That quote from the previews on Cartoon Network pretty much sums it up, but really there's much more to it than that. Whereas other cartoon shows and anime have explored the whole futuristic film-noir thing before, The Big O is absolutely DRENCHED in film-noir atmosphere. And the similarities to Batman are quite understandable, as this show is brought to you by some of the same people who created Batman Beyond. Unfortunately, some of the weaknesses of that show carry over as well. Some episodes have a tendancy to just be an excuse for Rodger to fight yet ANOTHER enemy with his giant robot (much as some episodes of Batman Beyond were just another excuse for Batman to fight yet ANOTHER monster). In my opinion, the best episodes are the ones that focus more on the characters and their development, with less emphasis on fights.

One episode in particular is my favorite episode of any television show I have yet seen. In the episode "Winter Night Phantom", one of the side-characters of the show finds that a spree of mad bombings he is investigating has some strange link to a reoccurring dream he has (one which shows the final scene from a movie where the two characters remind him of himself, and someone else that keeps seeing) , and as he comes closer to catching the person involved, he finds that his memories may indeed be predicting or causing his own future. That episode can be taken completely on it's own (almost like a short film) and carries out it's concept so flawlessly that it leaves me awestruck every time I see it.

Most people who watch this show for more than a few minutes cannot help but be taken in by it. The reasons why should be obvious. There is the aforementioned film-noir atmosphere, gorgeous artwork, and some VERY snappy dialogue. More than that, the English voice actors really pour their heart and soul into this one (with the voice actors who portray Roger Smith and Dorothy being truly sublime). The music suits the atmosphere and mood perfectly, and really gets you into the drama. Sadly though, the music is reused over and over (and Roger's introductory comments at the beginning of each episode are quite similar as well). Some people might think of this as a weakness, but personally I like the way that each and every episode is self-contained and self-explanatory, while still building on previous episode subtly.

The action sequences in this show don't disappoint, and are all done with a slick sense of style. There is some comedy in this show, but it's often subtle, building on the characters and their behaviors.

The plot to this show is frustrating to some and deeply involving to others. Those going into the show expecting to get answers to all their questions are in for disappointment, while those who like a show that raises more questions as it goes along will probably get into this one.

At the end of the day, this show is about a few things more than anything else. It's about great characters, a cool story, and style, style, style. Heck, after I got into this show, I bought a black suit just so I'd look more like Rodger. If you love classic anime, give this one a try. "It's show time!"

Crest of the Stars is not for the impatient. I remember buying the first volume years ago, and thinking at the time that I might continue watching it, but it was the slowest moving anime I had ever seen. This still holds true. The storyline on this one is much deeper than your typical anime, or even your typical sci-fi. The story revolves around young Jinto, who through no fault of his own became royalty, a traitor to his people, and a person without a real family while still a child.

The whole chain of events gets started when the Empire of Abh invades the Martine Star system and Jinto's father (leader of the planet) surrenders without firing a shot. Really, one might say that the real focus of this series is how different ways of thinking cause misunderstandings. When the Martine Star System is invaded, the Abh tell the planet's inhabitants that they are not interested in the planet, just the space surrounding it, and that the people can be ruled by one of their own. The people of the planet take it as an insult, rather than as an act of mercy, and view the surrender of their leader as betrayal, rather than as a brave course of action that probably saved their lives.

What really makes for an interesting twist (like some of the best anime) is the fact that there really aren't any good or bad guys in this one. Some of the things that the Abh Empire does could be seen as evil, and some of the things that the Abh do could be seen as extremely noble. One part of the series which really had a strong impact on me (once I understood it) was an old woman who was helped by Lafiel when her luggage was being stolen, and swore at her. Only at the end of the episode do we see what she was carrying (anti-Abh propaganda).

All of the galactic politics of war in this show is great stuff to be sure, but Jinto and Lafiel are the true stars of the show. On the suface Jinto appears to be a weak and mild-mannered person, and Lafiel appears to be a strong and resourceful Imperial soldier. As the show goes on though, we come to see that there is more to them than meets the eye. Jinto can be brave and ingenius (and even heroic) when he needs to be, and underneath that cool exterior, Lafiel is really just a kind young girl in need of love and understanding.

I highly recommend watching this one in the original Japanese, as it is vastly superior to the English dub. If you love hard-core sci-fi and serious drama, you'll love this show and need to buy it immediately. Espeically if you have the patience for a good story that takes its time.

In the spirit of baseball classics like The Natural and Field of Dreams comes a sports drama of the highest calibur... The story of this excellent 26 episode Sports Saga centers on one Ryo Hayakawa and her dream of becoming a great pitcher like her father. But that doesn't even begin to tell you the real story. Like most stories worth telling, there is much depth hidden beneath the surface of this one.

The general atmosphere and tone of the show starts out light and easy, but as the story progresses we quickly come to appreciate that pretty much EVERYONE in this story has a hidden past worth hearing about. The background of characters is told through a series of background examinations and flashbacks, and as the characters learn more about each other we are drawn further into their world, and they are drawn closer to each other.

Interestingly, there are aren't ALL that many basball games in this show (for a series all about baseball). Much of the time will be spent developing everything from love-hate relationships between friends and rivals to overcoming obstacles in the way of the team and facing dark secrets of the past. But what baseball action there is in this one is really great. Key moments are given a boost by a reoccuring orchestral theme and the trademark speedlines-filled slow-motion (which personally I love). More importantly, all of the action has dramatic weight to it. So when you see over-the-top moves pulled off they seem more like great feats of strength under enormous pressure (kind of like shredding the ball in The Natural) rather than cheap tricks.

As I said before, the orchestral music is quite outstanding and the action sequences are excellent, as is the character devlopment and story. It should also be mentioned though, that the voice-acting in the English Dub is some of the greatest to be found in any anime, and all of characters are interesting enough to transcend the anime stereotypes. While the art quality in the series may be somewhat inconsistent, it is never bad by any means, and the animation and character designs are top-quality.

Really, this is one of the best anime I have ever seen. It ranks up there with Crest of the Stars, Angelic Layer, and Battle Athletes Victory (the other sports anime of choice). Oh, and the ending is sad, inspiring, original, and totally satisfying. I look forward to watching this anime over and over again.

I have been an animation fan all of my life. I've seen almost every Disney animated flick every countless times. I've studied hte work of Chuck Jones and marveled at the best of Don Bluth.

I have been a fan of japanese animation in partuclar for about 5 years now. I have seen countless animated films and studied them in depth. I own almost every Studio Ghibli film ever made (including Whisper of the Heart, the Cat Returns, Ocean Waves, and Castle of Cagliostro). I am here to tell you that Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is without a doubt the greatest animated film I have ever seen in my life...

First of all, this is the first film that the animation genius Miyazaki ever attempted through his own studio. It is also a greatly condensed story, being adapted from a manga that it's creator wrote which was quite lengthly. That being said, this movie is PERFECT.

The animation may be old, but it rivals, and sometiems ever demolishes, animation released in the theaters today. The action sequences (and particularly the flight sequences) are truly amazing to behold. The sound effects are marvelous. The music is mind-blowing. The pacing is perfect, the voice-acting beyond perfect. The quality of the artwork continues to astound. But that's not why this is the greatest animated film ever.

At it's heart this is s complex story of man vs. nature and man vs. man. How many times have we been over the topic of how man's meddling is threatening to destroy the world, and how perhaps one day the world will fight back? In the world created in this film, the world has been destroyed by what can only be desribed as a total catastrophe (of man's doing). In response, plants and giant bugs are taking over the whole world and inhabiting vast patches fo wasteland. Various countries are fighting endless wars with each other in a quest to survive. A new danger arises though, as one of the ancient weapons which destroyed the world is found. The nations all claim they want to use it to destroy the bugs that would destroy humanity (not to destroy each other, as each nation claims it's rivals would).
Toss into this mix an oasis from the harshness of the desert wastelands where everyone lives in peace and harmony...and a young girl may hold the secret to ending the eternal battle between man and nature.

The story in Nausicaa is incredibly stong, and the plot is quite deep. What really holds this movie together though, is Nausicaa herself. This young girl is the single greatest anime character ever to grace film. The key lies in something Miyazaki himself once said. A man who is the protagonist would destroy his enemies and defeat them. But the real world is not like that. In the real world, empathy and understanding is the only thing that can save us. And so rather than fight everyone to the death, Nausicaa takes on the far more dangerous goal of making everyone stop fighting before they annihilate everything worth saving. The Japanese are very in touch with the theme of the futility of war (having experienced its effects first-hand), and this film is a perfect example of the pinnacle of where that philosophy can take us.

Miyazaki has changed in his views over time, and this film is not what he considers his best work. I find this to be the ultimate irony. The man doesn't even realize the magnitude of what he has created...

I said it before and I'll say it again. This is the greatest animated film of all time. It covers the full range of emotion, from friendship and understanding to death and destruction and the chance of forgiveness and renewal. I can often tell whether I will enjoy a movie by it's beginning. This movie has the best beginning of any movie I have ever seen. I always know if I will continue to love a movie when it ends, and this movie has the best ending of any movie I have ever seen...

Hopes ran high, and the wait was long, but ultmately... it was worth it.

The original Space Channel 5 for Dreamcast is to me a great symbol of everything that was right about that game system. Like many other games for the Dreamcast, SC5 was stylish, creative, original, off-beat, and had loads of replay value. In my mind, it will always be a true classic. Naturally, I was quite disappointed when it appeared that the sequel would never come out in America. But then, like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow that appeared suddenly in the heart of a black storm (you get the idea), we get not just the sequel, but the original game as well for PS2. And not for $40.00, not for $50.00 or $60.00, but for $15.00!

Truly, both games are well-worth hanging onto, but the sequel is the one that really shines. The timing problems of the first game are corrected, the graphics are improved, the gameplay is more varied, there are more styles of music, and you get to play musical instruments!

People have been ranting and raving about the style of these games for a long time now, but it bears repeating: there simply aren't any console games with more style than the dynamic duo of Space Channel 5. The whole retro-futuristic sci-fi 60's thing is so perfectly executed it makes the game terrific fun (that and a good dose of humor).

The real reason to buy these games though is the gameplay. Gameplay is hard to define, but I can tell you what seperates Sega's Greatest (Panzer Dragoon, GunValkyrie, Space Channel 5) from the rest of the pack. These games aren't like most games, where you play to beat the game and then it goes back on the shelf. No, no, no. These games you will play over and over and over trying to get a perfect score and unlock all of the hidden goodies (in this case hidden characters and extra costumes). Every time you play this game the experience is slightly different because the game changes depending on how well you are doing.

The Space Channel 5 games may be difficult, but there is huge replay value to be had if you're willing to invest the time. If you're the sort who loves games of timing in particular (Ikargua or Parappa the Rapper anyone?) then you owe it to yourself to get this game. Oh, and did I mention the music is awesome?

While there has never in my opinion been a cartoon that fully captures the spirit of speed and adventure found in the best Sonic games, this movie probably does the best job I've seen so far. Is the voice acting stupendous? No, more like hilariously cheesy (in a good way). Is the animation incredibly life-like and fluid. Not really, more like Saturday morning cartoons. And the characterization? The video games are deeper.

Why is it so great then?

SPEED.

This movie is fast, fast, fast. If you like the motion-blue zip-zagging that many anime are famous for you'll probably love the action sequences (I know I did). If you love the idea of sonic fighting metal sonic you'll love their fights in particular. And if you can get into the spirit of the whole thing (it is MEANT to be funny and DEFINITELY not to be taken seriously) you'll have a great time. I especially love the music, and the weird jokes like Robotnik and Sara playing a fighting game and her losing over and over.

Overall, this is definitely one worth checking out if you are a big video game or sonic fan, or if you've exhausted all the well-known action anime and are looking for something fresh and different (and maybe something cheesy like some of the great movies from the 80's).

Oh, and you've got to love the springboards and spikes! Right out of the video games...

On the downside, this dvd features TWO plot review episodes. But on the upside, we are given a a great deal of insight into one of the hardest to understand characters of this magnificent series, Treize. My second favorite character in the series (second only to Zechs) Dorothy, is also introduced in this dvd.

While the review episodes help us to put things into perspective and remind us of how things have changed and progressed thus far, they also show how Relena and Treize (two characters who are strong and resolute despite objectives that run in entirely different directions) are about to pursue life courses that will change things for themselves and their loved ones forever.

Dorothy Catalonia is the perfect tragic heroine, and you can never tell whether she is joking, being sarcastic, or telling the truth. He scenes with Relena in particular are absolutely perfect. One of the greatest endings to any episode in the show has to be when Relena and Hero meet again (and we see how much both of them have really changed).

For Gundam Wing fans this is a must-have. But you already knew that.

Raiden is without a doubt one of the greatest quarter-munchers of all time. To this day I still see it (or some version of it)in movie theaters and video arcades. Here we have not one, but TWO Raiden games. It's worth buying Raiden Project just for Raiden 2.

The first Raiden game is pretty darn old, and it shows. I know people who love this game, and relish being able to play it in all it's old-school glory. But for me, Raiden 2 is the game to beat...

From the second you pop this disc into your station you will hear great music. So great, in fact, that I sometimes will leave the game at the start menu just to listen to the awesome music repeat over and over. But it only gets better from there, as Raiden 2 has one of the greatest soundtracks of any shooter ever. Call me crazy, but I think a huge part of what makes Raiden 2 such a classic is the fantastic music. Well, that and the graphics...and the weapons.

The graphics are old-school (looking like something released on SNES), but don't let that fool you. The graphics may be all sprites, but they are some of the finest sprite-based graphics you will ever see. The explosions, the ships, and even the cows grazing in the fields feature wonderful amount of detail (okay, maybe the cows don't). And don't get me started on the AWESOME polygonal asteroids in the space levels.

The gameplay of Raiden 2 is classic in every sense of the word. You have a lone ship against an ARMADA of aline vessels, and you will fight boss after boss across the world and into outer space. Fortunately, though you will have a terrible time dodging the bullets, you have thermo-nukes that do massive damage, absorb enemy firepower, and make a really, really cool sound when you fire them. There are three types of upgrades for your ship (two in the first game) and you can only have one type of weapon at a time. The red one is a spread-gun, the blue one is a concentrated blue energy weapon, and the purple one...

The purple laser of Raiden 2 has to be one of the greatest weapons of any shooter ever. If you hold down the fire button, the individual shots merge into a constant stream, and when that stream touches an enemy, it will cling to it like some sort of huge electro-shock spark. The effect is cool, but when you get the maximmum power upgrade...and you have two players with the purple laser... the entire screen is filled with purple electricity and massive enemies are vaporized instantly. It truly has to be seen to be believed.

This is a good deal of slow-down in this game, but I won't complain since it is probably the only thing keeping my alive a lot of the time. This game also allows you to change the music to a re-mix if you desire, but I prefer the original music. It also lets you select something like five difficulty levels (if you think you're really hard-core), and change the type of bombs and amount of continues you start with.

Overall, I cannot recommend this game highly enough to shooter fans. It's worth buying for the music alone, but it's much more than that. It's one of the greatest top-down shooters I've ever played. And whole heck of a lot of fun. And if you need yet another excuse to buy this one, it's two games for the price of one!

But I believe in fantasy if you just understood..."

Wow. I first heard the music from this soundtrack when I downloaded a legendary Anime Music Video made for it's first track, Believe. The video was fantastic, but the song was what fueled it. Believe is an incredibly inspirational song about not giving up and believing in yourself, and I can't count how many times I've listened to it (the part at the end is just transcendant (you know, like when you're running so hard and so long that you don't even feel the pain anymore)). Later on I downloaded Music Videos to two of the other songs (Running Two and Running Two Remix). I enjoyed the videos and the music so much I decided that I had to own the soundtrack.

From what I understand, only the first 7 tracks are actually from the movie. That's probably the only reason I could give this awesome soundtrack less than five stars. The first seven tracks are all great. Believe is awesome, the introduction is the music I used to listen to while getting ready for work every morning (the ultimate wake-up music), Running One gets the blood pumping, Running Two puts you into overdrive (and whenever I'm REALLY tired I hear the words echoing in my head "Never never never never letting go, never giving up, never saying no. Just go go never stop and never think, just do do do do the right thing"!), Running Three is the big finale, and Casino is a great drum piece sure to keep you moving. The other tracks are kind of hit and miss.

Many of the remixes lack the polish of the music from the movie (and one even features a spine-rippling scream and breaking glass at it's start). I did enjoy the Supermarket Remix, the Running Two Remix, and the last track, Rock Me.

Overall I consider this to be an essential purchase if you like German Techno, Techno in General, or this movie's music. It's worth buying for the first 7 tracks for sure. The rest is just extras.

If Mossflower was Lord of the Rings, then this is surely Sparticus. In this story, our hero is imprisoned, and when he refuses to bend to the rule of the evil tyrant he is tortured and left to die as a meal for mouse-eating birds. But Martin escapes... and plans his REVENGE.

I have read Redwall, Matimeo, Salamandastron, Mossflower, and Martin the Warrior so far, and my two favorites are Mossflower and Martin the Warrior. In this book we delve even deeper into the origins of the greatest hero of the Redwall series. We find out where he got his sword, who his first love was, and how he freed the slaves of his homeland and ultimately came to wander into the land of Mossflower all alone.

This is a truly epic tale about true love, revenge, loyalty, and the lonely life a true warrior is destined to lead. Superbly written, action-packed, and ultimately deeply sad and heartfelt, this is a book that demands to be read and re-read.

If you enjoyed other books in the series you owe it to yourself to give this one a read. If you liked Mossflower it's a definite must-buy.