Urusei Yatsura Movie 1: Only You

Rating:
Summary: Gotta love the petals
Review: "Only You" is probably one of my favorite Urusei Yatsura movies, tied along with "Beautiful Dreamer" and "The Final Chapter". If you're a casual viewer, you might want to check out the TV series and get to know the characters before diving into this one. But if you're an established UY fan, then this will be a real treat.

The movie puts the usual slapstick comedy in the back, and prefers to focus on the more heartwrenching scenes. Don't get me wrong, there are enough things to laugh at -- UY's trademark subtle face expressions (of which Ataru is a master at), Rei's obliviousness, and Cherry's presence -- but the primary focus is set on scenes that make you squeeze your heart.

Of course, that doesn't mean it's a bad thing; no, in fact, said scenes are quite well done. I'm a man, and I'm not afraid to admit that the "Lum in space" scene with "Lum no Ballad" playing in the background got me choked up -- and I'm usually quite apathetic to scenes like that in movies. Ataru watching with fear and concern for Lum in the back of a fighter jet is another one. And of course, the final scene at the end alone is worth the time and money for any long time UY fans -- those that've scene the movie will know what I'm talking about.

Unfortunately, as with any movie, there tend to be a few flaws. For one, the humans don't really do anything. This includes Mendou, Shinobu, Megane + Fan club, Cherry and especially Sakura. Sure, Mendou, Shinobu, and Megane fare better than the others, but generally they were just "there" for the sake of appearances. Cherry gets a bit of spotlight early on, but then disappears. I get the feeling that Sakura was just brought in to appease the Sakura fans -- she had a few lines, but did absolutely nothing else.

On the other hand, if you're a fan of the aliens (especially Benten), then this will be a great experience. Benten shows up a lot, Oyuki gets some scenes, and even Rei jumps into the action. Ran also helps out, as do Mr. Invader himself. You'll even hear a few lines from the Crow Princess, Kurama.

Another flaw would be the characterization of Ellie. For a main villain, she seemed rather one-dimensional. Her design is good, and she can definitely compete with the other UY females in terms of beauty.... but when it comes to personality, we aren't given much about her. Reasons for why she did her malicious deeds are never explained, and nothing is said about how she came to be. And worse of all, just when we're about to get a glimpse of the surface below, the movie's about over. Sigh.

All in all, if you 1) are familar with Urusei Yatsura and its characters, 2) are a big fan of the Lum+Ataru relationship (and who isn't?), and 3) don't mind a few flaws, then you need to see this movie, no questions asked.

Rating:
Summary: Gotta love the petals
Review: "Only You" is probably one of my favorite Urusei Yatsura movies, tied along with "Beautiful Dreamer" and "The Final Chapter". If you're a casual viewer, you might want to check out the TV series and get to know the characters before diving into this one. But if you're an established UY fan, then this will be a real treat.

The movie puts the usual slapstick comedy in the back, and prefers to focus on the more heartwrenching scenes. Don't get me wrong, there are enough things to laugh at -- UY's trademark subtle face expressions (of which Ataru is a master at), Rei's obliviousness, and Cherry's presence -- but the primary focus is set on scenes that make you squeeze your heart.

Of course, that doesn't mean it's a bad thing; no, in fact, said scenes are quite well done. I'm a man, and I'm not afraid to admit that the "Lum in space" scene with "Lum no Ballad" playing in the background got me choked up -- and I'm usually quite apathetic to scenes like that in movies. Ataru watching with fear and concern for Lum in the back of a fighter jet is another one. And of course, the final scene at the end alone is worth the time and money for any long time UY fans -- those that've scene the movie will know what I'm talking about.

Unfortunately, as with any movie, there tend to be a few flaws. For one, the humans don't really do anything. This includes Mendou, Shinobu, Megane + Fan club, Cherry and especially Sakura. Sure, Mendou, Shinobu, and Megane fare better than the others, but generally they were just "there" for the sake of appearances. Cherry gets a bit of spotlight early on, but then disappears. I get the feeling that Sakura was just brought in to appease the Sakura fans -- she had a few lines, but did absolutely nothing else.

On the other hand, if you're a fan of the aliens (especially Benten), then this will be a great experience. Benten shows up a lot, Oyuki gets some scenes, and even Rei jumps into the action. Ran also helps out, as do Mr. Invader himself. You'll even hear a few lines from the Crow Princess, Kurama.

Another flaw would be the characterization of Ellie. For a main villain, she seemed rather one-dimensional. Her design is good, and she can definitely compete with the other UY females in terms of beauty.... but when it comes to personality, we aren't given much about her. Reasons for why she did her malicious deeds are never explained, and nothing is said about how she came to be. And worse of all, just when we're about to get a glimpse of the surface below, the movie's about over. Sigh.

All in all, if you 1) are familar with Urusei Yatsura and its characters, 2) are a big fan of the Lum+Ataru relationship (and who isn't?), and 3) don't mind a few flaws, then you need to see this movie, no questions asked.

Rating:
Summary: Always a great anime classic....
Review: But I have a problem with this DVD. This would have been a GREAT DVD If Mr. Woodhouse would have put a WIDESCREEN version out, and had dropped the assinine dub.

Diddn't the Dub of episode one teach him anything?

Well, at least UY is still coming out on DVD, so I guess I should be somewhat greateful.

Rating:
Summary: Urusei Yatsura Movie - Only You
Review: I have this movie on japanese laserdisc.
If you're a fan of Tahahashi Rumiko and in particular the Urusai Yatsura series this is a must have.
UY is a twist on the Von Daniken theory where most of the aliens are beings from japanese folklore, Oni, Tengu and yuki-onna.
The story opens with every regular character receiving an invitation to the wedding beween Ataru and someone called Elle. The only person happy about the news Is Ataru though he doesn't remember her.(he won a game of shadow tag when he was 6 which is tantamont to being eng
aged on her world).
Elle turns out to be the Queen of the Rose star world, Lum who regards herself as Ataru's wife decides not take this lying down and takes all the regulars to her home world the Oni star and officially marry him first. But, on the way they are intercepted by the Rose star fleet and Ataru is liberated by rose star agent during which he says things over an open mike that discourage anyone from the Oni world from wanting him back.
How will Lum react?
As I haven"t seen the DVD I can't comment on the translation or the english voice acting or extras. and they may not be calling it the Rose star.....
This film eatures a lot of the serious to outrageous humor that was the trademrk of the UY series. It's the second best of the 6 UY movies after Beautiful Dreamer, already available on DVD.
4 stars as it's very good for what it is but less appeal for people who arenot familiar with UY or anime.