[silence, crickets...]
DOH'!
Ok, I'll be reviewing both the original Gatekeepers TV series alongside the Fanservice Friendly Hand Maid May.
Little history on how I came across these beauties...
Both of these series were released in Digisubbed format a long while ago. I came across them and I happened to REALLY like them. Thus far, I've collected the ENTIRE Gatekeepers and Hand Maid May series on Domestic DVDs. :p to all you HK DVD whores... I follow the rule of justice sword. If the digisubs sucks. Ignore it, DON'T SUB them for the real anime. I've also done the same for my Vandread 1st/2nd stage digisubs and now own ALL of Vandread Movement Stage and DVD1 of 2nd Stage. I know it's a bit of a rant but there's WAY too many peeps using digisubs as "free anime"...
They make good source despite what some "pros" are saying but still, BUY THE DVDS WHEN RELEASED DAMNIT!Ok, first up, my fav type of anime, DA FANSERVICE!
Hand Maid May is THE anime for horny mofos... ^_^
Practically all the tastes of a person's fav "female type" are shown in this anime. All of them have their own type of beauty and they're all pretty much chasing one man. Yes, the smell of the "Tenchi" contagent is on the plot of this anime. Though there's a minor spoiler involved. All the girls chasing him are ANDROIDS. Still, in terms of originality, the plot isn't all too Tenchi'ed... Hero (Kazuya) and landlady's daughter (who's of course a busty panty-flashin' super hot tomboy) Kasumi are in an odd relationship. Kazuya is on the verge of discovering an "automated artificial intelligence" which is based off a source known as the MAID set. Before diving into the story and throwing anymore spoilers at you, let's just say the problem needed to be solved is a question of whether or not robots/androids should be treated as people... Anymore detail would spoil it, but in terms of originality, there's a lot worse than this.
I have the domestic DVDs. Capturewise, this anime is crystal clear. When diving into "cyberspace", we are treated to CG acid. ^_^ If you were doped up, that's what cyberspace looks like. OOOh, the colors... THE WOMEN! etc. All joking aside, the capture quality for the domestic dvds are perfect. I'll most definitely consider using them for amvs since the Wings of Honneamise debacle is just wrong... [ask people who have that dvd... it's not pretty]
The music is great. I like it due to it's EXTREME happy nature. It's also considered one of the most "adorable cute" ecchi anime to date when you pair it up with music like this. Yes, I'd say the intro revolves around jumping like a maniac Odorikuruu style. The ending isn't lasting, but unlike some anime where I hit the "Skip chapter" button for the intro, I NEVER miss this opening. The fact you get all these nice character profile shots of the girls is also a real treat... 0_0
In terms of action, this anime isn't exactly "that" type of action. It's ecchi with some level of control. Though it lacks in the "combat" department, the story moves at an even pace. Though I'm sure some of you may agree that the last episodes seem "rushed", the extra OAV [which is included in DVD 4, thank goodness] is a nice, well... Extra! ^_^ It's more fanservice and fun hijinks...
Lip Synch : English Dub Equivalent. The voice actors are recognizable from other Pioneer add ons. You'll note that the dub is, even I have to say, sub par. Even Sara starts sounding like Kitsune at times. (You HAVE to find a way to make an Osakan accent sound right. NOT make it a freakin' southern gal...
) How is that accomplished? Unsure. However, this dub isn't as bad as say, Dragon Slayer or, [puts up holy cross] Love Hina. Love Hina's dub was so bad that my friend [who hates subs] said he'd reconsider after watching the 1st dvd... LOL In terms of dub quality, there's many more WORSE dubs out there, believe me...Digital FX: this is Pioneer Animation. There is a good amount of "well blended" cg to be had here. Most of it is used as a cyberspace trip instead of just environmental overdosage (ala blue submarine/vandread). Still, the CG isn't unnoticeable and I must say that in terms of perfect CG blending, nothing beats... INU YASHA. It is the standard that I'll compare other CG based anime to... Sunrise is da king...
The Effort in Hand Maid May is barely 12 eps in size. Though in terms of execution and cuteness, it wins as my ULTIMATE CUTE ECCHI of the decade! The small number of casts and light change in situations are rather bland but still, compared to other subpar anime, what IS placed into this anime is very well done. My vote goes to the song score. The music was well planned.
Overall, MY type of anime. Comedic fanservice with a nice touch of drama/revelation towards the end. Can't tell you about that ending but hey, that's the point of avoiding SPOILERS. ^_^
Reviewablity isn't all that for this anime. If you have a fetish for sexy girls in long stockings, then hey, you can knock yourself out with this anime. If you want something with more drama and depth, I'd suggest Ai Yori Aoshi or Onegai Teacher. (I've done a previous review to Ai Yori Aoshi and I suggest you read that if you're interested) I like its comedy factor and if you're into that, that's fine.
I'd recommend this anime to:
fanservice fanatics (I'm one of them)
Comedy lovers
Tenchi fans (most definitely)
Stocking lovers. (each female character has some NICE fabric covering their leggggs...)
I'd avoid this if you're:
Not a fanservice person (offended by it, etc.)
Don't like happy music (you'll be berrated by it repeatedly)
Prefer a deeper more serious anime. (Watch Gasaraki if you want.)
Looking for a BIG TV series. HMM is only 12 eps or so.
My ratings for it...
Originality: 7
Capture: 10
Sound: 9
Action: 8
Lip Synch: 7
Digital FX: 8
Effort: 7
Overall: 9
Reviewable: 6
I'll throw up the Gatekeepers review shortly. Now I wish I could "document" my reviews somewhere more permanent. But hey, if I can help you find nice anime (or avoid anime you don't like) then hey, I did my part...
The Gatekeepers Review will be based off the domestic DVDS (which I now own all of them...)
But overall, the dub is as good as it could get, though ADV does much better. This is a Pioneer dub.
, action, love action (double 
