Macross Plus

11 reviews - 53.5 total score (Explanation of the rating system)
avg. score: (4.9)

11. Global Frequency

After all these years, every aspect of Macross Plus still amazes me. It's as close to perfect as anime can get. Far from the 100-plus-episode Macross epics we've been watching since the 1980s, Macross Plus is a four-episode side-story of sorts detailing the complex relationship between hothead test pilot Isamu Dyson, his onetime friend Guld Bowman and their mutual love interest, Myung, who comes back into their lives while producing a concert by virtual pop idol Sharon Apple. Sharon, meanwhile, is developing a mind of her own thanks to the machinations of Myung's shady associate Marj.

Though highly stylized in every way, Macross Plus is real, hard-hitting and very mature. The movie version chops out a good deal of the story, but tacks on a considerably more satisfying ending and a far more spectacular climax. The movie also lends a bit more depth to the character of Guld, who comes across as something of a sleazy stalker in the OVA. Watching the series and the movie back to back is a pleasure. You won't find better anime than this.

10. Iodine

Though part of the vast Macross universe, this short OAV is a neatly self-contained story that doesn't rely at all on it progenitor series. With lush graphics and a Yoko Kanno score, the closest relative to Macross Plus would be the infamous Cowboy Bebop, with which it shares a director. The story centers on the reunion of three old friends. As hotshot Isamu and level-headed Guld vie for the affections of the lovely Myung, they must also come to terms with unpleasant events in their past, and deal with some bizarre incidents involving a certain familiar electronic pop-diva. There's no room for adolescent theatrics here, as the story takes a very candid, sophisticated approach to its decidedly adult characters and their relationships. Of course, there are the usual sci-fi staples; soaring rocketships, machines who grow hearts, and run-amok security systems to threaten our heroes at every turn. This time around, though, they play second fiddle to the bigger story.

The animation is top-of-the-line, fluid, bright, and colorful. The few instances of computer graphics are subtle and blend in well. The character designs are standard stuff, but the settings are real works of art. It's not often you find any sci-fi landscape that actually looks like people might want to live there, despite all the futuristic gadgetry. The music, particularly Sharon Apple's songs, are Yoko Kanno at her best. Down-to-earth dialogue and the realism of the romance help to make this OAV one of the most impressive sci-fi ventures in recent years, and a good jump-start to the classic franchise.

9. Hybrid

As I am a big Macross junkie, I just had to see this sequel to the Macross TV series. Macross Plus just screams quality, as Shoji Kawamori did the mecha designs; also it saw the debut of Yoko Kanno doing the music to this OVA with the members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and also Shinichiro Watanabe Co-directed this show with Shoji Kawamori. Right from the get go you are treated to high quality scifi-action show, as everything that you see and hear just grabs your attention. Weather you are a Macross fan or not, this is an OVA that demands to be seen.

8. XxSwtDreamerxX

Where should I start? I'll keep the review short and simple because I'd go on and on about it. What a great movie! It's one of my favorites. I've seen both, the edited and non edited versions and they are both wonderful to watch. Great music, great animation, great story, I recommend it to everyone to watch.

7. Prep_Styles

It is interesting to note that Macross Plus was originally planned and scripted as a movie before it was an OVA series (not the opposite as is more commonly believed). At the request of their producers, director/creator Shoji Kawamori and scriptwriter Keiko Nobumoto reworked the story to fit within the episodic nature of a multi-part OVA. This movie edition features roughly 20 minutes of new animation that is meant to clarify relationships between main characters, as well as lengthen popular scenes such as those featuring Sharon Apple.

I'm a little torn on this review as I prefer the OVA release for some reasons and the movie for others. Unfortunately with the editing/adding/removing of scenes from the original episodes we lose some things in the movie; 1 the sequence of events is simply too forced to be as effective, 2 supporting characters don't get the attention they deserve, and 3 the removal of the song "Voices" from the opening sequence is simply unforgivable. On the other hand one can't help but appreciate the added clarity to the conflict involving the main characters, and the never before seen visually stunning sequences of this movie release. Suffice it to say that both titles are excellent for different reasons.

Personally I'm of the opinion that some Macross Plus is better then none, however if you have to choose only one release watch the OVA, as it does a slightly better job of telling this story. Or better yet watch both.

6. Rae'ven

Wow. I've seen both versions of Macross Plus, and both are good on their own; however if they would combine a few things, it would have been better. This anime is a great mixture of drama and action, and you never get tired of it. The music of this series is absolutely rivetting and it adds to the flavour of the anime. Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne) does it again!

The character designs, the plane designs, everything about this anime is just incredible. You are instantly drawn into the whole triangle between Isamu, Guld, and Myung and as the story progresses, you learn more and more about the characters and what makes them act the way they do. Not to mention, you learn the truth behind Sharon Apple. The action scenes are very believable and smooth, which pushes this higher up on my list of good anime. If you see only one Macross series, I would suggest this one. There is a good mix of eye and ear candy to make it well worth it. ^_^

5. AgtFox

A self-contained Macross story and movie. The action and plot are top notch, as is the music and songs. "Voices" still echoes in my mind. The characters are well thought out and going between the present and past with the three main characters is very interesting. The testing of the two new experimental fighters by the two former friends is exciting as they battle for which fighter will be the next version that will be flown by everyone. The other main story is very good as well that centers around the musician Sharon Apple and the people around her. The graphics and sound are top notch on this DVD. This is a must own for anyone who likes the Macross and/or Robotech universe.

4. weasl

I'm not a big fan of Macross, but for some reason Macross Plus drew me in. The story is great, and the characters have a more "real" feel to them. As with the rest of the Macross series music plays a big part, and thankfully the masterful Yoko Kanno (Escaflowne, Bebop) did a superb soundtrack for this one. The music couples nicely with the dramatic action, and makes for a great show. A must see for sci-fi fans and a show that I recommend even to people that aren't normally anime fans.

3. bremmi

Music plays a vital role in most of the Macross series, which is one of the reasons I'm such a fan. In Macross Plus, however, you throw in one of the world's finest composers, Yoko Kanno, and get something extraordinary. With the help of a bit of some computer graphics, Macross Plus is also easily the best looking of the Macross sagas. But besides the eye (and ear) candy, Macross Plus has a great storyline that really draws you into it. Myung is one of the sexier anime characters I know of, and Isamu and Guld are great as opposing forces. If you're going to see ONE Macross series, this is the one it should be.

2. Tempy

Macross Plus is a great mixture of drama and action. The main characters start out a bit annoying but as the show progresses you understand more and more about what makes them tick. Everything from the designs and animation to the music by Yoko Kanno is absolute classy. Did I mention it has fantastic action sequences? A must see.

1. cron

The staple of anime. It's a true classic movie with a classic tired story. Two old high school rivals fight on a project of the construction of the next generation fighter for the Ministry of Defense. Besides the art work (wow mecha design was very well done) the music is top notch. Again... thank you so much for this magnificent work for the ears and mind, Yoko Kanno. As mentioned before the story is a pretty much run of the mill love triangle but it still is entertaining but it's my only fault with the series. Sit back... enjoy the ride.. it's an OVA series to watch.