Patlabor: The Movie (Limited Edition)

Patlabor cops Noah Izumi and Azuma Shinohara are called in to investigate, and soon find themselves trying to decipher the apocalyptic visions of E. Hoba, who wrote the operating system for the Labor robots and then committed suicide. Hoba introduced a virus into the software that could affect robots all over world and cause unparalleled destruction. In abandoned slum apartments and high-tech construction sites, he left clues about what he was doing--and why. But are Noah, Azuma, and their friends clever enough to second-guess a genius? And will their superior officers accept their conclusions?

The first Patlabor feature has a darker tone and look than the previous OVA series. Oshii assumes the viewer already knows the characters, and doesn't bother introducing them. But this powerful tale of the dangers of over-reliance on technology is far superior to ordinary mecha features. The recent attacks of powerful computer viruses give the story an added relevance. (Unrated; suitable for ages 10 and older: occasional profanity and robot vs. robot violence.) --Charles Solomon

At the dawn of the millennium in Tokyo, advanced robotic vehicles called Labors are heavily relied upon to build fortifications to project Japan from global rising sea levels. A maverick team from the Metropolitan Police led by Noa Izumi and Azuma Shinohara uncover a devilish scheme to infect Tokyo's 8,000 Labors with the BABEL virus. As a powerful typhoon approaches Tokyo and the apocalyptic vision of a dead man begins, the team must locate and destroy the source of the virus, the giant Babylon Project Tower in the heart of Tokyo Bay, before 8,000 Labors go berserk!

On the DVD:

16x9 Anamorphic Widescreen
English & Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1

* Japanese Trailers
* Japanese TV Commercials
* Making of "Patlabor the Movie" - Japanese with English Subtitles
* Book 1: Archieves (184 pages, 4 color and black & white in English): Exposition and criticism of the film (character, story background, artwork, etc.), Interviews with director Mamoru Oshii, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, mecha designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada and music composer Kenji Kawai, Key animation drawing samples with explanatory notes and more!
* Book 2: Storyboard by Mamoru Oshii (300 pages with English translations)
* The Special Limited Edition boasts cover art especially illustrated for this release by Yutaka Izubuchi (creator and director of Rahxephon!)
* The Special Limited Edition is a numbered collector's edition with only 10,000 created for North America!