MHBK's Cool Stuff: Anime

Cool Stuff: Anime

I have been watching anime (Japanese animation) for, well, my whole life. True, when I was younger I had no idea I was watching anime, but over the years I was enlightened to the truth and things took off from there. I'm into mecha filled movies (Macross, Appleseed) and I also like fighting movies (Street Fighter II). And I'll admit it, I do like some shoujo! I look for movies that have some sort of plot and decent animation. Not all anime is created equally and there are some crap titles out there, so I recomend surfing around a little bit and checking some review pages before shelling out your money.

Anime: owned
Here's a list of all the anime I own (or did at one time). I don't consider myself to be a great critic, and all of the opinions here are my own.

NOTES:

A (nlo) in front of a movie means that I no longer own it
The symbols DVD, VHS and VHSs (subtitled) indicate what format the movie is
Movies with a (!) symbol may have content unsuitable for young children
18+ means 18+
(total) means how I feel about the series in whole
I pledge no alligence to a single company and buy from whoever has what I want
The number of * is my rating of the movie or series, five being a must see, three being recomended for fans of the genre and two or below ends up in the crap section.
The titles are underlined because the lawyers say so ^_^

Angel Cop: The Collection: Not for everyone...the level of violence and swearing is somewhat high, but not overdoing it. Actually, after a while all the swearing gets funny as it seems the writers wanted to use a new insult everytime. The story may not be deep but it's there. The animation is above average and the dubbing is decent.(DVD)(VHS/nlo)(!)***

Appleseed: It may seem a little slow, but I still highly recomend it for the story and mecha.(VHS/nlo)***1/2

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R: The Movie (VHS)***
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S: The Movie (DVD)(VHS)****
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon SS: The Movie (VHS)***

Dangiaoh: The mecha battles and humor are it's strong points, not much else.(VHS/nlo)(!)**1/2

Devil Hunter Yohko: (tape 1) A kind of wacky B-movie with good action and animation. (VHS/nlo) (!)***

Dragon Ball Z: Captain Ginyu Assault (tape 1) (NOTE: all of these DBZ videos are the newly dubbed and uncut versions, only a dumbass would buy the cut-to-crap versions) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Captain Ginyu Double Cross (tape 2) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza-The Summoning (tape 3) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza-Transformation (tape 4) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza- Revealed (tape 5) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza- Death of A Prince (tape 6) (VHS/nlo)***1/2
DBZ: Frieza- Clash (tape 7) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza- Desperation (tape 8) (VHS/nlo)***
DBZ: Frieza- Super Saiyan Goku (tape 9) (VHS/nlo)***

Fushigi Yûgi: (tape 1) I heard many good things about this series and you know what? They're all true! This is a series that anyone can get into. The animation is great for a TV series and the dubbing is good. So far things are looking up for this one. (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 2) This series is getting better every tape. Things pick up a little as we start to get more into plot and characters. There is some major developement going on in terms of character and plot. Even though some of the SD scenes get a little out of hand, they aren't that annoying ^_^¡ I just hope that the series keeps at this level of quality (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 3) No dissapointments here. The pace keeps going as the plot thickens. There are several little twists here and there to keep things fresh. Again, some may be turned down by the wild SD scenes, but they could be worse ;) (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 4) Damn, this is getting good! I must say that this series is quite deep. The Animation is still good and the acting is still good. As with all the tapes, you just keep getting drawn into the story and characters. Those cards are also a nice little thing too. (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 5) Silly me...I was so happy to have found tape 5 that I didn't notice it was the sub...^_^¡ Oh well, at least I got to hear the original voices (so that's what Chibi-Usa sounded like...). I was actually suprised at how close some of the dub actors sounded like the originals. I think you all know what I'm going to say...it's all good... Actually the only problem I have is that in episode 16 there is a scene that reminds me of some tentical pics I've seen... (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 6) Wow, I must say that I am impressed. The story and characters keep developing for the better. Even a hard-ass like me felt a little sad durring one of the more emotional scenes. The way the scenes are presented is great and the voice actors don't over-due it at all. (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 7) If you thought shoujo was just a bunch of romance, think again. This tape has some great fight scenes, though not as over the top as Dragon Ball Z, they are still fast paced. And these aren't some cat fights, the two involved really start to beat the crap out of each other! Let's not forget this is shoujo, so there are some really touching scenes at the end. Truely my favorite FY tape....so far. (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 8) (VHS/nlo)*****
FY: (tape 9) (VHS/nlo)*****

Galaxy Fraulein Yuna: (VHSs)***
Galaxy Fraulein Yuna 2: (VHSs)***

Ghost in the Shell: Some of the greatness was lost in the transition from the manga, but still one of the best movies around today, even in non-anime. (DVD)(VHS)(!)****

Gunsmith Cats (total): All together a solid action series with a few minor flaws.****
GSC (tape 1): The first episode gets off to a great start, need to get #2 to get the plot though. (VHS/nlo)***1/2
GSC(tape 2): The best GSC, the most action of the best story of the three. (VHS/nlo)****
GSC(tape 3): A little disappointing, but important to the series non-the-less. (VHS/nlo)***1/2 NOTE: there is a new GSC called BulletProof which is all three tapes combined into one, I suggest getting it instead of buying them seperately.
GSC: Bulletproof: (DVD)****

Macross 2: Unless you're a fan of HUGE mecha filled battles (which I am), forget it. Except for the aformentioned quality, it has nothing else to offer. NOTE: it is NOT a part of the official Macross storyline, treat it like a fanfic.**1/4

Macross Plus (total): THIS SERIES KICKS MAJOR ASS!!! One of the all time best! really good story, awsome mecha designs, and one of my favorite soundtracts! Who doesn't love giant mecha filled battles with micro missles, shrapnel, and guns-a-blazing everywhere? And don't forget the good plot, interesting characters and great music. Enough said!!! *****
Macross Plus (tape 1): GET THIS (VHS/nlo)*****
MP (tape 2): SERIES (VHS/nlo)*****
MP (tape 3): Right (VHS/nlo)*****
MP (tape 4): Away! (VHS/nlo)*****
MP (vol.1): (DVD) *****
MP (vol. 2): (DVD) *****
Marcross Plus: The Movie: Like the series, THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!! First, I must explain what this movie is. It is the four tapes compressed together to create a stand-alone movie. Some scenes had to be cut and some new scenes were added. The new scenes change the plot somewhat, but the story is still basically the same. In order to get the whole Macross Plus experience, I recommend that you get this movie. And don't worry about the subtitles, if you've seen the series before you'll get what is going on.(VHSs)*****

Ninja Scroll: Great animation, story, acting and action; a perfect tribute to feudal Japan. (DVD)(!)****

Project A-Ko 2: A great continuation of the plot and humor from the original; the first A-Ko is better though. (VHS/nlo)***1/2

Revolutionary Girl Utena: (tape 1) Despite it's girlish appearence, this is a series enjoyable by all. The animation is good quality T.V. level and the acting is good (and absolutely NO annoying accents :). The humor is okay but still suitable for the younger viewers. There is just one thing I have to get out of the way: this series is NOT about lesbians!!! Even though the issue of lesbianism is there, it is not a main theme. Read the back of the box to see what I mean. Again this series IS appropiate for younger viewers, and older ones too. (VHS/nlo)****

Serial Experiments Lain: (VHS/nlo)****

Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie: Don't expect a plot from a movie based on a fighting game, but like the video game series, this movie is supreme champion when it comes to fighting. The soundtrack is excellent and the action is pounding. NOTE: On the front of the early boxes, there is a warning saying "UNRATED: For Mature Audiences Only," it's a sales gimmick and the MPAA has rated it PG-13. (VHS/nlo)****
Street Fighter II Victory (total): SF fans should go out and get it now. Others may want to be a little careful... the whole series takes up TEN TAPES!!! As you can see, that's ALOT of cash. Don't worry, it is a good TV series that fills in alot of plot holes about the SF universe. The music is excellent as is the acting. It does have it's really bad moments at the end though... I suggest renting it first.......or if you're naughty, you could get two VCRs and...>:) (VHS/nlo)****
SFIIV (tapes 1-10): Sorry, haven't watched all TEN (29 episodes) in a while...

Tekkaman-Blade II (total): This series isn't that bad. The flow is good until the end where things get confusing. Though the animation wasn't spectacular, it is still above average. People new to the Tekkaman world won't be confused and can get into it right away. I want to give this series a higher rating but the final tape prevents me. It's like they had to rush the final tape. There is a huge opening for a continuation at the end and I look forward to one..let's just hope they do it better though. (VHS/nlo)***
T-BII (tape 1): Known as Tekknoman here in NA, this new series takes place after the original Tekkaman, with new heroes and villians. Things get out to a good start, lets just hope it stays that way... (VHS/nlo)***1/2
T-BII (tape 2): Tape two carries the action over nicely. The story is also kept intact, which is a good thing. The animation is good but a character's attack scene is a little messed up in one part. Other than that there is nothing really wrong with it. (VHS/nlo)***
T-BII (tape 3): Just what happened here? This series was turning out so good and then the third tape happened. For some reason it seems like something is missing, more like something was skipped. If you got a newbie to watch this tape they might think it's a re-cap tape. The flow of the story is jumpy and the action is almost none. You think the final battle would be huge, but it's short and confusing. (VHS/nlo)**1/2

The Wings of Honneamise: This is simply just a great movie. It has a deep and evolving plot and characters. The animation is some of the best I've seen. Warning: this is NOT for all you action fans, it is directed towards the thinker types, there is very little action; patience is the key to this movie. (DVD)(VHS/nlo)*****

Anime: What I want
I might get a couple of these next time I get paid. Note I only buy DVDs now (which you should do also)

Appleseed
Gasaraki vol.6
Evangelion vol. 3
Akira
Patlabor 2
SDF Macross: TV
Street Fighter II: AM
Street Fighter II V vol. 1-4

Anime: What I got rid of (stay away from these!)
The following movies have earned their rightful places as crap. This is a public service anouncement: Stay The Heck Away From These Things!!! They all pretty much suck. I'm not even going to explain why the suck, just avoid them, take my word on it!!!

M.D. Geist **
Battle Arena Toshindin *
Shadow Fist **
Sword for the Truth *
Vampire Wars *

Remember: Keep away for your health!!!

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