Appleseed
Starring:Vincent Marzello, Kôji Totani, Kenichi Ono, Lorelei King, Mika Doi, William Roberts, Nobuo Iwamoto, Mari Yokô, Masayuki Omora, Tamio Ôki, David Reynolds (VII), Masako Katsuki, Toshiko Sawada, Yuzuru Fujimoto, Toshio Furukawa, Julia Braams, Mayumi Shô, Kumiko Takizawa, Takao Ôyama, Nobuyuki Furuta
Director: Kazuyoshi Katayama
Studio: Manga Video
Product Type: DVD
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Based on a manga series by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed is an interesting, early mecha adventure. After World War III, "General Management Control Office" created the model city of Olympus for the survivors. They also created the "Biodroids," half-human cyborgs designed to serve humanity. Dunan Nats is a tough female cop; her partner, Buliarous Hekatonecles, was badly injured in the war and rebuilt with mechanical limbs and sensors. Together they pursue a cyborg terrorist and a rogue officer who want to destroy Olympus, which they see as an elaborate cage that limits human freedom. Released the same year, 1988, Akira pointed the way to much of the future of anime. Appleseed largely summarized its past. The character designs display a strong Western influence, the mecha are simpler than they would become in a few years, the violence looks tame by contemporary standards, and the chase sequences are accompanied by what sounds like elevator music. Although Dunan is clearly the ancestor of Motoko in Ghost in the Shell, she keeps her clothes on. Significantly, the forces of law and order emerge victorious, rather than the freedom-seeking rebels of this elegant dystopia. "For Mature Audiences Only"; suitable for ages 16 and up for violence and considerable profanity. --Charles Solomon
Description
Based on the captivating manga comic book series created by the acclaimed Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed is a high-octane, action packed race against time as the future of civilization hangs in the balance. After the devastation of World War III, the scattered governments of the world construct the perfect city - but life in Olympus is carefully controlled and monitored by Biodroids - artificially created half-human half-robots. A dedicated band of terrorists plot to destroy the central computer to restore freedom to mankind.
Average customer rating:
- AMAZING from beginning to end!!
- WOW!
- Enjoyable, but misses the mark
- Great animé and a very enjoyable film
- Apple Seed
|
Appleseed (Widescreen) (2004)
Starring: Ai Kobayashi , Jûrôta Kosugi , Yuki Matsuoka , Asumi Miwa , and Akimoto Tsubasa
Director: Shinji Aramaki
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
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- Steamboy - Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)
- Ghost in the Shell
- Ghost in the Shell 2 - Innocence
- Akira (Special Edition)
ASIN: B0007OY31G
Release Date: 2005-05-10 |
Amazon.com
The 2004 Appleseed feature is a reworking of the earlier video based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell). In 2131, most of humanity has withdrawn to the glittering city of Olympus after a devastating war. When the curvaceous Deunan Knute comes to Olympus, she encounters her former comrade Briareos, now a cyborg, and the lovely android Hitomi. The fate of Hitomi, Olympus, and humanity rest on the lost "Appleseed" technology that Deunan's mother helped to develop. A standard series of chases, mecha battles, and confrontations leads to a predictable ending. When the original Appleseedappeared in 1988, it felt like a summary of anime's past, while Akira pointed the way to the future. This new version feels like a mishmash of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Jin-Roh, Evangelion, and other, more exciting works. The motion-capture CG is typically weightless, and the mecha look oddly squat. (Rated R: violence) --Charles Solomon
Description
Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces lead by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret. The outstanding feature film based on the manga by SHIROW Masamune (Ghost In the Shell), directed by Shinji ARAMAKI (Bubblegum Crisis), and produced by SORI (Ping Pong) features a soundtrack by Boom Boom Satelites, Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx and more and will be available from TOFU records. The DVD will feature high quality video encoded directly from the HD master in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen with 5.1 English Dolby Digital and DTS audio as well as the original Japanese 2.0 stereo and 5.1 DTS Dolby Digital soundtracks! This DVD also features commentary from both the director and the producer!
Customer Reviews:
AMAZING from beginning to end!!.......2007-06-08
I knew nothing about Appleseed before catching this movie on cable. I couldn't look away and remember turning to my wife (who also enjoyed it which surprised me!) and saying, "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!".
Truly, one of the most visually amazing movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
I'm disappointed that I never got the chance to see this on the big screen - that would have really been a treat. If you haven't seen this and are thinking about buying it - do it. I wouldn't usually say that, but this is not your usualy movie. 5 stars all the way.
*** WARNING! My version of the Special Edition DVD came with a gold action figure - as soon as I pulled it out of the package, small parts fell off of it. Definitely not for kids. *****
WOW!.......2007-05-07
State of the art animation with a SOLID story to give the viewer a look at what animation could be. It ROCKS!!!
Enjoyable, but misses the mark.......2007-04-18
Appleseed is an enjoyable, if ultimately cliche and hollow, anime film.
The story centers around Deunan Knute, a soldier who is whisked away by a Bioroid (genetically engineered humanoid) named Hitomi to the utopian city of Olympus as part of a rather stereotypical anime political controversy. Awaiting her in the city is Briareos, her former comrade and lover who, after nearly getting killed himself, is a cyborg, much more machine than man.
While I won't spoil any of the major plot points in this review, I will state that this film had the potential to be more than just an action flick. There were many questions raised in the film (the ethics of genetic engineering, where the line between humanity and machine blurs, the humanitarian price of keeping such a utopia whole, etc), but, unfortunately, none were answered. Instead of fleshing out the philosophical quandries that were an essential aspect of the film's background, the plot focused on action. While the action scenes were enjoyable to watch (more on this in a moment), most didn't really feel integral to the film's story.
The film is entirely rendered in CG. While I enjoyed the look and feel of the film, it is largely a matter of taste, so your mileage may vary. Let me say, though, that, to this date, I haven't seen an anime film that has felt so alive. Between the realism of the background sets (especially the water effects), and the motion captured actors, the film, by and large, feels almost lifelike. The mechs do look a bit squat, but that gives them a certain weight. Perhaps the most glaring flaw is that of the characters' faces, but even that's a slight quibble compared to what the film does right visually.
The action scenes themselves were pretty cliche. There were Matrix-esque slow motion bits, and even a "do something at a control panel before time runs out" bit. The opening scene felt like an homage to the ending of Ghost in the Shell, especially when the tanks showed up. Given this film's background, that sort of tipping of the cap was a welcome addition.
Emotionally, the film is a bit flat. There's a bit of psychobabble (repressed memories and the like) which serves as the catalyst for our heroine's emotional revival, and there's a 'death' scene that serves no apparent purpose. The rest is all paint-by-numbers. By the end of the film, my feelings towards the characters were neutral at best.
The majority of the music was done by the Boom Boom Satellites. Think Matrix/Blade techno and you'll be on the right track.
In the end, Appleseed is the equivalent of a good popcorn flick. There's the potential for something much greater lying just underneath the surface, but none of that potential is ever reached. Instead, we're left with a stylish, flashy, action-packed film. There's nothing wrong with that, but I can't help but feel that the story of Appleseed would be better served in a series where the characters and plot could be fleshed out over several episodes. 110 minutes (give or take) just isn't enough time to deliver on the film's premise.
Great animé and a very enjoyable film.......2007-01-13
Appleseed does have some flaws and I think that one of those is that the film could have been a little longer - the film makers could have explored the characters a little more. However, Appleseed is beautiful to behold and the animation is state-of-the-art. The story is good, although not great, and it is a clear tribute to the Beauty & the Beast classic.
The outdoor scenes are nothing short of breathtaking and some are almost indistinguishable from reality. Yet the film makers have continued to use a more tradition Animé style with the human and bioroid protagonists. The women look faintly doll-like. This is just a manifestation of the Animé style and I didn't mind it at all.
I've watched Appleseed a few times now and I return to it from time to time. I find it entertaining and thought provoking. I hope the film makers revisit this world some time.
Apple Seed.......2007-01-10
Great storyline, beautiful art direction, with smooth integration of computer graphic imagery. Solid action, and very imaginitive.
Average customer rating:
- AMAZING from beginning to end!!
- WOW!
- Enjoyable, but misses the mark
- Great animé and a very enjoyable film
- Apple Seed
|
Appleseed (Limited Collector's Edition)
Starring: Ai Kobayashi , Jûrôta Kosugi , Yuki Matsuoka , Asumi Miwa , and Akimoto Tsubasa
Director: Shinji Aramaki
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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| Video
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Similar Items:
- Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector's Set)
- Steamboy - Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)
- Ghost in the Shell
- Ghost in the Shell 2 - Innocence
- Akira (Special Edition)
ASIN: B0007OY31Q
Release Date: 2005-05-10 |
Amazon.com
The 2004 Appleseed feature is a reworking of the earlier video based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell). In 2131, most of humanity has withdrawn to the glittering city of Olympus after a devastating war. When the curvaceous Deunan Knute comes to Olympus, she encounters her former comrade Briareos, now a cyborg, and the lovely android Hitomi. The fate of Hitomi, Olympus, and humanity rest on the lost "Appleseed" technology that Deunan's mother helped to develop. A standard series of chases, mecha battles, and confrontations leads to a predictable ending. When the original Appleseedappeared in 1988, it felt like a summary of anime's past, while Akira pointed the way to the future. This new version feels like a mishmash of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Jin-Roh, Evangelion, and other, more exciting works. The motion-capture CG is typically weightless, and the mecha look oddly squat. (Rated R: violence) --Charles Solomon
Description
Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces lead by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret. The outstanding feature film based on the manga by SHIROW Masamune (Ghost In the Shell), directed by Shinji ARAMAKI (Bubblegum Crisis), and produced by SORI (Ping Pong) features a soundtrack by Boom Boom Satelites, Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx and more and will be available from TOFU records. The DVD will feature high quality video encoded directly from the HD master in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen with 5.1 English Dolby Digital and DTS audio as well as the original Japanese 2.0 stereo and 5.1 DTS Dolby Digital soundtracks! This DVD also features commentary from both the director and the producer!
Customer Reviews:
AMAZING from beginning to end!!.......2007-06-08
I knew nothing about Appleseed before catching this movie on cable. I couldn't look away and remember turning to my wife (who also enjoyed it which surprised me!) and saying, "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!".
Truly, one of the most visually amazing movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
I'm disappointed that I never got the chance to see this on the big screen - that would have really been a treat. If you haven't seen this and are thinking about buying it - do it. I wouldn't usually say that, but this is not your usualy movie. 5 stars all the way.
*** WARNING! My version of the Special Edition DVD came with a gold action figure - as soon as I pulled it out of the package, small parts fell off of it. Definitely not for kids. *****
WOW!.......2007-05-07
State of the art animation with a SOLID story to give the viewer a look at what animation could be. It ROCKS!!!
Enjoyable, but misses the mark.......2007-04-18
Appleseed is an enjoyable, if ultimately cliche and hollow, anime film.
The story centers around Deunan Knute, a soldier who is whisked away by a Bioroid (genetically engineered humanoid) named Hitomi to the utopian city of Olympus as part of a rather stereotypical anime political controversy. Awaiting her in the city is Briareos, her former comrade and lover who, after nearly getting killed himself, is a cyborg, much more machine than man.
While I won't spoil any of the major plot points in this review, I will state that this film had the potential to be more than just an action flick. There were many questions raised in the film (the ethics of genetic engineering, where the line between humanity and machine blurs, the humanitarian price of keeping such a utopia whole, etc), but, unfortunately, none were answered. Instead of fleshing out the philosophical quandries that were an essential aspect of the film's background, the plot focused on action. While the action scenes were enjoyable to watch (more on this in a moment), most didn't really feel integral to the film's story.
The film is entirely rendered in CG. While I enjoyed the look and feel of the film, it is largely a matter of taste, so your mileage may vary. Let me say, though, that, to this date, I haven't seen an anime film that has felt so alive. Between the realism of the background sets (especially the water effects), and the motion captured actors, the film, by and large, feels almost lifelike. The mechs do look a bit squat, but that gives them a certain weight. Perhaps the most glaring flaw is that of the characters' faces, but even that's a slight quibble compared to what the film does right visually.
The action scenes themselves were pretty cliche. There were Matrix-esque slow motion bits, and even a "do something at a control panel before time runs out" bit. The opening scene felt like an homage to the ending of Ghost in the Shell, especially when the tanks showed up. Given this film's background, that sort of tipping of the cap was a welcome addition.
Emotionally, the film is a bit flat. There's a bit of psychobabble (repressed memories and the like) which serves as the catalyst for our heroine's emotional revival, and there's a 'death' scene that serves no apparent purpose. The rest is all paint-by-numbers. By the end of the film, my feelings towards the characters were neutral at best.
The majority of the music was done by the Boom Boom Satellites. Think Matrix/Blade techno and you'll be on the right track.
In the end, Appleseed is the equivalent of a good popcorn flick. There's the potential for something much greater lying just underneath the surface, but none of that potential is ever reached. Instead, we're left with a stylish, flashy, action-packed film. There's nothing wrong with that, but I can't help but feel that the story of Appleseed would be better served in a series where the characters and plot could be fleshed out over several episodes. 110 minutes (give or take) just isn't enough time to deliver on the film's premise.
Great animé and a very enjoyable film.......2007-01-13
Appleseed does have some flaws and I think that one of those is that the film could have been a little longer - the film makers could have explored the characters a little more. However, Appleseed is beautiful to behold and the animation is state-of-the-art. The story is good, although not great, and it is a clear tribute to the Beauty & the Beast classic.
The outdoor scenes are nothing short of breathtaking and some are almost indistinguishable from reality. Yet the film makers have continued to use a more tradition Animé style with the human and bioroid protagonists. The women look faintly doll-like. This is just a manifestation of the Animé style and I didn't mind it at all.
I've watched Appleseed a few times now and I return to it from time to time. I find it entertaining and thought provoking. I hope the film makers revisit this world some time.
Apple Seed.......2007-01-10
Great storyline, beautiful art direction, with smooth integration of computer graphic imagery. Solid action, and very imaginitive.
Average customer rating:
- Johnny Appleseed - A Good Folk Tale for the Whole Family
- Johnny Appleseed is great.
|
Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends - Johnny Appleseed
Starring: Shelley Duvall
Manufacturer: KOCH VISION
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Similar Items:
- Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends - Pecos Bill
- Shelley Duval's Tall Tales & Legends - John Henry
- Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends - Davy Crockett
- Shelley Duvall's Tall Tales & Legends - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- Johnny Appleseed
ASIN: B0006OBPZ4
Release Date: 2005-02-08 |
Description
In this classic American folk tale, apple-loving Jonathan Chapman (Martin Short) comes of age and shuns the comfortable life his parents lead, deciding instead to set out west and "find himself." With a frying pan on his head and his pockets stuffed with apple seeds, he travels across the land planting apple trees. Extensive print advertising including ads in TimeOut New York Kids, Popular Mechanics, Parenting, Child, FamilyFun, Mothering, Parents and Working Mother. Broad publicity campaign including radio, broadcast and online.
Customer Reviews:
Johnny Appleseed - A Good Folk Tale for the Whole Family.......2005-07-12
Tall Tales and Legends is by Fairie Tale Theatre's Shelley Duvall. They take all of the old fables told to you when you were young, and bring them to life, with lots of 80's movie stars.
Johnny Appleseed stars Martin Short as the title character, who goes around planting America's apple orchards. Its got a good message, that even someone weird shouldn't be shunned, they could actually help you out! It also has Rob Reiner, Molly Ringwald and Michael McKean.
The bad thing I find with the Tall Tales series is the sound... I don't watch it in the media room with the sound system, I find it works better in the den on my plain old TV. There's alot of background noise that can get distracting. So no the sound and picture aren't perfect, but these are low-price family videos, so over-all they are a good deal!
Johnny Appleseed is great........2003-06-12
I watched this with my 3rd grade class and I loved it! It is very funny and sarcastic and the kids loved it too.
Average customer rating:
- Decent anime
- Not THAT good!! I think that the 2004 Appleseed is better!
- Poor effort
- Great but skip it
- Re-visit the 80s.
|
Appleseed
Starring: Vincent Marzello , Kôji Totani , Kenichi Ono , Lorelei King , and Mika Doi
Director: Kazuyoshi Katayama
Manufacturer: Manga Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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- Appleseed (Widescreen) (2004)
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- The Venus Wars
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ASIN: B00005AX6N
Release Date: 2001-04-24 |
Amazon.com
Based on a manga series by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed is an interesting, early mecha adventure. After World War III, "General Management Control Office" created the model city of Olympus for the survivors. They also created the "Biodroids," half-human cyborgs designed to serve humanity. Dunan Nats is a tough female cop; her partner, Buliarous Hekatonecles, was badly injured in the war and rebuilt with mechanical limbs and sensors. Together they pursue a cyborg terrorist and a rogue officer who want to destroy Olympus, which they see as an elaborate cage that limits human freedom. Released the same year, 1988, Akira pointed the way to much of the future of anime. Appleseed largely summarized its past. The character designs display a strong Western influence, the mecha are simpler than they would become in a few years, the violence looks tame by contemporary standards, and the chase sequences are accompanied by what sounds like elevator music. Although Dunan is clearly the ancestor of Motoko in Ghost in the Shell, she keeps her clothes on. Significantly, the forces of law and order emerge victorious, rather than the freedom-seeking rebels of this elegant dystopia. "For Mature Audiences Only"; suitable for ages 16 and up for violence and considerable profanity. --Charles Solomon
Description
Based on the captivating manga comic book series created by the acclaimed Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed is a high-octane, action packed race against time as the future of civilization hangs in the balance. After the devastation of World War III, the scattered governments of the world construct the perfect city - but life in Olympus is carefully controlled and monitored by Biodroids - artificially created half-human half-robots. A dedicated band of terrorists plot to destroy the central computer to restore freedom to mankind.
Customer Reviews:
Decent anime .......2007-06-03
Appleseed is an ok at best anime for its time. Pretty outdated but still somewhat enjoyable. Just like most anime, it starts out with guns blazing then slows down a bit and picks up at times. The story is alright but it kind of gave me that drowsy feeling at times.
The anime takes place in a post apaocalpytic future where mankind is practically replaced by robots governed by a super computer. There lives are predetermined and there is a group of terrorist who seek to change this life. I found the future to look not so futuristic. It still looks pretty modern day and there was a couple of holes in the story from what I saw.
Well if your looking to check out some of the older anime "classics" then I guess you cant go too wrong with this. If you can get it cheap then I would say do that. At the very least its good for a rental.
Not THAT good!! I think that the 2004 Appleseed is better!.......2007-05-08
This anime is NOTHING spectacular! Is pure decent action anime with VERY FEW exciting scenes wich weren't even THAT good!
Not only that! The action wasn't well choreographied and the graphics, sound and animation were so-so.
The 2004 Appleseed have more excitement, more stunts, more action and better quality. What I didn't like was the CG animation, I hate CG animation and graphics in animes(except for Final Fantasy A.C.).
Adios.
Poor effort.......2006-06-06
This is the original cell animé and should in no way be confused with the glorious 3D CGI creation of the same name. The animation is shoddy and doesn't compare well with many of its contemporaries, Akira this is not.
Plot, xenophobic terrorist and sappy police traitor plot to destroy Olympus ( Spelt incorrectly in the signposts.) The defence is lead by Deunan a female SWAT cop and her Cyborg sidekick Brearios, who looks more like a robotic rabbit than the formidable man-machine he's supposed to be. Much shooting and running around in circles ensues until right prevails, Hurrah !
If you've seen the latest Appleseed CGI masterpiece and are considering watching this one, don't. It's simply not in the same league and the character relationships, such as they are, are nonsensical when compared with the more recent version. It's almost guaranteed to disappoint.
Great but skip it.......2005-02-16
Great concept art and story that could live up to Akira but the animation is rushed and lets it down... but fear not, skip it, because the makers of Ghost in a Shell have produced a new version of this movie that looks almost like a live action CGI on release since Jan 2005 with DVD out at the end of Spring. Just go see the trailer on Apple. It looks jaw dropping.
Re-visit the 80s........2004-12-29
Appleseed is based on the manga - Mankind is trying to make a perfect utopia in the city of Olympus. But is it perfect or just another form of a cage, monitored and controlled by a computer named Gaia. Forces within the city are trying to restore their freedoms. Or are they just trying to bring paradise down to hell?
It is up to Dunan Nats and Buliarous Hekatonecles, with the rest of their fellow officers in the ESWAT Squad, to keep order without breaking the laws themselves.
The voice actors don't seem to appear in anything else, the plot is simple, the themes watered down, English is mis-spelled -Red ALART???-, the music is late 80s (DUH - the anime was MADE in the late 80s) and the F-word is used by everybody. All in just over an hour.
IT is SO PERFECT. Come on, this is the stuff we all watched at one time or another. Terrorists, mecha, explosions. A must for any fan of anime or Masamune Shirow.
Average customer rating:
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Appleseed (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Ai Kobayashi , Jurota Kosugi , and Yuki Matsuoka
Director: Shinji Aramaki
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP
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Accessories:
- Sony PSP PlayGear Amp
- Sony PSP Comfort Grips Black
- Sony PSP Psyclone Nodus Sound System
- Sony PSP Travel Case
ASIN: B0009NZ346
Release Date: 2005-07-26 |
Description
Earth's last city Olympus arose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface. Human terrorists w/in the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces led by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret.
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF THE BEST TO SEE.......2005-10-13
Movie, story, animation, acting were all very good. Would recommend this movie as a must see.
Average customer rating:
- AMAZING from beginning to end!!
- WOW!
- Enjoyable, but misses the mark
- Great animé and a very enjoyable film
- Apple Seed
|
Appleseed (Limited Collector's Edition with Metal Case & Action Figure)
Starring: Ai Kobayashi , Jûrôta Kosugi , Yuki Matsuoka , Asumi Miwa , and Akimoto Tsubasa
Director: Shinji Aramaki
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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Similar Items:
- Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector's Set)
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- Ghost in the Shell
- Ghost in the Shell 2 - Innocence
- Akira (Special Edition)
ASIN: B0007OY32A
Release Date: 2005-05-10 |
Amazon.com
The 2004 Appleseed feature is a reworking of the earlier video based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell). In 2131, most of humanity has withdrawn to the glittering city of Olympus after a devastating war. When the curvaceous Deunan Knute comes to Olympus, she encounters her former comrade Briareos, now a cyborg, and the lovely android Hitomi. The fate of Hitomi, Olympus, and humanity rest on the lost "Appleseed" technology that Deunan's mother helped to develop. A standard series of chases, mecha battles, and confrontations leads to a predictable ending. When the original Appleseedappeared in 1988, it felt like a summary of anime's past, while Akira pointed the way to the future. This new version feels like a mishmash of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Jin-Roh, Evangelion, and other, more exciting works. The motion-capture CG is typically weightless, and the mecha look oddly squat. (Rated R: violence) --Charles Solomon
Description
Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces lead by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret. The outstanding feature film based on the manga by SHIROW Masamune (Ghost In the Shell), directed by Shinji ARAMAKI (Bubblegum Crisis), and produced by SORI (Ping Pong) features a soundtrack by Boom Boom Satelites, Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx and more and will be available from TOFU records. The DVD will feature high quality video encoded directly from the HD master in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen with 5.1 English Dolby Digital and DTS audio as well as the original Japanese 2.0 stereo and 5.1 DTS Dolby Digital soundtracks! This DVD also features commentary from both the director and the producer!
Customer Reviews:
AMAZING from beginning to end!!.......2007-06-08
I knew nothing about Appleseed before catching this movie on cable. I couldn't look away and remember turning to my wife (who also enjoyed it which surprised me!) and saying, "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!".
Truly, one of the most visually amazing movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
I'm disappointed that I never got the chance to see this on the big screen - that would have really been a treat. If you haven't seen this and are thinking about buying it - do it. I wouldn't usually say that, but this is not your usualy movie. 5 stars all the way.
*** WARNING! My version of the Special Edition DVD came with a gold action figure - as soon as I pulled it out of the package, small parts fell off of it. Definitely not for kids. *****
WOW!.......2007-05-07
State of the art animation with a SOLID story to give the viewer a look at what animation could be. It ROCKS!!!
Enjoyable, but misses the mark.......2007-04-18
Appleseed is an enjoyable, if ultimately cliche and hollow, anime film.
The story centers around Deunan Knute, a soldier who is whisked away by a Bioroid (genetically engineered humanoid) named Hitomi to the utopian city of Olympus as part of a rather stereotypical anime political controversy. Awaiting her in the city is Briareos, her former comrade and lover who, after nearly getting killed himself, is a cyborg, much more machine than man.
While I won't spoil any of the major plot points in this review, I will state that this film had the potential to be more than just an action flick. There were many questions raised in the film (the ethics of genetic engineering, where the line between humanity and machine blurs, the humanitarian price of keeping such a utopia whole, etc), but, unfortunately, none were answered. Instead of fleshing out the philosophical quandries that were an essential aspect of the film's background, the plot focused on action. While the action scenes were enjoyable to watch (more on this in a moment), most didn't really feel integral to the film's story.
The film is entirely rendered in CG. While I enjoyed the look and feel of the film, it is largely a matter of taste, so your mileage may vary. Let me say, though, that, to this date, I haven't seen an anime film that has felt so alive. Between the realism of the background sets (especially the water effects), and the motion captured actors, the film, by and large, feels almost lifelike. The mechs do look a bit squat, but that gives them a certain weight. Perhaps the most glaring flaw is that of the characters' faces, but even that's a slight quibble compared to what the film does right visually.
The action scenes themselves were pretty cliche. There were Matrix-esque slow motion bits, and even a "do something at a control panel before time runs out" bit. The opening scene felt like an homage to the ending of Ghost in the Shell, especially when the tanks showed up. Given this film's background, that sort of tipping of the cap was a welcome addition.
Emotionally, the film is a bit flat. There's a bit of psychobabble (repressed memories and the like) which serves as the catalyst for our heroine's emotional revival, and there's a 'death' scene that serves no apparent purpose. The rest is all paint-by-numbers. By the end of the film, my feelings towards the characters were neutral at best.
The majority of the music was done by the Boom Boom Satellites. Think Matrix/Blade techno and you'll be on the right track.
In the end, Appleseed is the equivalent of a good popcorn flick. There's the potential for something much greater lying just underneath the surface, but none of that potential is ever reached. Instead, we're left with a stylish, flashy, action-packed film. There's nothing wrong with that, but I can't help but feel that the story of Appleseed would be better served in a series where the characters and plot could be fleshed out over several episodes. 110 minutes (give or take) just isn't enough time to deliver on the film's premise.
Great animé and a very enjoyable film.......2007-01-13
Appleseed does have some flaws and I think that one of those is that the film could have been a little longer - the film makers could have explored the characters a little more. However, Appleseed is beautiful to behold and the animation is state-of-the-art. The story is good, although not great, and it is a clear tribute to the Beauty & the Beast classic.
The outdoor scenes are nothing short of breathtaking and some are almost indistinguishable from reality. Yet the film makers have continued to use a more tradition Animé style with the human and bioroid protagonists. The women look faintly doll-like. This is just a manifestation of the Animé style and I didn't mind it at all.
I've watched Appleseed a few times now and I return to it from time to time. I find it entertaining and thought provoking. I hope the film makers revisit this world some time.
Apple Seed.......2007-01-10
Great storyline, beautiful art direction, with smooth integration of computer graphic imagery. Solid action, and very imaginitive.
Average customer rating:
|
Essence Of Anime: Appleseed
Manufacturer: Manga (anchor Bay)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
ASIN: B000S1MMB6
Release Date: 2007-09-04 |
Average customer rating:
- AMAZING from beginning to end!!
- WOW!
- Enjoyable, but misses the mark
- Great animé and a very enjoyable film
- Apple Seed
|
Appleseed [Region 2]
Starring: Ai Kobayashi , Jûrôta Kosugi , Yuki Matsuoka , Asumi Miwa , and Akimoto Tsubasa
Director: Shinji Aramaki
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
Forest, Michael
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Price, Jamieson K
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Similar Items:
- Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector's Set)
- Steamboy - Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)
- Ghost in the Shell
- Ghost in the Shell 2 - Innocence
- Akira (Special Edition)
ASIN: B000068OWL |
Amazon.com
The 2004 Appleseed feature is a reworking of the earlier video based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell). In 2131, most of humanity has withdrawn to the glittering city of Olympus after a devastating war. When the curvaceous Deunan Knute comes to Olympus, she encounters her former comrade Briareos, now a cyborg, and the lovely android Hitomi. The fate of Hitomi, Olympus, and humanity rest on the lost "Appleseed" technology that Deunan's mother helped to develop. A standard series of chases, mecha battles, and confrontations leads to a predictable ending. When the original Appleseedappeared in 1988, it felt like a summary of anime's past, while Akira pointed the way to the future. This new version feels like a mishmash of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Jin-Roh, Evangelion, and other, more exciting works. The motion-capture CG is typically weightless, and the mecha look oddly squat. (Rated R: violence) --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
AMAZING from beginning to end!!.......2007-06-08
I knew nothing about Appleseed before catching this movie on cable. I couldn't look away and remember turning to my wife (who also enjoyed it which surprised me!) and saying, "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!".
Truly, one of the most visually amazing movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching.
I'm disappointed that I never got the chance to see this on the big screen - that would have really been a treat. If you haven't seen this and are thinking about buying it - do it. I wouldn't usually say that, but this is not your usualy movie. 5 stars all the way.
*** WARNING! My version of the Special Edition DVD came with a gold action figure - as soon as I pulled it out of the package, small parts fell off of it. Definitely not for kids. *****
WOW!.......2007-05-07
State of the art animation with a SOLID story to give the viewer a look at what animation could be. It ROCKS!!!
Enjoyable, but misses the mark.......2007-04-18
Appleseed is an enjoyable, if ultimately cliche and hollow, anime film.
The story centers around Deunan Knute, a soldier who is whisked away by a Bioroid (genetically engineered humanoid) named Hitomi to the utopian city of Olympus as part of a rather stereotypical anime political controversy. Awaiting her in the city is Briareos, her former comrade and lover who, after nearly getting killed himself, is a cyborg, much more machine than man.
While I won't spoil any of the major plot points in this review, I will state that this film had the potential to be more than just an action flick. There were many questions raised in the film (the ethics of genetic engineering, where the line between humanity and machine blurs, the humanitarian price of keeping such a utopia whole, etc), but, unfortunately, none were answered. Instead of fleshing out the philosophical quandries that were an essential aspect of the film's background, the plot focused on action. While the action scenes were enjoyable to watch (more on this in a moment), most didn't really feel integral to the film's story.
The film is entirely rendered in CG. While I enjoyed the look and feel of the film, it is largely a matter of taste, so your mileage may vary. Let me say, though, that, to this date, I haven't seen an anime film that has felt so alive. Between the realism of the background sets (especially the water effects), and the motion captured actors, the film, by and large, feels almost lifelike. The mechs do look a bit squat, but that gives them a certain weight. Perhaps the most glaring flaw is that of the characters' faces, but even that's a slight quibble compared to what the film does right visually.
The action scenes themselves were pretty cliche. There were Matrix-esque slow motion bits, and even a "do something at a control panel before time runs out" bit. The opening scene felt like an homage to the ending of Ghost in the Shell, especially when the tanks showed up. Given this film's background, that sort of tipping of the cap was a welcome addition.
Emotionally, the film is a bit flat. There's a bit of psychobabble (repressed memories and the like) which serves as the catalyst for our heroine's emotional revival, and there's a 'death' scene that serves no apparent purpose. The rest is all paint-by-numbers. By the end of the film, my feelings towards the characters were neutral at best.
The majority of the music was done by the Boom Boom Satellites. Think Matrix/Blade techno and you'll be on the right track.
In the end, Appleseed is the equivalent of a good popcorn flick. There's the potential for something much greater lying just underneath the surface, but none of that potential is ever reached. Instead, we're left with a stylish, flashy, action-packed film. There's nothing wrong with that, but I can't help but feel that the story of Appleseed would be better served in a series where the characters and plot could be fleshed out over several episodes. 110 minutes (give or take) just isn't enough time to deliver on the film's premise.
Great animé and a very enjoyable film.......2007-01-13
Appleseed does have some flaws and I think that one of those is that the film could have been a little longer - the film makers could have explored the characters a little more. However, Appleseed is beautiful to behold and the animation is state-of-the-art. The story is good, although not great, and it is a clear tribute to the Beauty & the Beast classic.
The outdoor scenes are nothing short of breathtaking and some are almost indistinguishable from reality. Yet the film makers have continued to use a more tradition Animé style with the human and bioroid protagonists. The women look faintly doll-like. This is just a manifestation of the Animé style and I didn't mind it at all.
I've watched Appleseed a few times now and I return to it from time to time. I find it entertaining and thought provoking. I hope the film makers revisit this world some time.
Apple Seed.......2007-01-10
Great storyline, beautiful art direction, with smooth integration of computer graphic imagery. Solid action, and very imaginitive.
Average customer rating:
|
Johnny Appleseed
Manufacturer: Schlessinger Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Educational
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
ASIN: B000OIP3OG
Release Date: 2006-05-23 |
Product Description
Celebrate the legends that inspired a country with classic stories of real American heroes. Students will meet the doers and dreamers who made America great--including the beloved Johnny Appleseed, whose peaceful planting of apple trees blossomed along the new frontier and Pecos Bill the greatest cowboy to ever break a horse, rope a steer, or ride a cyclone! Animated.
For Grades k-6.
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