Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown August 14, 2015

There's no denying Hayate the Combat Butler is the offspring of Ranma ½. It doesn't quite beg, borrow and steal from the rom-com of rom-com anime -- is there a romantic comedy anime Ranma hasn't influenced? -- but the similarities are hard to miss and most certainly unapologetic. Hayate's opening 52-episode season fully embraces absurdist comedy, parodies entire genres, bounds from episode to episode with an impish twinkle in its eye, and never sits still long enough to grow dull or uneventful. It suffers from a bit of hit or miss, episodic adventuring (much like later seasons of Ranma ironically), but even there it continues to develop its humor and earn legitimate laughs. The characters are fun and, more importantly, funny (with a dash of endearing). The premise is a fantastic string of jokes unto themselves. The plotlines are as minimal as they are infectious. And there's a brisk, airy drive that makes the season better than the sum of its parts. Hayate isn't perfect, or even close. Nor is it the second coming of Ranma. It's simply a solid little rom-com done well.

Could Hayate Ayasaki's life get any unluckier? As if it wasn't bad enough that he's had to work constantly in order to support his good-for-nothing parents, now he's lost his job for being underage and Mom and Pop have cashed in their cash cow by selling him to the Yakuza. For Christmas! Desperate to pay off the 156,804,000 yen debt before he's converted into black market organ parts, Hayate strikes on the idea of kidnapping oddball heiress Nagi Sanzenin. Unbelievably, however, even that goes wrong and not only does he end up not kidnapping her, he rescues her from other kidnappers. But maybe, just maybe, there might be a tiny, dim light at the end of the very dark tunnel of Hayate's existence, and the skills that Hayate's had to develop to stay alive will pay off. Because Nagi needs a butler/bodyguard and Hayate could just fit the bill. Assuming he can survive the on-the-job training, of course. Fate can be a harsh mistress, but Hayate may have just signed up with an even harsher one.

The thing that most separates Hayate the Combat Butler from Ranma ½ is a decades-long changing of the guard. Ranma was forging fairly new ground in the late '80s and early '90s, and didn't exactly have an overwhelming glut of genre anime to reference or parody. Hayate was born decades later, into an era with far more material to draw from. The result is a series that's more self aware and less impulsive, both of which help and harm the first season. Hayate is light on its feet... until it isn't; having a great deal of welcome fun with its own awareness but sometimes getting too much of a kick out of its own mischief. It's also more deliberate in its random abandon, which serves story and structure well (however erratic the two may be) while occasionally leading to moments that feel a tad manufactured. More often than not, it strikes a balance, delivering far more of the good than the bad, but not always.

If that sounds like an indictment of a series I showered with high praise, it's not. Like every solid comedy anime, taste is king. Gather your friends. Wine and dine them, if you'd like. Try to make sure everyone is in a fine mood. Now watch a series like Hayate the Combat Butler together. For everyone who dies laughing at Hayate and Nagi's misadventures in heiressing and butlering, there'll be someone on the fence, grinning while cringing, and someone else with their arms crossed, baffled at what it is you find so appealing. It's a classic scenario of you either get it or you don't, with just enough divisiveness to push away head-shakers and lure in new converts. Viewers could argue endlessly about which jokes land and which fall flat, which characters delight and which irritate, which episodes work and which don't, and still never come to anything resembling a consensus. And Hayate's first season senses this. Anticipates it. And has a blast with it, as it should. The 52-episode run feels free. Not unhinged. Unchained, going where it pleases, when it pleases, without much regard for who or who isn't interested in coming along for the ride.

Hayate's worst enemy, though, isn't its divisiveness. It's the anime version's rocky history. Creator Kenjiro Hata's ongoing manga was first published in 2004 and quickly assembled an audience. In 2008, Studio SynergySP adapted the early volumes of the manga into a 52-episode harem-comedy anime, Hayate's first season, and expanded the series' fanbase farther. Exit Synergy. In 2009, the torch was passed to Studio J.C. Staff, which released a 25-episode adaptation; a sorta-so, sorta-not sequel that was dubbed Hayate's second season. Exit J.C. Staff. Enter Studio Manglobe. After a two-year hiatus, Manglobe delivered its spin on Hayate with Heaven Is a Place on Earth, a much-too-short theatrical iteration that left most fans cold, clamoring for a return to form and a true third season. Manglobe, undeterred, responded with Can't Take My Eyes Off You (2012)... which Hata quickly clarified was a new 12-episode entry in the Hayate franchise that was not, repeat not, a third season, labeling it an all new Hayate the Combat Butler story based on abandoned ideas from the manga. That was followed by Cuties (2013), another semi-standalone (but not standalone) 12-episode fourth(ish) season. Dizzy yet?

Season 1 introduces a series without a proper end, or really any truly direct follow-up seasons. In many ways it's all by its lonesome, with Season 2 (due on Blu-ray this October) failing to adequately build off of what came before it. This poses quite the problem for the Hayate newcomer. Dive into the series, despite the disconnected nature of future seasons? Or stay away, going with a more structurally sound multi-season rom-com instead? Again, taste is king. If open-endedness and quasi-conclusions infuriate you, Hayate the Combat Butler will prove a grueling experience, no matter how much you enjoy its first season. I approached it much like a comicbook series, knowing full well that different, at-times conflicting creative teams would be involved; each with different agendas, each with different visions, each providing their own take on Hata's manga.

The Blu-ray release of Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 features 52 episodes spread across 6 BD-50 discs:

Disc 1: Episodes 1-9


• In English, "Unmei" Means "Destiny": It's Christmas Eve. Normally around this time, people prepare to celebrate this sacred holiday. However, there's one person in this world who won't have a Merry Christmas, and that person is an poor, unlucky boy named Hayate Ayasaki, when his aloof parents get a debt worth 156,804,000 yen (approximately 1.3 million US dollars) and sell Hayate to the Japanese mafia to pay it off!
• A New Beginning with Nagi Sanzenin's Estate: On his first day as a butler, Hayate stumbles upon a room with a private work of Nagi's manga collection. He insults it and is eventually kicked out of the mansion and taken back to the Japanese mafia. Who will save him?
• The Beast, the Robot and the Butler that Shouted (or Maybe Didn't Shout Love at the Heart of the World): One morning, Hayate goes to Nagi's room to wake her up for breakfast, but he sees a large white tiger named Tama sleeping right next to her.
• My First Errand - This Is Snake. No Response: One day at school, Nagi forgets her lunch. As her butler, Hayate is determined to deliver her lunch on time. While navigating the school grounds, he meets a couple of people, one who is friendly and one who wants to destroy him.
• Thoughtless Jokes and Kindness Bring Misfortune: Hayate meets Sakuya Aizawa, Nagi's childhood "friend", who, like Klaus the head butler, can't accept Hayate as Nagi's butler, but not just because he's poor and unlucky, but because he's not funny.
• You Say You Can See Time. But That Is Probably Your Life Flashing Before Your Eyes: Hayate fears returning to the Sanzenin mansion after he damages the cashmere coat Maria lent him. While contemplating on what to do, he meets the "generous" people who tried to take him away and ends up fighting them all.
• A Man's Fight: The boy who Hayate meets is revealed to be Wataru Tachibana, Nagi's fiancé. However, Nagi and Wataru can't stand each other.
• Going to Hell in Cat-Ear Mode: Nagi dresses Hayate in a girl's sailor uniform, but things continue as it goes on to the point where Hayate looks like a cat girl.
• Elohim. Essaim. Mr. Cow. Mr. Cow! What is it, Mr. Frog?: Hayate wants Nagi to attend school on a daily basis. One day, however, when returning from school, Nagi forgets a notebook, and as her butler, Hayate goes to the academy to get the notebook. However he arrives at night... in an area that's supposed to be haunted.

Disc 2: Episodes 10-18


• The Strangest High-Deflation Ever. Play Your Games and Don't Build Up a Backlog: The student council trio, Izumi, Miki, and Risa, check in on the Sanzenin Mansion to see what the new butler is like. When they arrive, Miki picks up a controller and, along with the other two, gets pulled into a game world set up by the demon of Nagi's Famicom.
• The Value of My Life: Priceless: Hayate, Nagi, Maria, and Sakuya go to the Sanzenin Main House to visit Mikado Sanzenin, the head of the family and Nagi's grandfather.
• Long Ago, We Learned from a Space Sheriff that Being Young is About Not Looking Back: After recalling his childhood dream, Hayate gets a day off work and takes a walk around the city.
• I Hear That Those Whole Rule the Summer Rule at Entrance Exams: Hayate learns that Nagi transferred him to her school, Hakuou Academy. Although Hayate wants to go back to school, he'll have a hard time when his grades from his old school were on the cutoff line and the transfer exam is tomorrow.
• Hey, Hey! I Hafta Go to a Party. Hurry Up, Seriously: Nagi, positive Hayate passed his transfer exam, she decides to throw a huge banquet to celebrate.
• Samurai, the Way of the Warrior, Van Damme in Action: It's morning and Hayate wakes up in a good mood, excited about his first school day with Nagi, which has become a reality thanks to Maria.
• Even in the Defeat, Kendo Rage: Following the events of the previous episode, Hayate has been challenged to fight Koutarou Azumamiya's combat butler "Kaede Nonohara", for his disrespect.
• For You, I will Mow Them Down with Every Ounce of My Being!: Nagi has another one of her mangas rejected. She believes that this is due to her lack of experience in life.
• The Rare Cards Are Swimsuits: Hayate, Nagi, and their classmates attend an outdoor beach class held on Hakuou Academy's private island. It's time for fun in the sun.

Disc 3: Episodes 19-27


• Miss Saki's Little Preoccupation (National Edition) 2007: Wataru's maid Saki has been feeling worried lately, and refuses to talk about it.
• I Like Books, But Sing It Great Palace of the Dragon King: It's summer vacation, and Hayate decides to spend this free time trying to create an ultimate attack.
• A Big Bother, Even for Peter: Hayate and Nagi spend an entire day at an amusement park next to the mansion.
• I Wonder Who Came Up with the Sound Effect 'Kapoon'. It's Awesome: Nagi decides to go fishing in the lake with Hayate and Maria.
• A Non-Kiddy Genius Teacher Appears: It's the beginning of the new semester at Hakuou Academy. Hayate is eager to start the new school year, however Nagi has fallen ill and will not be going.
• I've Never Had the Trouble of Being Too Popular: Isumi takes a trip to the mansion, but she seems to have lost her stole.
• Hearts Wavering: Because of a misunderstanding from the last episode, Nagi sells off Hayate to Isumi.
• The Delivery Was Made in 29 Minutes, So Please Pay the Stipulated Fee (Is a Thing of the Distance Past): While running an errand for Nagi, Hayate is attacked by Gilbert piloting a robot.
• Hayate Rising: Hakuou Academy is having a Butler Battle Tournament, in which first prize is 100 school credits.

Disc 4: Episodes 28-36


• Black Hayate: The Butler Battle Tournament continues.
• Match-Making Meeting: One night, Saki stays over at her parents' home, where her mother suggests for Saki to have a marriage meeting.
• The Beautiful Rich Great Young Detective Lady Saw It! (The Case of the Murdered Female Teacher Amidst Clouds of Steam): Hayate, Nagi, and Maria all go to a hot spring inn, only to find that Yukiji has been murdered.
• Do you Like Pretty Rich Big Sisters?: Sakuya teases Nagi explaining that she is so bratty that she can't take care of young children. Furious, she asks Hayate to go out and find her kids to take care of.
• Devil Hunter Welcome Yoko Isumi, and Nabeshin: It's another Butler Battle, and this time it is Hayate vs. Shinichi Watanabe.
• Why?! Academy Culture Fest - Part 1: It's time for Hakuou Academy's Culture Festival!
• Why Dead?! Academy Culture Fest - Part 2: Hakuou Academy has gone from a cultural festival to a Comiket site in one night!
• Must-See! (Complete Autumn 2007 Guide of the Latest Fashionable Date Spots for the Young and Hip): Close to completing another manga, Nagi sends Hayate out on a mission to locate hot dating spots for teenagers.
• Klaus Is Japanese Because His Name Is Written "Kurausu": Klaus is depressed after Nagi tells him to retire.

Disc 5: Episodes 37-45


• I Want to Go Back to Being an Ordinary Girl, But Buy My Character Songs, Okay?: Nagi asks Hayate about the type of girls he likes. His answer: he likes normal girls.
• Hayate in Peril! All Functions Shut Down!!: Christmas time is in the atmosphere, meaning that it's been a whole year since that fateful meeting between Hayate and Nagi.
• Hurray for the Butler-in-Debt, Friend to Good Children!: After Hayate stated that if anyone defeats him will get the Sanzenin estate, Hayate decides to quit being Nagi's butler.
• New Year's Food is Good. but Have Some Hayate, Too: On New Years Eve, Nagi orders Hayate to bring her to Kujukuri Beach to have a romantic date but he has to take he on a bike.
• Goodbye Teacher, Despair - Graduation Special: Yukiji is in a strange mood and the group soon discover why when they find a resignation letter in her bag.
• Like a Dog, a Mouse, and a Bulldog: Nagi is perplexed by Hayate's apparent lack of weaknesses and wants to expose them.
• The Poseidon Advance Generator Gavas: The Sanzenin group take a ride on Sakuya's new cruiser, but while on it, terrorists blow a hole in the ship!
• The Mystery of the 120% Employment Rate (Temp.): Nagi completes her new Manga and manages to get it animated - despite her unrealistic demands.
• It is Maria Appreciation Day! In February <3: Nagi and Hayate decide to treat Maria to a relaxation hotel for all the hard work she has been doing for them.

Disc 6: Episodes 46-52


• His Name is Magic Ball Pitcher Wataru: Wataru goes to ask Nagi why Isumi is dressed in another high school's uniform, and finds out that Izumi has fallen for another guy in another high school and attempts to see him.
• Sure, Amuro May Have Had a Place to Return to, But...: Nagi gives Hayate time off to study and Hayates buttler duties are taken over by a robot called Thirteen.
• Hina Love: Hinagiku's upcoming birthday begs the question of how she really feels about Hayate.
• Ordinary Stories: Izumi, Miki, and Risa invite Hayate and Nagi to their school club which Hayate uses as a way for Nagi to socialize.
• Quiz! Written as 'Foe' and Read as 'Friend': Nagi and Ayumu compete together in the 4256th High School Girls Ultra Quiz tournament for very different reasons.
• Spring: Nagi plans a surprise graduation party for Hayate, but he gets a surprise job offer.
• Radical Dreamers: Hayate accidentally travels back in time and meets an even younger and more demanding version of Nagi.

Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Blu-ray release of Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 features an upconverted 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. The 480p SD source is in fine shape, but as upconverts go, it's fairly standard, so don't expect many surprises. Banding, aliasing, pixilation, edge halos and other anomalies are quite common (some more than others) and few scenes look significantly better than their 2009 DVD counterparts. Color and contrast are ever so slightly improved, although each still appears rather dull and diluted. But more often than not, one question looms large: why Blu-ray? Followed by: and why such a high price point for an upscaled SD presentation? Alas, acquiring rights and releasing a 6-disc BD edition doesn't come cheap, and Sentai isn't FUNimation (which has troubles of its own pricing multi-disc sets of catalog anime). Early episodes look somewhat rougher than the latter half of the season, but even then it isn't consistent and is solely dictated by the budget-conscious quality of the original animation. All told, this is a case of objective vs. subjective analysis. Objectively, Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 probably couldn't look a whole lot better than it does here. Subjectively, dial down those expectations. It isn't an HD beauty.

Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release of Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 offers a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo mix, albeit one that isn't all that notable. It isn't problematic; just unremarkable. Voices are clean and clear, effects bright, and music full of life, but little else impresses. Of course without LFE or rear-speaker support that shouldn't come as much of a surprise. There isn't an English dub either, so continue to adjust your expectations accordingly.

Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The only special features included on the 6-disc Blu-ray release of Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 are "Clean Opening & Closing Animations" (HD, 3 minutes) and a small collection of Sentai Filmworks trailers.

Hayate the Combat Butler: Season 1 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Hayate the Combat Butler's first season is a lot of fun. Weird and wild, but fun. If you're able to embrace the absurd lunacy of it all, you'll have a grand time. If not, best look for laughs elsewhere. Sentai Filmworks' 6-disc Blu-ray release is a bit of a mixed bag. The series is presented via an upscaled 1080p encode, the only audio option is a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio stereo track, and the set is almost completely devoid of special features. Diehard fans will shrug off the pricepoint and excitedly enjoy every minute. Price conscious newcomers, though, should probably make sure they know what they're getting into before making a more serious investment.