Anyone care to recommend El Hazard?

[Talyn]

I have heard varying opinions on El Hazard universe from my old anime buddy Kevin. He was very critical of one the versions, I think the Alternate, but I could be wrong. However, I'd like to guage the opinions of everyone here, so please chime in...

[tuffy]

I recommend the original OVA series for it's deft blend of comedy, romance and adventure that culminates in a highly satisfying ending. Though the basic premise of "a bunch of high school kids (and a teacher) stuck in an alternative universe" isn't novel, El-Hazard implements it very well with plenty of twists and turns over the course of seven episodes.

Unfortunately, none of the follow-up TV series (or the El-Hazard 2 OVAs) ever reach the excellence of the original.

[Kellory]

You probably are not going to get a lot of dissent on how good El Hazard is from the old timers. Some of the newer fans may or may not like it depending on what types of shows they like, but even so I think most people have enjoyed it. It's sad that unlike Tenchi, El Hazard hasnt had more of it made.

Anyway, there are several parts of El Hazard.

There is the original OVA and the OVA 2. These are collected together in the Magnificent World box that Geneon charges an arm and a leg for what is essentially a half dozen or so episodes. The original OVA was probably the best. And it was a lot of fun. The second OVA tries to pick up where it left off, but doesnt do as good a job. You still get to have a lot of screen time with most of the original characters though, so I enjoyed it. Since it was part of the collection, it wasnt like I was paying more for it. Other than it was expensive to begin with.

Then there is the Wanderers TV series which is a retelling of the original OVA with a few differences. Mainly it was dumbed down a bit, Rune Venus who was an adult ruler was changed to a teenager and love interest, and Ifurita who was a kick ass demon became a total klutz. It was, however, a cute series and I did enjoy it a lot. Most of the dislike and hate for it I think comes from those that loved the OVA and couldnt stand the change.

Then there is the Alternative World. Contrary to the title it is a continuation of the OVA series. Unfortuantely it never really goes anywhere. It is also pretty much missing Ifurita. I have to wonder exactly what they were trying to do when they made it because it was like watching 12 episodes of people running around and at the end...they're all standing where they started. It really did leave me scratching my head. As a standalone series it probably would have been okay. But as a sequel they really dropped the ball.

That being said, over the years I've come to watch it a few times and there are parts of it I find fun. But overall the other 2 titles in the franchise appeal to me a lot more.

If you have to get just one, I'd get the original Magnificent World OVA box. At $120 MSRP, however, it is rather spendy. Looks like they're releasing it as much cheaper singles, but only the first 4 episodes have even been solicited yet (September 07) so it'll be awhile. At the same time, the Wanderers set is available and cheaper and can give you an opportunity to get your feet wet in the series. Possibly not as good, but a good bang for the buck.

I'll say this though. All series feature Jinai. If you do nothing else, you must watch El Hazard's dub for Jinai. El Hazard and the VA who did Jinai is a good example of a dub surpassing the original. The guy who did it got that maniac laugh that is so hard to do down perfect. He is the male version of Naga the Serpent from Slayers. Good stuff.

Oh, did I mention the lesbians? Yeah, they're there too in the OVA. It's only hinted at in the Wanderers series.

[tuffy]

Originally Posted by Kellory

If you have to get just one, I'd get the original Magnificent World OVA box. At $120 MSRP, however, it is rather spendy. Looks like they're releasing it as much cheaper singles, but only the first 4 episodes have even been solicited yet (September 07) so it'll be awhile.

Just to be nitpicky, the two OVA volumes solicited for 5/29 and 6/26 are the full seven episode Magnificent World series. At 135 minutes, the first volume is episodes 1-4 (episode 1 is 45 minutes) and the second volume is episodes 5-7. El-Hazard 2, the 4 episode OVA sequel, is due on 9/25.

I expect all of them will be the same discs as was in the expensive digipack set.

[Kellory]

Originally Posted by tuffy

Just to be nitpicky, the two OVA volumes solicited for 5/29 and 6/26 are the full seven episode Magnificent World series. At 135 minutes, the first volume is episodes 1-4 (episode 1 is 45 minutes) and the second volume is episodes 5-7. El-Hazard 2, the 4 episode OVA sequel, is due on 9/25.

I expect all of them will be the same discs as was in the expensive digipack set.

Doh. No, your right. I didnt look at the summary very well. Odd though, TRSI does not have the first 2 volumes of the OVA Singles listed. They only had the 9/25 release which is why I assumed it was the first set of episodes.

Weird...

But yeah, get the singles since they should be cheaper and available soon. It really is the best of the series.

[Yoda47]

Originally Posted by tuffy

I recommend the original OVA series for it's deft blend of comedy, romance and adventure that culminates in a highly satisfying ending. Though the basic premise of "a bunch of high school kids (and a teacher) stuck in an alternative universe" isn't novel, El-Hazard implements it very well with plenty of twists and turns over the course of seven episodes.

Unfortunately, none of the follow-up TV series (or the El-Hazard 2 OVAs) ever reach the excellence of the original.

First, I came in here just to see if you had first post or not.

Second, I agree with him about the OVA. It's a great show with good characters, and the ending actually made me cry. I won't say why, because that would involve spoilers.

I haven't actually watched the other series, even though I got them in a bundle, because I'm afraid it will ruin the experience for me. The OVA has a good solid ending, and personally, I'm not sure they should have continued. I'll have to wait to confirm that opinion until I get around to watching them though.

[ADC]

Originally Posted by Yoda47

The OVA has a good solid ending, and personally, I'm not sure they should have continued. I'll have to wait to confirm that opinion until I get around to watching them though.

You're in luck! 2 and Alternative World take place before the ending! They basically tell stories that happen between [hide]Ifurita's disappearance to save the world[/hide] and [hide]Makoto finding her again[/hide]. For my part, I don't need to ever see 2 or Alternative World again; they're not great.

Wanderers, on the other hand, is actually quite excellent. I liked the re-characterization of Rune Venus, and it's the only version in which Makoto isn't mostly useless, spineless, [hide]dickless[/hide]. It's a bit on the long side for what's there, but there's not anywhere near as much filler and retardation as in, say, Tenchi Universe.

[Falcon_73]

As for the cost, I'm glad to see the original Magnificent World OVA available at a reduced price. I was reluctant to buy the set due to the cost, but once I did, I was wondering why I didn't take the risk sooner.

I found the Magnificent World OVA to be very satisfying, both in terms of character development and the feeling of really being in another world.

I eventually saw OVA 2, which was ok, but have yet to see the Alternative World or the Wanderers.

[DanielJr]

Yeah, just get the original OVA. Forget the rest, unless you somehow turn into a die-hard fan with the first OVA.

[Talyn]

Cool... thanks everyone for input... I will see what I can do to snag the first OVA and go from there...