[US DVD] Honey and Clover Collection 1

[Chris Beveridge]

Review by Chris Beveridge

Mania Grade: C+
* Audio Rating: C+
* Video Rating: B+
* Packaging Rating: B+
* Menus Rating: B
* Extras Rating: B
* Age Rating: 16 and Up
* Region: 1 - North America
* Released By: Viz Media
* MSRP: 59.90
* Running time: 300
* Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
* Disc Resolution: 480i/p
* Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
* Series: Honey and Clover

In Summary:
Honey and Clover has left me conflicted. On the one hand, it has one of the best opening animation sequences I've ever seen. On the other hand, it comes across as kind of bland with characters that are difficult to connect with overall. Prior to this, I haven't read the manga but I did see the live action movie and I have to say I've enjoyed the movie more than I have this first half of the series. There's still time for it to drastically change my opinion, since so much of this is working through a few relationships from different angles, but right now it's left me less than impressed and less than interested in the lives of these characters. There are echos of several other shows in here, especially Maison Ikkoku, except that it's played far more seriously. And that seriousness may be what's holding it back, as the main humor comes from Hagu or Shinobu's interactions with her.

[The Great Bear]

I can see that, but H&C is a show that takes some time before it gets to the better parts, or at least I think so (it's been some time since I saw it). I'm waiting for my set to come in.

[fizzer123]

This show definately gets better in the second half, especially the last four episodes. The first 12 episodes are still a nice watch though.

[Doom86]

Ouch, I just bought this today, and came home to find this review. Still, many others have given this a thumbs up, so I'm not too worried. I'm looking forward to watching my first josei series.

[bleachjoj]

Originally Posted by Doom86

Ouch, I just bought this today, and came home to find this review. Still, many others have given this a thumbs up, so I'm not too worried. I'm looking forward to watching my first josei series.

My first as well. I enjoyed the first 12 episodes bought them on itunes. I can understand the characters even though they're older than I am but I can identify with mostly Takumi.

[Damius]

Well, I just bought that show too, but I saw this previously. I really enjoy the show.

[Prede]

Yeah after all the hype for this, the first episode did not impress me. I watched it on VOD, and it didn't seem that good. I don't think I'll be buying this show. It's not fair to judge it by first episode alone, but eh... Anyway nice review.

However another new Viz Shoujo title, Nana did win me over from the begining, and so far is really amazing. Can't wait for the next volume for that one!

[O-chan]

I actually wasn't interested in this show until I began to follow the manga in Shojo Beat. It does have a very weird beginning but as the show begins to relax and concentrate its focus on Yuta is where I think the series gets really interesting. I think another reason I really identify with this show is because I went to an art college and I can really identify with the characters situations. I'm not sure how much of it is covered in this set but going by the manga several characters lives are altered dramatically with the pressure to become adults and find their way in life.

I already own the set but watching Eureka Seven and One Piece and review stuff have taken priority (and getting a PS3 recently ^_^. But I have the entire weekend off work so I should be able to watch this at some point.

O-chan