DVD Corner

A Certain Magical Index Season 1 Parts 1 and 2 DVD Reviews

“A Certain Magical Index” is not so magical.

Set in a technologically advanced, magical, academic city known simply as Academy City, the story of “A Certain Magical Index” revolves around a teenage student named Toma. Toma, whose right hand has the power to stop other people’s magical powers, finds his life heading down a new path when he meets a girl (Index) on a balcony. Index turns out to be a Necessarius nun on the run from sorcerors. More important than that, however, is the fact that Index is essentially a living library who houses 103,000 forbidden magical grimoires (books) that people are not meant to read. As you can imagine, Toma soon finds himself mixed in more adventures involving magic. In the 12 episode first part of the series, expect to see episodes about the electricity controlling Mikoto (who is being used by the military to create clones), Misaka (a Mikoto clone/sister), Accelerator (a powerful user of magic), Necessarius members Stiyl and Kapro protecting Index, experiments, an Academy City teacher named Komoe, Toma’s memory being corrupted by a spell, a rescue mission to save a girl named Aisa (AKA Deep Blood) from a powerful alchemist cult leader named Aureolus Izzard), the Misawa Cram School special, 13 knights, and vampires.

In part 2 (which is comprised of episodes 13-24), the action and story arcs ramp up in intensity. This batch of episodes involves: Misaka, Toma and Accelerator battling, Toma taking a trip to a beachside hotel, a nasty spell (Angel Fall) by an unknown caster, Toma’s parents, Toma’s seemingly normal teen friend Tsuchimikado, an imposter, the Kamijo Faction, a virus that could effect Misaka and her sisters, Ao Amai (an employee of the Sisters project), Accelerator’s new path in life, the mysterious student (Hyoka) who has a secret, a suspicious magician named Misha, and a powerful and vengeful mage named Sherry (and her golems) who wants to start a war between Necessarius and Academy City. The first season concludes with a cliffhanger ending leading into part 2 about a missing sorceress named Kaori.

“A Certain Magical Index” is the type of anime series that is both admirable and immensely frustrating. On one hand, I appreciate the fact that the writers seem to have a clear plan for where the story is headed. Unlike many anime series that either go on too long or have countless unfocused storylines, ‘Index’ divides itself into multiple mini-story arcs. For instance, in part 1, there are 3 main storylines involving the introduction of Index, the cult leader, and Mikoto. In part 2, the 3 main stories involve Accelerator, Toma, and Sherry. It may not seem like anything special to some anime fans, but mapped out characters and story arcs show that the writers aren’t making things up as they go along. Additionally, it’s the character backstories and revelations (especially with Index and Accelerator) that make the show watchable to begin with. Unfortunately, all the character arcs and story planning tend to go to waste here.

As I have mentioned in the past, one of the key things to know about screenwriting is “show, don’t tell.” Alas, many anime shows don’t tend to follow this rule as they rely heavily on exposition. This is never more evident than in ‘Index’ which features loads of conversations (and bickering) about religion, spells, terminology, magic, and power mumbo jumbo. Heck, even the main character (Toma) rambles on and on with speech after speech. To say it becomes tiresome is putting it mildly.

When the show does “show,” I could care less what is going on on screen. As I mentioned above, it’s the character moments that make ‘Index’ memorable. To me, the fights and spells portion of the series feels like a repetitive video game featuring characters with supernatural powers fighting one another.     

Another irritating aspect is the humor which relies on tired gags and tropes. Fanservice? It’s here. A character with bad luck encountering someone who thrusts him into action? That’s how Toma gets involved in the action to begin with. Let’s see a little originality here!

Video/Audio:

“A Certain Magical Index,” which is presented in widescreen, will impress you in the animation department. The animators did a fine job in creating this world’s cityscapes, environments, and character’s power displays. It’s a shame there isn’t a Blu-ray release at this time though as the show would have undoubtedly shined even more in 1080p.

These sets contain English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Japanese Stereo tracks. The English track is a bit on the whiny and this I prefer the superior voice acting on the Japanese track instead.

Part 1 Extras:
* Trailers for “Baka and Test,” “Shakugan No Shana,” “One Piece,” “Kaleido Star,” “Tenchi Muyo,” “Sgt. Frog,” “Soul Eater,” “Aria The Scarlet Ammo,” “Sengoku Basara,” and Funimation.com
* A talkative commentary on episode 3 by Monica Rial, Jad Saxton, and Micah Solusod. The three laugh and talk about characters and voice acting. It’s a loud track to be sure.
* Commentary on episode 6 by Zach Bolton, Rob McCollum and Cole Brown. The trio mainly chats about the story and characters. Not too exciting.
* Textless opening and closing songs.

Part 2 Extras:
* Trailers for “Aria the Scarlet Ammo,” “Shakugan No Shana,” “One Piece,” “Kaleido Star,” “Tenchi Muyo!,” “Sgt. Frog,” “Soul Eater,” “Baka and Test,” “Sengoku Basara,” and Funimation.com. A U.S. trailer for “A Certain Magical Index” is also included.
* Commentary on episode 14 by Brittney Karbowski, Austin Tindle, and Micah Solusod. This trio doesn’t have much to say.
* 2 textless opening songs and 2 textless closing songs.
* Commentary on episode 23 by Monica Rial, Stephanie Young and Alexis Tipton. Pretty much a gab and giggle fest.

Summary: “A Certain Magical Index” lacks the magic needed to completely work. It’s not a bad show, it’s just a mediocre one. Perhaps, the second season will be an improvement?

May 15, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | A Certain Magical Index Season 1 Part 1 DVD Review, A Certain Magical Index Season 2 Part 2 DVD Review