I have to say, hearing the idea didn't sound all exciting because the manga form was awesome that I didn't know what they would do to make this one different. Then finally watching it, I did quite enjoy the story. Before Shinichi became Conan is a nice plan of action, it gets Aoyama away from the constant story with Conan and his identity. Overall it was worth the watch, Oguri Shun is still an awesome actor, and now I can kinda picture him as Shinichi, though I thoought that Kurokawa is a little young to be playing Ran, and Iwase didn't fit. Though I still think Kurowkawa is a very talented rising actress and she did well to try to portray Ran as best as possible.
I applaude this drama!