Plot: What’s it about?
Natsumi is late for her first day at work, but this worse than it seems, as she is to begin her career as a police officer. So it is not the kind of job you can be late for, especially as a new person on the job. She is running late though and in order to reach the precinct in time, she has to break a few traffic laws herself. She should know better of course, but now she is being chased by a patrol car and destined to be even more late. The officer who pulls her over is Miyuki and while the situation is awkward, the two would soon become partners. Miyuki’s sweet nature didn’t win over her new partner at first, but soon Natsumi would give in. But can these two not only get along, but also win the battle against crime?
The good times keep rollin’ on, as I have now finished three out of the four DVD collections of You’re Under Arrest. I’d wanted to see this series for a while, but never got around to it and now, I wish it would have taken the plunge sooner. The episodes in this third collection, which houses volumes seven through nine, are a little more inconsistent than the previous ones. That is to say, there a few less than stellar episodes to be found here. But even these episodes provide decent entertainment and while certain characters didn’t click with me, its very subjective. So while I didn’t care for those elements, others are probably in love with them and even though I didn’t, the show was still worthwhile. The ninth volume has blockbuster episodes to boot, so while there is a lull at the start, by the last episodes of the collection, the show returns to form and then some. Another twelve episodes down and I am ready to tackle more, so You’re Under Arrest continues to be recommended.
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in full frame, as intended. The transfers here look clean and clear, but won’t have you praising the visuals to the heavens. There are some minor color issues, but for the most the hues seem accurate and contrast is consistent, so no worries there. The image is by no means razor sharp, but it is clear and detail is solid. So aside from some very minor flaws, this is probably as good as the material is going to look.
Audio: How does it sound?
The show’s original Japanese soundtrack is provided, as well as an English language option. I chose the original of course and while unremarkable, the audio is always solid and never disappoints. So don’t expect dynamic presence, but the needs of the material are more covered. The sound effects come across well, though not with much depth, while dialogue is crisp and clean, even to me and I don’t speak Japanese. Of course, English subtitles are also provided.
Supplements: What are the extras?
An impressive assortment of goodies has been included, such as extensive cast and crew interviews from the English language troupe. A half hour interview with a co-director is here, as is a forty-five minute piece with Scott Houle that covers a wealth of topics, plus several other shorter, but worthwhile interviews. These are insightful and fun to watch, so if you love the series, you will not want to miss this collection of interviews. You can also check out a behind the scenes tour of sorts, with several brief featurettes that combine to form a solid inside look. This release also includes cast profiles for prominent members of the dub team, as well as a selection of fan artwork.
