Akira (Special Edition)

Rating:
Summary: disapointment
Review: being a big fan of this movie. I've been waiting for the dvd realease for like 3 years. this movie is THE anime moive! but I was disapointed with the dialogue much was changed from the original. they used new voice actors for the new version which I didn't mind so much but when your favorite lines come up and you say them then they say some thing completely different it bummed me out. but all in all this movie is a must have for all anime fans.

Rating:
Summary: Akira - The Special Edition
Review: First off let me start by saying I own the japanese dialogue (special subtitled edition) on vhs. I have loved this anime since the first days I had the pleasure of seeing it, many years ago. Everyone knows this film changed everything, changed the way we looked at animated films period. I was so eargerly expecting a dvd release for this must see film. I was however sorely disappoint that this (special edition) DOES NOT have a remastered 5.1 japaneses dialogue option!! I mean seriously as being a person who enjoys a good foreign film, I was appalled to find only the dubbed version was remastered to 5.1. To make matters worse most of the film appears HIGHLY digitized. They did do a great job on bringing out the colors and there is a great amount of detail visible compared to the vhs version but everytime i watch it on dvd part of me still craves my vhs version. I give this dvd version 4 stars but had it included a remastered 5.1 japanese dialogue and not so digitized.

Rating:
Summary: Shame on Pioneer
Review: As previously mentioned the video quality is very impressive. My problem with this remake is with the english audio. New voice actors and dialog make this film unwatchable to me. This movie is a classic and has been around for nearly a decade. It is too late to change it now. Come, on how would you like it if the voice of Darth Vadar of Star Wars was changed? I applaud Pioneer to trying to update the film but at least include an audio track with the original voices/dialog. As it stands this movie is going back, I would rather watch my old worn out copy on VHS.

Rating:
Summary: Where's the original dub???
Review: This would have been the perfect release except for the horrible voice-acting. What were they thinking when they hired these people. I love the new translation but much of the high charged emotion in the original dub is gone. I remember how much people complained about the original, not because the voice acting was bad but because the translation was poor. Seems Pioneer only got half of it right. Be careful what you wish for.

I emailed Pioneer why the original dub wasn't included and they said it was a money issue. Huh? Sounds like a cop out to me.

They did say if there was enough demand they would release a version of Akira with the original dub so here's your chance. Email them at [e-mail] and let them know you want the original dub back! Do it!!!

I also noticed they did a poor job at removing dirt on the print. Oh well, it's still the best anime movie even with the lousy actors.

Rating:
Summary: Please READ THIS before purchasing!!!!!
Review: I have been an AKIRA collector and follower of the comic series for about ten years now. You cannot know a more enthusiastic fan of AKIRA. As you would guess I long awaited the digitally re-mastered DVD 2 disc set and had a pre-ordered copy through Amazon ready to go for months. When the limited addition finally arrived I was instantly thrilled with the fantastic packaging efforts in the design, look and feel. The collector tin and booklets were superb. Loaded with extras this DVD was ready to go. But if you are a fan of the original movie release many years ago the new release FALLS SHORT! The images color and sound are impeccable but low and behold our lovely American studio decided to RERECORED the American voice over. The character choice mood and all around flow of the movie is INTOLLERABLE at least! The voices have become bubble gum in comparison. ALL DRAMATIC VOICE ACTING LOST!! The original voice over, overseen by the actual creator of the move by the way, had so much more. It delivered an intense portrayal of just a glimpse of what the Japanese language could provide, while the new over-dubbing is COLD, UNINTERESTING and OBVIOUS.

In conclusion it's a great addition to an AKIRA collection but if your looking for entertainment I would seek out the original on VHS and let the AKIRA tin collect dust in your closet.

Rating:
Summary: Newer is Better ?
Review: I have been waiting forever for this to come out on dvd. I almost bought a laserdisc player just so i could watch this without the previous cheesy voiceovers. In japanese with subtitles was better than the different and confusing story told in the previous english dubbing. I think the story would now make sense to someone who has only watched it once. The characters themselves even changed in the previous english version. This version changes the characters to something much closer to how they are intended to be, at least how they are in the comics and japanese version. They actually speak full sentances now! No doubt, I will miss the "C'mon, ... dammit", but i guess you can't have everything. I think the new version is better, in almost all aspects. There is little debate that the colors are brighter and clearer. There is less dirt on this cut. The sound is remixed in dolby 5.1 . And you can hear the difference, I have heard better mixes, but this is one of the best. Too bad it wasn't done in DST, which in my opinion is considerably better.If you haven't seen this movie, you should. If you have any interest in anime at all, you should own this movie.

Rating:
Summary: ROCKS
Review: Hey I loved this special edition of Akira I got mine last night in the metal case. I love seeing it without the dirt and lines I bought my copy in 1995 and already much damage. The laserdisk got chewed on by my dog so you can just see me buring rubber when I heard about this and I think it was worth every penny. The second cd has a whole lot of great info and the glossary rules. Peace out.

Rating:
Summary: U.S. ruins Akira
Review: The movie Akira is awesome, at least the original (VHS) is. This review covers the DVD release of it, so if you dont know the movie, look for another review. I was very dissappointed by the DVD edition. While I do like the picture cleanup done for this release they totally ruined the audio. It is done in 5.1 (i'm not complaining about that), but I have several complaints: 1) the new voiceover is aweful in two regards: different dialog, in some cases it changes the whole meaning of the scene; and new voices (the tones) of certain characters just sound awful for the respective characters. 2) the music has been cut down! the music is a big part of this picture and in alot of places it has been remixed down to total silence (music) in quite a few scenes. because of this the whole mood of the movie has been cut down

For these reasons, I am keeping my VHS copy of Akira; the DVD just doesn't do it. They should have put it on dvd as is, it did not need new voiceovers.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing version of classic breakthrough anime!
Review: This version of Akira is the best ever! Somone mentioned they didnt like the new translation and voices. I STRONGLY disagree. The voices are better than ever, they do sound more mature than teenagers, but are much cooler than the original pioneer translation. I highly recommend buying this version. The translation makes a lot more sense also.

The production reprot is cool, but a little cheesy, thats why I gave it only 4 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing DVD....
Review: I can't believe how clean the remastered video is...as well as the 5.1 English track...It looked almost as if the film was made last year or even this year...It really blew me away... And now that I am much older, I can understand clearly the metaphysical theme Akira presents. Although I like the theme that all life-form has the potential to use the genetically recorded knowledge gained since the beginning of creation, the storytelling and animation is even more awesome...I think representing power of knowledge as a form of psychic power opened up endless possibilities of exciting sequences.... The film definitely took good advantage of the concept to make the story entertaining as well as intellectually stimulating...

And this DVD....with loads of extra on the 2nd disc...well... This is the best DVD I own so far...with Ghost in the Shell in the second place....

Now only if Bladerunner is released at such quality and quantity as Akira....Then...I would be a very happy person to invest in DVD technology....This is a WARNNING...Do not purchase the Bladerunner DVD that is currently available...I own it, and no matter how much I like Bladerunner...I am disgusted by the DVD release...