Patlabor movie 1
Today, I recieved my Patlabor movies (1 and 2) in the mail. After some debate, I decided that I would watch the first one. And I'm glad I did. I'm grinning like a loon still. It had me biting my nails from suspense at the climax. The story could still be relevant today even though the movie first showed in theaters 18 years and 2 days ago (the collector's edition comes with shiney stuff and it tells the date). It was awesome!!!! And all the reviews I've read say the second movie is even better. Yeah, I can hardly wait to watch the second movie tomorrow (but I will wait until tomorrow because I need to get a full nights sleep).
Now, if you want to watch the movie, you need to know something. They made the movie for people who already knew the characters. In other words, you really need to watch a few episodes of the first OVA and then you'll be ready to watch it.
I'd classify the movie as a suspense with detective elements that just happens to have giant robots (called labors).
I just adore the Patlabor franchise. I enjoy the funniest of episodes to the most serious. And no teenage angst like the Gundam series! W00t! I can honest say I have not felt like I've wasted my money on the DVDs.
I just wish I could get my hands on the manga. Viz only released 2 volumes and then dropped it! Stupid Viz! And it costs and arm and a leg to get it shipped from Japan. Even if I can find resonably priced volumes, the shipping kills it. sigh One day, I will obtain the manga. One day.