Encyclopedia - People - U

Wings of Rean Sub.DVD 1
Aimed squarely at those with a Pavlovian response to the mere thought of returning to Byston Well armed with all the eye-popping luxuries of modern animation. Though, given the price, even the droolers may be tempted to just wipe their chins and move on.

Hare + Guu Deluxe DVD 1
This volume may not represent Haré + Guu at its best, but the truly funny parts are good enough to balance out the lame ones. A must for fans of the original TV series.

The Prince of Tennis DVD
Earns its place at the bottom of the sports anime heap because it's boring, an unforgivable crime in sports anime. Watch it for its pretty boys, or because the hero's dad is kind of fun, but not for the sports action.

Lunar Knights
Lunar Knights is the kind of game that wants to be loved. It's not that the game plays horribly; it doesn't. However, the game simply doesn't offer enough variety or innovation to capture a player's attention for too long.

To Heart DVD 2
To Heart is still plotless and slow and in need of a defibrillator charge. But that slow day-to-day rhythm is exactly what it's like getting to know someone in real life.

When They Cry DVD 1
Don't let its outward cutesiness fool you; this is moe meets murder, a horror/mystery tale which transits light fluffiness into dark, violent, and bloody content. Despite a cuteness overload in some scenes, it can be remarkably tense and effectively unnerving.

Suzuka DVD 1
These first five episodes are a gentle start to a heartwarming series—as long as you're not mentally comparing it to the manga every step of the way.

Kurau: Phantom Memory DVD 2
It may have its share of mecha battles and super-powered action, but quality writing and an emphasis on relationships continues to elevate this series to a higher level. A strong and heartfelt second outing.

Hellsing Ultimate DVD 2
For better or worse, the content is more of the same: lots of maniacal grins, blood splatter, cool weapons, foul language, and gory violence. If you liked the first episode, you'll love this one.

Black Cat GN 9
With multiple plotlines still up in the air, it now comes together in a culmination of gunfights, swordfights, hand-to-hand fights, and catfights (okay, maybe not that last one).

Voices of a Distant Star DVD
Shinkai has created a masterpiece, blending luscious animation, a tear-jerking story, and beautifully honest dialogue to create one of 2003's very finest releases.