Durarara + DVD specials - 8/10
Durarara, like the same author's Baccano, mixes an ostensibly normal urban environment, in this case Ikebukuro, with the fantastical (I had to check this was a real word btw) in a way that doesn't seem awkward at all. Alongside a bunch of typical high school students there's a mythical Irish fairy, cursed metallic objects, a couple of guys with superhuman strength, and various unusual happenings.
The show is split into three distinct arcs, which presents a small issue in that mysteries you expect to remain mysterious until the end are revealed at the end of these arcs. The structure is not entirely different to Baccano: events are presented out of chronology, often referred back to once the plot "catches up". It's not as chaotic and confusing as Baccano, though, with a clear "present day" where most of the story takes place.
A highlight for me was Durarara's characters and sense of fun, so it was a bit disappointng that the show became increasingly angsty as it went along, focusing more on the school kids than the eccentric weird and wonderful adults who make Ikebukuro such a colourful place.
VIsually the show is a bit inconsistent, with characters often sloppily rendered, but I can't complain about Brain's Base's gloriously detailed backgrounds, nor the animation which is fluid when it needs to be and functional at other times. The soundtrack is more impressive, featuring a number of memorable tunes to suit whatever mood the show is going for, and I loved all the OPs and EDs.
Some confusing things aside -- the whole second arc, for example, and what exactly it is that Kadota and his gang actually do -- Durarara is a fun ride. Just nowhere near as good as Baccano =)