Akira (Special Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Anime at it's best
Review: This is the defining anime. Everything about this movie is beautiful: Characters, backgrounds, MUSIC, story, plot, setting, even the voice overs. Without giving too much away, bascially, the government is trying to harness and control the power of the gods, which they are finding in these kids. The story of what happens in the process unfolds itself in the 2 hours of non-stop entertainment. And let me make clear, there is a REAL story here. The plot is hazy right up until the end, but the story has you wide-eyed all the way thru. No unneccesary violence to fill time, just pure action. If you're a first time anime viewer, this movie is for you. If you're already an anime fan, this is a MUST have for your collection. I can't say more. This is THE defining movie, plain and simple. Watch it. Buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Why does everyon like this so much?
Review: I am getting really tired of people telling me that Akira is "the best anime ever". I saw this film for the first time years ago and think that it is one of the worst I've seen. The characters don't develop, the plot runs in circles, and the action sequences are so contrived and cliche they are mostly ridiculous. It felt like I was sitting in the back of a cab in Manhattan rush hour with a driver who doesn't speak English: You just don't know where in the world it's going, or why.
If you want to watch good anime sci-fi, save your money for Neon Genesis Evangelion, Wicked City, or Trigun. If you just want good anime period, go for Ninja Scroll or Princess Mononoke, maybe Samurai-X. For those that love Akira, I just don't get it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best animes ever
Review: I am not a huge anime fan. I've only seen the ones that come recommended by others because i enjoy this totally new style of animation. I've seen about 8 of them and Akira clearly stands out among the rest. It's strongest point is a great story line, even though anime story lines take a little getting used to. For an animation it is very long, but it kept me hooked the whole time and the new dvd format provides crisp sound and picture. A definite must have!

Rating:
Summary: A Truely SPECTACULAR Anime!
Review: Akira enhanced me the moment I started watching it. Even if it did take me a couple of times to really understand what the heck is going on;I would still reccomend this anime to anyone. It has the cool future, techno, gangster feel to it, and most importantly presents to you what can be done with POWER. When power is put in the wrong hands and missused and the theory of Akira energy. Anyways don't want to spoil it for you, but I highly reccomend this movie to anyone, occompanied with an impressive soundtrack by Geinoh Yamashirogumi this anime is very powerful and has definately become a favorite of mine!

Rating:
Summary: Anime at its finest
Review: Akira is a worthwhile purchase for any anime or manga lover whether starting his or her collection or expanding it. A cult favorite, and often accounted as THE anime classic, Akira lives up to all the hype and proves why it is among the most acclaimed of all animated fatures. Combining breathtaking taking animation including gorgeous scenery with riveting action sequences, with an engaging soundtrack, and a powerful story , Akira leaves little to be desired. While the ending is often a source of some confsuion or debate, its openess to interpretation does not lessen the overall quality of this movie. If you haven't seen it yet, do so!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing film, with better dubbing on this new version
Review: This version has a new English dub track, and it's quite good. First off, the sound has been remastered and is amazing. The picture is quite good, and the new voices are much better than the previous VHS version. The 3 children have very young kid sounding voices and it adds to the creepiness of their characters.

Rating:
Summary: Animated Tour De Force
Review: This science fiction thriller masterpiece only continues to re-affirm itself as the best Japaneese anime ever created. The story takes place in 2019, the world has re-emerged after the Third World War. Neo-Tokyo, a city that has been beautifully created and drawn into a nightmarish gang ridden metropolis is where the main action is. Focusing first on a group of juveniles in a local biker gang, one named Kanada and the other, Tetsuo, the film sets you up for a wild thrill ride unlike any other. The film divulges into many story lines, exploring a strange government psychic project, in which experiments were performed upon small children. One of them, named Akira, was said to be so powerful that his awakening was the cause of the war which destroyed the world. All in all, an amazing visual and mental treat. Word of advice.. Pay Attention.. if you are not a Japaneese Manga fan you will be lost forever in its incredibly complex plot.

Rating:
Summary: Son Akira
Review: Akira is unquestionably one of the most memorable animes of all time. It was first released in the U.S. about 16 years ago, and has continusly gained sucess among anime fans. This DVD is the ultimate Akira package, featuring the 100% digitally remastered movie Akira. With tons of extras and options such as the bilingual feature in which u can watch Akira in original japanese voices with or without subs, or just watch the original american version of Akira. And in the second DVD (exta DVD) there are several extras like soundtrack, production materials, misc Akira merchendise and comic covers from all around the world. Making this DVD the perfect Otaku's movie, and if you really enjoy the movie, you'll like the comics even more because there is much more content overall. Also keep in mind that this movie is rated R so parental discretion is advised.

Rating:
Summary: Depressing...
Review: Have you ever noticed how nobody in anime stories ever wins? Especially not the good guys. Massively depressing with a sound trak that is so ominous that it alone is enough to make you double your Prozac.

Rating:
Summary: I'm Lost?
Review: The beginning is quite a visual treat. The characters(at least) a majority of them actually look Japanese. The film doesn't make sense towards the end. It's kinda weird. I don't like films I can't interpret. I like conclusive endings with some a assurance of an ending or sequel. The withered children give me the creeps. I thought the boy was a zombie. At first I thought Akira was some movie about some brats altered by nuclear destruction. That boy did look like a monstrosity. But it is a nice change of pace. I just wish the plot was more clear.It reminded me of some films I saw involving world devastation. But it's alright.