Tenchi Universe - Volume 7 - Space III

As far as the DVD's go, I'm annoyed that Pioneer decided that most of them should only contain three episodes! This is such an outrage! There are a few extras on the DVDs, but lets face it, I'd rather have at least 4 (if not 5) episodes per DVD. But they make more money by spreading it out so far.

Another complaint I have is Pioneer's lack of concern for the English subtitles. I didn't care for the English dub because I've seen all of the series in Japanese and thus am attached to hearing those voice actors speak. It is sad that at times the subtitles are unreadable due to their poor font/color choices. Also, they can't decide if they want to translate the titles of "-dono" or "-sama" as "Lord" or not. One moment it's "Lord Tenchi" and then the next moment its just "Tenchi" before they go back to "Lord Tenchi". And Pioneer ignores most Japanese text refusing to translate most of it. This results at least a couple of jokes being missed because it is obvious we are meant to read the Japanese text.

Bottom line: while not as good as the OAV series, it is good on its own as a funny anime sci-fi title. The set should have been reduced by at least 1 (if not two) DVD's and the subtitles should have been done better.


Tenchi Universe is the Best!   August 17, 2001
christine (Scottsdale, AZ USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Want to treasure Tenchi Universe? This is the boxed set for you. Tenchi Universe definitely does not disappoint those fans of Tenchi Muyo! OAV. The storyline is the same, just switched around a bit at the beginning. The best episodes include "No Need for Genius," where Washu creates a mecha Washu with the personality of Mihoshi. Go figure. The greatest episodes include "Adventures in Time and Space." Each girl lives out her fantasy world with Washu's new invention. When the invention starts backfiring, the whole household is sucked into different worlds. Of course, Washu is trying to fix it as soon as she can. Aeka's world: Feudal Japan, where Tenchi is her fiance off to fight the demon, Ryoko. Kiyone's world: A small town rid of Mihoshi, or so she thought. Sasami's world: High school with Tenchi, Ryoko, and Aeka as students. Mihoshi and Kiyone are teachers. Sasami is Magical Girl Pretty Sammy. Mihoshi's world: A modern domestic family with Tenchi as her husband and Sasami her daughter. Aeka is the cranky aunt and Ryoko is the pesky neighbor. Ryoko's world: She's a bank robber in the US and Tenchi is her reluctant assistant. Aeka is the millionare trying to get Tenchi back and Kiyone and Mihoshi are two police officers.

Buy this boxed set and you won't be disappointed!


Very good   June 10, 2002
Marnix van den Berg (Beusichem, Holland)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

My first encounter with Tenchi was in the form of the OAV. After Pioneer's incredible transfer with those episodes, I knew it was going to be tough to even come close with a TV series.

And I guess I was right. Tenchi Universe is everything the OAV series was. Funny, touching, action-packed, etc.. but all just
a little step back from the OAV.

The transfer quality isn't as good as the OAV's was, although this isn't all Pioneer's fault, since the animation is a lot less vibrant than the OAV as well. But then this is a TV series.

The audio quality was also a little less, even if it was still good. Well, it's not THX certified so you can't expect a quality like that.

The characters and story are similarily a little less than the OAV. It's not as gloomy/farreaching as that series' plot and more light-hearted in nature. Some characters are also a little less developed (Mihoshi/Washu for instance) and don't get the same level attention as do others.

That said, I still enjoyed this series, because it is more complete (doesn't stop after 13 episodes like the OAV) and it's still Tenchi!

I just wish Pioneer would've gone the extra mile and digitally remastered this series as well and the price tag is a little high, considering there's 3 epidoes per dvd (excepting the first and last dvds, who have 4).


Hooray!   December 30, 2001
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Easily the best of any of the Tenchi Series, Universe is a joy because they don't have twenty years to complete the series, nor the expectation of following a huge first hit. Every episode is a joy because they aren't in search of some cosmic plot. The characters develop without flooding the viewer with useless details about their past. And Ayeka and Ryoko actually cry over Tenchi. It's so sweet.
Episode 25 has to be one of the few perfect episodes in all of anime (like Pierrot LeFou in cowboy Bebop), because the characters all take their 15 minutes and leave. The whole of this series is presented in good taste, rich in drama, and quits while it's still ahead. A true staple of any collection. (We are also treated to a delicious satire of Sailor Moon. The writers are clever enough even to mock Jupiter's and Mercury's romantic relationship. Just one more reason to purchase this series.)