Animé and Toons
Yu Yu Hakusho Season One Blu-ray
By Chris Zimmerman
June 10, 2011 - 12:15

ISBN: 1-4210-2302-4
$44.98 US
Starring: Christopher R. Sabat, John Burgmeier, Chuck Huber, Justin Cook
Directed by: Justn Cook
Produced by: Studio Pierrot
Running Time: 620 minutes
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Distributors: Funimtation Entertainment



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Ah Yu Yu Hakusho how I’ve missed you. It’s been years since I last sampled your unique brand of slam-bang action and juvenile humor. With the advent of anime on Blu-ray, Funimation has begun taking measures to ensure the majority its video library is available in high definition. While its only common sense to expect this tactic to extend to more recent series, the company has shown itself to be adamant in releasing some of its more popular franchises despite the apparent age of the works. Released under its classics heading, Yu Yu Hakusho fits into this category, having helped to establish the company’s foothold in the anime market.

Yu Yu Hakusho is based on a manga by Yoshiro Togashi back in 1990. The series went on to take the shonen genre by storm, mashing up a unique art style, fully developed characters, and dynamic fight sequences, rivaling even Dragon Ball in popularity.

The series focuses on Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious high school student whose problem solving skills extend only to his fists. Defying the rules every chance he gets, Yusuke is labeled a hopeless delinquent. His reputation spreads throughout every school district of the city, earning him a reputation as being cold and brutal. This however is only half true as Yusuke’s true personality is that of a selfless young man willing to risk himself for others. Then the time comes when Yusuke makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his own life to save a child. But rather than the story ending, this is only the beginning, as Yusuke is given another chance at life as a Spirit Detective, hunting demons for the underworld.

From there the series challenges the norm, first giving viewers several episodes taken from the deceased Yusuke’s view point as he focuses on finding his way back to the living before settling into more conventional shonen fare. Guided by the overly cheerful grim reaper named Botan, Yusuke runs afoul of several bizarre and equally devious individuals, such as the demonic pair Hiei and Kurama and the spiritual martial arts master Genkai.

These early episodes serve to set the tone for the adventures that follow, pitting Yusuke against renegade demons and ancient foes. Yet despite the various fights sprinkled throughout the episodes are the regular themes of love and friendship that drive the characters. Even with all the fighting and adventure, the series spends plentiful time establishing the character’s motivations and instilling them with personality, giving it a distinctive identity beyond the typical fighting frenzy associated with shonen sheries.

Funimation’s previous efforts in the restoration of older series have been decidedly mixed with the image problems of FLCL being a prime example. Fortunately, Yu Yu Hakusho’s upgrade is a complete success. The transfer is extraordinary with vibrant colors and clean lines. This is probably the best the series has ever looked and definitely a wonder to the eyes.

Unfortunately, as is custom for the company, the set is devoid of any extras to speak of. Normally I would harp further on this issue but considering we get 28 episodes, the lack of supplemental material is an easier pill to swallow.

Yu Yu Hakusho is a landmark among action series. The characters are finely tuned and the story addictive. There’s never a dull moment to be had, with some of the episodes carrying unexpected touching moments that genuinely tug at the heart strings. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series exploring an oft lauded upon gem or a returning fan, Yu Yu hakusho remains as addicting as ever and a classic stable in anime.

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Yu Yu Hakusho Season One Blu-ray