Comment:

Excellent video and audio as previously stated. I just wanted to add that episodes 40-51 were never fansubbed, so they are indeed HK originals. Other episodes, including the later ones not in this set, have been fansubbed though.

Video:

No complaints here. I assume that it's a DVD-rip. I experienced at least two instances on 'pausing', which doesn't usually happen on my player, but playback continued a second or so later. Tested on a Pioneer 636 (RGB out) + QED RGB Scart cable (video only) + Hitachi 28" flat-widescreen.

Audio:

Nothing to shout about. Clear without any disortion.

Subtitle:

Episodes 1-39 are fantastic and, as it has widely been reported, use fan-subs. Decent English with a few instances of slang, which don't seem too out of place, e.g. "dissin'", and profanity limited to "cr*p", "b*stard and, strangely, "a**hole" (I'm self-censoring just in case). A few mis-timing issues - understandable considering the speed at which Sana speaks!. Episode 40-51 are a different matter. They are, I assume, HK originals. Severe Engrish and several name changes for the main characters. However, you can still muddle your way through in terms of understanding the plot - you just don't get the details. What hasn't been widely reported is that this only happens for 4-5 episodes or so. Towards the end, around ep 46 or so, the subs improve a great deal - not to the standard of the fansubs, but rather above average HK originals. With one or two exceptions the names revert back to normal and much of the conversation is not only easy to understand, but also in clear English. Very strange. Nevertheless, things plummet with ep 51 although this isn't too distressing since it is more or less a flashback episode. What is also strange is that with the HK originals there are instances of the F-word. I'm no prude, but it is disconcerting to 'hear' an 11-year-old girl (animated or not!) spout this particular word - the context makes it more shocking although I will admit to being more amused than shocked. Opening and closing credit songs are subbed, but not the next episode previews.

Comment:

Nice bright, colourful packaging with artwork repeated on the discs. 'Soft plastic' disc-holders, which I usually like, but on my set there are one or two stubborn one that are reluctant to take discs without pressure. Menus on Discs 1-3 are in English and easy to navigate. Discs 4-6 are in Chinese and are generally less impressive (not because they are in Chinese, however). This is a charming and funny show, which also has some touching and tender moments. Sana is, as you might expect, the heart of the show - she is extremely engaging and it's hard not to be won over by her sheer exuberance and energy. However, the other characters - some more than others - are also well realised and sometimes given their own screen time. So is it worth splashing out knowing that there are some horrible subs to deal with? Definitely. You get 39 episodes of top notch Kodomo - the HK subs coincide with the series' change in tone, i.e. more serious, so all the insane school stuff is brilliantly subbed - and a handful of poor episodes, which you can still 'understand' in the big scheme of things. Here's hoping for the next 51 episodes!