Ace Attorney - Funimation Box Set - [Review]
By: v.o.lynnFunimation’s boxed set of Ace Attorney (Japanese title - Gyakuten Saiban: Sono "Shinjitsu", Igiari!) is a four disc (Two BluRay + Extras and two DVD’s w/o extras) set that collects episodes 1-13.The boxed set is approximately 4 ½ cases full of objections, banter, sudden explorations, evidence, and the occasional bad pun. While Phoenix Wright is a popular franchise, the Phoenix in this series is actually really green when it comes to courtroom experience. With familiar faces to fans of the Capcom video game, you’ll see the return of characters like Miles Edgeworth and Mia Fey, with a lively cast of unreliable narrators as trials and tribulations ensue.Phoenix is really pleasant and spirited as a character throughout the episodes, and while not being a complete “rabbit-ears lawyer”, he does have a few moments off the courtroom floor where his immaturity shines through. But with his immaturity comes a spirited goal-minded individual, staking his reputation on gut instinct and breaks in the case, unlike some other lawyer and police procedural. The whole thing is a bit fluffy for a series of murder investigations, with a few of the trials ending with Tickertape and confetti. (Which, I guess, is normal for his universe? With spirit mediums being in-universe, it wouldn't surprise me terribly.)I really love the use of sunflowers throughout the intro and ending, as it can be applied to so many of the main characters (Phoenix, Larry, Mia, Maya). The idea to soldier on with a positive attitude and “Make it work” is the prevailing sentiment for both sides of the courtroom as well, with Miles.While early on, Phoenix is told to look for the contradictions, I urge the watcher to be on alert as well. See if you can figure out the answer before Phoenix, or the key that will keep the trial moving. Also, keep an eye out for the obligatory “OBJECTION!” here and there, and settle in for a fun and warm series with some really grim subtext.
Extras:
Two sets of subtitles – one that’s closer to the Funimation Script with Americanized names, one with the Naruhudo Ryuchi (Phoenix’s Japanese name) and all other names+honorifics intact. The Blu-Ray extras include Episode 12 commentary, Textless songs (for all you AMV folks out there), and “Ace Attorney Outtakes: Part 01” for those inclined for a little extra content to decompress between the first disc and the second one. There’s also a trailer for the limited edition 50th Anniversary Speed Racer Boxed set, among others.
It comes in a blue case with a white slipcover and Phoenix's smiling face on the Blue Ray side (to remind you that there are extras) and a determined face on the DVD side (to remind you that there are not). The slipcover has the series description from Funimation on one side, and the iconic Phoenix "OBJECTION!" on the front side.
Find it at your favorite anime DVD retailer or purchase it from Funimation here!