Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		2.5

Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Triage X is a science-fiction romp with a sexy and sultry element to the production. The series features animation produced by Takumi Kusakabe (Fafner EXODUS, Future Card Buddyfight Ace) and Yukinao Shimoji (Star Blazers 2199, Blue Seed). Based on the original work by Shōji Satō, Triage X is executive produced by Takeshi Yasuda (Chaika - The Coffin Princess Avenging Battle, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya). Produced by Kenjirou Gomi (Inari Kon Kon, Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation) and featuring animation by production studio Xebec (Future Card Buddyfight, Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox), Triage X is a Crunchyroll streaming anime series licensed for home media release in North America by Sentai Filmworks.

The world has become overcome by rampant crime. The rise in crime is a growing epidemic. With the rate of crime rising at overwhelming speeds, the ordinary world of law and order is brought in to question. The response? The arrival of Black Label, a special ops team of medical professionals determined to do something about the rise in crime. The goal?

To remove crime surgically – with an unexpected approach to the problem. Bringing their own form of customized revenge, the Black Label works around the clock to change the course of the malignant evil overtaking the world day by day. With Oriha Nashida (Amina Satō), Arashi Mikami (Kenji Akabane), and Mikoto Kiba (Yui Kondou) at the helm, the Black Label aims for perfection.

Yet corruption is nonetheless overwhelming. Can the world of crime be stopped? Whether the stakes are handled while in a nurse’s outfit or while riding a motorcycle with a fury, a potent combination of sexy justice is brought to the forefront of the mission.

The characters on the series aren’t as compelling as some might hope to find for the genre. The series characters can be one- dimensional and feel as though generated as standard stock characters to boot. These characters simply lack the sense of originality or depth of more immersive and impressive anime productions. Oriha Nashida, Arashi Mikami, and Mikoto Kiba are a piece of the series puzzle but these aren’t characters designed to provide more dimensions.

The character designs by Akio Takami (Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox, Shaman King) are decent enough but don’t stand out from the crowd compared to something productions. The women are voluptuous and the sex appeal element is one of the main goals of the designs. Takami aimed for showcasing the characters as sexier than a average series and this was the main standout aspect. Nothing screams originality but the results are reasonable given the genre and the series ambitions.

The art direction by Yoshio Tanioka (Moriarty the Patriot, Star Blazers 2202) is a bit underwhelming on the whole. The series features chief animation direction by Akio Takami (Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox, Steam Detectives). One of the things about Triage X is that the animation style is something that doesn’t feel as distinct as it could be. The style is simply not as compelling as some would hope to find. Nonetheless, given the genre, the team manages to make something that is still good enough for the genre elements.

The CG direction by Motoki Nakamura (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere, Aria the Scarlet Ammo) is a bit underwhelming and is not one of the focal strengths of the production. The CG element is certainly less interesting compared to other visual elements. Nakamura does a decent-enough job with the CG but it doesn’t make a big impression and it doesn’t stand out as anything too unique or special.

The cinematography by Hayao Arimura (Future Card Buddyfight Triple D, Zoids Wild Zero) is average at best and not a great element of the series, either. The cinematographic approach is certainly designed with a sheen involved (with the equation) but that doesn’t make it as artfully done as it could be. The end result seems lacking somewhat in creativity and there is an average quality to the effort on the whole.

The score composed by Makoto Miyazaki (One Punch Man, RPG Real Estate) doesn’t make a big impression, either. The music by Miyazaki lacks the same kind of buzziness that prevails on the best productions. Nonetheless, the music by Miyazaki is decent and has a good sense of energy despite the lack of as much artistic vision. Even though it doesn’t break new ground as a score, the work by Miyazaki here is effective enough for the genre roots.

The series is written by Katsuhiko Takayama (Cat Planet Cuties, Dusk maiden of Amnesia). The scripting isn’t as creative as hoped for. Triage X is a series with a weak sense of storytelling in that the scripting isn’t quite as ambitious or creative as some series. Though the concept has some promise, it is the execution that leaves plenty to be desired. Takayama isn’t as concerned with great characters as following a formulaic narrative.

Directed by Akio Takami (Maken-Ki! Battling Venus 2) and Takao Kato (Over Drive), Triage X simply fails to click together and find all the right notes. Triage X isn’t an under-seen gem but it is a slightly below average quality production instead. Triage X doesn’t shake the narrative. The directors only have so much they can work with and the production isn’t striving for perfection. Still, action-anime fans who are simply seeking some action-anime fun with bosom ladies, may wish to indulge and check out Triage X.

Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, Triage X is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation is worthwhile and one of the strengths of the release. The Blu-ray features an impressive native high-definition presentation (and not one simply sourced from standard definition material).

The high-definition visuals are excellent. The video quality capably handles the action scenes and the series doesn't struggle with preserving the encoding. There are no egregious dips in quality as one might find with a streaming video service. The bit-rate of the encoding is worthwhile and this is another reason the Blu-ray format is superior to streaming alternatives.

Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The lossless audio sound quality is excellent. The audio clarity is pristine and dynamic sounding. The presentation quality benefits a great deal from the excellent work done for the release.

The one downside to the audio provided on the release is the lack of an English dub option (for those who prefer to see anime series in the original native Japanese audio only, this won't be as big of a problem). The encode capably handles the score and sense of vitality inherit in the production. Presentation purists who only want the original dubbing won't be disappointed.

Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The most noteworthy inclusion on the release is the added OVA episode. This is a significant OVA for the set to include. The other on disc extras are not as extensive as some might hope to find but the release does include a selection of supplements and an interview. For more information, please see below:

Recollection XOXO OVA (HD, 24:20)

Clean Opening Animation (HD, 1:32)

Clean Closing Animation (HD, 1:32)

Interview with Kenji Akabane (Arashi) & Yui Kondo (Mikoto) (HD, 11:00)

Japanese Promos (HD, 3:32)

Triage X: Complete Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Triage X isn't an anime classic by any stretch of the imagination. The series is somewhat average in many respects and is mostly just an excuse for some action with bosom ladies. Nonetheless, Triage X is a series that will appeal to a certain segment of anime fans. For those looking for simple escapism in the genre, Triage X might prove to be the ticket for certain anime fans.

The Blu-ray release has a strong video and audio presentation. The lossless audio quality on the release is excellent. The presentation is only available in Japanese (with English subtitles). While it is a little bit disappointing that the release does not include an English dubbed option, the release will appeal to audio purists who prefer the original language audio. The release also includes a selection of extras including the Recollection XOXO OVA episode and an Interview with Kenji Akabane & Yui Kondo. The fanbase will be pleased and may wish to pick up the release.