Burn Up Excess
Publisher
ADV
Director
Shinichiro Kimura
Production
AIC, Magic Bus
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
13 episodes
Year
1997
Burn Up Excess Volume 4: The Case of the Black Diamonds
By John Huxley
27th Apr 04  Burn Up Excess returns for one last outing of guns, gags, gadgets and bras. After the last disappointingly lacklustre volume it's pleasing to see a return to form for the harebrained girls (and guy). Everything you've come to expect from this series is present and correct - ridiculous stories, silly comedy, exciting action and (of course) lots and lots of fanservice. It's been brewing for the past few episodes; but there is actually a plot that ties everything together (yes, even the transvestites, who sadly don't make an appearance this time around). I'm not about to spoil anything, but I can reveal that it's a suitably ridiculous story involving black diamonds, killer robots and stereotypical badguys with scars. Did you expect anything less? Actually, this plot does throw up one surprise. The last episode sees a departure from the regular...well, excess of Burn Up Excess to give us some surprisingly effective drama. Although it may not be edge of seat stuff it does make for compelling viewing and a refreshing change. But don't worry too much; after all the credits have rolled and you've sat through the epilogue, the director is kind enough to provide us with a semi-nude shower scene of our favourite busty policewomen, seemingly as an afterthought. How kind. These final episodes also gives the Team Warrior leader Maki some much needed screen time. Her background is first explained through a series of cheesy flashbacks that reveal her connection to the case of the black diamonds and the creation of Team Warrior. As things head to a close she becomes increasingly involved in the proceedings, albeit with a totally hands-off approach. While I appreciate the effort, Maki really isn't a very interesting character when compared to the rest of the cast; she's just far too dull for a series like Burn Up Excess. Series like this revel in characters like Yuji. He's a pervert in a pervert's heaven, surrounded by beautiful women in revealing costume. His very own 'omake theatre', which makes an appearance at the end of several episodes is as hilarious as it is ingenious, making great use of his lecherous character. If a whole episode were dedicated to Yuji, I'd pay to see it. Sadly, Maki gets the screen time. The comedy is back on track with plenty of crude humour and silly gags. The action isn't bad, either: the last couple of episodes in particular throw up some nicely directed fights between Rio and the villainess, while Maya has some fun blasting the killer robots. Even Nanvel gets in on the action with her pink robot bunny suit. So, everything is here - comedy, action and even a little unexpected drama. It's a satisfyingly cliched conclusion to a fun, brainless series. Think Tenchi without the romance element and you're about there. It's not big, it's not clever, but I like it.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English, Japanese and Spanish audio, English subtitles, production sketches, ADV previews, jiggle counter
Release information: UK release date: 20th October 2003, ADV
Notes: Hurrah! The jiggle counter is back. Ever wondered how many times a character's breasts bounce during an episode? Well, now you can indulge your fantasies with ADV patented jiggle counter! It's basically a breast-shaped icon at the top of the screen that counts every time a character 'jiggles', and it happens a lot, usually to accompanying bongo drums (yes, that is the level of humour in Burn Up Excess). A neat feature that suits the series to a tee. The remaining features are all welcome additions, including the Spanish audio track for those of you who can speak the language.
-- John Huxley 27th Apr 04
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