Akira [UMD Mini for PSP]

Update: Thursday 21st December 2017This review was originally intended to bring clarification to UK Blu-ray collectors regarding the specifications and content of the 2016 Triple Play CE release of the 1988 Japanese anime film Akira. It has now expanded to cover the April 2017 Standard Edition BD, the score, the Manga (graphic novel/Japanese comic book) as it relates to the film and finally a series of suggested purchases (according to each customer's personal preference or needs) for Standard Definition DVD options. Also there is a brief subtitle comparison. I have carefully indicated the intended group of customers or my intentions throughout the review. This is meant as a basic guide. Each potential customer must make his or her own personal choice(s).Good luck to you all.PRODUCT REVIEW:Over the last 25 years Akira has reached legendary status here in the UK.Personally I prefer the Manga (graphic novel) but it is still a fantastic film that stands up well to repeated viewings.This 2016 Triple Play Collector's Edition set from Manga UK has FINALLY addressed the many shortfalls of all previous UK VHS, DVD & Blu-ray Disc physical media releases. This 'new' BD release also fixes the "Window-boxing" problem customers commented on in relation to the transfer on the 2011 Manga UK Blu-ray Disc releases.Purists should note that no multi-angle option exists to view the original Japanese opening title logo & text or closing credits. These are presented in English only.Since 2001, I have chosen to watch the Japanese language version with the translation used by Pioneer (Geneon) & Madman on their local DVDs not playable in the UK. This 2016 UK BD uses this but also adds on-screen text, signs etc. (as on Funimation's American 2013 Region 1 DVD & A BD releases). This is a real improvement over our UK Dubtitles problem. So, the 2016 UK BD wins points there!In previous Manga Entertainment UK releases the original 1988 Streamline Pictures/Kodansha (Electric Media?) English Dub was either Dual-Mono or 1.0 Dolby Digital with a Full-Frame 1.33:1 version of the film. The 2016 UK BD (not the 2011 DVD) has this with the Widescreen HD version of the film as a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Stereo Surround track.The 2016 UK BD carries forward all content from Funimation's 2013 release. Bringing with it just about everything except Akira: Production Report from the previous Pioneer/Geneon 2001 US DVD. Our 2011 SD DVD includes the Streamline Pictures version of the documentary, narrated by actor Dave Mallow. This gives us everything any self-respecting anime/Akira fan could ever need on this two disc set.Why only four stars you ask? Well, the Digital Copy code included with the pack is for iTunes (redeem by the 31st of October 2021) and the SD DVD isn't even a new one either. This pack contains the 2011 Region 2 PAL UK DVD with new matching disc artwork (Tetsuo). The 2011/2016 SD DVD release did not contain the English Pioneer (Geneon) Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix found on the earlier 2002/3 UK DVDs, opting instead for a standard 2.0 mix; this is pretty much standard for DVDs licensed after Geneon Entertainment USA closed its doors, e.g. the Manga UK Lupin III: The Secret of Mamo DVD from 2008. Coupled with Manga/Animatsu Entertainment's usual lack of accuracy regarding technical specifications on the cover/box - I'd say that justifies losing a star. Not quite perfect. But... really close.When the item arrived my heart sank (figuratively of course) the Manga UK case said DTS-HD Mater Audio 5.1 English presumably in reference to the 2001 Pioneer (Geneon)/Animaze dub and also DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Japanese. I had to open it to find out the truth of it all. It's all good. Dolby TrueHD for all three audio streams.The Collector's Edition -Release Date: 28 November 2016EAN (Barcode Number): 5022366879347ASIN: B01J6D2ENW Akira: The Collectors Edition - Triple Play (incl. Blu-ray, Region 2 PAL DVD & iTunes Digital Copy code in pack) This was later given a cheaper, simpler Standard Edition BD (no fancy packaging or SD DVD; lacks Akira: Production Report) -Release Date: 10 April 2017EAN (Barcode Number): 5022366950749ASIN: B01N19K2ZO AKIRA: Standard Edition + iTunes Digital Copy [Blu-ray] [2017 ]Notes: 1 disc Blu-ray plus iTunes Digital Copy code inside. Redeem by 31/10/2021. Blu-ray Disc is identical to the 2016 version. Manga Entertainment UK still have not corrected the information on the back cover (five months later there is simply no excuse). BD audio is as described in this review - Dolby TrueHD and not DTS-HD Master Audio.Casual readers can stop reading here, thank you.The 2016 Collector's Edition packaging does look beautiful (Katsuhiro Otomo artwork) and is quite sturdy in keeping with recent Manga/Animatsu Entertainment Collector's Edition BDs. After you get past the slip-cover and card outer-box you've got the standard BD case with tray for the DVD copy. The BD cover-art is reversible. Inside are four art-cards, a fold-out poster and the redemption instructions/code for the iTunes Digital Copy.The (UK 2016, Manga 25 Years) Collector's Edition BD starts as follows: -Copyright WarningKodansha LogoManga LogoTop/main menus (four options) - Play Movie, Scene Selection, Setup, ExtrasPop-up menu options from within the main movie - Main Menu, Scene Selection, Setup, X (exit menu & return to the film)Blu-ray Disc video codec/format: MPEG-4 AVCBlu-ray Disc main feature aspect ratio: 16:9 encoded 1.85:1 original theatrical aspect ratioBlu-ray Disc main feature soundtrack(s):English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (2001 Pioneer/Animaze Dub)English Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Stereo (1988 Streamline Pictures/Kodansha English Dub in Dolby Stereo Surround)Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (2009 BD Remix)Blu-ray Disc main feature subtitles: English Full (Japanese Script English Translation plus on-screen text/signs); English on-screen text/signs onlyBD Bonus Features -Akira Sound Clip featurette (19:22) - A look at the creation of the score of Akira with the Geinoh Yamashirogumi and composer Shoji Yamashiro (a.k.a. Tsutomu Ōhashi creator/designer of the 2009 Japanese Hypersonic Audio track). Akira: Sound Clip (1988) has optional US Streamline English Narration by actor Dave Mallow and is divided into seven sections. You are also given a 'Play All' option.Director interview (29:11) circa 1988 given on the completion of Akira (previously released in 1993 for the Pioneer Laser Disc).Storyboard Collection [HD] (30:58)The Writing on the Wall English translation of graffiti [HD] - previously seen as the 'Capsule Viewing Option' on the 2001 Region 1 US DVD release. In short, this includes stills of ALL graffiti rather than just what we need for location/affiliation or story purposes.2 original trailers [HD] (3:11)3 original commercials [HD] (1:22)Restoring Akira featurette (11:01) - A three part look at the 2001 restoration of the picture, updated English dubbing (English Voice Over) and English 5.1 Audio mixing for the release of Akira on Region 1 DVD and in US cinemas from Pioneer (Geneon). Features interviews with actors Wendee Lee (Kei, 2001), Johnny Yong Bosch (Shôtarô Kaneda, 2001) & Joshua Seth (Tetsuo Shima, 2001).Glossary text of definitions for various terms used in the film.Funimation's 2013 US trailer [HD] (0:55)BD Bonus features audio codec/format Dolby TrueHD 2.0 (some Japanese, some English)Note: English subtitles are available for Japanese language Director interview and trailers but oddly not for the version of Akira: Sound Clip (1988) when the English language V/O narration is turned off.The Region 2 2011/2016 PAL SD DVD (720x576)SD DVD Audio options 2011/2016:English Dolby Digital 2.0 (Pioneer/Animaze 2001 dub)Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 (I assume this is still the 1988 Japanese original Dolby Stereo Surround Theatrical mix)Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 (2009 Japanese remix)SD DVD Subtitles: English (not quite Dubtitles but not 100% true to the film either) - a small improvement over the 2002/3 Manga releases.SD DVD Bonus Feature: Akira: Production Report (1988) - Streamline Pictures English V/O Narration version (Dave Mallow, Carl Macek, Svea Macek)Regarding subtitling - Over the years I have purchased many copies of Akira on VHS, DVD or Blu-ray Disc but also have an old recording from a short season of anime films shown on BBC2 in the '90s. There are subtle differences between them.Kaneda in police station (two line reference) sick mother excuse -1991 Island World Communications Video (not yet labelled as being from Manga Video) Collector's Edition Subtitled VHS (very hard to read) with a totally different translation: -Kaneda: "She's feeling much better, thanks."Policeman: "So she took a trip on a bike?"1990's BBC2 TV Broadcast in Japanese with English subtitles: -Kaneda: "She was over the worst last night"Policeman: "Well enough to ride a bike?"1988 Steamline Pictures English Dub: -Kaneda: "Huh? Oh, she's feelin' much better now. [sarcastically] Thank you Officer."Officer: "Quite a recovery, [equally sarcastic] maybe she can pick you up?!!"Pioneer (Geneon)/Animaze 2001 English Dub plus 2002 & 2003 Manga UK DVD Hard of Hearing DUBTITLES: -Kaneda: "Fortunately the worst is over. She cleared the hump"Policeman: "She cleared the hump, huh? What next, a triathlon?"2001 Pioneer (Geneon) Region 1 NTSC DVD, 2001 Madman Region 4 PAL DVD, 2013 Kodansha/Funimation Region 1 NTSC DVD (I don't have Region A Blu-ray Disc playback but my machines can play Region 1 DVDs) & 2013 Kodansha/Funimation/Madman 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Disc AND also the 2016 & 2017 Kodansha/Starz/Manga Blu-ray Disc English Subtitles all read as follows: -Kaneda: "Luckily, she made it through the worst of it last night"Old Man "Pops" Policeman: "And I suppose she's made it over the mountains on a bike by now?"2011/2016 Manga UK PAL SD DVD (half-and-half sort of Dubtitles): -Kaneda: "Fortunately the worst is over. She made it"Policeman: "Is that so? What'll she do next, a triathlon"2011 Manga UK Blu-ray Disc (these subs could/may be based on the Bandai/Honneamise US disc that I don't own): -Kaneda: "Fortunately the worst is over. She cleared the hump"Policeman: "She cleared the hump, and you left her for cruising, huh?"The 2016 UK BD gives us a better chance to understand the intent of the Japanese language even if, like me, you cannot speak it.After 15 years of waiting fans of the original English dub can hear it while watching a decent quality widescreen version of the film. Also 15 years later we get the subtitles the Yanks & Ausies/Kiwis have had on DVD since 2001 but now with additional on-screen text translations (from the 2013 Funimation releases).This is it. Finally. After twenty-five years the UK gets the release it deserves on this particular 2016 (& 2017) Blu-ray Disc. Crank up the volume and immerse yourself in Akira in whole new way!An excellent BD A+, highly recommended.A must purchase item for any true anime fan or collector.Four out of five stars!Enjoy!Creator Katsuhiro Otomo stopped work on his manga (Japanese comic book) while completing work on the film. It does stand well enough on it's own but can also be seen as a cinematic re-imagining of certain elements of what we now know as the first two volumes (and on to volume 3) of the graphic novel. I have always looked upon this as one-third of Otomo's intended story. By manga volume 4 it goes so far beyond the movie that If you do enjoy the 1988 anime film then I highly recommend that you read the manga. It only gets more interesting as it continues. Akira Volume 1 (Akira (del Rey)) That said, I first read Akira in Manga Mania (a magazine published by Manga Entertainment back in the '90s) and did not get around to purchasing the full set of six graphic novels until 2017. The 35th Anniversary Box Set was supposed to be a treat of sorts.The Hard-cover 35th Anniversary Manga box set became available at Amazon UK in November of 2017 (ISBN-13: 978-1632364616; ISBN-10: 1632364611). Presently the price is just shy of 175 pounds. It is in English with sound effects art/text in Otomo's original Japanese format (with translations for each panel at the 'back' of the book). These 'new' volumes feature the original Japanese art (not flipped and re-touched like the paperback versions) in the right-to-left Japanese reading format. A first for an English language release. Akira Club is also included as a bonus seventh book.I cannot recommend this 2017 set to general readers in good conscience.Kodansha USA have produced a hit-and-miss product. I've never been more disappointed by a hard-cover book or set that I obviously intended to read (and not just keep as a collectable item) in my entire life! All I can say is read the varied UK & USA Amazon Customer Reviews to help you make your own choice. Oddly, these are largely accepting of the myriad of flaws or quality control issues?? I don't know why?? A flimsy and easily damaged box (opening the thing may prove to be a two person job), binding issues, warped dust-jackets, wafer-thin colour pages at the 'front' of each volume, glue on the outer covers, etc. Stick with the paperbacks, that'd be my honest advice. Akira: 35th Anniversary Edition [Hard-cover] [Box Set] [Books ]Soundtrack collectors should be aware that Akira is a cinematic oddity. You must be careful what you attempt to buy. In terms of availability and convoluted history it is pretty close to being Japan's answer to the Blade Runner OST by Vangelis. The version fans are looking for would be the album Symphonic Suite AKIRA performed by the Geinō Yamashirogumi and composed by Shoji Yamashiro (a professional pseudonym of Tsutomu Ōhashi).As of September 2017 this is now available via Amazon UK.Note: The 2017 Milan Records Vinyl (and certain High Resolution Digital) releases of the soundtrack use the new modern 2016 [Hypersonic Audio] re-master by Tsutomu Ōhashi. Due to the technical limitations of the format the CD cannot reproduce the Hypersonic Audio effect.EAN (Barcode Number): 3299039985724ASIN: B0745GVXM9 Symphonic Suite AKIRA by the Geinoh Yamashirogumi (Soundtrack) [Audio CD] CD re-issue uses the original 1988 Digital Master; Milan Records (France) European release [2017 ]2017 UK Vinyl ASIN: B0745G31Z32017 Milan Records (France) Vinyl EAN (Barcode Number): 3299039985823 Symphonic Suite: Akira (Original Motion Picture 'Score') by the Geinoh Yamashirogumi - 180g Double Vinyl LP [VINYL ]Now that we've covered pretty-much everything a serious collector could wish to buy (as of 2017) I feel it only right to return briefly to the film. In this section I'll list choices for UK Region 2 Standard Definition DVD collectors who may be interested in purchasing the 1988 anime movie of Akira. They/you should probably consider future-proofing their collection and buy the 2016 Triple Play release IF you don't want or need the 1988 Streamline English dub.Throughout this review I will keep heaping praise upon the 2016 UK Manga Entertainment release but this section is all about choice for Standard Definition DVD collectors.You've got to ask yourself if you really care about the English dubbing?Do you prefer to hear an 80's Ninja Turtle (Cam Clarke) as Kaneda on the '88 English dub or a Power Ranger (Johnny Yong Bosch) as Kaneda on the 2001 version? Do you want a very faithful dub (Pioneer) or something with a bit more life/energy to it (Streamline)?If you find yourself gravitating towards the 'classic' retro style of the 1988 English dub then Akira: The Ultimate Collection, a 2003 double disc DVD pack from Manga Entertainment UK is your only (vastly inferior) Region 2 PAL option.Note: The 2003 Ultimate Collection DVD box says 2.0 Stereo for the older '88 English dub but it is actually encoded as a Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono track (sound is output via the centre/dialogue speaker if played through a Home Cinema system). The Streamline dub is a 4:3 encoded 1.33:1 version likely from the old 1991 VHS source. It doesn't look great!! Akira - The Ultimate Collection [1988] [2003] [DVD] 2 discs, both dubs. WARNING English SDH DUBTITLES for 2001 dub EAN (Barcode Number): 5022366201247ASIN: B00009MGHUAt this point in time, most UK Akira fans should go for the 2016 Triple Play rather than be extremely disappointed with any previous Manga Entertainment releases for this film.Alternatively you can buy the April 2017 standard edition of the Blu-ray Disc together with any previous UK DVD release for the Production Report. But do note that the 2011 SD DVD has the 2001 Animaze (Pioneer/Geneon) English dub and not the fondly remembered Streamline English Dub (hence my previous recommendation to SD DVD only customers). Customers whose players can handle DVD & BD should really buy the DVD as well if you love the film for the inclusion of the Production Report. At the time of writing this doing so would save any potential customers a wee bit of money. Akira [DVD] [PAL] [Region 2] [2011 ] AKIRA & Digital Copy - Standard Edition [Blu-ray] [2017 ]Region 2 only SD DVD collectors (without access to a Multi-region DVD player) need to be made aware of the fact that unfortunately, absolutely no good local Region 2 UK SD DVD release actually exists at this time.Should you wish to watch the film in Japanese with English subtitles they are all really dodgy on DVD. Your choices are limited to English SDH Dubtitles (2002/3 DVDs) or slightly stilted (in places), poorly flowing translations (2011/2016 DVD). The 2011 subtitles on DVD were neither one thing nor the other. They did not serve as Dubtitles or a useful easy to read fresh translation of the Japanese script. They just sit awkwardly somewhere in-between those things.Of course since the 2002/3 UK DVD English SDH subtitles follow the script for ‘new’ 2001 Pioneer English dub some customers may be able to live with this. It is close enough to the Japanese but still doesn’t get my support. Ask yourself how often you will watch the film in Japanese? If you aren’t particularly bothered by all of this then you may wish to revisit my earlier Region 2 recommendation of the Standard Definition DVD 2003 Ultimate Edition DVD box set. This had the most SD DVD content by including both English dubs.This in turn brings us back to the 2016 Collector’s Edition for consideration. The 2016/17 Blu-ray Disc is the only UK option for those who really wish to watch the film in Japanese with English subtitles. SD DVD collectors would then at least own a disc just in case they upgrade to the Blu-ray format in the future. Plus not everyone cares about or even likes the ‘classic’ 1988 Streamline Pictures English dub not present on the 2011/2016 DVD anyway (Blu-ray Disc only).I have not purchased the stand-alone 2011 UK DVD since it was contained within the DVD/BD Combo-Packs released in 2011 (Steelbook) & 2016 (Collector’s Edition) respectively. I do own it but never choose to play it.At that point the main question becomes one of languages. Are you likely to watch an English version or the Japanese, remembering than all current UK Region 2 DVDs are of no real value for this. Hence the future-proofing argument I’ve been making throughout this review.You'll get no personal recommendations from me, more like problem solving suggestions.I haven't willingly chosen to watch a Region 2 Akira DVD since I bought the Australian Region 4 (not coded for the UK) release from 2001; it used the Pioneer subtitles as seen on the American DVD released in the same year.Earlier in this review I chose to compare subtitles from various versions of Akira that I currently possess. The BBC broadcast script is pretty good but is unavailable on any form of physical media release we as potential customers can buy. Otherwise the Pioneer (Geneon) translation has always served me well. This has never been used on a Standard Definition DVD disc of Akira released here in the UK by Manga Entertainment.Manga Entertainment UK never quite managed to get it right. This is still true of their local Region 2 DVD edition of the film today (2017). No decent DVD subtitles for us here in Britain! Shameful.I’ve given Region 2 DVD buyers much to consider and I hope this has been of assistance to you.This final section is aimed at Standard Definition DVD collectors without a Blu-ray player but who do have a Multi-Region machine (Regions 1-8, worldwide disc playback from any SD DVD Region).Due to amazon placing limits on the number of product links I can place in this review I have chosen not to do so for my Multi-Region recommendations.The ASIN or barcode number can be copied and pasted as required to locate the specific items you seek.As of 12 April 2017, I own 18 copies of Akira on physical media - VHS, DVD or Blu-ray Disc.Prior to 2013 I would have recommended the 2001 Madman Entertainment Region 4 PAL SD DVD for including both dubs (APN: 9322225007086; ASIN: B000CCKRF4). It should be noted this was licenced through Manga so used the same old Dual-Mono audio we had on VHS.As of 2013 what I actually suggest to Akira fans with equipment capable of playing Region 1 SD DVD discs, but who want the best content, is to buy three different editions from the United States. They represent the absolute best that Standard Definition DVD can offer in terms of audio, subtitles and bonus features. Two Pioneer/Geneon editions (2001 Dolby & 2002 DTS) plus one from Funimation (2013 with both dubs).1.) Funimation 2013 25th Anniversary Edition, Region 1 (locked) Double DVD setRelease Date: 12 November 2013UPC (Barcode Number): 704400094194ASIN: B00ENNBZ68Notes: This includes Standard Definition versions of the content from the US 2013 BD. Akira Production Report (1988) is not included and some stills galleries are not carried forward from previous Pioneer/Geneon US releases. The main feature disc DOES include the 1988 Streamline Pictures English dub in Dolby Stereo (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Surround) as well as the 2001 Animaze (Pioneer/Geneon) dub in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround & the Japanese language version in a 2009 Dolby Digital 5.1 remix. Subtitles are from the 2001 translation with signs/graffiti (as on the 2016/2017 UK Blu-ray Disc release).Also released as a three disc Region A (locked) and two Region 1 (locked) DVD/BD Combo-Pack (UPC: 704400094187; ASIN: B00ENNA62W). I bought this because at the time it was cheaper. At the time of writing this review there are only pennies in it, so it makes no difference! Please keep in mind that these discs are not Region Coded for standard UK players.2.) Pioneer/Geneon 2001 Double DVD Special Edition, Region 1 (locked)Release Date: 24 July 2001UPC (Barcode Number): 013023156890ASIN: B00005MAM2Notes: This is a THX Certified DVD release. Does not include the original 1988 Streamline Pictures English dub. Does have the 2001 Animaze dub. Features 'new' 2001 English subtitle script from Pioneer's translations to accompany the original 1988 2.0 Dolby Stereo Japanese language track. Capsule viewing option in-movie braching to stills of signs/graffiti translations (later used for the 2013 The Writing on the Wall feature). Bonus disc features all extras. Akira: Production Report is presented in the original Japanese language with English subtitles (no English audio option is given). Extensive stills/publicity/storyboard galleries. Also released in a Limited Edition tin box (UPC: 013023153790; ASIN: B00005BJPO). Not Coded for standard UK players - a Multi-Region player is required.3.) Akira Japanese DTS 5.1 Version, Region 1 (locked)Release Date: 03 December 2002UPC (Barcode Number): 013023172692ASIN: B00006LPEYNotes: Sound remixed by Shoji Yamashiro (Tsutomu Ōhashi). This is the best SD DVD DTS 5.1 surround mix I have ever heard. A truly wonderful experience in which to immerse one’s self for two hours! A+ This DVD features the same Pioneer 2001 Dolby Digital 5.1 English dub with the 'new' cast. 2001 Pioneer English subtitles for the Japanese language script. Highly recommended. This DTS release contains no bonus features at all. Not Coded for the UK - a Multi-Region player is required.Happy hunting!

It may surprise you to know that as a long-time fan of anime, I've never actually seen 'Akira' before - until recently. However, I did know OF it. From what I heard about the movie it was set in the future after the events of a Third World War, with motorcycle chase scenes, a secret government and whatever. At the time, it didn't really sound like something I'd be interested in, since I'm not into the whole scientific action-thriller genre. I'm also not a big fan of the animation style 'Akira' uses - the one that's reminiscent of 'Dragonball'. However, I'd only heard good things about this movie from the people who recommended it to me - including one of my college teachers at one point. Some even went so far as to call it the greatest anime movie ever created. Considering the success of companies like Studio Ghibli, my curiosity was seriously peaked over how good 'Akira' really was. So I purchased the DVD on Amazon and took a look at it. And I have to say...oh god. Where do I begin? I can understand why other people think this is a quintessential anime movie. But they clearly know something more than me. Because I honestly don't know what to say about it!The story is set in the city of Neo-Tokyo (2019), where there's quite literally madness around every corner. The streets are filled with biker gangs, rioters, terrorists factions, anti-government protesters and so on. Even the schools are heavily trashed and graffitied, with teachers physically abusing their students to enforce discipline. The government isn't able to control any of the chaos - even with the aid of police and the army - and they just end up fighting amongst themselves.As you can tell, Neo-Tokyo is a bleak and violent place following the Third World War. Most of the time it feels like this is what the story is about. The movie's plot doesn't specifically focus on one person as the hero. Instead, it focuses on several different characters, experiencing the world around them from different perspectives. There's Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, who just tries to look out for his friends and ward off enemy bikers; Tetsuo, a member of Kaneda's gang who's tired of being weak and always needing to be rescued; Kay, who's part of a small terrorist group trying to find out government secrets; and Colonel Shikishima, who knows about the Akira threat and oversees scientific experiments that can hopefully prevent it.Now some of you maybe wondering why I'm not going into details about the story itself and how the characters interact with each other. Well, that's the thing, if I tried describing the plot to you, I'd probably never get to the end of this review. I literally have no idea how to describe the plot. The most I can say is that it contains: high levels of violence (some of it gory); three psychic children, who look like they're 80-years-old; a boy who's given telekinetic, God-like powers; a hidden entity called Akira, which is apparently a parasite that caused World War 3. And that's it.Honestly, I have never been more confused about what a movie is trying to tell me. The story is fast-paced from beginning to end, never allowing us any time to understand things depth. Even the extra feature on the DVD ('Production Report') doesn't enlighten me. It's like the movie is trying to tell too many stories and morals at once, which just makes it harder to feel for the characters. There really should've been more backstory given.So with everything bad I've had to say about 'Akira' so far, is there anything I actually like about it? Well...yes. The story might be all over the place, but at least it 'looks' good.Considering this was made back in 1988, what they did with the animation is just revolutionary. At times, different things stand out from the screen in a way that makes it look almost 3-Dimensional. Also, the use of colour is very creative and really empathises on some of the darker tones of the movie. Some highlights for me include the motorcycle chase scenes, the big transformations and when the characters are hallucinating - they all make for some great visuals.However, as I said, I'm not a big fan of the animation style that's used. At times it does look a bit clunky, especially around the mouths; I know they used a special technique where the animation was created afterwards to fit the pre-recorded dialogue, but it doesn't seem to work with the English Dub. Plus, there are moments when the film would use flashes of light, which I think could cause harm to people who suffer from strobe lighting effects. Also the music sounds off sometimes and there are often moments of silence where dialogue or sound probably should've been used.Nonetheless, the movie is visually stunning. It's almost like watching an animated version of 'The Matrix' - and keep in mind, this was released 10 years before that movie. For me, 'Akira' is more about what you see, than what you're told. It really makes sense to me that this was based off a Japanese graphic novel series.In conclusion, I'm really on the fence about whether I like this movie or not. On the one hand, I do like how it looks. But I prefer to judge something based on its story, not its animation. Since the story here is confusing and nothing is ever explained properly, I feel that 'Akira' is a little too complex for my taste. But that's not to say it's bad. Like I said, I do understand why people love it so much. It even has its own cult following and there's rumours about a live-action adaption in the future. I will admit the visuals do make 'Akira' a landmark in animation, but the story just doesn't interest me to the point where I'd want to watch it again soon.I would recommend this movie to any fans of dystopian, cyberpunk, science-fiction or action-thrillers genres, since this movie is right up that alley. Also, if you're a fan of anime and you're curious about this movie, feel free to go check it out. Chances are you'll like it a lot more than I did. Just be prepared to see and hear some crazy things.