Review by Chris Hall
Another fan favourite from ADV, Slayers Return marks the first Slayers DVD to hit the UK shores. Being a movie rather than part of a series, Slayers Return centres on Lina Inverse, the diminutive sorceress and the buxom Naga the Serpent rather than Gourry, Zelgadis and co. as they have another random adventure on their eternal quest for treasure and food. Expect lots of action, lots of laughs and of course the famous ‘Dragon Slave’
The story starts off with Lina and Naga enjoying a huge meal together. After destroying the restaurant when stopping a purse thief using a typically OTT Fireball spell, they are begged by an injured female warrior to use their powers to save her village. Her village has been taken over by an evil gang (are there any villages in Slayers which haven’t at some point been taken over by bandits/monsters/soldiers/disgruntled pixies?)who have enslaved the inhabitants and are making them dig up an ancient Elven (or is it Elfish?) artefact. Sensing that Elves probably buried a large amount of extremely valuable loot, Lina and Naga agree to help the girl save her village.
When they arrive, they make short work of the lesser demons guarding the village and of course then ask for payment. Deciding to keep the sacred village treasure until they receive payment, Naga promptly gets stuck wearing a cursed bracelet that won’t come off no matter how hard she pulls. Naga, Vain as ever simply decides that such a beautiful object should naturally stay with a beautiful person and doesn’t seem to be too bothered by it. But what is the purpose of this bracelet and is it somehow linked to the buried treasure? (hint : it’s quite likely)
After waiting for a few days to see if the gang decides to attack the village again, the pair decide that they’re tired of simply waiting around and seek out their headquarters. When they eventually find it, they discover that this evil gang isn’t quite as menacing as they first appeared…
Slayers Return is definitely one of the better one off titles in the Slayers series. While it is only an hour long, it moves at such a fast pace that it manages to cram enough into the slightly short running time to make you feel that your getting your money’s worth. It wouldn’t be a Slayers title without the trademark wackiness that is so typical of the series and this disc definitely doesn’t disappoint in that area. From the completely over the top, yet completely useless spells used by the leader of the gang to the menacing yet ridiculous Elven artefact, Slayers Return barely goes a minute without some kind of silly situation or joke arising.
Something of note with this particular movie was the increased budget, a lot more detailed and better animated than the series and most of the OVA’s, it’s a lot easier on the eyes and the lack of repeated animation which is usually typical of the series, even during the (rare) slow sections gives the show a much more vibrant feel.
I know some people prefer the characters from the TV series to Naga but after 3 full length TV series, the OVA’s covering Naga and Lina’s journey together make a refreshing change from the series, with their constant sniping at each other and Naga’s famous laugh. Naturally those who aren’t fans of the series are unlikely to like this but for fans, this release will definitely appeal to them. People new to the Slayers universe will find Slayers Return a great introduction too as no knowledge of the series is needed to enjoy it. Sure it may follow an all too familiar formula, but the humour still manages to keep it fresh and thoroughly entertaining.
