BEST ANIME OF 1995
For fans bemused by the shopping trolley load of anime videos released in the U.K. during 1995, I offer my 10 best.
American and world fans! Don't go away; you should be able to buy most of these fine videos in your country.
As a reviewer, I get most of the UK releases supplied, but this listing includes many I would have bought with my own money.
Best Movies & 1-OVAs
PATLABOR II (Manga Video)
Political science fiction thriller for grownups; fine animation and the English dub is very well produced.
WINGS OF HONNEAMISE (Manga Video)
One of the great high-budget animated films; bored pilot meets a religious girl and finds a new meaning to life when he volunteers for the space program. Set in a world in some ways like our own, and in others strangely different.
THE COCKPIT (Kiseki)
Three war stories, powerfully moving and beautifully animated.
URUSEI YATSURA MOVIE 6 (Anime Projects)
Another of the weird and wonderful UY movies; all human (and alien) life is there.
LUPIN III - PLOT OF THE FUMA CLAN (Western Connection)
One of the most perfect crime/chase/treasure hunt comedies in which master thief Lupin and his gang are pursued by the unlucky Inspector Zenigata. Includes one of the most fantastic car-chases ever filmed.
Best Series
GREEN LEGEND RAN (Pioneer)
At once SF, parable, ecological tale and love story.
KISHIN HEIDAN (Pioneer)
Amazing SF adventure set in an alternative 1940's with WWII and invading aliens!
SLOWSTEP (Western Connection)
School sports/romance story in which schoolgirl Minatsu plays softball and also fools her admirers into thinking she is two different girls. Fascinating.
URUSEI YATSURA TV (Anime Projects)
It's those annoying aliens from outer space again. Ataru Moroboshi chases cute babes from other planets.
OH! MY GODDESS (Anime Projects)
College student rings for a takeaway and gets the Goddess Helpline instead. Naturally he wishes for one to come live with him. Delightful.
We also mention:
SPACE ADVENTURE COBRA (Manga Video): Best music soundtrack (re-recorded by Yello for MV)
GHOST IN THE SHELL (Manga Video): In some cinemas December 1995: the video hit of 1996?.