ollieisamuppet
Well, I've been into Animes for a good few years now, and I have to say that Macross Plus is one of the finest I've seen. Even compared to the likes of the Rurouni Kenshin OVAs and Princess Mononoke, I'd have to say MP is an incredibly good anime.Now, chances are you may have heard good or bad things about this anime. I think that perhaps fans of the original Macross were expecting something different, but having absolutely no existing knowledge of the Macross universe, I have to say this anime blew me away.It is, in its entirety, very well animated and the pacing seems spot-on (for the most part). As with almost every soundtrack Yoko Kanno has worked on, you can expect a whole range of great music in Macross Plus. For many, it may in fact be the highlight (and thats saying something considering the overall quality).The story, taken on its own merits, is great. It would be wrong to watch this anime and compare it to anything else, as I've never seen anything quite like it.OK, so it does contain some pretty far-fetched mecha which some people may be tired of seeing in anime, but they're pretty well animated and this is where the majority of the action takes place. Also the musical accompaniment in the action sequences is likely to keep you hooked just on its own.And finally, the story. By the end of the first OVA, you begin to see where the tension between Isamu and Guld comes from, and are given a small insight into their past. I think the pacing in the first 3 OVAs leaves you unsure of the outcome, and how the characters will end up, and despite claims from some that the ending is predictable, I was actually expecting something entirely different (and not so good), so it was a pleasant surprise from my point of view. In my honest opinion, the story is great. It's not hugely deep or smothered in philosophical thought like a lot of animes, but that only works to its credit. It's the kinda story you can understand and enjoy without having to think about too much (unlike Akira and Ghost In The Shell, for example).If you're wondering whether or not to watch the OVAs or Movie version, both have their pros and cons. The movie contains some new scenes and is slightly shorter. Each OVA episode finishes on a fairly tense note, which leaves you wanting more. I personally would recommend watching the OVAs first, but it's entirely up to you.And please, I ask that you strongly consider watching the subtitled, and not dubbed version. The dub isn't that bad, but the voices aren't that well acted. They don't have as much emotion as the original Japanese voices and so could possibly detract from your overall enjoyment of what is, quite simply an awesome anime.2 thumbs up for this - It's top quality. Exciting, Involving and Pure entertainment - It's not philosophical like Ghost In The Shell (if that's what you're after) but for pure action and enjoyable story, it comes highly recommended. Don't rent it, buy it.
sikosis
Macross Plus is one of my all time favourite movies let alone anime / manga movie! It is a superb mixture of action and character driven drama with an awesome soundtrack provided by Yoko Kanno.The story has been brilliantly crafted into the Macross universe - being set 30 years since the Earth and the Zentraedi war (ala Robotech).There are two versions of Macross Plus. There is a full length Movie (which I'm yet to see - but I hear has a nude scene) and the more common 4 part-er. They are both suppose to be the same yet different and hold on their own right.There are about 4 albums available from Soundtracks to Sharon Apple 4 Track Mini-EPs.Macross Plus is "dedicated to all pioneers" - something these people truly were.
Steve
This is one of those animes that just leave you sitting there in awe for a while after you turn off the tape / DVD. It's just simply that good. First of all, the animation is solid and well done. A fine, entertaining mix of CGI graphics and crisp, clean and modern japanimation make this series a visual treat, which is understandable -- After all it is one of the more expensive animes ever made. The plot is also very admirable, an engrossing love triangle between Isamu Dyson, Guld Bowman, and Myung Lone. You'll be sucked right in. Despite what some may think or say -- There is also a good degree of action in this little series. Enough to wet the whistle of any hardcore or new viewer of the Macross saga. You'll feel yourself relating to the character, feeling what they feel, and so on. You'll find yourself rooting for either the YF 19 or the YF 21, which are the test veritechs in this movie. It's a great experience. The soundtrack is highly superb, as in incorporates a fine mix of lustful tunes with some good spirit lifting songs during flights, and at the end of episodes. Whether you watch the dub or the sub (the dubbing is actually very well done in this series ), the vocals are fantastic, and very important to the movie's plot and overall experience. As far as whether you should get the movie or the volumes -- I would HIGHLY recommend you go for the volumes. The movie is, for some weird reason, more gory than the volumes, as the final scene with Guld .. that just ripped my heart apart. But aside from that, the volumes give you more scenes, some of which are very interesting, such as an opening action sequence. It's just a more thorough watch. I truly hope that all anime fans get a chance to see this series -- It's fantastic, inspirational, and visually great. My highest recommendation for this one.
dexen
Macross Plus is a sequel to the original movie Macross. It is not a sequel to Macross II. I found the original Macross to be unwatchable, partly for its cloying storyline and partly for its grating sexism. Macross Plus is so far removed from these tacky origins as to be a completely new and stand-alone movie.There are two versions available for this anime-- the series and the movie. The series ends up approximately an hour and a half longer than the movie, but the editors did a wonderful job cutting, so the movie doesn't feel incomplete. In fact, they moved scenes around to create the complete story and even added a few scenes to change the focus.The story and characters are more solid than many another film, and the animation is breathtaking-- in fact, my friends now use the term "Macross Sky" to denote any particularly vivid and beautiful sky. Moreover, the music is beyond amazing and ranges from symphonic/classical to atonal chant.Computer animation is used in this film, and is completely distinct from the hand-drawn animation, but it is used entirely with computer-related scenes (a computer-generated concert and an interface with a plane) and the effect is wholly unified.Try your best to see a version in Japanese with subtitles as the English music has less power than the original. DVDs are particularly good as you can see the varied versions and compare for yourself.This is the movie I point to to say to American animators, "It is possible to do a fully adult, beautifully animated movie. Animation is not just for kids. Learn." Someday, maybe, they will.