Akira Highly recommended

Publisher
Manga Entertainment
Director
Katsuhiro Otomo
Production
Akira Committee
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Film
Running time
125 mins
Year
1988

Akira: Ultimate Collection

By Rob Argent
26th Apr 04

Akira has appeared in many forms since its initial creation as a manga series in Japan's popular "Young magazine". While it received critical and commercial acclaim back then, its translation into various languages (in particular our own) has resulted in its biggest success to date: the movie adaptation.

From dark, fearful manga to explosive, powerful anime, Akira has fared the transition well, with Otomo's cast of thousands given a whole new life on the screen. As Kaneda and his rag tag band of bikers fly through the streets, the disenchanted citizens look on, all with detailed designs and realistic expressions, highlighting the smooth animation and pacing. The opening scenes set the story up quickly, but not in a rushed way, containing gripping action set pieces and also introducing the first set of characters: Kaneda, Tetsuo and their gang.

Obviously, if you've already seen Akira, then you'll know what I mean when I say "first set of characters", but if you're new to all this, then let me explain - as Otomo has said, there are no main characters, no main heroes to root for. A variety of different people, each with their own agendas, interact, all adding to the overall plot. The biker gang previously mentioned is one group, a gang or rebels/terrorists is another, and a number of psychic children is yet another. I'm not going to say any more about the plot, because you already know it, have already read about it, or you don't want to know.

The Ultimate Collection edition, reviewed here, consists of a two DVD package with the following content:

On disc one is the main feature, remastered to take full advantage of the new DVD technology. Compared to the original version, it is more colourful, vivid and impressive, although many people will not be particularly interested in the image quality as compared to the film. There is an option to watch the film in Japanese with English subtitles as well, for all of you who prefer sub to dub.

Disc two contains the original version of Akira to please the hardcore fans, as well as the famous Production Report - a fifty-minute documentary about Akira (the story), Akira (the manga) and Akira (the making of the film). There are interviews with all of the major players, such as the producers, Marvel comics employees (who adapted the manga for the US) and even Katsuhiro Otomo himself. While it is a daunting prospect of watching this film being made, it fully emphasises the sheer amount of work that has gone into making it. As Otomo elaborates on the film's plot, a condensed version of the 1,300-page manga, it makes you respect the film even more.

So, what do we have here? A complete study of the Akira phenomenon, from its roots as a short manga about neo-Tokyo and its inhabitants, to its full-blown cinematic version, with all points covered. The volume of information - in both film and documentary - is an awful lot, but with time it'll prove worthwhile. If you want the definitive Akira, or even if you want to get into it in the first place, then this is for you. A must for everyone.

This review relates to the dubbed version.

9/10

-- Rob Argent 26th Apr 04

Akira Images