Recommendations?

Matt Mortem

Karloff is King
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So I've just started dabling in Anime. I grew up watching Speed Racer and Pokemon and Voltron and I really enjoyed Spirted Away and Princess Mononoke. I bought Ghost in the Shell and loved it, but I was wondering if any of you guys had any must have recommendations for a newb such as myself.
 
Do you mean anime movies or series as well? Do you have any genre preferences? I'm gonna list out some action ones since you really enjoyed Ghost in the Shell.

Series:
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Full Metal Panic Trilogy
Samurai Champloo
Basilisk

Movies:
Akira
Spriggan
Sword of the Stranger
Rurouni Kenshin - Trust & Betrayal

Hope you enjoy them.
 
Thanks. I prefer movies, but if the TV series is well made then I'll check it out. I really want any anime I watch to seem very Japanese (if that makes any sense). I know it's all made in Japan, but some of them don't really feel it I guess.
 
I know what you mean...oddly enough, I feel that most comedy animes have that "very Japanese" vibe you mentioned.
 
Really? I'll have to check a few of them out. I know that Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke were absolutely jaw-droppingly good so anything in that vein I'm fairly sure I'll be interested in. I don't want to get too addicted to Anime though....I'd hate getting a reputation as one of those insane Anime fans lol.
 
If you liked Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke you should definately try some of the other Ghibli films. I'd suggest Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa, Laputa Castle in the Sky, Pom Poko and My Neighbour Totoro.
 
Alright I'll check out those for sure. So is the comedy in anime difficult to 'get' from a western perspective?
 
-It's not what I would call very Japanese, but I'd recommend Cowboy Bebop to anyone, anime fan or not.

-Neon Genesis Evangelion is essential anime, but I wouldn't guarantee that you (or anyone) would like it.

-I'm about 10 episodes into Samurai Champloo and I'm loving it so far.

-I'm following Monster as it airs on the Sci Fi channel. The animation leaves a bit to be desired, but the writing is great.

-Death Note is really good, although I don't think I'm that likely to watch through it more than once.

-Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann has good comedy and action. Its plot has some minor problems but it's good overall.

-The Lupin III movie The Castle of Cagliostro is great. I haven't seen any of the other ones yet.

And since this is a recommendation thread, I have two questions:

1. The next anime box set I want to get is either Gungrave or Outlaw Star. Which is better? I'll watch episodes before deciding, but I'd like to see others' opinions on them.

2. Is Rurouni Kenshin good? I generally don't get into shonen anime/manga much, but I always hear it's good and it doesn't seem to have any haters, either.
 
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-It's not what I would call very Japanese, but I'd recommend Cowboy Bebop to anyone, anime fan or not.

-Neon Genesis Evangelion is essential anime, but I wouldn't guarantee that you (or anyone) would like it.

-I'm about 10 episodes into Samurai Champloo and I'm loving it so far.

I heavily agree with all three of these. Cowboy Bebop isn't very Japanese (in fact, I would say it's probably more Western in style), but it's just a must. Great writing, great characters that develop in more than interesting ways (and some that you won't except in the least). Most of the episodes are self-contained, though there is the 'main' story that runs through five episodes that really gives the series a strong center. Also, if you're a fan of jazz, that'll be the icing on a very delicious cake

Same with Champloo, as well. It's made by the same director as Bebop and shares many of those similarities (very Western in flavor, mostly self-contained episodes, great development), though it has a well implemented Hip Hop soundtrack instead of Jazz. Since it's set in medieval Japan, that makes for an interesting aesthetic.

Now, if you are looking for something with a very Japanese flavor, Evangelion has that. However, it's not for everyone as Max pointed. It heavily replies on psychological themes and can be what most people refer to as a mind****, and it is one of those series that tends to be vague and heavily interpretative. Despite it's popularity and the impact it has had on Japanese anime, especially the meccha genre, it totally polarizes some people. I would recommend taking a look at the movie that just came out, Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone (It's the beginning of a series of movies that's basically remaking of original series), and see what you think. If you enjoy it, check out the series
 
-It's not what I would call very Japanese, but I'd recommend Cowboy Bebop to anyone, anime fan or not.

-Neon Genesis Evangelion is essential anime, but I wouldn't guarantee that you (or anyone) would like it.

-I'm about 10 episodes into Samurai Champloo and I'm loving it so far.

-I'm following Monster as it airs on the Sci Fi channel. The animation leaves a bit to be desired, but the writing is great.

-Death Note is really good, although I don't think I'm that likely to watch through it more than once.

-Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann has good comedy and action. Its plot has some minor problems but it's good overall.

-The Lupin III movie The Castle of Cagliostro is great. I haven't seen any of the other ones yet.

And since this is a recommendation thread, I have two questions:

1. The next anime box set I want to get is either Gungrave or Outlaw Star. Which is better? I'll watch episodes before deciding, but I'd like to see others' opinions on them.

2. Is Rurouni Kenshin good? I generally don't get into shonen anime/manga much, but I always hear it's good and it doesn't seem to have any haters, either.

I preferred Outlaw Star, which sorta seems to follow a shonen theme, though maybe it's more seinen, so you'll probably enjoy it.

As for Rurouni Kenshin, it was actually very good. If you enjoy that sort of thing. It doesn't follow a normal shonen approach in terms of preachy drawn out speeches from emo 14 year olds to hardheaded 30 year olds. The action is really good, and doesn't spare on any front, nor drag on with any issue for too long.

Also, I would recommend it's OVA Samurai X.

Evangelion is good if you can withstand emo levels of characterization on a constant basis. While most attribute it to being a mindf***, I only found that it was really that way in the last episode, when you were trying to decipher what it meant. Otherwise, it was a nice little drama (emphasis on melodrama at some points) which backed it up with nice aesthetics, planning, action, and mystery. I found the twists towards the end were a little obvious, but it was all in all a definitely good watch. The box set was well worth the money I put into it. And, as the credits constantly reminded you, it had "plenty of fan service" Also, and this just may be biased, I liked "Fly me to the Moon" rendition by Claire, because we share a name, and that's one of my favourite songs by Sinatra ever.

Otherwise, I give it the Françoise "must see" recommendation. :up:

It also really depends if you like really short works, or really long lasting works as well.

Detective Conan (Case Closed) is also one I would recommend, personally. But then again, I like detectives. It's a story about a kid Jimmy (Shinichi) Kudo who's a high school detective, and best friends to Rachel Moore (Ran Mouri). He gets transformed into a kid, and is forced to live with an unsuspecting Ran as he basically solves crimes for her private eye father without revealing his true identity. Romance and nearly impossible situations ensue.

The Big O was another series I would recommend. It was a backdrop of a negotiator in a city with no memories, an android as his Girl Friday, and he has a gigantic robot named "Big O" which he calls on to fight other big robot. Fun ensues. It's definitely got that Film Noir feel to it, so don't be suprised when you hear that smooth slow jazz in the background.

Also, pretty much any Gundam but Wing I'd recommend. But only cause I hate Gundam Wing.

And Gundam 00, I disliked that one, as well.
 
I preferred Outlaw Star, which sorta seems to follow a shonen theme, though maybe it's more seinen, so you'll probably enjoy it.
As far as I can tell, it's generally considered a seinen, but I think it would appeal to shonen fans too. After all, it was shown on Toonami (albeit with some pretty substantial editing, I've read). I've watched four episodes and liked them.

As for Rurouni Kenshin, it was actually very good. If you enjoy that sort of thing. It doesn't follow a normal shonen approach in terms of preachy drawn out speeches from emo 14 year olds to hardheaded 30 year olds. The action is really good, and doesn't spare on any front, nor drag on with any issue for too long.

Also, I would recommend it's OVA Samurai X.
That seems to be a pretty wide consensus, which sounds good. My county library system has a bunch of the manga volumes, so I'll check out the first few.

The Big O was another series I would recommend. It was a backdrop of a negotiator in a city with no memories, an android as his Girl Friday, and he has a gigantic robot named "Big O" which he calls on to fight other big robot. Fun ensues. It's definitely got that Film Noir feel to it, so don't be suprised when you hear that smooth slow jazz in the background.
I like this show, too, from the five or so episodes I've seen. It seems a bit formulaic, but I love the show's concept and atmosphere, and the action is cool.
 
Yeah, the Big O is somewhat formulaic with it trying to be a mystery which encompasses everything.

But generally, that makes the norm for a TON of manga/anime.

Also, you can read the entirety of Rurouni Kenshin (even the not as good chapters after the Edo conflict) online fo' free.
 
Does anyone have Samurai Champloo on Blu-ray?

I haven't bought any animated Blu-rays yet because I'm kind of worried the low number of frames will stand out more and be distracting.

So to make sure this is on topic...would anyone recommend Samurai Champloo on Blu-ray?
 
Does anyone have Samurai Champloo on Blu-ray?

I haven't bought any animated Blu-rays yet because I'm kind of worried the low number of frames will stand out more and be distracting.

So to make sure this is on topic...would anyone recommend Samurai Champloo on Blu-ray?

I have it on order (it doesn't come out officially until Dec. 15th), but some pre-release comparisons show that the animation was touched up and is brighter, more vibrant and they removed almost all of the grain in the video. However, I've read some people argue that completely taking out the grain actually hurts the show as it was intentionally added. Not sure of the frame rate issue, though. I've not heard any problems in that aspect

There was a site I remember seeing that had DVD vs Blu-ray comparison pics (I can't remember it off the top of my head), but there was a difference that you could see. You can probably google it or something to find it.

From those pics I would say to go for it if you don't have the DVDs. If you do, it didn't seem like it would be worth it. I can't say that in stone until I get by Blu-ray set and fire it up, though
 
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The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Hugely popular and can be seen everywhere here in Japan, virtually unknown to the west as seen by above posters who've probably never heard of it, as most of those mentionings are all anime that have been on either Adult Swim or American TV.

Tired of explaining its greatness and "spoiling it" when it all falls on deaf ears anyway, so read the somewhat spoiler ridden synopsis below after the brief one if you care to. If you care to know more, just ask, and I will say this: If you do decide to give it a shot [which I highly EFFING recommend], watch it in the TV broadcast order, which was out of order, for a better experience.

The story revolves around Haruhi Suzumiya, a high school girl obsessed with finding all forms of the extraordinary and supernatural, and Kyon, a cynical classmate who proclaims his non-belief in such matters and narrates the series. After being displeased with the mundane happenings at school and the lack of interesting after-school clubs, she forms her own, the SOS Brigade, to investigate any mysterious happenings, with Kyon forcibly drafted as its second member.

As the series progress, Haruhi recruits three additional members into her club: the silent bibliophile Yuki Nagato, the shy and timid Mikuru Asahina, and the friendly "mysterious exchange student" Itsuki Koizumi. These members are, in time, revealed to be the extraordinary characters she is seeking (Yuki, an artificial human created by the extraterrestrial Integrated Data Entity; Mikuru, a time traveler; and Itsuki, an esper), sent by their various organizations to observe Haruhi. All see Haruhi as possessing a superhuman control over the universe, capable even of recreating the entire universe in a state of dissatisfaction and attempt to prevent this by keeping her entertained, holding her powers in check, and maintaining the illusion of a normal life.

If you want a show that's quite "Japanese" with a mix of comedy and sci-fi that anyone could relate to, then this is one of them [says me who actually lives in Japan]. Put this anime in your top priority of things to watch!
 
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I have it on order (it doesn't come out officially until Dec. 15th), but some pre-release comparisons show that the animation was touched up and is brighter, more vibrant and they removed almost all of the grain in the video. However, I've read some people argue that completely taking out the grain actually hurts the show as it was intentionally added. Not sure of the frame rate issue, though. I've not heard any problems in that aspect

There was a site I remember seeing that had DVD vs Blu-ray comparison pics (I can't remember it off the top of my head), but there was a difference that you could see. You can probably google it or something to find it.

From those pics I would say to go for it if you don't have the DVDs. If you do, it didn't seem like it would be worth it. I can't say that in stone until I get by Blu-ray set and fire it up, though

Thanks! That helped a lot.

http://comparescreenshots.slicx.com/comparison/24906/picture:1

The color is more vibrant and the lines are certainly sharper. I think I'll pick this up. :up:
 
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Hugely popular and can be seen everywhere here in Japan, virtually unknown to the west as seen by above posters who've probably never heard of it, as most of those mentionings are all anime that have been on either Adult Swim or American TV.

Tired of explaining its greatness and "spoiling it" when it all falls on deaf ears anyway, so read the somewhat spoiler ridden synopsis below after the brief one if you care to. If you care to know more, just ask, and I will say this: If you do decide to give it a shot [which I highly EFFING recommend], watch it in the TV broadcast order, which was out of order, for a better experience.

The story revolves around Haruhi Suzumiya, a high school girl obsessed with finding all forms of the extraordinary and supernatural, and Kyon, a cynical classmate who proclaims his non-belief in such matters and narrates the series. After being displeased with the mundane happenings at school and the lack of interesting after-school clubs, she forms her own, the SOS Brigade, to investigate any mysterious happenings, with Kyon forcibly drafted as its second member.

As the series progress, Haruhi recruits three additional members into her club: the silent bibliophile Yuki Nagato, the shy and timid Mikuru Asahina, and the friendly "mysterious exchange student" Itsuki Koizumi. These members are, in time, revealed to be the extraordinary characters she is seeking (Yuki, an artificial human created by the extraterrestrial Integrated Data Entity; Mikuru, a time traveler; and Itsuki, an esper), sent by their various organizations to observe Haruhi. All see Haruhi as possessing a superhuman control over the universe, capable even of recreating the entire universe in a state of dissatisfaction and attempt to prevent this by keeping her entertained, holding her powers in check, and maintaining the illusion of a normal life.

If you want a show that's quite "Japanese" with a mix of comedy and sci-fi that anyone could relate to, then this is one of them [says me who actually lives in Japan]. Put this anime in your top priority of things to watch!
I imagine I'd have to import this and hopefully find a copy in English or English subtitles
 
No, you wouldn't, it has an English release. It's not as unknown here in the States as Ryo Jin seems to think:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?u...s=The+Melancholy+of+Haruhi+Suzumiya&x=22&y=20

True, there has been an english release for a couple of years, however it's in proper order. I highly suggest you look up the out of order TV order and watch it that way, Matt.

You're right in regards to it being known, however, this website begs to differ, Teardrop. If I could compare, it's like knowing the answer to the universe and you preach it but no one believes you, when I say how great this show is. At least, that's how I feel damn it! :awesome:
 
Thanks for the link and thanks for the intel. I'll have to look into these once I get some extra cash
 
I've gotten hooked on Cowboy Bebop since reading this thread :up: I just wish it had a more overarching story. I'm about 11 episodes in and there's very little that connects each one together. There's a fair few plot points that have been left up in the air so far though which i'm hoping will be picked up again.
 
I've gotten hooked on Cowboy Bebop since reading this thread :up: I just wish it had a more overarching story. I'm about 11 episodes in and there's very little that connects each one together. There's a fair few plot points that have been left up in the air so far though which i'm hoping will be picked up again.

Yeah, most episodes are self-contained and focus on development, character moments or style. There's really only five episodes that make up the main story; Episode 5, 12, 13, 25 & 26
 
Make sure and check out the movie as well. It takes place between episodes 22 and 23 if you're interested.

:up:
 

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