Macross Plus
OVA: Years after the treaty between the Zentradi and Earth has been signed, skirmishes out among the frontier of our colonies still continue. The constant battle breeds new heroes, and a new breed of fighter pilot. Isamu Dysan and Guld Bowman are two such pilots. These two aces are chosen to be the test pilots for the new Stealth Valkyrie program, which has been narrowed down to two competitors. Guld is assigned to the YF-21 which uses a revolutionary new telepathic VR control system, while Isamu gets the YF-19 highly-manuverable craft with its linear-seat style cockpit.
However, tensions that began many years ago between these two are reignited when a formal mutual lover, Myung, appears on the planet where the test program is being held. This leads to tension during the test program and the hijacking of the prototypes in a grudge match between Isamu and Guld. Spectacular animation that is perhaps the best ever seen in a Macross series marks this Top Gun of anime.
Movie: Editing and reordering sequences from the OVA series and adding new footage, the tale takes on a slightly different tone as emphasis on the romantic entaglement replaces that of the combative tension between the two. However, two excellent sequences are lost in the editing: the training-city brawl between Isamu and Guld, and the spectacular fight in the asteroid belt that opens the OVA. As a result, if you are pressed for time and money, the movie is your best bet. If you have the time and the cash, the OVA is the way to go. What does disappoint is the aspect ratio that Manga Video has published the movie in...I was expecting letterbox but instead the same ratio as the OVA was used. On the plus side, I estimate that over 15 minutes of the footage is new, including a new music number by Sharon Apple, an enhanced ending with an awesome furball between Guld and the Ghost robot fighter, and more romantic scenes between Isamu and Lucy.
Genre: Science Fiction/Mecha
Format: Four volume OVA series, or the 120 minute movie, both available on VHS (LD for OVA series (dub) only) from Manga Video.
Rating: -- 94(Both) -- Contains violence. Movie contains sexual themes and moderate violence.
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Last update 9 october 1997