Urusei Yatsura (2022) Seasons 3 and 4 Collection Review
Back in May, MVM released their first collection of the 2022 Urusei Yatsura anime adaptation. Now, two months later, we return to this new adaptation of a beloved classic with the second collection of episodes. Will they prove just as entertaining? Let’s find out!
Like the first 23-episode collection, this new adaptation continues to be a ‘best of’ series of stories. And we open this set in good form with an episode split into a tale about Ataru stealing a special chewing gum that can create whatever the user imagines while blowing a bubble, and a story of Lum forgetting how to speak Japanese after Ataru accidentally hits her with a rice cooker.
It’s these comedic yet charming storylines that make up the majority of the runtime. However, once we’re approaching the end of the series, there are a lot more episodes that offer meaningful character development for the entire cast, as well as for the relationships they share. Ataru might grumble about Lum’s presence, but it’s obvious deep down that he values their time together. So, when events begin to threaten their relationship, we get to see an entirely new side to his character.
And the same can be said for Mendo, Shinobu, Ryunosuke (who was introduced in the second half of the last collection) and the rest of the cast. What’s particularly notable about these episodes is that the team has picked chapters that offer something for everyone, no matter who your favourite character happens to be. I like our main duo, but I’m also particularly attached to Mendo, so his episodes were very rewarding for me. As I said when I reviewed the first collection, it’s obvious how much the team working on this loves the original work and has done their utmost to depict all its strengths in this new adaptation.
When this project was first announced, there was a lot of hesitation among the existing Urusei Yatsura fanbase, who felt it didn’t need to be readapted. However, as a newcomer to the franchise, I can say I really enjoyed my time with it. Despite being a ‘best of’ take on the story, the stories that were picked ensure that you never feel like you’re missing key knowledge or that there are any inconsistencies. I’m sure that took a great deal of time and consideration to accomplish. Especially as we approach the end of the story, where there are so many important elements to consider.
Certainly, if you are new to the series like me, this is a really good way to experience it. And I think even for those familiar with the material, this is still well worth watching, due to the care with which the team have treated it. It would be one thing if it were a case of them cashing in, but this couldn’t be further from that kind of situation. This is purely and simply a joy to watch.
Having aired less than a year after the first 23 episodes, nothing has notably changed when it comes to the staff. The project was still handled by David Production, with music by Masaru Yokoyama and the same excellent group of voice actors. The first 12 episodes of this set have the opening theme “Lock-On” by Hashimero and Meguru, while the ending theme is “Thunder Blossom” by 9Lana and Sakuramoti. The second opening theme is “By My Darling” by Mikimaria and Nito, while the ending is “Haru Magai” by Ayuni D and Nito. Like the first four songs, these all fit the series very well!
Urusei Yatsura (2022) Seasons 3 and 4 Collection comes to the UK thanks to MVM Entertainment and is available on Blu-ray. This release contains all 23 episodes of Seasons 3 & 4 with both the Japanese audio and the English dub. Extras include trailers and promo videos with nothing else of note.
Overall, this second collection of Urusei Yatsura proves every bit as entertaining and charming as the first set. The episodes continue on in their largely episodic format, but there’s a lot more development for the cast as we approach the end. And once you reach that final episode, it leaves you feeling satisfied from the journey we’ve taken to get there.
Our review copy was supplied by MVM.
