Synopsis
Whooo-hoooo! I couldn’t wait to do a review of my all time favorite anime Ranma 1/2. But with as much heartfelt joy I feel for this series, I just don’t know how to rate it. This is another reason why Rumiko Takahashi is my idol. The series is just so huge I don’t know where to start. Okay, how ’bout from the beginning.

Review
The time has come for Soun Tendo to set an engagement with his old friend Genma Saotome’s son Ranma so they can take over the family dojo and carry on the Anything-Goes Martil Arts name. Ranma has the choice of any one of Soun’s daughters, Kasumi, Akane, and Nabiki. The girls pick the somewhat unwilling Akane to be his bride. That’s it! Go buy it now it’s great. Wait; wait if that’s what the whole story is about then why would I hold this as the greatest anime of all time? Because it’s not that simple. You see Ranma and his father, Genma, went on a martial arts training mission in China. The area was cursed and the springs (water holes) that were in the area transform the unlucky swimmer into whoever or whatever drowned there hundred’s of years ago.

Genma changed into a giant panda, and Ranma…he changed into a beautiful, young girl. Not permanently though. Only when they’re splashed with cold water do they tranform into their alter egos. Hot water reverts them back to normal…until next time. The box set of season 1 is available now. It’s called the Ranma 1/2 TV: Digital Dojo DVD Box Set (TV series vol. 1-9). I won’t go into it and give away the story okay? I’ll just tell you what characters appeared during the run.
TV series (episodes 1-18):

With the introduction of the Tendo’s, the Soatome’s, Kuno, my favorite supporting character Ryoga, Kodachi-the Black Rose, and the ultra cute Shampoo. This is my favorite season, thus far, of Ranma 1/2. (Note: Girl-type Ranma’s voice was changed after the third volume.) Japanese and English dialogues (I enjoy the dub, thank you ^_^) Not much on the extras side. Just one bonus video. Hopefully, in later box releases, Viz will improve in that area.

The Breakdown
Finally, one of the most popular anime to hit the U.S. is available in a box set! After spending unheard of amounts of money on the VHS tapes, I’m glad that Viz is churning out the DVDs. It’s about time. The art on the box isn’t the best, but it’s what’s inside that counts. And what’s inside is gold to almost any animefan! I’m going back to china now!