Spirit of Wonder: The Movie

Starring:Hirohiko Kakegawa, Yutaka Shimaka, Tamao Hayashi, Michio Hazama, Hiroyuki Shibamoto, Ikuya Sawaki, Michael McConnohie, Deem Bristow, Mizuhara Rin, William Knight (III), Kevin Derkash, Akihiko Nakajima, ShÃ´zÃ´ ÃŽzuka, Brad DeMoss, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Crispin Freeman, Arthur Roberts (II), Noriko Hidaka, Mitch Evans (II), FÃ»rin Cha
Director: Hongo Mitsuru
Studio: Bandai
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Spirit of Wonder is not a feature, but a pair of linked 1992 OVAs based on Kenji Tsuruta's manga, combined with two shorts involving the voluptuous restaurant owner Miss China. The fragmentary plot evokes the stories of Jules Verne and boys' science-fiction novels from the original "Tom Swift" series to the juvenile yarns of Robert Heinlein. The overage delinquents of the Boys' Club dream of going to Mars and finally achieve their goal in 1958, using the unorthodox physics of the brilliant, endlessly patient Miss Windy. Light oscillating through "ether" powers their dirigible-like ship across interplanetary space. The graceful lines and pastel colors in this disjointed but visually- rich sci fi adventure recall the look of European graphic novels. Unfortunately, Spirit of Wonder is marred by a weary sexism that was already a clichÃ© in 1992. (Rated 16 and older: violence, nudity, risquÃ© humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
Description
Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder'. As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell. Forming a group club called the "Scientific Boys Club" the trio will embark upon their long-time dream of traveling to Mars! And while the town of Bristol may be small, it's always exciting! What'll happen when the town's very own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea? Take a new voyage with two very special short stories "Shrinking of Miss China" and "Planet of Miss China."

KEY SALES POINTS:
The classic anime release of the early 90's is back as a brand new feature!
A whimsical journey that will spark adventure and a new spirit of wonder!
Spirit of Wonder manga available from Dark Horse Comics
Contains 2 BONUS OVA episodes of Miss China
Genre: Action/Adventure

DVD FEATURES:
Interactive Animated Menus
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English/Japanese Language
English Subtitle Option

Amazon.com

Spirit of Wonder is not a feature, but a pair of linked 1992 OVAs based on Kenji Tsuruta's manga, combined with two shorts involving the voluptuous restaurant owner Miss China. The fragmentary plot evokes the stories of Jules Verne and boys' science-fiction novels from the original "Tom Swift" series to the juvenile yarns of Robert Heinlein. The overage delinquents of the Boys' Club dream of going to Mars and finally achieve their goal in 1958, using the unorthodox physics of the brilliant, endlessly patient Miss Windy. Light oscillating through "ether" powers their dirigible-like ship across interplanetary space. The graceful lines and pastel colors in this disjointed but visually- rich sci fi adventure recall the look of European graphic novels. Unfortunately, Spirit of Wonder is marred by a weary sexism that was already a cliché in 1992. (Rated 16 and older: violence, nudity, risqué humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Description

Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder'. As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell. Forming a group club called the "Scientific Boys Club" the trio will embark upon their long-time dream of traveling to Mars! And while the town of Bristol may be small, it's always exciting! What'll happen when the town's very own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea? Take a new voyage with two very special short stories "Shrinking of Miss China" and "Planet of Miss China."

DVD FEATURES:
Interactive Animated Menus
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English/Japanese Language
English Subtitle Option

Description

This spectacular motion picture has been filmed in panoramic high-definition, SuperVue. The film rises out of the darkness, enveloping viewers in a breathtaking spectacle of sight and sound. Dramatic aerial footage whisks you across sweeping vistas. The original music score, which encompasses the spectrum of sound from a lone Indian flute to full orchestral scoring, enhances the imagery. Costuming form Hollywood, authentic stagecoaches, Old West scenery, and Native American settings are painstakingly replicated. Even the part of our heroine, after which the town took its name, is believably portrayed by the founder's actual great grand-daughter. Viewers travel back eons in time as the earth transformed into this fascinating region. See how the diverse cultures helped shape it. Come take this visual journey to discover the historical magic of Sedona through vast, brilliant images . . . Live the adventure!