USEFUL ANIME REVIEW

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Psycho-Pass Extended Edition (S1)

10

QUICK FACTS

episodes

studio

Production I.G

year

2014

PREMISE

In a cyberpunk future, Japan has achieved societal harmony by quantifying every individual’s personality and thoughts into a “Psycho-Pass”—and by violently hunting “latent criminals” before they commit crimes. Rookie detective Akane Tsunemori joins the Safety Bureau’s Enforcement Division—itself staffed by latent criminals—and reckons with upholding justice amongst increasing serial murders and terrorist attacks.

LIKED!

cyberpunk Tokyo setting had detailed world-building

well animated technology (dominator guns, watches with holograms, etc)

good cinematography & shot composition

depth to side characters’ relationships and backstories

good OST, and engaging OP and ED themes too.

DISLIKED...

–

The choice to make the 1st's cour's OP black-and-white was a bit too austere—the show is already dark. So the second OP's color was a welcome contrast... but the song didn't feel suited to the cyberpunk narrative?

OTHER THOUGHTS

•

Content Warning: Sex, Violence, Gore

•

this remaster of Psycho Pass S1 fixes animation issues present in the original, and condenses the 22-episode series into eleven double-length (44-minute) episodes.

•

Alternate versions of the ending credits were made (more upbeat, more acoustic) to match the tone of the episode

CLOSING REMARKS

Psycho Pass Extended Edition is a rare 10 from our desk. Enthralling storytelling, great cinematography, good sound design and music—and the Extended Edition remaster ensures that the consistency never falters. A true pleasure to watch.

Psycho-Pass Extended Edition (S1) – 10/10

reviewed 2023-01-16 by Alan

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