Anime Reviews

[Revolver Ocelot]

It's too bad this is just a gaming site because there's a lot of people here who like anime as well. So I've decided to create a thread where we can share our opinions on anime. This is not like the "Anime" thread, as this is for full-length reviews. So people, if you have any anime reviews to post, post them here!

Review Index
801 T.T.S Airbats
Baccano!
Battle Doll Angelic Layer
Berserk
Blue Submarine No.6
Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran
Castle in the Sky
Claymore
Cowboy Bebop
Cromartie High School
De:Vadasy
Dragon Ball Z the Movie: Dead Zone
Elfen Lied
Fafner of the Azure: Dead Aggressor
Fafner of the Azure: Right of Left
Fate/stay night
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conquerer of Shamballa
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
Giniro no Olynssis: Tokito
Grave of the Fireflies
Gunbuster
Gunbuster 2
Gundam Evolve 1: RX-78
Gungrave
Gunparade March
Gun×Sword
Hades Project Zeorymer
Hellsing
Heroic Age
Infinite Ryvius
Jubei-chan the Ninja Girl: Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch
Mars Daybreak
Martian Successor Nadesico
Martian Successor Nadesico the Motion Picture: Prince of Darkness
Megazone 23
Megazone 23 Part II
Megazone 23 Part III
Mobile Suit Gundam MS igLoo: The Hidden One-Year War
Mobile Suit Gundam MS igLoo: Apocalypse 0079
Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ NEW!!!
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Neo Ranga
Outlaw Star
Planetes
RahXephon
Record of Lodoss War
Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight
s-CRY-ed
Samurai 7
Scrapped Princess
Slayers, The
Slayers NEXT, The
Space Runaway Ideon
Star Knight Tekkaman Blade
Star Knight Tekkaman Blade Episode 13': Twin Blood
Star Knight Tekkaman Blade: Burning Clock
Star Knight Tekkaman Blade: Missing Link
Super Dimension Fortress Macross
Sword of the Stranger
Tekkaman Blade II
Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Oh Ki
Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Oh Ki 2
Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Oh Ki 3
Tenchi Universe
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: My Gurren is Shining!!
Tenjho Tenge
Trigun
Trinity Blood
Voices of a Distant Star
X



[/b]I'll kick things off with a classic.

Dragon Ball Z the Movie: Dead Zone

Studio: Toei

Director: Daisuke Nishio
Writer: Akira Toriyama
Producer: Kozo Morishima
Composer: Shunsuke Kikuchi
Designer: Akira Toriyama

Released: July 15th, 1989
Genre: Action, Martial Arts
Type: Theatrical Movie
Runtime: 41 Minutes
US License: Geneon (1997 release, as Pioneer)/FUNimation (all others)



If you cannot say anything good about Dragon Ball[/i], you can, at the very least, say that Akira Toriyama has created one of the most vast, mystical, and expansive contemporary mythologies ever to come out of Japan. The universe he has created is so rich with history, lovable characters, and intense conflicts that it is almost impossible not to respect his work.



It all began with Dragon Ball[/i], the light-hearted, fun, entertaining, but still satisfyingly violent classic. However, hot on the heels of Dragon Ball[/i]’s end, Toriyama decided to continue the story with a slightly (very slightly) more mature take on the universe he created with Dragon Ball Z[/i]. This new saga kicks off with the short film, Dead Zone[/i] (or as it was simply called upon release, “Dragon Ball Z”). Though being released after the 11th episode of the TV series, Dead Zone[/i] is essentially an extended first episode of the series, and my, what a great introduction it is.



Dead Zone[/i] begins as so many stories do, peacefully. Goku, now a grown up, living with his wife Chi-chi, is out hunting in the wilderness one day, while Chi-chi and their son Gohan are visited by Chi-chi’s father, Ox King (or Gyumao, if you prefer). However, that is not the only visit they get today. Their family gathering is cut short by the arrival of a gang of Namekian thugs who are looking for the Dragon Balls, one of which Gohan wears on top of his hat. The trio of Namekians, who have already taken care of the powerful Piccolo earlier with little trouble, make short work of Ox King and Chi-chi, and make off with little Gohan.



When Goku arrives on the scene, he immediately flies off to investigate, and with a little help from Bulma, he locates Gohan. From there, you can pretty much guess what happens. Insults are tossed, asses are kicked, and things explode. What is interesting about this movie is that it provides a deeper look into Kami, and we actually get to see him in action for the first time in a long while. We also get to see Piccolo, who has always been a favorite of mine, still in his prime, which is going to become a rarity soon as he has shoved aside in favor of Saiya-jins like Vegeta and Trunks.



By 1989, anime movies were starting to look pretty slick, with high-quality flicks out there like Akira[/i], Kiki’s Delivery Service[/i], and many others. But Dead Zone[/i] does not try to be too grandiose. It flows right into the TV show, so it needs to synch up well, and while it does look better and smoother than any episode of Dragon Ball Z, it is not so improved that it does not fit with the rest of the saga. The most telling areas of Dead Zone[/i]’s improved animation are in its fight scenes, which are some of the most intense to be seen yet. The animation is incredibly smooth and the choreography is top notch. And yes, Dragon Ball Z[/i] actually had choreography before all the fights became huge beam-tossing matches.



Carrying the movie along is an unusually extravagant soundtrack by Dragon Ball[/i] veteran Shunsuke Kikuchi, whose work in the series past was usually dismissible background music. Now, the score triumphantly breaks through the action with powerful, beat-heavy orchestrations, carrying the fight scenes along and intensifying them. Conversely, the sound is exactly what you’d expect from a Dragon Ball[/i] title, using lots of stock effects and the same veteran voice actors we know and love.



In all, Dead Zone[/i] is highly entertaining, and assuming you are a fan of the Dragon Ball[/i] saga, it is full of lovable and endearing characters. You are obviously going to get a lot more out of the film if you are already an established fan, but even if you are not, Dead Zone[/i] is surprisingly accessible, especially considering that even if you have never seen Dragon Ball[/i] or Dragon Ball Z[/i], merely being an anime fan means you are at least familiar with it. Definitely watch this one, it is a classic.



One last bit before I cap this review off. Like a lot of Dragon Ball Z[/i] products, there are two versions of Dead Zone[/i]. There is the original Pioneer dub and the more recent FUNimation dub. FUNimation’s Dragon Ball dubs are pretty horrible, and I have been known to endlessly support the original Pioneer version when it comes to the dub as it uses veteran Ocean Group actors like Paul Dobson, Scott McNeil and Saffron Henderson. If you want to watch the original Japanese version though, it does not really matter which you go with, as it is included in both DVD releases. Unlike most Dragon Ball Z[/i] products, the English version uses the same music as the Japanese version, thankfully.

- Shalashashka

Story: C
Animation: B
Design: B
Music: S
Direction: A
Overall: B
Sub or Dub: Sub

OP: “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” by Hironobu Kageyama
Yep. Same as the TV series. But it is such a lovable opening that I can let that slide. SPARKING! B

ED: “Detekoi Tobikiri ZENKAI Power!” by Naruhisa Arakawa
Ditto. B-

Interested in this anime? Buy it here!

[LouieBee]

DBZ back when it was worth watching!

[Revolver Ocelot]

Megazone 23

Studio: AIC

Director: Noburo Ishiguro
Writer: Horiyuki Hoshiyama
Producer: Toru Miura
Designer: Toshihiro Hirano & Haruhiko Mikimoto (characters)/Hideki Kakinuma, Shinji Aramaki & Takeshi Miyao (mecha)
Composer: Shiro Sagisu

Released: 1985
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Thriller, Cyberpunk
Type: OVA
Runtime: 85 Minutes
US License: ADV



Not too many contemporary anime fans know of this ancient OVA, but Megazone 23[/i] (pronounced "two-three", not "twenty-three") is one of the most profound and important releases in anime history. Originally conceived as a 26-episode TV series that was intended to be a sequel to Genesis Climber Mospeada[/i], the show's TV sponsorship was cut and it was condensed down into an 85 minute OVA movie. Needless to say, in the translation from 13-hour series to a movie that is little over an hour long, some of its grandeur was lost.



However, Megazone 23[/i] still manages to tell an engaging and complex story. Because of its tact in storytelling, and its unprecedented quality of animation thanks to its large OVA budget, Megazone 23[/i] had incredible impact on the anime industry. Only the second OVA of its kind ever released, Megazone 23[/i] was immensely successful. Its success resulted in a huge explosion in the then almost non-existent OVA market. Not only that, but the show was also largely responsible for sparking the import anime movement that was going on in the US during the mid and late 80s along with titles like Dirty Pair[/i], Bubblegum Crisis[/i], and many others.



So we have established that Megazone 23[/i] is important and successful, but is it good? Well.. yes and no. Megazone 23[/i] really does have a good story, but sadly, it is buried under a huge pile of 80s cheese and some really unnecessary gratuity. Shogo Yahagi is a bike-racing octane junkie who manages to come across a stolen experimental vehicle that can transform into a robot. Unfortunately for him, the military is not too happy about this and they obviously wants their machine back. On top of that, he is starting to have doubts about the solidity of the world he lives in. The only thing he has to hold on to is a young dancer named Yui. Together, Shogo and Yui go on a thrilling adventure of discovery through the city, uncovering bits and pieces of truth about the delicately held together reality they think they live in.



Sounds fascinating, does it not? Well, it is. The story was fairly complex for the 80s, and is obviously a major source of inspiration for the much later released Hollywood mega franchise, The Matrix. But most of its startling truths and revelations are not even implied until the last few minutes of the movie, leaving the other hour or so to aimless meandering, mecha battles, lots of pointless Flashdance music video scenes and even an overly long sex scene.



Because it was an OVA, it was not bound by the traditional restrictions most made-for-television anime shows had to adhere to. Thus, the creators really went crazy and pumped the show full of sleaze and gore. So if you are looking for some semblance of integrity here, move right along. On top of all that, the story is not even complete. It ends with a fairly underwhelming cliffhanger that wouldn't be continued for 2 years.



Where most of Megazone 23[/i]'s selling power lied was in its presentation. In 1985, there was almost nothing like it. A year after its debut in Japan, parts of Megazone 23[/i] were intercut with episodes of Super Dimension Cavalry: Southern Cross[/i] to create Robotech: The Untold Story[/i]. The film was really disorienting because even though Southern Cross[/i] was a pretty slick looking TV show, it was simply leagues behind Megazone 23[/i] in terms of animation. The OVA is simply gorgeous, animated smoothly and bursting with detail in every scene. The character designs can be a bit outlandish, but fit well with the 80s tone of the feature. The mecha designs are extremely detailed and grounded in the world of reality. My only gripe is a few really blatant coloring goofs here and there.



Another big selling point is the music, which is considered to be one of the highlights, if not the central piece of Megazone 23[/i]. EVE, the enigmatic pop-idol that no one has ever seen in person, sings some pretty catchy and at times beautiful songs throughout the movie. The background music is mostly typical 80s, synth heavy rock/pop stuff.



On the subject of audio, it is difficult to say. The sub is pretty strong, but I personally prefer ADV's dub. The cheesiness of some of the performances really fits the overall cheesiness of the flick and actually makes it quite enjoyable to watch. I found myself smirking quite often, especially since I know many of these actors from Neon Genesis Evangelion[/i], and hearing the voices of such iconic characters in these often quirky roles can be humorous at times. As usual, ADV veteran Allison Keith gives a really strong performance as Yui, and many will recognize Vic Mignogna, who played Ed in Fullmetal Alchemist[/i], doing a stellar job as Shogo. As an added bonus, the domestic ADV DVD release includes an audio commentary by director Matt Greenfield, producer David Williams, and DVD coordinator Janice Williams. It is a pretty funny and informative commentary, so if you pick up the DVD, I suggest you watch it.

- Shalashashka

Plot: A
Animation: S
Design: A
Music: B
Direction: D
Overall: B-
Sub or Dub: Dub

Interested in this anime? Buy it here!

[jameseightbitstar]

About Dead Zone... the original Pioneer dub used the Japanese music, but I don't know for sure if the Funi DVD does.

I saw Megazone 23 recently. I'd say the real problem with it isn't that its plot is "buried under eighties cheese," but rather that it really DOES watch like someone took the major plot points from a TV series and put them in a movie... the movie is almost nothing but characters revealing plot points.

I'd like to see Robotech: the Untold Story someday, but fortunately its plot is incorperated into the novels.

[ahnslaught]

I actually really like Megazone. It really reminds me of Dark City, which was an excellent movie that came out in the late 90's.

[Ace Whatever]

jameseightbitstar said:

I'd say the real problem with it isn't that its plot is "buried under eighties cheese," but rather that it really DOES watch like someone took the major plot points from a TV series and put them in a movie... the movie is almost nothing but characters revealing plot points.

It can't possibly be worse than Gundam F91's case, can it?

[Revolver Ocelot]

I'd say the award for the worst case of condensing a series into a movie goes to Turn A Gundam. The Turn A Gundam compilation films are a complete disaster and they managed to completely miss all the great points the series brought up. I'll take F91 over the Turn A movies any day of the friggen week.

[Revolver Ocelot]

Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran

Studio: Madhouse

Director: Akitaro Daichi
Writer: Tou Nagatsuki & Tasuo Sato
Producer: Kazuhiko Suzuki & Masao Morosawa
Designer: Hajime Watanabe
Composer: Toshihiko Sahashi

Released: January 26th, 2000
Genre: Action, Comedy, Martial Arts, Samurai
Format: Episodic TV Series
Runtime: 13 Episodes, 25 Minutes (325 Minutes)
US License: Bandai



Tsukikage Ran is a wandering, alcoholic ronin. Meow is a precocious moron skilled in martial arts. Together, they are the Oscar and Felix of the anime world. The two run into each other entirely at random and travel together for reasons unknown. They periodically fight and split up. But always, they manage to happen across one another again during their aimless journey from town to town, having forgotten what it was they fought over during their quest for the next bottle of sake and the next free meal. However, food and booze are not the only things this odd couple run into, as each village they visit has some kind of sinister plot behind it that always seems to reach a boiling point the instant these two set foot in town.



To say Tsukikage Ran[/i] is somewhat formulaic is a bit of an understatement. However, the show is executed with such finesse, written with such wit, and so entertaining every step of the way that its repetitive nature is not enough to badly tarnish this charming show.



Now I am by no means a fan of the feudal Japanese/Bakumatsu era samurai stories. I never really got into Rurouni Kenshin[/i], and although Samurai Champloo[/i] had its moments, to me, it often felt like it was overly stylized while at the same time being banal. Tsukikage Ran[/i] was released smack dab in between the two, and if you took Rurouni Kenshin[/i]'s traditional look and combined it with Samurai Champloo[/i]'s structure, made Mugen and Jin less serious and gave them sex changes, removed Fuu entirely (and PRAISE THE LORD for that), and gave the comedy and action scenes a serious kick in the pants, you would have a pretty decent blueprint for Tsukikage Ran[/i].



While Tsukikage Ran[/i] is driven by repeating episode motifs, it is by no means unoriginal. You would be hard pressed to find a more down-to-earth representation of Edo era Japan than the one presented in this show. It starts with the opening song, sung in the traditional Enka style of folk songs that were popularized throughout Japan in those days. The costumes, settings, atmosphere, dialog, everything fits the setting perfectly. There are no zazz-injected character designs, no cold, moody badasses, no big-boobed fanservice gals, no ridiculous haircuts. All the excess and gloss that other shows must pile on to hide their lack of entertainment value is stripped away here, leaving nothing but a raw and honest good time.



Of all the gut-bustingly hilarious moments in Tsukikage Ran[/i], I have to say the highlight of the series are the amazing fight scenes. You are guaranteed at least one every episode, be it a small one-on-one scuffle or an epic Royal Rumble-style melee. The fight choreography is just superb. Watching the subtly beautiful Ran cut swathes through small armies of arrogant thugs, whether alone or with the kung-fu toting Meow, is just amazing.



With Ran's fighting prowess, however, lies one of the show's bigger flaws. Ran is pretty much invincible. She could take on Kenshin, Jubei Yagyu, Mugen, Jin and Inu Yasha at the same time and probably end the fight in 5 swift strokes or less. But despite the fact that the feeling of suspense invoked by the scenario of Ran actually being defeated is impossible due to her abilities, the choreography keeps the fights from being anything less than spectacular massacres.



Tsukikage Ran[/i] is brought to you by Madhouse. Now do not wet yourself. The show does not look as amazing as usual Madhouse fare, but it is a really slick-looking TV show nonetheless. Hajime Watanabe's character designs, as I mentioned before, are down to earth and lack excessive amounts of zazz. The animation, especially during the fight scenes, is amazingly smooth, and on the whole, Tsukikage Ran[/i] does not disappoint at all visually, but it wont ever quite drop your jaw the way other Madhouse shows like Chobits[/i] or X[/i] will. To top it all off, Tsukikage Ran[/i] has a great soundtrack comprised of both traditional Japanese music and some really catchy rock/pop stuff for the battles. And just to go over audio quickly, the dub is really nothing to speak of, and the Japanese audio helps complete the traditional feel that permeates throughout the show.



Tsukikage Ran[/i] might be on the short side, and its episodic nature prevents it from having any arching story elements or character development outside of the titular Ran and her cohort, but their relationship alone is enough to carry this series for its meager 13 episode run and in all, it is a highly enjoyable and satisfying show. I highly recommend this series to just about anyone who likes anime. While you may not find it to be as absolutely wonderful as I did, you will no doubt find it charming and entertaining, at the very least.

- Shalashashka

Story: A
Animation: A
Design: A
Music: S
Direction: S
Overall: A
Sub or Dub: Definitely sub

OP: “Kazemakase” by Akemi Misawa
Traditional Enka-style song. Very funny and clashes with the incredibly violent clips. B

ED: “Kazemakase 2” by Akemi Misawa
Just a sped up version of a later verse from the OP song. B+

Interested in this anime? Buy it here!

[Deleted]

I love this anime thread over the other one, because this one even has screenshots. Much more easier to get into animes one haven't seen before. Thanks, revolverocelot.

[YourAverageJoe]

Been watching Metalocalypes recently, Revolver? I can't see any other way to learn about the mystical power of the word "zazz."

[Revolver Ocelot]

youraveragejoe said:

Been watching Metalocalypes recently, Revolver? I can't see any other way to learn about the mystical power of the word "zazz."

I uh.. don't know what that is. I've been saying "zazz" for years though.. it's just a shortening of "pizazz". For anyone that doesn't know, here's a breakdown of zazz.



Guy Cecil from Tales of the Abyss. Very traditional. Insignificant amounts of zazz. Easy on the eyes, but a little dull. It's fairly obvious where you're supposed to look when you see this guy; his face. Or possibly his crotch.



Vyse from Skies of Arcadia. Functional zazz. The removable sleeves thing almost makes sense, and the eye-patch functions as a telescope.



Yuri from Shadow Hearts 2. Now we're starting to get into silliness. This is full blown zazz. Is he an RPG character in a fantasy world or is he a metrosexual trying to get into Razzles? Does that clenched fist held outward mean "I'm gonna beat your ass, buddy!" or does it mean "Hey bro, just pull down my pants and stick it in. I wont tell anybody. It'll be AWESOME!"? I dunno.




Ah. Here we are. Tetsuya Nomura. The King of Zazz. There's enough zazz in these pictures to kill small children. He should put a little biohazard symbol next to his name when he signs his work, because this shit is dangerous. These characters have so many buttons, zippers, silver chains and nicknacks on them that I don't even know where to focus when I look at them. It's like someone ate a gift shop, a Gap and a HotTopic and puked their contents all over a group of moody pubescents.

Zazz is to this generation what 'tude was in the 90s. Utilized properly, it can be a great asset, but when used in excess, it can be lethal. Think back to Sonic's safe 'tude levels, and then try to remember Bubsy, who was bursting with 'tude from every unholy oriface. Final Fantasy characters are the new Bubsy.

[Ace Whatever]

I always wondered how Tidus & Yuna get into their clothes every morning.

On the topic of bad condensations, I thought the Macross movie was a bit meh after seeing the TV series. Instead of retooling the main love triangle, why couldn't they flesh out the Max/Millia romance that got extremely rushed in the show.

A good condensation? The Rahxephon movie, because the plot actually made more sense in it!

[Isao Kronos (BANNED)]

I really need to review FMP, but I haven't exactly finished it yet.

[Revolver Ocelot]

acewhatever said:

I always wondered how Tidus & Yuna get into their clothes every morning.

On the topic of bad condensations, I thought the Macross movie was a bit meh after seeing the TV series. Instead of retooling the main love triangle, why couldn't they flesh out the Max/Millia romance that got extremely rushed in the show.

A good condensation? The Rahxephon movie, because the plot actually made more sense in it!

I agree. I thought the RahXephon series was pretty dull, so cutting it down to 2 hours from 13 was an excellent move.

You can usually get a pretty good idea of how good a series really is if you try to imagine how much you could condense it and still have it make sense. If you can condense a series a lot and it still makes perfect sense, someone fucked up, because the series was way longer than it needed to be.

Take a look at the Turn A Gundam movie I mentioned. Turn A Gundam's a good series. You try to take stuff out of it and it starts to tumble. Same goes for the SEED compilation movies. Aside from the recap episodes, you really can't cut much out, and thus the compilation movies suck. When I watched the original Gundam movie trilogy though, everything made sense. They cut a lot out and yet all of the ideas, themes, and plot elements from the series were still executed, and in many cases were better than they were in the series. Because of that, I really don't think there's any point in watching the Gundam series over the movie trilogy.

[MRSKELETON]

I'm sort of surprised you picked the character you did on the bottom of your little Zazz post. A character like LuLu, who's design doesnt even make sense. The guy on the bottom, he doesn't appear to have much zazz besides from the general white haired look, I mean he's got a zipper down his jacket and buttons on his boots, both of which make sense.