Rating: 
Summary: Fun blend of influences in a nice box
Review: Years after releasing the individual discs of Dual, Pioneer finally got around to making a boxed set for one of my favorite anime series. First, the box: it's nice and sturdy, like most Pioneer boxes, and has an unusual clear plastic cover that slides over it, adding more images of the girls of the series. The main images on either side are D and Yayoi--somewhat odd choices, if you've seen the series, but very attractive images. Overall, a very nice box.As to the show itself, Dual is a fun combination of Tenchi Muyo-style harem comedy (in which our hero, Kazuki, is surrounded by pretty girls who are all interested in him) with a parody of the overwrought Neon Genesis Evangelion (in which giant robots with mystical overtones battle one another). Despite being dismissed by some for being exactly this combination, rather than something original, Dual works because it is more enjoyable than either show it draws from. On the harem comedy side, Dual has a more active hero--Kazuki actually decides to do things on his own, rather than the Tenchi-style passivity until the last minute. The girls are also interesting on their own terms, rather than just being foils for one another. On the giant robot side, Dual's parody of Evangelion works because you actually like Dual's characters--they are much more developed than those in many giant robot shows. The show blends these elements together well. Kazuki initially attracts the attention of the girls because of his visions of robots fighting and his surprising skill at piloting them; his piloting of robots is driven on by his concern for all of the girls. Throughout, Dual realizes it is a comedy, and remains so, even when the plot turns a little darker. I highly recommend this series--I liked it enough that I bought this boxed set even though I've long since owned the individual discs (although admittedly, I will sell those off now). Dual is simply fun, and this is a great package.
| 
