Anime On Trial

[Reply #600 on:]

 

Originally posted by totalnerduk:
I want to see an anime version of the X-files. For some reason, I can't stop thinking that it would be fantastic.

Or at least, it would if they could get Duchovny and Scully on board. With any other pair, it might not work. In fact, probably wouldn't. But if they could get them both on board and make a dozen of the best X-files episodes into an anime, that would be the fifth-best thing ever on TV.

totalnerduk:

I've been saying that on Delphi's XF forum for fucking YEARS! Great minds think alike - YES, the series really lends itself to a serious anime adaptation, and I'd honestly give my right nut to see it.
...Although it seems unlikely. Maybe if we petition Chris Carter or something. The second X-Files movie seems set to actually happen this time, so perhaps after it's released there'll be enough renewed interest for a project like that.
DD and GA would do it. They voiced the videogame 'Resist or Serve' and both seem eager to relive old glories in XF2.

I love you man!

[Reply #601 on:]

Have you seen Witch Hunter Robin?  It's not quite the same thing, and obviously it doesn't have Mulder and Scully, but it's pretty X-Filesish, especially in some of the early episodes.

[Reply #602 on:]

Haven't, but heard a lot about it.

[Reply #603 on:]

 

Originally posted by coldangel_1:
 totalnerduk:

I've been saying that on Delphi's XF forum for fucking YEARS! Great minds think alike - YES, the series really lends itself to a serious anime adaptation, and I'd honestly give my right nut to see it.
...Although it seems unlikely. Maybe if we petition Chris Carter or something. The second X-Files movie seems set to actually happen this time, so perhaps after it's released there'll be enough renewed interest for a project like that.
DD and GA would do it. They voiced the videogame 'Resist or Serve' and both seem eager to relive old glories in XF2.

I love you man!

Firstly,

1). I'd also give your right nut to see it.
2). I'm waiting and hoping for XF2 to be done before the end of the decade...
3). I'd sign that petition.

Secondly,

Which episodes would you be picking if you had a choice? I'm thinking

Pilot, Squeeze, Shapes and Tooms from Season 1, Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose and Pusher from Season 3, Home, Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man and Paper Hearts from Season 4, Triangle and Arcadia from Season 6, and Rush from Season 7, twelve good episodes which don't touch on the main "aliens" arc and can therefore be viewed as standalones or as a sequence.

[Reply #604 on:]

Those are all classic MOTW standalones, aside from Musings which wouldn't make much sense when viewed in isolation from the mytharc.
Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space' is one I'd add to that list, and naturally The Host, because Flukeman sells, baby!

You express some dislike of the alien story, though personally that was always my favourite component (yes, even in seasons 8 & 9). I'd have thought a condensed and crystalized adaptation of that overall plot into a 12/24 episode anime would be a pretty cool thing. You could weed out a lot of the unneccessary complexity that tends to accrue from long-running dramas - make it slick and coherent. This would be, rather than an adaptation of actual episodes, a retelling of the show in general.
But that's just me, I'm a bit of a continuity nerd at times.

[Reply #605 on:]

yeah... anime remakes of existing episodes... that would be interesting... but why? I miss the logic of wishing for expensive, high-production-value animated versions of existing rather than new content. If you have some strange notion that it makes the dream more likely, I'd be forced to ask if there's a single example in history of such a thing happening. A complete revisioning of the series into anime form would be more likely, but I'd think new content would be prefered...?

[Reply #606 on:]

Meh. For some reason, it makes sense to me that they would re-do the existing before creating new. Or perhaps a mixture. Either way, it would make a great "trial platform" for the hypothetical X-Files anime to start off by using existing episodes to see if the interest was out there.

New stuff could come later, and for me it would have to take place between existing standalone episodes. The fact that the X-Files has already run its entire course has something to do with that.

[Reply #607 on:]

It'd probably be an alternate non-canon thing though. They could just go back to the start and begin a new interpretation of The X Files. New stories, but occassionally run into familiar monsters and such (Like FLUKEMAN!!).

totalnerduk, you'd be interested to know that the X-Files comicbook series started doing episode adaptations. I don't think it got past season 1, but they were interesting; seeing established familiar plots adapted in a different format. I do see where you're coming from.

[Reply #608 on:]

[edited to respond to ca]
tnuk: Well, I see your logic, and I'm not saying judging it's merits, simply pointing out that it is not how things are generally done. Maybe you're visionaries with outside-the-box thinking that could revolutionize the industry; maybe there's aspects to the industry you are not informed about, or do not fully comprehend the ramifications of, which make this approach riskier.* I do not posess the knowledge to differentiate the two, so I can only raise the issue, not resolve it. That said, I imagine that such "redux" content might be less appealing to new markets, people who are not fans of the original show. Even the established market could have mixed reactions, as some might feel shorted paying full price for the same stories in a new style. "In for a penny, in for a pound."

Comics are a different matter, and such an approach is not at all uncommon, but the cost dynamic is completely different there. The cost is low enough that comics are sometimes written off as promotional, and not required or expected to be profitable by themselves. Bringing in the voice actors and doing full animation completely changes the price tag.

[Reply #609 on:]

Yeah. I'm not saying it would be profitable. Only that it would kick ass.

Your logic holds here. I see that they would want to do it as "The X-Files Animated Series", a whole host of options open to them with the continued adventures of Mulder and Scully that were not shown in the original show.

It'd be like the difference between the film "Ghostbusters" and the cartoon "The Real Ghostbusters" I suppose.

Of course, it would be a lot more feasible to market this, but I feel that it would let the source material down slightly to take this approach. I also feel that enough X-Files fans are hardcore nerds to make the market large enough for somebody to try tapping.

I'm going to go with the "I'm a visionary" line of thinking. I like it better than "I'm just an uninformed knobhead". 

[Reply #610 on:]

heheh. Yer not a knobhead, you're a fan. I'm relatively objective in this case as I'm not really much of an x-files fan; if it were one of my favorite series, I might be on the other side of this debate. 

[Reply #611 on:]

Whatever the content, I'd kill thousands of innocent men, women and, yes, children, to be able to see more X-Files in any form.

[Reply #612 on:]

I'd kill thousands of children just because they're annoying, but yeah.

[Reply #613 on:]

So Pitt, are the Nadesico movies worth catching after the series? I hear they are vital to the continuing of the storyline.

Also, Goat and Prospector FTW.

[Reply #614 on:]

In defence of Anime - here is a cool looking movie clip for a movie called 'Paprika':
 http://www.sonyclassics.com/paprika/ 

Looks like it could be a hit in the US if it is dubbed correctly!

[Reply #615 on:]

Paprika...is fecking awesome.

Damn you, Hayashibara Megumi, stop making me a fanboy!

@ Nurdy- There's no telling how you'll react to the prince of darkness movie.  Personally, I don't like it.  I think the series final episodes gave a nice, square, satisfying ending to all the crazy events the movie just blows all that away and screws with the characters too much.

If they were planning a sequel to resolve the mashups I might recommend it, but as it is, I recommend that when you get to the end of the series no matter how you feel, just say to yourself "And they all lived happily ever after!"

Also Inez Fressange random exposition FTW.

[Reply #616 on:]

Eh, you were right Pitt.

Prince of Darkness just sort of fizzled out. Mr Asiyama, you suck!  .

[Reply #617 on:]

Dont know that either... ????

[Reply #618 on:]

I started watching Black Lagoon. Awesome. Modern South Sea Ass kicking Pirates!

Nix and Cappy, both big lovers of Trigun would love this.

[Reply #619 on:]

Here's a list of my favorite anime series:

Pokemon (seasons 1 through 8)

On a side note, I HATE the new voices in the Battle Frontier and D/P seasons.  Changing the VAs was the worst decision that Pokemon USA ever made, in my opinion.


Sonic X
Kirby: Right Back At Ya
Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi
Kyo Kara Maou
GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka)

You see, I'm kinda weird when it comes to anime.  I only like series that fall into one of these catagories:  it's based on a game series, it's funny, adventure, or it has some magic elements to it.  ^_^

What I don't like, are anime series that are too violent or have too much blood in them (like Hellsing, for example).

[Reply #620 on:]

Seen recently:

Dead Leaves - Horrible fucked-up shit. I don't even know what the hell that was supposed to be.

Spirited Away - Polar opposite of the above. Lovely fairy tale that I enjoyed the hell out of, which is saying a lot 'cause I'm normally more into violent and/or sci-fi anime.

Trigun - Pretty fun. The slapstick elements are over the top and a bit annoying, and Bebop is better, but generally it's kooky and cool. I haven't actually finished watching it yet. Might give an in-depth review after the end.

[Reply #621 on:]

Someone was talking about Nadesico?  Yeah, turns out that shit is like pot.  Get addicted to that and you'll try anything...Bebop, Haruhi Suzumiya, Evan-I-want-to-fucking-kill-myself-gelion.

Damn you, Asamiya.  Damn you to hell for removing one of my last vestiges of elitism among nerd communities.  Also, for ruining all the characters in Prince of Darkness.  That had to have been intentionally terrible.

[Reply #622 on:]

I suspect POD was riding on the whole teenage Ruri thing. Took me fecking forever to figuire out the start of the plot.

Nadesico had its WTF moments. Especially when Admiral Moe flipped out over guilt. And the whole Colony thing. I got to admit, I had a nice snicker when the entire crew nerded out over Gekingar.

Watched 1st series of Vanguard. Cute, but the idea of the entire colony ship of guys running away without the women doesn't seem likely. You can imagine the flaws in the proposed plan being shouted out.

[Reply #623 on:]

Wolf Rain

For the first time ever the annoying child character actually grew on me.  You amaze me, Toboe.  A quite good scifi/fantasy saga that has talking animals, and yet is 0% furry.  It is a time of domed civilization, and super-powerful noble classes oppressing the masses.  Mystical wolves use illusions to project human avatars and blend into society at a cataclysmic time in Earths history (according to wikipedia a fimbulwinter).  With the world coming to an end, the wolves search for paradise, to avoid the coming storm  Skip right over the 4, yes 4 review episodes.  Be amazed by Yoko Kanno's usual musical excellence, and try to choke back tears, everybody who mourns for Seymour and old yeller.

I'll call that a half-spoiler.

B

[Reply #624 on:]

 

Originally posted by Nurdbot:
I suspect POD was riding on the whole teenage Ruri thing. Took me fecking forever to figuire out the start of the plot.

There was a lot of "only in Japan" supplemental material that eventually explained the backstory.  I cheated and read a summary of it before watching POD.

And yeah, Nadesico was either a) mocking other animé feature films that had little if anything to do with the series they were based on, or b) pointless fanservice for the apparent legions of Ruri fanboys.  Or both, probably.

You know, speaking of Japan only, I'm debating on whether to just wait for the next season of Haruhi Suzumiya, or tracking down translations of the novels/novellas/whatever the show is based on.  Because I'm impatient, and the story is awesome.

[Reply #625 on:]

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Episodes 1-6
Hey.  This series may be able to break free of cliche' jokes and situations and rely on clever plots and funny, dry wit.

Episodes 7-14
Nevermind.

Hell, I still thought it was OK.

B-

Episode 00
OK.  Best representation of student film ever animated.  Got to give it that....No. Wait.  Home Movies.  Still, this was damn funny.

[Reply #626 on:]

Bump for boredom.

I felt like reviewing some music.  There's alot of very good music set to Japanese animation, and I wanted to run down a list of my faves.  These are not opening and closing themes, as a rule.  Rather use of music during the series.

The main theme Magic Knight Rayearth
I really think the series' above-par musical score kept it afloat in times of obvious plot simplicity.  Although drastically changed in the second series, the first was reliant on less-than-inventive stories, and recurrent devices.  The music, however was above the standard fare.  The main theme a particularly great example of this.  A small, and adventurous driving melody builds, and is echoed by each orchestra section culminating  into a dramatic crescendo that came to signify the epic size of the quest of the three girls.

Lain's theme Serial Experiments Lain
Immersed in a sea of creepy new-age, minimalist and trance style music that very deliberately and effectively transfers Lains wild wired world into your living room, this piece stands out.  A head-nodding bass arrangement combined with a nasty-as-you-please guitar part jolted your attention, and demanded notice.


Zettai Unmei Mokkushiroku Revolutionary Girl Utena
This pre-duel transformation theme with it's haunting, and powerful arrangement was incarnated no less than 4 times between the series and the film.  It's dark, Cryptic lyrics played perfectly off of the series' surreal presentation, while the thundering vocals matched every bit of the ambition of the series.  It's also fun to play on a lap-steel guitar.  *Wink*

Holy Lonely Light Macross 7
OK, yes this is an incredibly cheesy Saturday morning series.  That didn't stop it from having some incredible guitar-driven rock.  This is, of course, the best example.  I don't know how you could watch a giant amplifier get fired into the enemy bridge pumping the primal scream of Nekki Basara and not throw up the devil-horns.

Baachiya Mima Perfect Blue
The wails.  The wailing.  The call to insanity.  The manic-depressive soundtrack of Perfect Blue needed elements of J-pop and Psychological thriller music if it was to work.  It delivered in spades, this driving, haunting, ambiant harmony of hums drew anyone watching directly into the insanity that had become Mima's world.  I still get the chills from hearing it sometimes.


Komm Susser Tod The End of Evangelion
The climax of the most psychologically and emotionally taxing series ever produced came out of nowhere with this pop-gospel Dylan-esque arrangement that seemed reminiscent of Procal Harum.  The ironic song choice taps shades of the final montage of Dr. Strangelove.  Fitting for the ever Kubrikian Hideaki Anno.  The moody lyrics, and the miserable state of the characters combined with the joyful choruses and enormous arrangement contributed to the films' emotional antipode of loss and conquest, love and hate, desire and repulsion.

The Baku Summoned Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful dreamer

Show spoiler

One of the most amazing scores I have ever heard for a film included a constant, lilting melody perfect to accompany the dreamlike nature of the film.  Then, all at once, the baku is summoned, and the melody explodes with mighty horns, and flourishes of strings,  Eager to outdo the earlier harrier-flying scene both the music and animation are positively mind-blowing.

Crazy Sunshine FLCL
The score made of rock selections by the pillows never ceased to satisfy, but certainly one of, if not the most incredible  moment was the Climactic scene to the 4th episode done over with an absolutely ripping guitar solo, and the most bang for your buck you can imagine.

Do you Remember Love? Macross: Do you remember love.

Show spoiler

In the Macross series, Minmay, voiced and performed by Mari Iijima, discovers that her songs can have a culture-shock effect on the enemy.  This is all well and good, when your just going for a sudden surprise.  But for the film the idea was changed slightly in that, her song alone was enough to bring peace between the waring Zentradi and Meltrandi.  This would take more than Minmay's normal catchy pop-ditties to save the day.  Macross delivered.  IiJima gives life to the power ballad to end all power ballads, while having a chorus that is still very much in the pop-Minmay vein the real power is in the bridge and the outro, coincided with the final battle.  It's a scene you can't be disappointed by.

Blue Cowboy Bebop
If I had to choose one moment from the musical genius of Yoko Kanno, I'd pick this one.  The credits roll on the final cowboy bebop episode begun first with an instantly tear-jerking falsetto vocal, and then accompanied by a building and explosive arrangement and vocal performance.  This song demonstrates all of Ms. Kanno's strengths.  Her ability to make a simple beautiful melody, perfect and inventive harmonies, swells, and orchestrations.  There's nothing like Blue.  This was a scene to remember.

OK, that felt good.  I'm off.

[Reply #627 on:]

Sometimes I wonder if FLCL is really as good as we all think it is, or if the music just makes it seem that way.

Also, I second your comments about "The Baku Summoned" and "Blue".

[Reply #628 on:]

I think it was really that good.  I mean there were parts that I could throw out... but the overall story of young boy coming into his own through the observations of everyday life, the power of relationship, and the surreal aspect of interspatial conflict (possibly real or an imaginary placement for events that did actually occur) resounds as a powerful piece in my book.  Then you interweave the music and you've got a masterpiece. 

Wait.... what was that show about again?

[Reply #629 on:]

I'm not a big Anime fan in general; about the only Anime I like is Speed Racer (I know, it's like 900 years old, but I grew up with it, so it's near & dear to my heart) and that in Kill Bill I. 

[Reply #630 on:]

 

Originally posted by David A:
Also, I second your comments about "The Baku Summoned" and "Blue".

*Bows respectfully*

As for FLCL I still think that it is as good as we all think it is, but take away the soundtrack and you lost a huge chunk of the presentation.

Watch Niea_7 if you want to see something simmilar, but 10 times more melancholic and a thousand times slower.  It's good, just slow.

[Reply #631 on:]

Local stations have been running Kiki's Delivery Service a lot lately, so I finally got to see it. Besides reminding me how much I miss Phil Hartman, this movie, combined with Spirited Away and the bits of Howl'd Moving Castle I was able to see, really convinced me that we need to take all those idiots who are making awful CGI films that rely on cheap pop culture riffs and fart jokes, duct-tape them to the seats, force them to watch every Miyazaki movie ever made, then repeatedly slap them and yell "WHY? WHY CAN'T YOU DO THIS?"

[Reply #632 on:]

Just to clarify: I don't mean to imply that FLCL isn't a good series.  I'm just wondering if it's actually great anime, or merely good anime with a great soundtrack that makes it great.  Does that make any sense?  It's probably not even a meaningful distinction to anyone but me.

I do find it amusing though, that FLCL (which Gainax supposedly made "just to blow off steam" ) actually has more substance to it than Eva (which seems deep at first, but is actually just Anno Hideki trying to convince you that you're watching something deeper than you actually are while he laughs all the way to the bank).

[Reply #633 on:]

I still say Eva is pretty deep.

I have yet to see another show that has consitantly refrenced molecular biology, neuroscience, psychology, western and eastern existentialism and the bible on a regular basis.

Fun fact: I met Miyazaki at my London sony centre job.  It was him and a translator.  I knew it was him because he was an old guy in a studio Ghibli shirt.  I'd also seen a few photos of him, and recognized his face.  Specifically his moles.  Still, I didn't say anything because the only Miyazaki film I had seen at that point was Grave of the Fireflys. 
That's not exactly good chatter.

Anyway.  I gave an indirect hint that I knew his identity.  When he payed for what he wanted I said Aregato.

I don't want to hastle celebrities.

[Reply #634 on:]

Deep or not, Eva certainly leaves an impression.

Pitt - you really met Miyazaki?! Man...

[Reply #635 on:]

 

Originally posted by Pitt Clemens:
Still, I didn't say anything because the only Miyazaki film I had seen at that point was Grave of the Fireflys. 
That's not exactly good chatter.

Good reason you didn't as Grave of the Fireflies is a Isao Takahata film 

[Reply #636 on:]

Damn.  All this time I thought it was a Ghibli production, just based on the look of it.  Way the characters were moving, etc.

[Reply #637 on:]

It is a Ghibli production, it just wasn't made by Miyazaki.

[Reply #638 on:]

More like PWNT Clemens, am I right?

[Reply #639 on:]

 

Originally posted by Pitt Clemens:
I still say Eva is pretty deep.

I have yet to see another show that has consitantly refrenced molecular biology, neuroscience, psychology, western and eastern existentialism and the bible on a regular basis.

Yeah, but when you get underneath all that, is there really anything at the bottom?

Doesn't matter to me.  I just watch it for Asuka anyway.

 

Anyway.  I gave an indirect hint that I knew his identity.  When he payed for what he wanted I said Aregato.

Yes, he must have thought to himself, "This young man must be a genius.  He has cleverly deduced that I am in fact Japanese."