Super Atragon

In 1963, most of the folks behind Godzilla set out to adapt a Jules Verne–inspired junior novel into a major motion picture, the result was known in the U.S. as "Atragon." Over three decades later in 1995, it was given a new adaptation as a two part OVA: "Super Atragon."

I'll try to give the basic plot as spoiler-free as I can. Go, a young UN worker, and Annette, his girlfriend, are pitted against a sadistic villainess who is bent on the destruction of earth. The only weapon to prove effective against her is a top secret super- sub.

The voice acting is, for the most part, spot-on and sounds natural. There are a few moments of corniness but, that's more of a matter of getting the voices to match the lips than anything else. The animation is excellent, considering its age, (DVD limitations aside) with good attention to detail. Animation quality is not quite up there with Hayao Miyazaki's films but, infinitely better than "Space Thunder Kids." The music by Masamichi Amano and performed by the Poland National Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra remains powerful and rousing throughout the feature. I will sometimes play the DVD just to hear the score. One has to wonder if the project started as a feature film like its '63 predecessor.

Super Atragon is hands down one of my favorite animes. With good animation and superb sound, I recommend any fan of sci-fi to locate a copy of this. It's got good action with elements of mech, steampunk and cyberpunk. What's not to like! Did I mention this film was produced by Toho, the producers of the original film? Ten out of ten stars!