by Mike Favila, Editor
I know I’ve said this before, but I really loved the comedy in Ranma 1/2 Set 4. As I was going through this batch of episodes, I realized that this was the first of the sets that I hadn’t seen episodes from. Everything on the 2nd and 3rd disc was all new. What a nice surprise! Though the previous episodes were great as usual, there was something nice about that feeling of being surprised. While the early seasons felt like visiting with an old friend, viewing Set 4 reminded me of how left of center and funny Ranma 1/2 can be. The mix of romance, action sequences, quiet moments and inexplicable laughs are often attempted, but not always replicated.
There were a number of stories here that really surprised me. In Ranma 1/2 Set 4, one of my favorite episodes is “Hot Springs Battle Royale!”, when all the animal morphing characters vie to win a trip to another hot spring resort, with the obvious trip being to Jusenkyo. It cracked me up to view the shifting loyalties between the characters, and how they all just spend time trying to one up each other. I also enjoyed the one where Kuno being told by a fortune teller that his future wife would be Nakibi. The dream sequences, where he debates the merits of Akane, Pig Tailed Girl and Nabiki are worth the price of the box set alone. Kuno is both creepy and pathetic at the same time. He’d be victim Desi from Gone Girl, if he wasn’t literally a cartoon.
The martial arts calligraphy episode (where a master draws a permanent smiley face on Ryoga’s stomach) was also great for many laughs. The picture is so ridiculous, I would start chuckling even before the joke came out. In contrast to Ryoga’s invulnerable manner, the cutey face tattoo was a joke that worked every time.
Presentation
Ranma 1/2 Set 4 comes a strong cardboard artbox, with forlorn Ryoga on the cover Like before, it comes with a neat artcard of Shampoo (and her massive blue hair, for that matter). The episode guidebook is sturdy, and printed on glossy paper. Each page has a little synopsis/teaser for each episode to get the viewer oriented. They look good on the shelf, next to the other sets.
Audio & Video
All the episodes are presented in their original 4:3 aspect ratio. While I often wonder what it would be like to have all the music and martial arts shouting in 5.1, the 2.0 Stereo audio is more than adequate. The language options for Ranma 1/2 Set 4 are: Japanese with English subtitles, English with English subtitles, or English with subs for the song intro/outro and placards. I still prefer the English dub, but to each his/her own.
Special Features
Ranma 1/2 Set 4 continues the “We Love Ranma” featurettes from the previous box sets. This time the special focuses on the cool cosplayers who pay tribute to Ranma and his crew. I’ve never been that knowledgeable about cosplay, so it’s always interesting to hear about the motivations of the fans who are willing to put the time and energy into paying tribute to our favorite characters. Other features also include the ‘Next Episode’ previews, and clean openings and credits.
Overall
Ranma 1/2 Set 4 is a no brainer. The whole series in general is like collectible crack. I love these sets, and any diehard would gladly take these into their shelves. The archival quality of the casing and the booklet just makes you feel like Viz is taking this release seriously. While I would love more interviews with some of the creative minds behind the show and manga, the episodes are presented in vivid color and detail, which is the real reason to double dip and buy this set. With Christmas right around the corner, everybody should pick Ranma 1/2 Set 4 up for the anime fan in their life!
Rating: 
ComicsOnline.com gives Ranma 1/2 Set 4 5 out of 5 P-chan squeals!
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