When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) Volumes 1-3

Volume 1's box art; it's reversible and also contains a version without the weird effects

I'm back with another review, folks. This time, it's When They Cry (more commonly known by its Japanese title, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni). Despite my slight obsession with this series, I'll make my review as objective, critical, and unbiased as possible. I will also attempt to write this as if I am a newcomer to the show.

The story revolves around Keiichi Maebara (pronounced "Kay-Ee-Chee May-Bear-Uh" in the English dub) as he attempts to solve the mysteries surrounding Hinamizawa, his new home. But this isn't your average mystery anime, that becomes apparent in episodes 4 and 5. Composed of many different story arcs (the same thing told differently each time or from a new perspective), things are bound to become intricate by the time Keiichi (and we, the viewers) discover what's truly going on.

Keiichi Maebara, the series' protagonist (and a complete badass, I might add)

Unarguably, this show has some of the most memorable and likable characters ever conceived. Joining the aforementioned Keiichi, we have his five friends (Rena, Mion/Shion, Satoko, Rika), two cops (Oishi, Akasaka), and some other people whom you'll meet along the way. Keep in mind, however, that no one is truly how they seem (this becomes obvious quickly).

Keiichi's friends, Shion not pictured (top) Oishi (bottom)

I've tried to avoid spoilers as much as possible (as going in blind with very little prior knowledge is really the best way to watch it). They shouldn't be too hard to find online, so if you want any more information on the series' plot or characters, Google it.

Now, onto a review of the content of the discs (the following screenshots are from Volume 2). Pop the DVD into your player and you'll find this:

This does not bode well

Oh wow, a static menu and no bonus features. Looks like Geneon went all out with this release. After pressing play, you will no doubt soon be attempting to claw out your own throat. The English dub is perhaps one of the most gratingly painful mockeries of the English language and anime alike. It's not just bad, mind you, it's fucking appalling. Don't be fooled by the Anime News Network, this voice track is most certainly NOT "excellent." I gave up attempting to review the English version after watching 3 episodes dubbed.

So now you've learned your lesson and have begun watching the show with Japanese voice acting and subtitles. The voice work is top notch here, and some of the best I've heard in anime, to be honest. However, the subtitles leave a bit to be desired:

You've got it backwards there, Mr. Delicious

Good job leaving the honorifics in but reversing the name order, guys! Seriously, either (preferably) leave 'em out or keep the names in proper Japanese order. It gets kind of confusing when the subtitles say something completely different from the audio. But hey, at least these subs aren't as bad as the ones on the Ichi The Killer DVD, since they remembered to put spaces between words on this one.

The video transfer seems sketchy in a few places on volume 1, but is flawless everywhere else. The picture quality is great, though the animation is only passable. Higurashi had a very low budget, thus why the animation resembles something from the mid-90's.

As for the episodes included on these three DVDs, most of them are excellent. A few parts borderline on being boring, and some scenes are a bit cheesy, but overall this stuff is of the highest quality. There is never a dull moment in the first arc, though it will make very little sense to someone first starting the series. Give this show a chance, though, and it will reward you greatly.

As with most modern anime releases, this one has a Limited Edition that comes with a special art box. However, after Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, I am wary of Geneon's "Limited Edition" releases and will refrain from buying any more of them. But, just what does the Higurashi art box look like?

That's a misrepresentation of the series if I've ever seen one

What the fuck is this? No, seriously. I'm never letting that thing within even a 2 mile radius of my house. This Collector's box makes Higurashi look like it's intended for little girls. Or pedophiles. Or both. When They Cry deserves better. All that's missing is Hello Kitty winking at you and a bunch of tiny hearts everywhere.

Overall Scores:
Episodes/Content: 9.5/10 (amazing atmosphere, tons of memorable scenes, great characters, and an interesting storyline marred only by a few dull or cheesy moments)
Animation Quality/Transfer: 8.5/10 (the animation is passable at best, though the transfer is mostly spot-on)
Voice Acting (Japanese): 9.5/10 (nearly perfect)
Voice Acting (English): 2/10 (Oishi and Akasaka sound okay, but everything else about it is atrocious)
Subtitles: 8/10 (a few quirky translation errors and some weird decisions involving names, but they're mostly good)
Special Features: 0/10 (Geneon Previews and DVD Credits)
Limited Edition: -5/10 (this one doesn't even have a Bonus Features disc, not to mention that the art box is simply disgusting)

Higurashi is possibly one of the best anime ever made, and definitely my favorite. Anyone in the mood for a great murder mystery should check it out, and I mean now.

-- Foggle