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Title:
  Battle Angel Alita

UK Distributor:  Manga Entertainment (VHS Only)

BBFC Certificate:  15

Suggested Retail Price (SRP):  £12.99

Running Time:  50 mins (approx.)

Audio Options:  English Stereo

Subtitles:  None

Reviewer:  Rich (Webmaster)

 

This is rare. An anime that is better than the manga it is based on! The anime generally follows the manga with the episodes based on the first two volumes. However, the first episode, although having similar situations, varies a great deal in the storyline and also introduces Dr Chiren, a character who is not in the manga (as far as I have seen anyway).

The fight scenes in this film are brilliant with the petite figure of Gally facing down massive hulking cyborgs – with all of the dynamic action and speed lines you expect from anime. Unfortunately between the excellent fights the story is a bit slow moving and occasionally formulaic, so even this is a little bit too much style over content. However, it is still hugely entertaining and although it has a bit of an odd ending (it was cancelled two episodes into the series) the story arc closes better in the anime than the corresponding story in the manga. The VHS English dub is different to the DVD and the VHS dub is probably better voice-wise, however, the VHS dub is let down by being re-written rather than translated directly. In places this works (some of the new dialogue is great: ‘I have power your dim consciousness couldn’t possibly comprehend!!’) but it doesn’t explain some of the relationships as well as the DVD dub. I will point out that for a 15 rated film this is pretty gory in places, perhaps more so than the Manga, and there are some moments that are slightly unnecessary.

This is amongst my favourite Anime, it’s never going to win trophies in the intelligence stakes but it is hugely entertaining, if a little slow. It also gets special credit for having a jet-powered hammer and one of the best death scenes in anime (to say what happens would give it away - I'll just say nature is pretty powerful...), however, I would recommend getting the DVD if you can find it as the original Japanese dub is by far the best way to see it.

Best Bit: Alita's battle against the rival bounty hunter.

Worst Bit: Alita and Ido's petulant argument about her becoming a bounty hunter.
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