Macross Plus

A well thought out story that unwinds around 3 separate plots. Firstly, there is a love triangle between the three main characters; the two men are test pilots competing against each other for a new transforming fighter contract with the UN Spacy defense force; and we have the latest AI music superstar visiting the lovely yet slightly odd planet of Eden.

The version which I saw was in English, and I have to say, made a very good transition from the original Japanese. Of the dubbed anime/manga films I have seen, this one is one of the better ones.

Macross Plus is a sequel to the original movie Macross. It is not a sequel to Macross II. I found the original Macross to be unwatchable, partly for its cloying storyline and partly for its grating sexism. Macross Plus is so far removed from these tacky origins as to be a completely new and stand-alone movie.

There are two versions available for this anime-- the series and the movie. The series ends up approximately an hour and a half longer than the movie, but the editors did a wonderful job cutting, so the movie doesn't feel incomplete. In fact, they moved scenes around to create the complete story and even added a few scenes to change the focus.

The story and characters are more solid than many another film, and the animation is breathtaking-- in fact, my friends now use the term "Macross Sky" to denote any particularly vivid and beautiful sky. Moreover, the music is beyond amazing and ranges from symphonic/classical to atonal chant.

Computer animation is used in this film, and is completely distinct from the hand-drawn animation, but it is used entirely with computer-related scenes (a computer-generated concert and an interface with a plane) and the effect is wholly unified.

Try your best to see a version in Japanese with subtitles as the English music has less power than the original. DVDs are particularly good as you can see the varied versions and compare for yourself.

This is the movie I point to to say to American animators, "It is possible to do a fully adult, beautifully animated movie. Animation is not just for kids. Learn." Someday, maybe, they will.

First saw this on Sci-fi back when it was called that. They had and anime block for a bit and they first showed Macross Plus, I least I think. I kinda liked it at first since I was a fan of Robotech and Super Dimensional Fortress Macross so I thought it would be good. When it was over I did my research and found out Bryan Craston voiced Dyson. Also that he tried voice acting for anime before his Malcolm in the Middle days too. Some consider this the Top Gun of anime and I think came out in 1995 on Starz, a premium channel. I won't spoil much of it but if your a fan of anime, Top Gun, Robotech, or even Super Dimensional Fortress Macross give it a watch. This is pretty good for the mid 1990's anime and you can get it on the Amazon Instant Video Store. At least that's where I found it but it's also I think on Youtube as well. I also want to say that back then it was hard for anime fans to keep up with there hobby. It was these anime blocks like on Sci-fi and Cartoon Network did people really get into anime. Even before robotech and all that stuff in the 1980's even.

Well, I've been into Animes for a good few years now, and I have to say that Macross Plus is one of the finest I've seen. Even compared to the likes of the Rurouni Kenshin OVAs and Princess Mononoke, I'd have to say MP is an incredibly good anime.

Now, chances are you may have heard good or bad things about this anime. I think that perhaps fans of the original Macross were expecting something different, but having absolutely no existing knowledge of the Macross universe, I have to say this anime blew me away.

It is, in its entirety, very well animated and the pacing seems spot-on (for the most part). As with almost every soundtrack Yoko Kanno has worked on, you can expect a whole range of great music in Macross Plus. For many, it may in fact be the highlight (and thats saying something considering the overall quality).

The story, taken on its own merits, is great. It would be wrong to watch this anime and compare it to anything else, as I've never seen anything quite like it.

OK, so it does contain some pretty far-fetched mecha which some people may be tired of seeing in anime, but they're pretty well animated and this is where the majority of the action takes place. Also the musical accompaniment in the action sequences is likely to keep you hooked just on its own.

And finally, the story. By the end of the first OVA, you begin to see where the tension between Isamu and Guld comes from, and are given a small insight into their past. I think the pacing in the first 3 OVAs leaves you unsure of the outcome, and how the characters will end up, and despite claims from some that the ending is predictable, I was actually expecting something entirely different (and not so good), so it was a pleasant surprise from my point of view. In my honest opinion, the story is great. It's not hugely deep or smothered in philosophical thought like a lot of animes, but that only works to its credit. It's the kinda story you can understand and enjoy without having to think about too much (unlike Akira and Ghost In The Shell, for example).

If you're wondering whether or not to watch the OVAs or Movie version, both have their pros and cons. The movie contains some new scenes and is slightly shorter. Each OVA episode finishes on a fairly tense note, which leaves you wanting more. I personally would recommend watching the OVAs first, but it's entirely up to you.

And please, I ask that you strongly consider watching the subtitled, and not dubbed version. The dub isn't that bad, but the voices aren't that well acted. They don't have as much emotion as the original Japanese voices and so could possibly detract from your overall enjoyment of what is, quite simply an awesome anime.

2 thumbs up for this - It's top quality. Exciting, Involving and Pure entertainment - It's not philosophical like Ghost In The Shell (if that's what you're after) but for pure action and enjoyable story, it comes highly recommended. Don't rent it, buy it.

...if you can, watch the actual miniseries. The compiled movie, albeit it adds some new animation, it also cuts a lot of material. Due to a completely new editing, it lacks much of the suspense of the original series which was specifically written as a serial. The miniseries had its problems, but these holes in the story are even more pronounced in this compilation movie. As people have mentioned, the original 4 episode miniseries was a rare combination. The first two episodes are simply masterpieces. Without a doubt some of the best episodic television you will ever see (animated or otherwise). Episode 3 was not bad but it adds little to the story. The biggest problem is without a doubt episode 4, when all of the mysteries come to their conclusion. Let's just say that disappointment is not a strong enough word. Still, this production stands on its own due to other achievements. Good animation, breathtaking art direction, amazing designs, and its use of music.