Cardcaptor Sakura Vol. #02

By: Edmund Lee
Review Date: Friday, February 22, 2002
Release Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2001



The Review!
It's been a while but with 7 volumes released already, I'll continue with volume 2 and work all my way to volume 7.

In the first episode of this disc, a toy store has recently opened near the school Sakura goes to. In it, there are all sorts of cute toys, and a very kind (clumsy) young lady shop owner working in there. But a problem arises when a mischievous Card is making trouble for the shop owner by possessing one of the plush toys. Of course it's up to Sakura to take care of this problem and restore the faith of the shop owner.

The next episode, there seems to be some rumour about a ghost that haunts the woods near the school. Getting the better of herself, Chiharu, Sakura's friend, suggested that they all go and see if the rumour is true. What Sakura saw was more than what she expected as it was the ghost of her mother! As the episode progress, we learn more about Sakura's family. And with a bit of convincing, Kero convinces Sakura that it was nothing more than an illusion that her heart wants to see.

The third episode, Sakura's class is on a trip to the art museum and there she finds a young child trying to fix up a painting that the child's father had done. Of course it's all the doing of a Clow Card and Sakura has to break into the art museum at night to capture it. Of course Sakura's not the only one who is breaking into the art museum at night. Funny moments here and there but in the end she manages to capture it.

And finally on the last episode of the disc, a new Cardcaptor has arrived and he goes by the name of Li Shaoran. And of course it's not all fun and games for him and he considers her his rival. Another Clow Card appears and soon both of them have to help each other out.

Originally a children's TV show, this show really appeals to anyone of any age, and since it was originally done by CLAMP, it's no wonder this show is so addictive and can appeal to so many people. The episodes are rather episodic, with each episode featuring a new card for Sakura to collect while using some of her cards she collected earlier on to help her capture more, but unlike most shows, it doesn't seem to feel that way. Heck even the stock footage doesn't seem like stock footage. It's always refreshing to see something different in every episode. Did I mention that in every bit that's not devoted to capturing cards involve some character development? Not only that there are some scenes that are the most cutest things in anime ever seen.


What is presented here is absolutely gorgeous. Colours are really bright with no bleeding here or there. Didn't notice anything wrong with my setup so there's nothing to complain.

The audio is presented in its original language, with good use of directionality during the action packed moments. The music also comes out sounding great, and I quite enjoy some of the nicer background music (compared to what I've heard in Cardcaptors). I didn't notice any dropouts and again there's not much to complain about here either.

The only extra in here is just a creditless ending.

The translation side of things, I can't make much comment on it since I know very little Japanese, but I would say it's well done. Though this is a bit of a nitpick, I wish Pioneer use those -chan prefixes on the names. Reading Kero instead of Kero-chan doesn't seem that cute anymore.

No matter how kiddie this show can seem, you can't go wrong with a little sugary-sweet fun in your DVD collection. I highly recommend it.

Review Equipment
Panasonic SA-HT80, Panasonic TX-76PW10A 32" Widescreen 100hz/Progressive Scan, standard S-video cables