It's creepy and violent, and it's really good. The first disc already marks Boogiepop Phantom (BP) as one of the best anime series released in the U.S. this year. This review will be intentionally vague as to the storyline: even a little information could ruin the suspense. It suffices to say that the narrative structure is totally unique and draws you into the world of BP before you know it.

The series is very reminiscent of Serial Experiments Lain in almost all aspects. The animation, character designs, color choice, and even the theme of living in the modern world all carries over. Yet, BP is still totally distinct, especially in the area of storyline.

The feeling and impressions seem to be akin to the Persona series released here in the U.S. for the Playstation, with the feelings of horror and dread and the mixture of technology with ghosts, demons, and things that go bump in the night. Yet, somehow, even when an episode has the most horrible of endings, the creators leave a certain spark of hope or life that allows one to keep watching and hoping in the next episode.

The Right Stuf, who is releasing BP in the U.S., did a great job with the transfer. The sound and clarity of picture are excellent, and this is a series that needs both to be perfect. Sound cues are crucial to the ambiance of the world. Disharmony is exemplified by the sound of malfunctioning electronics - an electric whine or skipping CD. The colors, as mentioned before, are the muted hues we saw in Lain that create a truly creepy world.

The character designs fit the world created by the show. The myriad students and characters all look different and are easily recognizable. There are many new characters each and every episode. While they may not carry over, their names will, and they will be talked about. You definitely have to pay close attention to every person in the show - who they know, and who they to and about - because sure enough, they'll have a connection to someone else.

The more episodes you watch, the more you'll appreciate the first episode and how it prepares you for what is to come. The writers have obviously done an excellent job adapting this series to TV.

In previous reviews, I've shown my bias against senseless violence. As far as I'm concerned, this show proves me right. BP is quite violent and bloody, but done in such a smart purposeful way that it becomes integral to the story rather than a selling point. When violence occurs, it creates a definite impact and there is nothing glorious about it. It's an adult show with adult sensitivities (note: I have to add that when I say "adult," it's from a maturity standpoint, not a chronological one).

The only downside to the first disc is the lack of extras. There is no insert, no textless opening, no real extras of any sort. The "bonuses" are two TV commercials and a so-so music video. On an odd note, they consider the DVD credits a bonus. Personally, I consider that as much a bonus as an author's name being listed on a book. It's expected. The great liner notes by AnimEigo and the very cool inserts being included in the TV version of Vampire Princess Miyu by Tokyopop have shown what can be done to give customers a little extra. I hope The Right Stuf follows suit.

Still, for fans of smart horror and urban legends, this disc is a must-buy. If the series holds this quality throughout, it will most likely go into my essential collection. Miss this one only if you can't stomach violence or dark storylines.

Distributor: The Right Stuf
Creator: Mediaworks / Project Boogiepop
Released: 2000

Video Quality: A
Audio Quality: A
Presentation: B
Content: A+
Overall: A