Anime

[beamish14]

Boogiepop Phantom, Serial Experiments Lain, and Paranoia Agent are three of the richest, most rewarding anime series I’ve ever watched

[Michael Kerpan]

Calvin -- Alas, my sons and I finally watched all of Future Boy Conan (in the new Bluray version) -- and it was pretty much a fail for us.

Beamish -- And for those who liked Serial Experiments Lain, but thought it wasn't dark enough, there is also the same teams later Texhnolyze (grimmest anime I've seen overall).

[Boosmahn]

I'm also looking to get Steins;gate, Parasyte The Maxim, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and maybe Mob Psycho 100. Any other recs would be most welcome

I will add enthusiastic recommendations for Steins;Gate and Madoka Magica; Parasyte is good as well, and I have not finished Mob Psycho 100. I also recommend March comes in like a lion (which I think you would like a fair amount), Spice and Wolf, and, as always, Bakemonogatari. The divisive Monogatari series has a complicated watch order, so I suggest reading this succinct guide if you're interested. (And, as usual with SHAFT, the broadcast versions usually found on streaming platforms are going to be suboptimal at times. And since Aniplex handles the series' distribution, the UK Blu-rays are the more affordable option.)

The releases of Steins;Gate are straightforward. Just remember there is a sequel OVA (this might be listed as episode 25 on the Blu-ray), a sequel film, and a midquel with an OVA that takes place around halfway through the show. The first OVA and film are original, while the midquel Steins;Gate 0 is based on the follow-up to the S;G visual novel. I advise to not look up anything about Steins;Gate 0 before watching Steins;Gate. Also, there's a special, reworked episode of S;G named 23(β) that leads into S;G 0. I also recommend avoiding any further information about 23(β). The order of Steins;Gate, then, is S;G > S;G OVA > S;G Movie > S;G 23(β) > S;G 0 > S;G 0 OVA. I don't think S;G 0 is anywhere near as good as S;G, so if you end up liking the latter, I would approach the midquel with cautious optimism!

One of the cheaper options for the Madoka Magica series is the UK set from MVM. The film trilogy is available for $60 on Blu-ray or $12 right now on Vudu, although I do not know if Vudu has the theatrical or home video versions, assuming there are differences between them. The first two movies are alternative versions of the series; the first cuts out some content, while the second has one additional scene. The third film is a sequel to all of them (and happens to be one of my favorite movies).

Not sure if you were looking for information on the releases of those, but there was enough complication to warrant this post. Right Stuf is having their birthday sale right now, so no matter what you want to get, now is a good time to get it! (And, if the pattern holds, all of their Mega Deals will return on the sale's last day.)

[therewillbeblus]

I have the Nozomi discs of Utena. There are three blu-ray sets, and the third one includes the movie (along with feature-length director commentary by Ikuhara). As far as I know that's the complete Utena, isn't it? I did hear about some sort of clip show re-edit of the TV series, but I haven't seen anything like that actually emerge.

Mawaru Penguindrum

I believe those Nozomi sets are the same as the UK copies, meaning that this volume would also have the movie?

Is there a blu-ray release of Mawaru Penguindrum that's recommended? I see that it's split into two $60 volumes in the U.S. (though the one on Amazon doesn't advertise itself as only the first volume...) but on Rarewaves there are four volumes that are like $6 each- problem is, the first volume isn't even listed! I don't know what to do with this information. Rightstuf doesn't have it.

The releases of Steins;Gate are straightforward. Just remember there is a sequel OVA (this might be listed as episode 25 on the Blu-ray), a sequel film, and a midquel with an OVA that takes place around halfway through the show. The first OVA and film are original, while the midquel Steins;Gate 0 is based on the follow-up to the S;G visual novel. I advise to not look up anything about Steins;Gate 0 before watching Steins;Gate. Also, there's a special, reworked episode of S;G named 23(β) that leads into S;G 0. I also recommend avoiding any further information about 23(β). The order of Steins;Gate, then, is S;G > S;G OVA > S;G Movie > S;G 23(β) > S;G 0 > S;G 0 OVA. I don't think S;G 0 is anywhere near as good as S;G, so if you end up liking the latter, I would approach the midquel with cautious optimism!

Does the blu-ray set on Rightstuf have the necessary OVAs/material on it, or is there supplementary discs to acquire?

One of the cheaper options for the Madoka Magica series is the UK set from MVM. The film trilogy is available for $60 on Blu-ray or $12 right now on Vudu, although I do not know if Vudu has the theatrical or home video versions, assuming there are differences between them. The first two movies are alternative versions of the series; the first cuts out some content, while the second has one additional scene. The third film is a sequel to all of them (and happens to be one of my favorite movies).

Not sure if you were looking for information on the releases of those, but there was enough complication to warrant this post. Right Stuf is having their birthday sale right now, so no matter what you want to get, now is a good time to get it! (And, if the pattern holds, all of their Mega Deals will return on the sale's last day.)

I was looking at this set for the series, but is that $60 set just the three films on top of what I'd get from Amazon, or is it everything together (and essential vs. the ~$28 series linked)?

Also, are you suggesting waiting until their last day of the sale to buy? Not sure what Mega Deals are, but one series I was looking for already sold out and unless there are going to be significant deals, I may just bite earlier. I'm going to get the Evangelion collectors set with their deal 'cause at least it saves something... though if Mega Deals are worth waiting for, I just might do that...

Boogiepop Phantom, Serial Experiments Lain, and Paranoia Agent are three of the richest, most rewarding anime series I’ve ever watched

I love Paranoia Agent and it's one of the few Satoshi Kon discs I don't own (I've been waiting for it to dip in price again somewhere, but should probably just pull the plug)- Are these other two on the same kind of wavelength?

[Boosmahn]

Does the blu-ray set on Rightstuf have the necessary OVAs/material on it, or is there supplementary discs to acquire?

Yes: the OVAs are included, and the first S;G 0 Blu-ray even has 23(β). The sequel film is sold separately, though.

I was looking at this set for the series, but is that $60 set just the three films on top of what I'd get from Amazon, or is it everything together (and essential vs. the ~$28 series linked)?

The set you linked is the one I have of the TV series. The $60 set is just the three films, but given that the third film appears to no longer be sold on its own, said set is probably the most cost-effective way to own it.

Also, are you suggesting waiting until their last day of the sale to buy? Not sure what Mega Deals are, but one series I was looking for already sold out and unless there are going to be significant deals, I may just bite earlier. I'm going to get the Evangelion collectors set with their deal 'cause at least it saves something... though if Mega Deals are worth waiting for, I just might do that...

Mega Deals are Right Stuf's special daily deals they've been having throughout the sale. At least some (or most... I'm not sure) have made their way into the regular slate of sale items. You can find a list of them here; scroll down to post #142 (from June 26th) to start from the beginning of the sale. Once all of them are back to their Mega Deal prices, the more popular items might sell out quickly. The NGE set hasn't appeared as a Mega Deal so far, and I have no idea if it will. If it does, I suspect Right Stuf's stock won't last long.

Basically, funds permitting, if anything high on your list is on sale right now or goes on sale next Sunday (the last day of new non-MD discounts), I would not wait for a new or returning MD for it. It could become a Mega Deal or, if it already has been, remain in stock, but it could easily do the opposite(s)! The return of the MDs is best for items that were never in the regular sale and/or low on your priority list. Of course, if you happen to catch a non-sale item with its first-day MD, it would probably be better to snag it then.

[feihong]

I have the Nozomi discs of Utena. There are three blu-ray sets, and the third one includes the movie (along with feature-length director commentary by Ikuhara). As far as I know that's the complete Utena, isn't it? I did hear about some sort of clip show re-edit of the TV series, but I haven't seen anything like that actually emerge.

Mawaru Penguindrum

I believe those Nozomi sets are the same as the UK copies, meaning that this volume would also have the movie?

That's the cover the Nozomi set has. The Nozomi set barely hints the movie is on there, on some very small text on the back cover. I didn't even know it was there until I checked last night.

Is there a blu-ray release of Mawaru Penguindrum that's recommended? I see that it's split into two $60 volumes in the U.S. (though the one on Amazon doesn't advertise itself as only the first volume...) but on Rarewaves there are four volumes that are like $6 each- problem is, the first volume isn't even listed! I don't know what to do with this information. Rightstuf doesn't have it.

I had no idea this had become so hard to find. I have the Sentai Filmworks discs, which are fantastic; but it looks like those are pretty hard to find. I do remember them being unusually expensive. The UK set looks a lot more affordable. I can't find any reviews of it, though. No idea if it's good. I have nothing by that company to suggest any level of quality.

[Boosmahn]

Is there a blu-ray release of Mawaru Penguindrum that's recommended? I see that it's split into two $60 volumes in the U.S. (though the one on Amazon doesn't advertise itself as only the first volume...) but on Rarewaves there are four volumes that are like $6 each- problem is, the first volume isn't even listed! I don't know what to do with this information. Rightstuf doesn't have it.

Adding onto feihong's post...

If those volumes are Italian, they likely don't have English subtitles or audio -- blu-ray.com doesn't list them. The Australian releases are also apparently 1080i; the new UK release is 1080p.

The label behind the UK release is All the Anime (also known as Anime Limited), and while they've had a few missteps in the past, they're generally pretty good. (They're responsible for giving Violet Evergarden the most comprehensive English-friendly release it is likely to receive. Seriously... they reauthored the episodes, redid the subtitles, and included an extended version of the final episode and the four films that serve as an alternative version to the series.) Their Penguindrum release was authored with MediaOCD, which has worked with Discotek before.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

twbb, if you enjoyed FLCL then I'd also recommend the director's follow-up project Diebuster (aka Gunbuster 2 if you look to buy the dvds).

[therewillbeblus]

I was looking at this set for the series, but is that $60 set just the three films on top of what I'd get from Amazon, or is it everything together (and essential vs. the ~$28 series linked)?

The set you linked is the one I have of the TV series. The $60 set is just the three films, but given that the third film appears to no longer be sold on its own, said set is probably the most cost-effective way to own it.

Cool, so because the first two films are essentially just reworkings of the show's content, are they skippable? Meaning that I'd basically be paying $60 for one film. Don't get me wrong, if it's essential and that good and it's the only way to own it, it is what it is, but just trying to rationalize my spending across so many animes right now.

twbb, if you enjoyed FLCL then I'd also recommend the director's follow-up project Diebuster (aka Gunbuster 2 if you look to buy the dvds).

Cool, thanks! It looks like Discotek media is going to release the series on blu-ray sometime this year, but otherwise only the movies are available on the format outside of Japan (and not sure those would be easy to import or have English subs)

Is there a blu-ray release of Mawaru Penguindrum that's recommended? I see that it's split into two $60 volumes in the U.S. (though the one on Amazon doesn't advertise itself as only the first volume...) but on Rarewaves there are four volumes that are like $6 each- problem is, the first volume isn't even listed! I don't know what to do with this information. Rightstuf doesn't have it.

Adding onto feihong's post...

If those volumes are Italian, they likely don't have English subtitles or audio -- blu-ray.com doesn't list them. The Australian releases are also apparently 1080i; the new UK release is 1080p.

The label behind the UK release is All the Anime (also known as Anime Limited), and while they've had a few missteps in the past, they're generally pretty good. (They're responsible for giving Violet Evergarden the most comprehensive English-friendly release it is likely to receive. Seriously... they reauthored the episodes, redid the subtitles, and included an extended version of the final episode and the four films that serve as an alternative version to the series.) Their Penguindrum release was authored with MediaOCD, which has worked with Discotek before.

Much appreciated (and to feihong as well)! I guess I'll look to track down the UK or Australian discs from somewhere, unless they come out to more than the $120 of the two U.S. volumes

[Boosmahn]

Cool, so because the first two films are essentially just reworkings of the show's content, are they skippable? Meaning that I'd basically be paying $60 for one film. Don't get me wrong, if it's essential and that good and it's the only way to own it, it is what it is, but just trying to rationalize my spending across so many animes right now.

Pretty much. I will say that the first two films change a not-insignificant amount of visuals, music, and line deliveries. However, since the first one cuts out quite a number of scenes from the television series, it is generally agreed that the show is the better option for new viewers. (And one particular character relationship is more ambiguous in the TV version... which is for the better!)

Still, they are an interesting way to experience the story. The screenplay for a fourth movie has been completed since 2014 and was announced to be animated back in April 2021 -- the Twitter page was updated this month, so I expect a premiere sometime next year. Assuming you like the TV series and the sequel, Rebellion, maybe the film trilogy would be a good way to rewatch the series before the fourth film's release? :-k

[barbarella satyricon]

...

[Michael Kerpan]

It has all the attributes that bothered me in Miyazaki's later work -- but none of the subtlety he could later show. I am not a fan of action-adventure in general -- and this was really all this was. I would say there was zero character development (though there are some character changes). I found lots of the plotting random and arbitrary. But ... the show looked MUCH nicer than our ancient set of unsubbed DVDs (from Korea).

(I'm probably not a reliable guide for shows of this sort -- I gave up on Akira after about 15 minutes, because it had used up my explosion quota already by then).

[therewillbeblus]

I appreciate the new rec and feedback on Mob Psycho 100, barbarella satyricon. As for the Evangelion collectors edition, well, let’s just say that I find some of the changes in dub to be markedly different, enough so to want to own both. Even just the style of behavior for the characters is enough to see the two versions as almost completely different things. I most recently watched the new Netflix dub and it’s an easier, dynamic listen, but too literal and characters become calm when that’s just not their temperaments, at least as I knew them. Certain lines are changed to degrees that don’t convey the emotional power of the moments. I dunno, is it “>triple price Worth It” buy? Maybe not, but it’s going to calm my ‘What If..’ OCD, and that’s what counts. I think the language and the characterizations and their temperaments matter a whole lot more than getting the ending credits theme song back

[therewillbeblus]

Cool, so because the first two films are essentially just reworkings of the show's content, are they skippable? Meaning that I'd basically be paying $60 for one film. Don't get me wrong, if it's essential and that good and it's the only way to own it, it is what it is, but just trying to rationalize my spending across so many animes right now.

Pretty much. I will say that the first two films change a not-insignificant amount of visuals, music, and line deliveries. However, since the first one cuts out quite a number of scenes from the television series, it is generally agreed that the show is the better option for new viewers. (And one particular character relationship is more ambiguous in the TV version... which is for the better!)

Still, they are an interesting way to experience the story. The screenplay for a fourth movie has been completed since 2014 and was announced to be animated back in April 2021 -- the Twitter page was updated this month, so I expect a premiere sometime next year. Assuming you like the TV series and the sequel, Rebellion, maybe the film trilogy would be a good way to rewatch the series before the fourth film's release? :-k

It looks like there's a UK version of Rebellion for much cheaper that's sold on eBay for ~$20 and also on Rarewaves for $15 - am I seeing correctly?

[Boosmahn]

It looks like there's a UK version of Rebellion for much cheaper that's sold on eBay for ~$20 and also on Rarewaves for $15 - am I seeing correctly?

They seem to be using the wrong cover and this eBay page erroneously lists it as including the trilogy (and then sends you to the full listing with the correct information)... but the catalog number checks out with the Amazon-linked listing on blu-ray.com, so... yes! I didn't know the UK had an available standalone edition.

[barbarella satyricon]

...

[Michael Kerpan]

Laputa is, for me, quite a mixed bag. There are parts that are magnificent -- and parts that are utterly cliched (the villain) -- and parts that are often cringe-inducing (everything involving the sky pirates). Laputa is VERY like Future Boy Conan -- but immensely more beautiful to look at. I find that I do appreciate the more lovely moments for what they are, while tuning out (as much as possible) the less good. So, I probably like it at least a bit more now than I did 20 years ago.

[therewillbeblus]

After reading a swarm of buzz, I decided to binge the relatively-brief anime miniseries Devilman Crybaby on Netflix, and while it has some creative visual wit, I found it underwhelming, incredibly predictable (well, not how far it goes with its nihilistic casualties, which is far!- but twist-wise), and overall tonally mismanaged rather than interestingly diverse in mood-reaching. The series is occasionally affecting, but the thematically ambiguous denouement, while impressively dark, comes across as more of an unearned irony than deep poetic justice or as a mediation on the tragically-obstructed universality of loneliness and thwarted belongingness that we self-alienate around and thus fatalistically contribute to perpetuate the problem. I dunno, there's a lot to like here, but it just falls flat too often in its too-many pivotal dead zones, and face-plants its (admirably, I suppose, in intent) risky finish.

[Michael Kerpan]

therewillbeblus -- While I generally love Yuasa's work, I did not find Devilman Crybaby terribly appealing (and did not get far). I recommend you check out Ping Pong or Tatami Galaxy (or the lighter Eizouken).

[Boosmahn]

The school of purism I prescribe to has always been original language w/ subs, so any issues with the dubs were a blind spot for me. If dubs will factor into your viewing, your reasoning makes sense, obviously.

The Collector's Edition also includes the "Classic Subtitles," which I can say with moderate confidence are better than the revised ones forced by Studio Khara (even without having seen NGE in full).

I recommend you check out Ping Pong or Tatami Galaxy (or the lighter Eizouken).

I'll second the first two (I cannot speak for the third, but am planning to watch it eventually). I remember Ping Pong: The Animation being really moving when I watched it years ago. Both that and The Tatami Galaxy are on my rewatch list.

Also, the final week of the Right Stuf sale has begun, so there are new deals to browse...

[colinr0380]

I still have to get to Devilman Crybaby (with its great opening credits!) especially before the thematically similar seeming Chainsaw Man comes out. Has there been a physical release of it anywhere, or is it just on Netflix? I'm also looking forward to seeing Yuasa's latest film Ino-oh.

Although at the moment I am gearing up for the physical release of the first season of Vinland Saga (from the writer of Planetes), which I think is out already in the US but is coming to the UK from MVM next month (I'm having to weigh up whether my budget can stretch to both that and Emma: A Victorian Romance)

[therewillbeblus]

It’s just on Netflix- it was an original series they produced. The good news is that it’s incredibly short, so low stakes even if it doesn’t grab you

[RIP Film]

That was a good deal on The Big O at $15.96, though OOS now. I wonder if anyone else shares my love for this show. It was easy to dismiss when it came out during the Toonami days since it so prominently wore its influences (Batman, James Bond, Giant Robo). But it legitimately came into its own, especially when you looked beyond the robot fights— which while great, seemed almost at odds with the sensitivity of the rest of it. Like the peculiar interactions between Roger and his android assistant Dorothy, or the way all the people in the city are just trying to move along with their lives despite having no memory beyond the past 40 years. The art style is also fascinating in its 60s Japan animation meets 90s Batman: TAS look, that I don’t think has been replicated.

Unfortunately the second season lacks all of the class of the nearly perfect first season. Though Cartoon Network ordered the new season themselves, they creatively interfered, apparently telling the director to wrap it up and “reveal the mystery”. The result is a bizarre, Evangelion inspired deconstruction of itself that I’ve never been able to comprehend on any satisfying level.

[therewillbeblus]

That sounds really interesting- but can't one still purchase it at that price, regardless of whether it's in stock or not? Rightstuf lets me add stuff to my cart that's on backorder and keeps the discounted price, though I've admittedly never tried to check out with them in my cart

[RIP Film]

Never ordered from them myself, but that’s a nice pick up for the price if you can.