And so we again ask the evergreen question: how might an adaptation of prior material appeal to those who have had no experience with that material? Ideally a film should be accessible for newcomers while perhaps holding more meaning for those who are already fans; by the same token, one wants an adaptation to be suitably representative of a franchise to potentially draw in new fans on its strength alone. For my part I approach 1995's 'Slayers' with the freshest of eyes - and, hey, it's fairly enjoyable. I don't think I'm likely to go out of my way for more, but I wouldn't mind checking it out if I had the chance, with the assumption that other instances would be more polished.
Between the writing and direction this is shaped in such a manner that it can be appreciated by those who have never touched Kanzaka Hajime's work otherwise, for it's a straightforward feature of fantasy, adventure, and comedy. Yet while there are strong ideas in the narrative and scene writing, the execution leaves quite a bit to be desired. It seems evident that we're supposed to already know who Lina and Naga are, and why they're so powerful. Even more to the point, the picture seems rather simplified and unsophisticated, like we're getting only the most basic, unrefined, and unsubtle iteration of every notion herein - there is meaningful plot development, yes, yet beats and ideas are often dispensed with the dull directness of "This happens. Then this happens. Next, this happens. This will follow." It's the sort of presentation for which older children's movies or television is reasonably chastised for seemingly condescending, and assuming that young viewers wouldn't grasp more complete and well-rounded storytelling.
To some lesser degree the same somewhat goes for the animation. Character designs are extra cartoonish, declining the same level of detail and texture that we see in other aspects, and the animation of characters also seems a little rough, lacking especial fluidity. Granted, the backgrounds and environments are gorgeous, and other active elements including creature designs and effects are plainly superb. There's even some nice consideration for lighting and shading. But then there's the regular accentuation of Lina and Naga's exaggerated figures, which is really just tiresome as it is purely juvenile, catering to immature, pubescent boys. Some aspects are notably sharp, and others are less so; overall the animation is quite swell - but I wouldn't say it's the top of the line for what we expect of anime in 1995. Anyway, all this stems from the writing and direction, so just as there are excellent thoughts for this or that in the visual experience, its actual treatment is sometimes another matter.
The issues I have with 'Slayers' come to a head in the last act. The root story is ripe for telling in this medium, with deliciously sinister ideas on hand as Lina and Naga are drawn to a mysterious island where everything is not quite what it seems. The best facets of the animation reflect this, and likewise the rich, flavorful original music of Hattori Takayuki. Yet in how our chief characters are written and animated, and in how the title is written and directed at large, it's frankly incapable of achieving a tone appropriate for the material. And for as brusque and forthright as the sum total is in imparting its tale, the dark grandeur and impact of the saga is all but wholly stripped away, even troubling basic narrative cohesion as a result. 'Slayers' actually is entertaining, but it feels rushed, diminished, and light - by every measure, only a fragment of what it should be. A sizable fragment, maybe, but still a fragment.
Ultimately I do like this flick, and I'm glad I took the time to watch. I think it's worthwhile on its own merits, and I wouldn't mind seeing more of the franchise in the hope that other entries account for the faults I recognize here. Still, those faults limit the lasting value that this release has to offer, as true today as it was thirty years ago; with a tad more mindful care in every regard the feature would have been notably improved. One way or another this hardly demands viewership, yet all told 'Slayers' is a good time if you happen to have the opportunity to watch.
