Macross Plus

This four part OVA is centred on pilot Isamu Alva Dyson who has been transferred to the planet Eden to work as a test pilot on the YF-19 project. Here he comes up against childhood friend, now bitter rival Guld Goa Bowman; test pilot for the opposing YF-21 project. Tensions rise further when their old friend Myung Fang Lone turns up; she used to be a singer but is now the 'producer' for virtual idol Sharon Apple... at least that is her official role unofficially she provides Sharon's emotions as the system's artificial emotions don't work. As the test flights progress the two pilots' rivalries escalate to dangerous levels.

I've not seen other works in the Macross Universe but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this; in fact if I didn't know it was linked to other works I wouldn't have guessed. The story is relatively simple but very effective. The flying scenes are brilliantly animated with plenty of motion which makes the viewer feel part of the action... the combination of CGI and traditional animation is seamless. The romantic elements serve to explain the characters rivalries without feeling as if it is there just to provoke a rivalry. Initially the Myung/Sharon story seems like a side story that won't go anywhere important but it turns out to be more interesting that I originally expected. The story develops well over the four episodes leading to a spectacular and emotional finale.

These comments are based on watching the OVA in Japanese with English subtitles.

when i first saw this, i was amazed. i expected so much from shinichiro watanabe and got everything i was expecting. this has the classic rival-love story along with kick ass mech fighting. even my dad, who has only seen akira and the cockpit, thought that the yf-21 brain control was a cool idea. the animation is incredible, something you would expect from watanabe. if you liked robotech or any other macross related element, then see this.

This wasn't what I expected; it was not the (literally) earth shattering epic of humans versus bad aliens like the original. This sequal is more of a "gaiden" side-story set with in the same universe. Kind of focuses on some of the "little guys"; test pilots and engineers. But that's not to say that their lives are not as interesting. This is a much more intense, complex, and overall more grown-up story than the original. It's really a solid sci-fi story and would recommend it to anyone. And, one does not have to be familiar with the Macross universe to watch it!

Macross Plus is a sequel to the original movie Macross. It is not a sequel to Macross II. I found the original Macross to be unwatchable, partly for its cloying storyline and partly for its grating sexism. Macross Plus is so far removed from these tacky origins as to be a completely new and stand-alone movie.

There are two versions available for this anime-- the series and the movie. The series ends up approximately an hour and a half longer than the movie, but the editors did a wonderful job cutting, so the movie doesn't feel incomplete. In fact, they moved scenes around to create the complete story and even added a few scenes to change the focus.

The story and characters are more solid than many another film, and the animation is breathtaking-- in fact, my friends now use the term "Macross Sky" to denote any particularly vivid and beautiful sky. Moreover, the music is beyond amazing and ranges from symphonic/classical to atonal chant.

Computer animation is used in this film, and is completely distinct from the hand-drawn animation, but it is used entirely with computer-related scenes (a computer-generated concert and an interface with a plane) and the effect is wholly unified.

Try your best to see a version in Japanese with subtitles as the English music has less power than the original. DVDs are particularly good as you can see the varied versions and compare for yourself.

This is the movie I point to to say to American animators, "It is possible to do a fully adult, beautifully animated movie. Animation is not just for kids. Learn." Someday, maybe, they will.

I have seen both the series and the movie. Quite simply, "Macross Plus" is one of the best animated presentations I've ever seen. I hold it in high regard along with "Princess Mononoke" as some of the finest examples of both Japanese Anime and the art of animation in general. Animation detail and special effects is astounding. The computer animated effects are used extremely well and complement the cell animation in an excellent way. Character designs are unique, yet, recognisable. Music, especially the pop selections, are brilliant. The sound design is beyond reproach. The dub work for both the English and Japanese languages are excellent. The story concept is very well done and feels original. Although I personally prefer the series, the movie is not without merit, as it still boasts a good story of a slightly different version from the series and has additional footage that's not seen in the series. If you have not seen "Macross Plus", watch it now! If you have judged anime only from observations of "Pokemon", you are depriving yourself and making bad judgement about this magnificent artform. One watch of "Macross Plus" and hopefully you'll agree that the best of anime are no "Pokemons". Films like this should be released all over the world for every person to experience! This is Japanese animation at its finest. It's more than worth the money to rent from your video store. It's worth buying for your video library. - Reinhart