DNAngel Volume 3

Review Date: 2006 March 18 08:04

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: ADV Films UK

Age Rating: PG

Region: 2 - UK

Volume 3 of 7

Length: 100 minutes

Subtitles: English

Audio: English 5.1 Surround
Japanese 2.0 Stereo

Summary

Daisuke seems to be getting to grips with his new life and has accepted he must work with Dark instead of fight him. His problems don’t seem to end there though, because Daisuke isn’t the only one with issues, Dark’s familiar With gets lovesick and a figure out of Daisuke’s past returns throwing him utterly off balance.

Review

By volume 3 I was expecting to get a little bored, DNAngel could easy become formulaic however I was pleasantly surprised to see that this volume once again has a good mix of episodes. In the first we’re treated to a bit of lighthearted fun as Dark’s familiar With gets lovesick, causing Daisuke trouble as the rabbit continuously escapes to visit his sweetheart. What’s particularly interesting is that even an episode this light in tone furthers the plot Daisuke’s friends learn a little more about him. This move is skilfully done, as the viewer knows this brings Daisuke’s friends one-step closer to his secret. There’s also a standard Dark episode as the phantom thief attempts to steal another treasure, this time underwater. Whilst we’ve seen this sort of episode before it’s still enjoyable and thankfully continues to further the story rather than relax into filler.

What’s most appealing about this volume is how Daisuke and Dark’s improved relationship changes the dynamics of the show. Whilst earlier episodes focused on Daisuke hiding his identity while struggling with an apparently uncooperative Dark, this volume sees them working together with Daisuke actively commenting during the times when Dark is in control.

The production values remain high; whilst there are less CG special effects on this disk the general animation quality remains remarkably high for a T.V series. The quality of the DVD is also superb catering well to both dub and sub fans. There’s a small video following the Japanese voice actor for Daisuke; Miyu Irino (who fans may be familiar with as the voice of Haku from Spirited Away) as he records for the show. Interestingly this reveals that voice-overs were done at the pencil test stage. Whilst this allows for animators to incorporate quirks of the voce actor’s performances it’s not always done in standard anime production due to time and budget factors. There is also another small video following a chat between the theme song performer Shunichi Miyamoto and Miyo Irino voice actor. Dub fans are also well served with a voce actor’s commentary.

The dub is of a predictably high standard and is one of the few shows where I recommend that everyone take a look at both languages. DNAngel is an enjoyable series that can’t help make you smile.

Rating: 8/10