Strike Witches: The Complete Series

In the oddball anime series Strike Witches, the members of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing—an all-girl aerial squadron—are literally both pilot and jet, flying through the air and using magical powers and special equipment while training to repel an attack from an extraterrestrial force known as the Neuroi. Although Strike Witches is apparently set on Earth circa 1944 (like Hitler, the Neuroi have been on the warpath since 1939), the fighters wear 1960s-style miniskirts and go-go boots. Despite the war theme, the show never takes itself very seriously (one episode concerns a search for lost panties) and the combatants consistently act like typical teenage girls, with all the attendant vices and virtues. Aviation history buffs may be interested in how the episodes interject notable developments into the plotlines—including an attempt to break the sound barrier—of this series that is admittedly weird but never boring. Compiling all 12 episodes from the 2008 first season in a dual-language two-disc set, suitable for 17-up, DVD extras include an episode audio commentary. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (P. Hall)