|
Feature Presentation:
Special thanks to Geneon Entertainment for sending a copy for a review for this site. Here is another batch of Anime UMD coming this year. Wow, this series is totally awesome. Who will think that paper can be used as a weapon or any other tools! Just a note that this is the TV series, so don't be confused if you don't recognized some of the characters if you seen the OVA version. The story started up when a popular writer, Nenene Sumiregawa, is coming to Hong Kong to take a look on a movie production of her first & only book release by her. However, there is a mad bomber on the loose out to kill her. They escape the first attack, but fearing for Nenene' safety, three sisters, Magiie, Michelle & Anita, are hired to be her bodyguard. However, they are actually paper masters, that actually have the ability to turn ordinary paper to the deadliest of weapons. Though, the beginning might be a little boring, except for the explosive beginning! It's so cool when they are off to save Nenene! The music rocks & giving it suspend! However, they ended up going back with her in Tokyo & remains as her bodyguard for a while.
Video:
Geneon Entertainment did a very great job. However, this series isn't in widescreen, but in full screen. The PSP does play full-screen, just black out the side. There is some watermarking done, translating the credits to English. It is crisp & clear, no problem. Each episodes are separated into 4 parts: the introduction, part A, part B & ending. I do note that you can skip all those warnings & logos when you first load the UMD by just selection the "Menu" on your PSP. There is already a DVD out already, if you wish you see it on your TV!
Dubbing: English:
The English dubbing is well done. However, I find that the mysterious boy's voice sounds a little too girly. It's about 85% of the original Japanese.
Audio 01: English 2.0:
No problem found. Recommended listening via headphones or an external speaker system.
Audio 02: Japanese 2.0:
No problem found. Recommended listening via headphones or an external speaker system.
Subtitle:
Geneon Entertainment have selected a great font, very easy to read, but as always, since the PSP has a small screen, you might have trouble reading it without looking closely. Of course, it varies from person to person. White is the prefer color for the regular subtitling & Japanese signs & text. There is only one subtitling track, which is for the Japanese dialogue, so if you want to see the translation for the vocals, you must turn the subtitle on. I might note that every odd numbered episodes, the ending subtitles are in English, while the even numbered episodes are in Japanese original text on this volume.
Menu Option:
Even the series is in full screen, the menu is actually in widescreen format, fits right on the PSP screen. Since this series is all about books & paper, the menu would match up to it. However, for the UMD version, it's a little more like a filing system with using folders when you select the options. There is the "Play", "Audio Setup", "Subtitle Setup" & "Previews". When selected, each section will pop out the options you want to select. The background music is really sweet, it's the main theme of the series.
UMD Extras:
Even there is a section for extras, there isn't really any extras, just trailers for other Anime releases. This might be due that, well, UMD discs have a limited space, so you're pretty much stuck with none.
Packaging:
The package is almost the same as the DVD release, if you have seen it or own it. On the cover, you see the three sister, with Anita showing off her little frog. In the back, you see it's like a desk with an open folder with screenshots for each episodes in this volume. On a little note, there is actually only one subtitling track, not two as mention. The insert is simple, but there is an episode list & information on the DVD releases. Along with that, for all you new to your PSP, there is instructions how to work an UMD disc! On the UMD disc itself, it's just a plain black background with the title marked. Since the UMD disc case is a clear one, a nice artwork of the three sisters.
Overall UMD Rating:
It's a very interesting series. Not to mention, you might have one litle plot with a bomber, but there is a hint there is something more to that. However, I find it really cute the three sisters, especially Anita, the youngest one. This series gives a whole new meaning of a paper cut! By now, most of you have seen the DVD version, so if you love that series enough, this is perfect to bring along with your PSP to watch during long trip! For all who have not, this is a perfect addition to your UMD collection!
| 
