Ranma ½ - Random Rhapsody, Vol. 3:
Watermelon Beach (2001)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Directed by Junji Nishimura
Written by Trish Ledoux and Terry Klassen, based upon the manga by Rumiko Takahashi
Cinematography by Mitsunobu Yoshida
Produced by Fuji TV and Kitty Film

Dindrane's Anime Warnings:

• Ranma-chan in a bathing suit
• dangerous watermelons
• Dr. Tofu driving with Kasumi nearby

Rating: 13+

Anamorphic: N/A

My Advice: Buy it!

Three new Ranma ½ episodes are coming your way in this disc. First up, there is “Tendo Family Goes to the Amusement Park,” where what was supposed to be a quiet date for Dr. Tofu and Kasumi turns into a family affair with typical Tendo family madness. Things get especially interesting when Ranma finds out that Genma and Soun spent all the food money in the arcade. Next, we have “Curse of the Furinkan Stalker,” wherein a malicious, masked prankster is stalking the girls of Furinkan High. Ranma has to clear his own name, because of course, he’s the prime suspect. Finally, there is “The Date-Monster of Watermelon Island,” where Kuno washes up on a beach where the Tendo family is vacationing. Kuno has lost his memory, and it all has something to do with a secret training spot that of course Ranma has to check out.

As always, the plots are delightfully improbable and slapstick. At long last Dr. Tofu gets a date with Kasumi, but he also gets a date with the rest of her family and hangers-on. This episode shows the Tendo and Saotome family dynamics beautifully, and it also really allows various characters to shine, especially some we don’t see often enough, like Kasumi and Nabiki. The third episode on the disc lets Ranma show off some of his best martial arts moves, all while turning back and forth into girl and guy form, and while Akane chases after him trying to figure out how Kuno lost his memory and keeping Ranma out of trouble. This is a great episode for fans of Akane and/or Kuno.

The audio and video quality are on par with the other discs in the series--in other words they're fine. I heard no crackling or other distortions, and both language casts are old pros. The colors were nice and saturated, without any noticeable shifting, fading, or other problems. The extras, unfortunately, are non-existent, so this is the same as other discs in the Random Rhapsody series.

In short, if you love Ranma’s brand of silly but charming humor, then this disc will be no exception. The characters are amusing and interesting without being too complex for pure entertainment or a lazy afternoon of fun. This continues to be one of the best comedy titles of all time, and this disc is just another reason why: old favorites doing what they do best, and new situations and characters for spice and contrast.