Armitage III: Poly-Matrix

Having seen both the 4-episode OAV version of Armitage III and the Armitage III Polymatrix DVD, I note some interesting differences between the versions. Particularly interesting is the fact that the Polymatrix cinematic movie version was done _only_ in English, and subsequently subtitled for Japanese viewing--that's how the Japanese wanted it. There is no corresponding subtitled version of Polymatrix; it's an English-only film.

Polymatrix alters the storyline of the OAV series slightly, cutting a few scenes and adding a bit of new animation. It also adds two new voice actors, replacing the OAV dub cast: Kiefer Sutherland and Elizabeth Berkley as the two leads. For the most part, these cuts are acceptable; they improve the pacing of the movie at the cost of some additional story and characterization. While I was watching, I hardly missed what was cut. (For those who are concerned with seeing the whole story, the four OAV episodes should be viewed, preferably in the subtitled versions.) The ending is also changed slightly, and seems to me to make more sense in this version.

The storyline of Armitage III is set on a colonized Mars, and concerns itself with a new third generation of robots ("Thirds") that can actually think and create. A madman by the name of Renee D'anclaude has found out about these Thirds and is going around killing them. What is less clear, and somewhat confusing even when it is explained late in the movie, is _why_. It took repeated viewings of the OAVs, then finally the movie itself, for me to figure out the full political motivations behind the murders--and why it was that the Thirds stood in the way of an important political treaty between Earth and Mars.

Although Armitage III becomes somewhat confusing in the last twenty minutes, it nonetheless is an interesting and thought-provoking movie that should not be missed.

Here's why: Armitage is awesome!!She's soo totally in-your-face Ross is kinda good looking for a cartoon character. It keeps you thinking & questioning things all the way through. It's got everything a great show needs: corruption, murder, romance, mystery, suspense,Great fight scenes,Cool outfits.....need I go on?? The ending rocks.

Now THIS is what I call anime! Great artistry, good plot, and one heck of a cool battle sequence at the end.

I loved the way that the plot gradually developed from a simple murder into a plot for ....well, you'll have to see the movie to know. And trust me, IT'S WORTH IT!

I hate to make a comment on this movie, as I just watched the obviously butchered movie version. I have not seen the original version, and I can see some signs of greatness in the chopped to pieces version I saw, but over all it was a huge mess. no pacing, no plot cohesiveness, bad dubbing. Do yourself a favor, and watch the original 4 tape version, it has to be better than this crap. Now, if I can just find a copy of it.

Alright a full length feature of Armitage III, all the episodes on one tape and in wide screen. Well not quite. Wide screen is a good thing, and the voice actors for Ross and Armitage were alright, I've seen the actors do better though. Although this movie was watchable and still somewhat entertaining the original 4 episodes were much much better. The problem with the full-length feature was that it was cut down around 30 to 40 minutes shorter then what it would have been if all the episodes where put together. I don't even understand why this was done its not like the movie would have been unduly long, just around two hours. This creates problems and big plot holes. The characters get shallow due to cutting as well, In the movie version it doesn't get into the big reason why Ross hates robots, or why Armitage gets so mad when she's called a monster. If you get any chance to rent or buy Armitage III get the 4 episodes and not the movie.

My rating on the episodes 8.