Synopsis:
The notorious criminal Kain has escaped from the Galaxy Police (GP) Headquarters. He had been captured before through the joint efforts of the Jurai Royal Family and the GP. Around the same time, Tenchi's house on Earth suddenly disappears... even Tenchi himself is fading fast! It seems that Kain has gone back to the past to alter things to his favor. Tenchi and the gang must now go back in time, back to 1970, and save Tenchi's parents from certain doom in the hands of Kain.

Review:
Tenchi Muyo In Love has all the basics covered -- a good plot, interesting characters, plus richly detailed art and animation. It's a lot more intense and well-written compared to the the TV eps which it is anchored on. The pacing is very good, and I didn't feel the time pass as I was watching this.

This time, Tenchi has to go back to the past just like Michael J. Fox in "Back to the Future" to make sure nothing happens to his mom, and ultimately, to himself. The way the 1970's is set in the movie is remarkably convincing. The 70's scenes have subtlest hint of sepia, exuding a very nostalgic feel. I really liked the introduction of Tenchi's mother Achika. In my opinion, she is by far the coolest and most impactful character to hit the Tenchi universe! Nobuyuki, Tenchi's father, is also worth pointing out. I had no idea he was such a mild-mannered cutie in his teens!

As with all TM videos, the English dubbing is okay if you can stand the fact that dubbed Ayeka sounds like a raspy and whiney old woman and dubbed Ryoko sounds nowhere as cute as the original Japanese version. So why rate it only 4.5 stars? Well, the plot and progression is a tad reminiscent of the original "Back to the Future" movie. Still, that doesn't change the fact that this is definitely one of the best anime movies to be released. Even my non-Tenchi appreciative friends think it's good.

Miscellanies:
I kicked off my anime video collection with a copy of TMIL on laser disc several years ago. Now I got it on DVD thanks to Pioneer's irresistible pricing...

Screenshots:

Shopping - click on title to purchase:

Rightstuf
Tenchi the Movie 1: Tenchi Muyo in Love (DVD)
Tenchi the Movie 1: Tenchi Muyo in Love (DVD Collection)
AnimeNation
Tenchi the Movie 1: Tenchi Muyo in Love (DVD)
Tenchi the Movie 1: Tenchi Muyo in Love (DVD Collection)

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