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HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII - Page 77

post #2281 of 2394
4/26/07 at 1:27pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I started watching Yumeria. So far its a harem show with a few little twists...not many, but a few. The only character I dislike is Mone mostly because all she does is repeat her name over and over. The third ep has some ridiculous moments though....
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post #2282 of 2394
4/26/07 at 5:56pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I've gotten through volume three of Full Metal Panic - The Second Raid. I'm really enjoying it. While the comedy of FUMOFFU was pretty good, it totally left out the reason why Sousuke is guarding Kaname in the first place. I will be ordering the final volume in the next couple of days.

Oh, Volume one of Season Two of Ah My Goddess! TV comes out in a week and a half! W00T!

John.
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post #2283 of 2394
4/27/07 at 6:46am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Finished watching FMA and was pleased with how it wrapped up. I also watched the movie and it wasn't too bad either. it took a friend to talk me into watching this series and I'm glad he did as it was surprisingly well written and executed.
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post #2284 of 2394
5/3/07 at 7:43am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I finished up Full Metal Panic - The Second Raid last night. Excellent series. I think I like it even better than the original. The fourth disk includes the OVA as an extra, which was an added treat. 'A-', highly recommended.

I also watched volume one of Divergence Eve the other day. The character designs are typical of Toshinari Yamashita's other titles (Amazing Nurse Nanako, Burn Up W, etc.), so people who don't like giant, bouncy egg-shaped breasts should probably avoid this series. I'm not expecting a whole lot, but the episodes on the first disk were pretty reasonable.

John.
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post #2285 of 2394
5/3/07 at 9:07am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Rumbling Hearts volume 1 - what can I say? This title has absolutely BLOWN me away. The amount of emotion and relationship tangles that are introduced in this first volume is just staggering. All the characters are likeable and the changes that take place between ep 1 and ep 5 are just mindblowing. This is NOT a series that rests on its laurels at all, it grabs you by the heart and throws you in the emotional wringer. I can't say I was expecting alot, I just knew it was a relationship kind of show but the depth and challenges that face the characters are so real. Something that you often don't see in anime in such a straightforward way. The only other anime (in my experience) that I can compare it to is Koi Kaze. If it keeps up the quality and twists that make up that initial volume, this may end up as one of my fav titles of all time. Colour me impressed.
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post #2286 of 2394
5/7/07 at 8:12am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I finished off Divergence Eve this weekend. Despite the fanservice character designs, there actually was more than a little substance to the show. I think if it weren't for the fanservice, I would have liked it just a little bit more. The follow up series, Misaki Chronicles seems a little more comedy-centric, but there was enough in Divergence Eve to at least make me interested. 'B-', but so close to a 'B' that a slight breeze could push it over .

I also continued to work my way through season three of Inu Yasha. I plan to get at least caught up through season four this year.

John.
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post #2287 of 2394
5/7/07 at 1:37pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I recently watched Tekkon Kinkreet and I can safely say that it is one of the best anime films I have ever seen. Some brief thoughts are up over at my blog, and I hope to have a review soon.

http://directcinema.blogspot.com/200...eet-arias.html
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post #2288 of 2394
5/14/07 at 8:43am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Last two discs of Rumbling Hearts, which finished up the series for me. What an incredible run. Its basically a high school drama that takes the next step into life after high school and all the problems these characters are facing which are highly unusual but emotionally taxing. The ending left me feeling a little flat since it didn't resolve the relationships totally but the whole show is a real emotional rollercoaster ride that is worth taking. Very real characters and heart wrenching situations... as a life drama, its a real winner and I enjoyed watching these characters try to sort out their miserable lives. Comes recommended for anyone wanting anime that is based on reality with no fantasy, ninjas or samurais...etc.
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post #2289 of 2394
5/15/07 at 10:32pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Who controls those old San Rio flicks in North America? I know this is going to sound strange but there are two of these flicks that I wish I could get on DVD. One of them had the English title of "Ringing Bell" (not sure of the Japanese title) and the other was called "Sea Prince and the Fire Child". I would especially like to get "Ringing Bell". That flick was one existentialist "kid" flick. It was bizarre, but I got a kick out of that flick......even though the English voice actor for the lamb was enough to make you want to put out your ear drums. To me, the film could have been interpreted any number of ways.
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post #2290 of 2394
5/17/07 at 3:31pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) will be showing Satoshi Kon's Paprika, along with Tekkonkinkreet. Finally, a SIFF to be excited about again .

John.
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post #2291 of 2394
5/17/07 at 8:26pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I dont know if anyone has the rights to either of those movies in North America currently. Its a shame too because I remember seeing Sea Prince many moons ago and it was a great animated film. I wish both of these and the two Unico movies would find a stateside DVD release. They are such classics.
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post #2292 of 2394
5/17/07 at 8:49pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Well, some of the Sanrio videos, mostly Hello Kitty, are marketed in the US. You can buy them at Wal-Mart. If I recall, they are ADVision's dirty secret, although the Anime Encyclopedia says that Saban picked up the Hello Kitty TV series for broadcasting in the USA. Might talk to ADV about it, since they will release anything.

ADV picked up Variable Geo, total crud, in order to keep some fans from licensing and releasing it (they had chosen it because it would probably be the cheapest thing going).
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post #2293 of 2394
5/18/07 at 7:50am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

The Sanrio movies were totally different beasts than the Hello Kitty series. They are regarded as excellent animated movies where children's fare are concerned.

I have most of the Hello Kitty DVDs that ADV released and they are really well done. My daughter loves them and that's who they are marketed towards anyway. ADV has done a good job with them and Im glad someone brought them out. Some of the older Hello Kitty series, the one that spoofed popular movies are out by another company and were cheaply put together oon the fly. No I dont have those to comment further though.
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post #2294 of 2394
5/19/07 at 10:20am
Thread Starter 

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

For anyone attending Project A-Kon this year, it's official : I will be running a Classic Anime Festival, after hours Thursday night — in other words, early in the morning of Friday the 1st of June.

More information, including the schedule, is at my web site.
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post #2295 of 2394
5/21/07 at 9:00am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I tried out the first episode of Paradise Kiss.
Its just so *Weird*. The character designs are weird... the way they mix photos with the animation looks *weird*. And Im just not sure about the whole thing so far. Not what I was expecting at all. More thoughts to come as I watch more of it.
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post #2296 of 2394
5/21/07 at 11:05am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Haven't posted much lately, mainly because I'm rewatching The Twelve Kingdoms with my wife. So far, she's really enjoying it, tho she's annoyed that Taiki's story was left unresoved.

I just picked up the first book last week and I've read a bit of it. So far, it is pretty good and gets more into the head of Yoko.

I also got around to watch the rest of the Fullmetal Alchemist movie. Overall, I was very pleased with it. It wrapped up some of the loose ends and puts a definite finally on the series.

Right now, I'm going retro and trying to finish up Aura Battler Dunbine.

Jason
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post #2297 of 2394
5/24/07 at 12:08pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Watched "Origins: Spirits Of The Past" the other night. Gonzo borrowing heavily from Miyazaki's bag of tricks. The animation is beautiful, which is what we expect from Gonzo. The story was less so. Personally, I thought it was worth watching.

Jason
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post #2298 of 2394
5/24/07 at 6:59pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I gave Paradise Kiss another go.
And I absolutely *Loved* it. The animation style is highly detailed, especially on the character's faces, thats where it is the most noticeable. Not just lip flaps and occasional eyeblinks here. The lean, lanky designs seem to suit the anime well, colors are rich and vibrant but not candy colored. The world is alive awash in dark hues of blues, greens and golds dominating the pallete and it has a certain surreal feeling too. Not just the style, but the atmosphere as well. For that reason it gives off vibes of Utena yet is very different. Theres no battling or anything like that. Its simply about a girl who is so obsessed to fulfill her mothers dream of her going to a good college that she notices and knows nothing else. Shes in a rut living someone else's life. After a chance meeting with a member of a fashion label group formed by High School students, her life is suddenly changed. She debates upon the offer to become a model for their ParaKiss brand of clothes... and by doing so her entire perception of her life, what she likes and what direction she wishes to go in is all changed. How one pebble in a sea can make waves... its a fascinating slow transformation to watch. And this only from the first disc, and I havent even touched on the tangled web of relations between the characters yet.

Needless to say its fascinating, and an excellent watch thus far.
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post #2299 of 2394
5/24/07 at 8:49pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlannaE
The Sanrio movies were totally different beasts than the Hello Kitty series. They are regarded as excellent animated movies where children's fare are concerned.

I've never seen "Hello Kitty" and never want to, but the I do know about the character. I agree that the San Rio movies are different, especially "Ringing Bell". The whole Leon: The Professional meets the Animal Kingdom vibe that the film had is just kind of weird for a kid's movie. Except the film was made before Leon:TP was gleam in Besson's eye. I know it's a big stretch but I'd almost swear that Besson lifted the basic premise from the San Rio film.
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post #2300 of 2394
5/25/07 at 9:28am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I have never seen Ringing Bell but desperately want to. It just sounds so cool. I did see the Fire Prince movie back so many years ago, and enjoyed it immensely from what I recall.
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post #2301 of 2394
5/26/07 at 7:56am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I watched volume 2 of Paradise Kiss last night. And it was insanely good.
So I am just going to throw this out there. Can anyone recommend a good anime for me to follow up this one with?
I HAVE enjoyed Koi Kaze, Rumbling Hearts, Paradise Kiss, Fruits Basket, Kamichu, Strawberry Marshmellow. And am looking for more along these lines (with the knowledge that some of these titles are very different from one another).

I DID NOT ENJOY Please Twins, Kare Kano.

I was thinking about starting Peach Girl or Fate/Stay Night. Any comments or other recommendations? I really like shows with alot of emotional conflict.
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post #2302 of 2394
5/28/07 at 6:58pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Watched episodes 3-6 of Yumeria tonight... its not really all that great of a show but I did get a huge kick out of seeing the characters playing Taiko Drum Master (a video game that is a Namco property) with the PS2 drum perhipherals and everything, and then using their gaming skills on the real ceremonial drums during the festival. Really funny that Namco would be advertising their Taiko game in their anime series too.

Otherwise Im just kinda slogging through the series. I hope to wrap it up tomorrow or the next day so I can get on to something else while I am waiting for ParaKiss 3 from Netflix. I wish I owned ParaKiss and was waiting on Yumeria instead of the other way around. Blegh.
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post #2303 of 2394
5/29/07 at 7:49am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

It's been a while since I posted an update, so here goes:

Inu Yasha: I finished up season three, and watched the first two volumes of season four. IY is just one of those series that yuou either like or don't like. It's certainly not the end-all-be-all, but it's fun in measured doses. I also watched the first movie, which was really like an extended episode. One reviewer at Amazon said that the movie wasn't anamorphic, although it certainly looked that way on my screen. Maybe the guy got a bad disk or something.

Gilgamesh: I watched the last three disks this weekend. I was actually kind of impressed. The story didn't finish up quite as cleanly as I'd hoped, but the fact that Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
the bad guys actually win
makes up for it. The character design is quite different from the average anime show, but I found that it helped get the show in the right mood. 'B' - recommended.

Paprika: Ahhhh...I got my Satoshi Kon fix, and I'm still riding the high. The movie takes place in a near future where a scientist has invented a machine that can allow others to view and participate in other peoples' dreams. Three of the prototypes have been stolen, and are being used to try and blend dreams with reality. Kon continues with his theme of the question of identity, and if you're familiar with his other work, I think you'll probably get more out of it. If you can see this before it comes out on DVD, do so.

John.
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post #2304 of 2394
5/29/07 at 11:57am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Alanna: I don't know if anyone licenses the Nana anime yet, but you could try giving that a go if it ever gets released here. Same manga author as Paradise Kiss.

I also highly recommend the Paradise Kiss manga.
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post #2305 of 2394
6/4/07 at 7:35am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I watched a bit of anime this weekend. I got through volumes 30-32 of Inu Yasha and volume one of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.

John.
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post #2306 of 2394
6/4/07 at 11:30am

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Rightstuf has another 10 for $50, 25 for $100 sale going for Geneon titles. Some new offerings this time around include all 7 volumes of R.O.D. the TV and Ultra Maniac. Go load up while the titles are still available!
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post #2307 of 2394
6/4/07 at 1:41pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

I got my order in. This time at least, they have a lot of full series. I picked up of all of Fafner, Gate Keepers, and Stelvia, along with a couple of LA movies.

John.
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post #2308 of 2394
6/4/07 at 5:51pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Bandai Visual will be releasing, on their Honeamise label, their new production Freedom in HD-DVD. Apparently a demo will be showing at Anime Expo in Long Beach this next week.

I wasn't very impressed with the visuals, which reminded me of video game motion with cell are mapped on, but the story seemed interesting — about kids racing cars and getting in trouble, on a moon colony whose people think they are the only survivors of the human race.
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post #2309 of 2394
6/5/07 at 2:29pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Well, cel-shading seems to be more common these days.

John.
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post #2310 of 2394
6/5/07 at 10:40pm

Re: HTF Anime Discussion Part VIII

Mostly decided to avoid getting most things I haven't seen, since I can rent most things from NetFlix. So, I picked up ROD TV which was a keeper, Submarine 707R SE, because it was a good deal, and soundtrack CDs for Memories and Noir.

Fafner sounds interesting enough to put on my NetFlix queue, but there seems to be enough mixed opinions on it that kept me from pulling the trigger.

Jason
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