Rating: 
Summary: "I Am Here."
Review: I met my wife over the internet, and we spent two years in a long distance relationship. I'm also a military brat, and when the call would come, we would never know when or if we would see Dad again.
Perhaps that's why Voices of a Distant Star struck such a chord with me. I felt that I could relate to the plight of the characters, as they struggled to cope with distance, uncertainty, and absence.
This brought tears to my eyes, and that's saying alot. The emotions are genuine, and the art...well, you would hardly believe that the whole thing was put together on a home PC.
Granted, this isn't a long piece, but this is most definitely a story that will remain in your heart for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: Let me get to the point...
Review: This is a work of art with a great emotional impact. It touches on a little bit of everything that makes us what we are: love, fear and even rage. Right up there with "Grave of the Fireflies", "Ghost in the Shell" or "Perfect Blue".
I had no problems with my DVD, so I can't comment on any listed by other reviewers.
Rating: 
Summary: A little to distant for me even as an avid anime fan.
Review: I thought the premise of this sounded good. It turned out to be one of those things we regular folk just don't get. Now I love anime in most of its forms, except gratuituous mecha. I had hopes for this one as a good, sci-fi topic. It might have made an impression, had it been a bit longer. As it was, its hardly worth the money for a 25 minute runtime, when I was expecting a bit more of a movie. I've seen some excellent award winning, short animations, where the animation itself told a great story. I will admit there are a few parts like that in this film. Unfortunately, there are also time wasting, still shot moments, which should only be part of a longer piece. In the end, I was left with a lot of questions, and maybe that was the point of it all. I still hate it when the existential artists make something, and their patrons tell us we should all like it. If you like thought pieces OK, but I'd still advise renting this one first.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent animé (4 stars), poor translation (-1 star)
Review: I was very intrigued with this animé ever since I first saw some trailers on Newtype DVD's. I grew even more intrigued when I heard that the animation and CG graphics were all done by one man. So, when I heard this had been released, I picked it up and immediately watched it upon my return home. What I saw was a stunning work of moving art. The animation, at face value, is absolutely incredible, and the fact that it was all done by one man makes it even more so. The music isn't remarkable, though it works and suits the mood welle nough. The director is able to weave a grandiose story quite well within a timnefarme of a half hour. I was afraid that, in this animé's short amount of screentime, the characters would not be developed well enough and that the story would feel incomplete or unfinished. Luckily, however, Makoto Shinkai proved me wrong. There are some ludicrous moments in the story, however. I find it hard to believe that either character would continue to subscribe in a long-distance relationship without fail or without looking at the other options around them (particularly, even when the distance between them can be measured in light years. Even though I'm sure there will be great advances in technology within the next few decades, I still find it hard to believe that a cell phone can actually transmit a signal over the course of eight light years. But, I suppose it's safe to say that a good love story isn't created with rationalists in mind. If you can suspend belief in what makes logical sense, or in other words, you're a romantic, you'll enjoy the story. One reviewer compared it with the greatness of Evangelion, though I'm not sure if this is an appropriate comparison. Evangelion and Voices of a Distant Star are both astounding works, but they are also completely different. I would classify this as a moving story with a remarkable emotional punch, one that will be viewed by few people, yet will undoubtedly profoundly affect the few who do watch it. Thus, I would compare it to the greatness of "Grave of the Fireflies" or "Now and Then, Here and There." The short animated film, "She and Her Cat," which was directed by Makoto Shinkai as well, is unique, mildly perplexing, and an excellent addition. As it is, I would give this remarkable DVD 4 stars. However, the reason why this got a three and not a four is the responsibility of ADV films, the distributor of this film. I'm not one for english voice dubs; I hardly ever choose dubs over subs (Cowboy Bebop being the unique exception), thus I haven't heard the dub. If you're one for dubs, then go ahead and pretend I gave this 4 stars. Before I continue, let me just say that I'm not one of those otaku that gets offended if "what was that" is used in place of "nani" (which is what in Japanese). I don't look for a perfect translation, simply one that conveys the story in general well enough. The tempo of the subtitles here, though, drove me crazy. Some were far too verbose to be read in time, while others were quite terse. As erratic as the timing may be, I was still able to notice numerous misspellings. Considering how I've never had this problem with the 43 other animé DVD's that I have, I think it's safe to assume that whoever translated this didn't spend enough time making sure that the timing and the content of the subtitles was as good as the animé at hand. Not only that, but the "Original Production Animatic" was left untranslated; there are no subtitles or voice dubs at all! Overall, it's worth the money if you don't mind a disappointing translation or a very short animé feature.
Rating:
Summary: Warning! This DVD is flawed!
Review: The feature is great! No question! But currently I can't recommend this DVD for purchase.
As I discovered in a newsgroup there are several problem with this release.
The most important one: The soundtrack featuring the director and his wife is MISSING! It was checked by several people. There are two sound version on this disc, but there are actually the same!
So if you plan to purchase this disc, please remember that you probably won't get what you expected.
I hope there will be a replacement coming very soon.
Rating:
Summary: One the most touching 30 minute work of art
Review: Hi folks, I usually don't write reviews unless I like the anime DVD or series. ... on the work of art even though it was low budgeted and done by one man with the help of a few others like his wire.
It is a touching romantic story of two high school separated by space. The boy fails the Earth Defense exam and loses his chance to go with the first expedition force to take the war to the aliens who destroyed their colonies on Mars. However, she passes and is sent out with the expedition. It is so touching because though separated by space and time, their love continues. The only way to communicate their love is by phone messages/e-mail yet because it only travels at the speed of light, at first, it would take weeks, then months, and then years for him to receive her messages of love.
For those who are science buffs or taken basic geography like I did, you know that as you travel outside our solar system towards the middle of the universe, time seems to stay the same but from our perception, it actually speeds up. Or to be more technical, as you get closer to the middle of the universe, it is older and your existence of time which is based on our galaxy, slows down especially when you have to travel hyper speed (faster than the speed of light) so what maybe a year on Earth would be an hour of your life in space (when going farther from Earth). The movie points this concept out in the movie as the girl travels further from Earth, her boyfriend gets older and she stays young, which enhances the drama and enhance the messages of love.
For the technical parts, the DVD has great music. There aren't many lyrics or no lyrics to the music but it really reflects the personality and the emotion of the movie. For those who aren't familiar with Japanese anime, some of the scenes may be one panel and the movement is made as the camera moves along the panel, changing the perspective view of the viewers. In the movie, it is well done. It maybe only 30 minute movie but it is very deep and concise and the bonus is great too. There is another little except that doesn't really have to do with the movie but it is very touching as it focuses on a girl and her cat in different time lengths(you'll see if you buy the dvd). The graphics are beautiful especially the background details. However, the characters are simply drawn and not detailed but the scenery and music makes up for it. Overall, I'd recommend this DVD for those who appreciate anime in terms of the art, story concepts, scenery, and romantic drama story. For those who just want entertainment, comedy, or just watch anime for fun, this is not for you.
Rating:
Summary: Let this rejuvenate ANIME!
Review: So much anime is dull, and over used plots and ideas. Many are just ways to joke about sex and look at cartoons in swim suits (pathetic). And then there is anime like Voices of a Distant Star. Also called Hoshi no Koe in Japanese this is an incredible anime. An amzing adventure, while short, will leave you breathless. More character depth than almost any other anime out their. This should be what people watch and compare other animes to. Now the most amazing fact: This enitre movie was animated, and computer graphics and colorized, and scripted by one man. Not a whole team of "pros" just one man and one Power Macintosh G4 400. The best version is to watch him and his wife do the voices(with subtitles),they get so passionate towards eachother it is amazing. I've read that this version will be inclueded on the DVD I can't wait to watch this movie with correct subtitles! The music was fantastic, I hope they release the soundtrack for America as well. Everything in this Anime flows like nothing you've ever seen, an emotional journey, breathtaking and lovey, I hope other Animes learn from Makoto Shinkai. For those of you wondering how I saw this, an american version has been released already. It has very poor sub titles and no english voices. I wouldn't recomend it, since in 10 days the offical american version will be released. I wish there was an extra star to give to movies like this, also if you enjoy this Anime stay alert, Makoto is working on his next anime...Andrew
Rating:
Summary: DUMBSTRUCK!
Review: While watching this short anime movie, I was dumbstruck by its beauty and attention to detail, its vibrant colors, lense effects and flowing animation... it is one of the most beautiful animes I've ever seen. The story is top-notch; a love story set against an unusually good sci-fi backdrop. I'm still at a loss for words on how good this anime is... However, when I went online to see if there were other 'episodes' to continue the series, I found out that ONE MAN had done EVERYTHING on the anime ALL BY HIMSELF. I feel humbled and (again) dumbstruck. Had this been a longer epic, it would be one of the best in the history of anime - EASILY on par with Evangelion and the likes. I can only hope that there is more story to tell... Please support this man's efforts by buying this INCREDIBLE work.
Rating:
Summary: A master piece
Review: When i saw the lenght of the movie I thought it wasnt going to be good but i bought it any way... When i saw the movie the only thing i have to say is that it was awsome it gives u a felling hard to explain and melancholic, Voices of a distant star is just a master piece...sorry about the spelling but my english isnt that good
Rating:
Summary: "A love story that transcends time and space..."
Review: "A love story that transcends time and space..." That is what was written on the back of the DVD cover - and that I must say is probably the best summary one can give about this hauntingly beautiful tale of love and loss.
It is set in a near-future world... It is the story of two young lovers, with their whole lives ahead of them, with seemingly endless possibilities. But their lives were torned apart by a war with a mysterious alien race, and one leaves the earth to fight as mecha pilot. The only thing connecting them are a series of text messages, sent from space via a mobile phone.
I cannot reveal anymore about the story without giving too much away, since the film is a very short and basic one, with very little plot or character development, and clocking in at just 30 minutes. But do NOT be put off by this. This film is pure poetry, with smooth beautiful animation, an amazing artistic style, a haunting soundtrack - and a bittersweet, timeless story, that once experienced, would stay with you for the rest of your life.
But be warned - dispite the mecha, the aliens, and the sci-fi setting, this is purely a tale of romance. If you are space battles and action, or even sex and violence, then this is not for you.
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