Macross Plus

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.

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.

This four part OVA is centred on pilot Isamu Alva Dyson who has been transferred to the planet Eden to work as a test pilot on the YF-19 project. Here he comes up against childhood friend, now bitter rival Guld Goa Bowman; test pilot for the opposing YF-21 project. Tensions rise further when their old friend Myung Fang Lone turns up; she used to be a singer but is now the 'producer' for virtual idol Sharon Apple... at least that is her official role unofficially she provides Sharon's emotions as the system's artificial emotions don't work. As the test flights progress the two pilots' rivalries escalate to dangerous levels.

I've not seen other works in the Macross Universe but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this; in fact if I didn't know it was linked to other works I wouldn't have guessed. The story is relatively simple but very effective. The flying scenes are brilliantly animated with plenty of motion which makes the viewer feel part of the action... the combination of CGI and traditional animation is seamless. The romantic elements serve to explain the characters rivalries without feeling as if it is there just to provoke a rivalry. Initially the Myung/Sharon story seems like a side story that won't go anywhere important but it turns out to be more interesting that I originally expected. The story develops well over the four episodes leading to a spectacular and emotional finale.

These comments are based on watching the OVA in Japanese with English subtitles.

I have seen both the series and the movie. Quite simply, "Macross Plus" is one of the best animated presentations I've ever seen. I hold it in high regard along with "Princess Mononoke" as some of the finest examples of both Japanese Anime and the art of animation in general. Animation detail and special effects is astounding. The computer animated effects are used extremely well and complement the cell animation in an excellent way. Character designs are unique, yet, recognisable. Music, especially the pop selections, are brilliant. The sound design is beyond reproach. The dub work for both the English and Japanese languages are excellent. The story concept is very well done and feels original. Although I personally prefer the series, the movie is not without merit, as it still boasts a good story of a slightly different version from the series and has additional footage that's not seen in the series. If you have not seen "Macross Plus", watch it now! If you have judged anime only from observations of "Pokemon", you are depriving yourself and making bad judgement about this magnificent artform. One watch of "Macross Plus" and hopefully you'll agree that the best of anime are no "Pokemons". Films like this should be released all over the world for every person to experience! This is Japanese animation at its finest. It's more than worth the money to rent from your video store. It's worth buying for your video library. - Reinhart