of master artist Rumiko Takahashi, is back for new adventures and more than a few misunderstandings along the way! From mishaps at a holiday party to casual use of mystical trinkets to possession by cursed dolls, what’s in store for Ranma is anyone’s guess in these original anime adventures. Along with the formerly video-only antics are Ranma 1/2’s two feature-length movies and one special OVA-length movie that brought Ranma to theaters to make some big choices with his heart and not his head… which is usually what starts his trouble in the first place!

For the first time, all eleven “Ranma 1/2” OVA’s and three movies will be released on Blu-ray.

Presented in 1080p High Definition and available in Sept. 2017 courtesy of Viz Media.

What is “Ranma 1/2”?

Mangaka Rumiko Takahashi is no doubt a legendary mangaka who has had amazing success in Japan.

Many know her from her popular series “InuYasha” but decades before, she won over manga and anime fans through her series “Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, The Mermaid series and of course, her well-known series, “Ranma 1/2″.

“Ranma 1/2″ was created back in 1987 and lasted through 1996 and serialized in Shogakukan’s “Weekly Shonen Sunday” with a total of 38 tankobon volumes (graphic novels) published.

The series like most of Rumiko’s work received an anime adaptation and in 1989, a total of 18 episodes were created and aired in Fuji TV before being canceled.

But unlike most cancellations, “Ranma 1/2″ would get a second life on television a month later with a new name titled “Ranma 1/2 Nettouhen” which was based on the manga but featured also a lot of filler episodes and characters not featured in the manga series.

While “Ranma 1/2″ was popular and would help jumpstart the careers for voice talents such as Megumi Hayashibara (“Video Girl Ai”, “Meitantei Conan”, “Slayers”, “Pokemon”), Kappei Yamaguchi (“Meitantei Conan”, “InuYasha”, “One Piece”), Noriko Hidaka (“InuYasha”, “Gunbuster”, “Nadia – The Secret of Blue Water”), Hiromi Tsuru (“Dragon Ball Z”, “Anpanman”), Kikuko Inoue (“Ah! My Goddess”, “Mobile Suit Gundam Seed”), Minami Takayama (“Meitantei Conan”, “Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko”) and Rei Sakuma (“Mobile Suit Gundam 0083″, “Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ”).

The series would become popular overseas as it was one of the first anime series to receive a fan sub and because it would help jumpstart the anime and manga craze during the early 1990′s including “Ranma 1/2″ released in comic book format. Viz Media would then bring an English dub of the anime series to the United States.

Included in the “Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” are:

Ranma 1/2 the Movie: Big Trouble in Nekonron: The Figght to Break the Rules! – A strange girl named Lychee and her giant elephant Jasmine arrive to settle a score with lecherous material arts master Happosai. Apparently, a very long time ago, Happosai gave Lychee’s great-grandmother half of a legendary scroll guaranteed to bring happiness to whoever was holding it. The women of Lychee’s family have been waiting for three generations now, and the prince still hasn’t come – but of course, the moment Lychee lets the scroll out of her hands, the prince finally appears. Only now it’s Ranma’s reluctant fiancée Akane that’s holding the scroll, and the long-awaited prince is only too ready to sweep his lucky bride off her feet. Now Ranma and company have no choice but to follow Prince Kirin’s majestic flying barge all the way to Nekonron, China, where they find themselves in a showdown with the Seven Lucky Gods of martial arts!
Ranma 1/2 the Movie: The Battle of Togenkyo: Rescue the Brides! – When poetry-spouting swordsman Tatewaki Kuno invites Ranma & Co. for a jaunt on his new luxury yacht, the last thing the group expects is a sudden storm to shipwreck them all on a deserted island. However, fixing the boat to get home soon becomes the least of their worries, as all the young girls in the group begin to disappear. As it turns out, they’ve been bride-napped by Prince Toma, the youthful ruler of the floating island, Togenkyo. Because of a magical spring which turns anything it touches instantly male, would-be bridegrooms have to kidnap girls…and in this case, Ranma’s reluctant fiancee Akane is one of them! Now, in order to rescue the girls (and get his hands on that magical water, which could cure his own shape-changing “problem”). Ranma must enter an anything-goes martial arts bride-off which includes events such as “survival flower-arranging” and “obstacle-course cooking.” Can Ranma (now “in disguise” as a girl) beat scores of other kidnapped concubines, win the contest, rescue Akane, and get the magical Togenkyo water…all while wearing a push-up bra and three-inch heels?
Ranma 1/2 the Movie: The Super Non-Discriminatory Showdown: Team Ranma vs. the Legendary Phoenix – When Kuno battles Ranma, Ranma places an egg on Kuno’s head and the egg hatches and born is the legendary Phoenix Egg that can master the arcane sword attack. Can Ranma take on this new enemy?
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 1: Shampoo’s Sudden Switch: The Curse of the Contrary Jewel – When Shampoo discovers a beautiful broach in Cologne’s old jewelry box, she puts it on but because it’s on the wrong way, it reverses the intended effect of increasing the wearer’s romantic feelings and makes her cold towards Ranma.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 2: The Tendo Family’s Christmas Scramble – The Christmas holiday season has arrived and when Kasumi has a strange dream featuring Santa, she throws a Christmas party.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 3: Akane vs. Ranma: The One Who Inherits Mom’s Recipes Wil Be Me! – Akane discovers her late mother’s recipes and wants to start cooking, but when Ranma’s mother who is still looking for her son (unaware of his curse), she shows up to the Tendo residence, she gets some help from Nodoka Saotome but she also is challenged by female Ranma.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 4: A Storm over School: Growing Up with Miss Hinako – The new teacher, Ms. Hinako Ninomiya shows up to Furinkan High School but she happens to be a tough fighter with a secret.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 5: The One Who Carries On Part 1 – Eat and Runs are happening around town and Akane discovers the culrpits, Natsume and Kurumi, two martial arts sisters who are looking for their long-lost martial arts father and believe their father is Soun Tendo. And now, they plan to battle Akane for the inheritance of the dojo.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 6: The One Who Carries On Part 2 – Akane continues to train for her upcoming battle with Natsume and Kurumi, Ranma (in female forn) will become her partner.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 7: Reawakening Memories Part 1 – Akane has memories of being rescued as a child and a place Ryugenzawa is being terrorized by a mysterious beast.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 8: Reawakening Memories Part 2 – As Akane headed to Ryugenzawa to find out more of her childhood memories of being rescued, Ranma goes after her. But there is a guy standing in his way and Akane’s loyalty may be towards this man.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 9: Oh, Cursed Tunnel of Lost Love! Let My Love Be Forever – Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse, Ukyo, Ryoga, Kuo, Nabiki, Cologne, Genma, Kodachi and Sasuke go in pairs on the Cave of Lost Love, a cursed spot visited by couples.
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 10: The Evil Ogre – An evil ogre was sealed in a box by a Monkey Priest. But when the seal is fading away, the current priest goes to Ranma, Genma and Soun for a new seal, but when the box opens, the ogre is released and can Ranma stop it?
Ranma 1/2 OAV Episode 11: The Two Akanes: Ranma, Look My Way! – Ranma and friends pay a visit to the hot spring inn, Ninyo-Kan, teh House of Dolls. There is a legend of a mysterious doll called the Vengeful Doll and Ranma accidentally breaks it. The doll wants revenge!

The main characters of “Ranma 1/2″ are:

Ranma Saotome – The series protagonist and martial artist who is often training with his father. He and Akane tend to not get along and he often says things bad to her, which leads her to beat him up or get him into trouble. Because he fell into a cursed lake where a teenage girl had died, he transforms into a teenage girl when he comes into contact with cold water and reverts back to a male when he comes into contact with hot water. Due to his father’s arrangement with Soun Tendo, he is the fiance of Akane Tendo.
Genma Saotome – The father of Ranma Saotome and is often training with his son. He is the childhood best friend of Soun Tendo and together, they made a promise that their children will marry. Because he fell into a cursed lake where a panda had died, he transforms into a panda when he comes into contact with cold water and reverts back to a male when he comes into contact with hot water. He and Genma were trained by their master, Happosai.
Akane Tendo – The female protagonist who is a tomboy that loves martial arts. She is popular at school and many guys want her to be their girlfriend. Due to her father’s arrangement with Genma Saotome, she is engaged to Ranma Saotome. She also has a hot temper and is often arguing and beating up on Ranma.
Soun Tendo – The owner of the Tendo Dojo, he is the father of Kusumi, Nabiki and Akane. He and his childhood friend Genma had an arrangement that their children will marry. He and Genma were trained by their master, Happosai.
Kusumi Tendo – She is the most ladylike of the Tendo family, the eldest sister who is always kind, she is often seen taking care of her sisters and cooking for the entire family and also cleaning the house.
Nabiki Tendo – The middle child, Nabiki likes to make money and spend it! Often trying to find ways to make money.
Tatewaki Kuno – From a wealthy family and has a cocky attitude and because of his inflated ego, calls himself “Blue Thunder”. He is in love with Akane and female Ranma. He is an expert with a wooden sword.
Ryoga Hibiki – Ranma’s rival . Ryoga is terrible with directions and whenever he is planning to fight with Ranma, it would take him days or weeks, because he walked hundreds of miles in another direction. One day he followed Ranma and Genma all the way to China and was kicked by a girl and landed in a cursed lake where a small black pig had died. Whenever he comes in contact with cold water, he will turn into a black pig and whenever he comes in contact with hot water, he reverts back to his normal self. As a pig, named P-chan, he is taken in as a pet by Akane Tendo.
Kodachi Kuno – The captain of the St. Hebereke School for Girls Gymnastic team and while a great gymnast, she also uses poison and other methods in combat which has earned her the nickname “The Black Rose”.
Dr. Tofu Ono – A very good doctor, it’s that people worry when Kasumi is around because Tofu is in love with Kasumi and he begins behaving unusually towards everyone.
Shampoo – The hero of her village in China. She despises female Ranma and loves male Ranma. She also fell in a cursed lake in Jusenkyou and turns into a pink cat. Whenever she comes into contact with cold water, she turns into a cat. When in contact with hot water, she reverts back to normal. She runs the Neko Hanten Chinese restaurant.
Cologne – The leader of the Chinese Amazons and grandmother of Shampoo. Around 300-years-old, she has a history with Happosai.
Mousse – A male Chinese Amazon and master of hidden weapons. He also happens to have terrible eye sight and is deeply in love with Shampoo. He also fell into the cursed Jusenkyo and turns into a duck.
Happosai – The founder and grandmaster of “Anything Goes Martial Arts” (Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu) and the master of Genma Saotome and Soun Tendo.
Ukyo Kuonji – An Okonomiyaki chef. Ukyo’s father and Ranma’s father made a deal that their children would marry.
Tsubasa Kurenai – A male who is in love with Ukyo and happens to be a cross-dresser.
Principal Kuno – Tatewaki and Kodachi’s father who is the principal at Furinkan High School that causes problems for Ranma.
Ling-Ling/Lung-Lung – Shampoo’s younger sisters who come to Japan searching for the person who beat Shampoo.
Hikaru Gosunkugi – An unpopular student who practices vodoo and is desperately in love with Akane and tries to do all he can to get rid of Ranma.

What is “Ranma 1/2”?

Mangaka Rumiko Takahashi is no doubt a legendary mangaka who has had amazing success in Japan.

“Ranma 1/2″ was created back in 1987 and lasted through 1996 and serialized in Shogakukan’s “Weekly Shonen Sunday” with a total of 38 tankobon volumes (graphic novels) published.

The series like most of Rumiko’s work received an anime adaptation and in 1989, a total of 18 episodes were created and aired in Fuji TV before being canceled.

And while the anime series was released little by little with two episodes on VHS and then later with season box sets on DVD, in America, “Ranma 1/2″ has always been a fan favorite.

But when it was announced that Rumiko Takahashi’s earlier hit series “Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku” and “Ranma 1/2″ would be remastered and released in Japan on Blu-ray as part of Shogakukan’s 90th anniversary, suffice to say, fans became very excited and wondered if the series in HD would be released in America.

And sure enough, Viz Media surprised fans with the announcement that “Ranma 1/2″ was released on Blu-ray and DVD plus an omnibus release of the manga series in March 2014.

Unlike the original season box sets which features 18 episodes, “Ranma 1/2 Blu-ray Set 2″ will feature 23 episodes. And instead of going by Japanese seasons, the release will be available as collections, so you get episodes from season 5 and 6 included in “Ranma 1/2 Blu-ray Set 5”.

“Ranma 1/2″ is a story about a teenage boy named Ranma Saotome. His father Genma Saotome and his good friend Soun Tendo have made a deal that Ranma can marry one of Soun’s daughters and so both are headed to Japan after training in China.

But because both Ranma and Genma have fallen into cursed lakes, whenever they come into contact with cold water, Ranma turns into a girl, while Genma turns into a panda.

And because Akane hates boys and Ranma is half boy/half girl, her older sisters Kusumi and Nabiki volunteer Akane to be Ranma’s betrothed.

But both Ranma and Akane are like oil and water and don’t get along. Both often tease each other and Akane tends to beat Ranma up. And as the two are to try and be a happy couple, also in school, both must put up with a cast of fascinating characters including Tatewaki Kuno and his sister Kodachi, Ranma’s eternal rival Ryouga Hibiki, the Chinese fighter named Shampoo, an okonomiyaki restaurant owner named Ukyo and many others who are happy to destroy their relationship.

The main characters of “Ranma 1/2″ are:

Ranma Saotome – The series protagonist and martial artist who is often training with his father. He and Akane tend to not get along and he often says things bad to her, which leads her to beat him up or get him into trouble. Because he fell into a cursed lake where a teenage girl had died, he transforms into a teenage girl when he comes into contact with cold water and reverts back to a male when he comes into contact with hot water. Due to his father’s arrangement with Soun Tendo, he is the fiance of Akane Tendo.
Genma Saotome – The father of Ranma Saotome and is often training with his son. He is the childhood best friend of Soun Tendo and together, they made a promise that their children will marry. Because he fell into a cursed lake where a panda had died, he transforms into a panda when he comes into contact with cold water and reverts back to a male when he comes into contact with hot water. He and Genma were trained by their master, Happosai.
Akane Tendo – The female protagonist who is a tomboy that loves martial arts. She is popular at school and many guys want her to be their girlfriend. Due to her father’s arrangement with Genma Saotome, she is engaged to Ranma Saotome. She also has a hot temper and is often arguing and beating up on Ranma.
Soun Tendo – The owner of the Tendo Dojo, he is the father of Kusumi, Nabiki and Akane. He and his childhood friend Genma had an arrangement that their children will marry. He and Genma were trained by their master, Happosai.
Kusumi Tendo – She is the most ladylike of the Tendo family, the eldest sister who is always kind, she is often seen taking care of her sisters and cooking for the entire family and also cleaning the house.
Nabiki Tendo – The middle child, Nabiki likes to make money and spend it! Often trying to find ways to make money.
Tatewaki Kuno – From a wealthy family and has a cocky attitude and because of his inflated ego, calls himself “Blue Thunder”. He is in love with Akane and female Ranma. He is an expert with a wooden sword.
Ryoga Hibiki – Ranma’s rival . Ryoga is terrible with directions and whenever he is planning to fight with Ranma, it would take him days or weeks, because he walked hundreds of miles in another direction. One day he followed Ranma and Genma all the way to China and was kicked by a girl and landed in a cursed lake where a small black pig had died. Whenever he comes in contact with cold water, he will turn into a black pig and whenever he comes in contact with hot water, he reverts back to his normal self. As a pig, named P-chan, he is taken in as a pet by Akane Tendo.
Kodachi Kuno – The captain of the St. Hebereke School for Girls Gymnastic team and while a great gymnast, she also uses poison and other methods in combat which has earned her the nickname “The Black Rose”.
Dr. Tofu Ono – A very good doctor, it’s that people worry when Kasumi is around because Tofu is in love with Kasumi and he begins behaving unusually towards everyone.
Shampoo – The hero of her village in China. She despises female Ranma and loves male Ranma. She also fell in a cursed lake in Jusenkyou and turns into a pink cat. Whenever she comes into contact with cold water, she turns into a cat. When in contact with hot water, she reverts back to normal. She runs the Neko Hanten Chinese restaurant.
Cologne – The leader of the Chinese Amazons and grandmother of Shampoo. Around 300-years-old, she has a history with Happosai.
Mousse – A male Chinese Amazon and master of hidden weapons. He also happens to have terrible eye sight and is deeply in love with Shampoo. He also fell into the cursed Jusenkyo and turns into a duck.
Happosai – The founder and grandmaster of “Anything Goes Martial Arts” (Musabetsu Kakuto Ryu) and the master of Genma Saotome and Soun Tendo.
Ukyo Kuonji – An Okonomiyaki chef. Ukyo’s father and Ranma’s father made a deal that their children would marry.
Tsubasa Kurenai – A male who is in love with Ukyo and happens to be a cross-dresser.
Principal Kuno – Tatewaki and Kodachi’s father who is the principal at Furinkan High School that causes problems for Ranma.
Ling-Ling/Lung-Lung – Shampoo’s younger sisters who come to Japan searching for the person who beat Shampoo.
Hikaru Gosunkugi – An unpopular student who practices vodoo and is desperately in love with Akane and tries to do all he can to get rid of Ranma.

VIDEO:

“Ranma 1/2” is presented in 1080p High Definition. The series is presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio and the series utilizes the cleaned up digital remastering that was released in Japan. It’s important to note that the OVA’s and the films were released years after the television series and because production quality is much better, the picture quality for the OVA’s and films are much better in terms of color, animation and overall background art.

While grain is visible in the remastered HD release, the main difference is much better colors. Reds absolutely pop but instead of a smeary look of its original DVD release, line art to overall colors are simply much better in HD and I didn’t notice any major artifacts or banding.

Personally, this Blu-ray release version is the definitive version of “Ranma 1/2” to own!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

Lossless audio for “Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” is featured in Japanese and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 with English subtitles. You get both the wonderful Japanese soundtrack with fine performances by Kappei Yamaguchi, Megumi Hayashibara and Noriko Hidaka, Minami Takayama, Hiromi Tsuru, Kikuo Inoue, Kouchi Yamadera to name a few. And the original English dub.

It’s important to note that the English dub back in the ’90s were a much different style than the English dubs that people are accustomed to today. At the time, Viz Media and other companies were entering a new field for English dubs after many people have seen the Japanese version (due to fan subs).

So, back in the ’90s, Viz Media was criticized for its English dub soundtrack. The dub was no doubt subjective to the listener. Some didn’t mind, some were very vocal about it but the good news is that on this Blu-ray release, you have a choice between Japanese with English subtitles or the English dub.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” comes with the following special features:

Next OVA Episode Previews
Clean Opening and Endings

EXTRAS:

“Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” comes with a 32-page booklet with episode summaries. Also, included is a slipcase.

Back in 1993, J!-ENT was founded and in our first year, we reviewed the first two “Ranma 1/2” film sand were also reviewing the “Ranma 1/2” OVA’s.

Back then, it was quite a special time as anime was growing and the series that many people started watching from Japan and was English subtitled, was “Ranma 1/2”. Viz Media was establishing itself as a major force in America, bringing anime and manga to the masses and “Ranma 1/2” was no doubt a series that was instrumental in introducing Japanese animation to people all over the world.

Back in 2002, the DVD version of the OVA collection was released, without the first two films and the price was discouraging at over $100 for the set. And for those who purchased the original Japanese LD’s, you only got one episode for $59. And the VHS tapes, had two OVA’s for $34.99.

Here we are in 2017, and you get 11 OVA’s plus the three animated films for half the price at under $50. The OVA’s and film were remastered and are provided in 1080p High Definition. English names of the films have changed a little. For example, the second film is no longer called “Nihao My Concubine” and is now “The Battle of Togenkyo”.

And for “Ranma 1/2” fans, getting this set along with the TV series on Blu-ray is a no-brainer.

The first two films are fantastic and the OVA’s, back then, as they came out almost like twice a year, they were looked at specially. Back then, we had massive anime clubs (which still exist but in a different capacity as the early ’90s) and watching the “Ranma 1/2” OVA’s or movies, believe it or not, dozens to a hundred people would come to watch “Ranma 1/2” in straight Japanese. The films and the OVA’s had better animation, colors looked vibrant when compared to the TV series (as the latter seasons were not the greatest in animation quality).

The ’90s and the hook that “Ranma 1/2” and it’s music had on me.

For me, what will always stick in my mind is the second “Ranma 1/2” film and OAV episodes 1-2 for its animation, storyline and soundtrack. For the majority of the OVA’s, you get excellent series but I’ve always felt the weakest stories were the third film (which was more like an OVA because it was shorter in duration) and the final two OVA’s.

While there will always be debates about the voice acting of “Ranma 1/2″, I’m not going to keep saying, I wish this or that. The fact is you get both soundtracks and if you want it in Japanese with English subtitles, that is an option.

While I have reviewed the older 2002 DVD, there are a few things that I do have to comment on and that is the fact that the specials and the final OVA have not been released in America yet.

In 2008, the 12th OVA was released but I would assume that with so much time passing since”Ranma 1/2” was produced with the original voice talent, Viz may not be interested.

Many were hoping that specials such as the “Hot Song Contest” would be included. This special had a hilarious storyline and is considered as one of my favorites but still has never been released in the U.S.. The other specials were more like rehash of anime from past episodes along with music, which were more for the fan club back in Japan and are more for the collectors. Also, many wonder if the live action drama special from 2011 will ever be released in the U.S.

But overall, this set is magnificent. You get nearly all the “Ranma 1/2” OVA’s and the three films collected in one set, in high definition and for a great price.

If you are a “Ranma 1/2” fan, the “Ranma 1/2 OVA & Movies Collection” is recommended!