Little Busters!: Season 1 (2012/Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray)

Picture: A- Sound: B Extras: C Episodes: A-

Ever since Riki's parents died in a tragedy, he lost the will to live, but he was saved by a group of friends, 3 boys and 1 girl, who dedicated their lives to having fun, being champions of justice, and friends to each other, together they known as the "Little Busters". As they go on with their daily lives, they decide to form a baseball team and Riki was given the task of recruiting (preferably female) members and discovering the great mystery/adventure in their world. As they enjoy their youth, romance and new friends, as Riki helps others uncover their talents and discover the hidden truths of their lives.

From the people who brought you Clannad, this is another funny high school drama. The young protagonist Riki having narcolepsy and believing himself to be a weak character has always valued and depended his friend's friendship. The leader of the group is Kyousuke, often planning crazy 'events' to liven up their school days. He is flanked by Masato and Kengo who despite being rivals and always competing, are fast friends, Masato is always trying to improve his muscles and Kengo is always seen in a traditional swordman's outfit. Rin is the shy little sister of Kyousuke. As they recruit new members to Little Busters, Riki helps the new members overcome their own personal problems, and hardships and in turn they join their group, but then there is a bigger adventure when they start receiving mysterious letters about the truth of their world and how their fates are all tied together.

This is a comical anime filled with comedy, laughter with heart warming moments. It is also a story of stories, each the characters has their own story, a tragedy, a past they keep hidden from the rest of the world. As the main character helps them face reality and join their world of 'Little Busters' they become bound by love and friendship. The characters are considered the outcasts and misfits of their school/society, but together they discover they can forge their own world and find joy and happiness.

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image transfer is about as sharp and clean as any Anime Blu-ray releases we have seen to date, which can be said for the other two initial Sentai series releases we are looking at and posting at the same time, while the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo lossless mix has some Pro Logic type surrounds, but like those others is warm, rich and just fine in two-channel as well. Extras include clean opening and closing animations and trailers.

The Team Name Will Be the Little Busters - Kyousuke returns to school and decides to form a new baseball team.

If You're Happy, I'm Happy - Riki recruits Kamikita Komari, a shy clumsy girl.

I Like Cute Things - Riki recruits a cool mature beauty, Kurugaya.

To Make a Happy Sunny Place - The Little Busters visits a retirement home and finds Komari's grandfather.

To Look For What I Lost - Riki goes on a date with Komari and learns of her past tragedy.

I'll Find Amazing Things - Riki helps Komari remember her brother's tragedy and faces reality.

Now, Who Could I Be - Riki recruits Saigusa, a carefree girl who loves playing pranks.

Let's Look For a Roomate - Riki helps and recruits Kud, a foreign girl who loves animals needs a roommate.

Save the Cafeteria - The lunch ladies all disappear and it is up the the Little Busters to save everyone's lunch.

Blue Above the Sky or the Blue of the Ocean - Riki meets a mysterious quite girl Nishizono.

Horror Cool-Down Contest - The Little Busters have a night of fun and fright at school with their Test of Courage.

Sky of Endless Blue - Nishizomo joins the Little Busters as their manager.

The Place Where the End Begins - Riki discovers Nishizomo's secret, she has no shadow.

- Ricky Chiang