Parasite Dolls
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DVD Cover Information
Artist: Artist Not ProvidedBrand: ADV Films
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language); Japanese (Original Language)
Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 95 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-10-19
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Adv Films
Movie Reviews of Parasite Dolls
Movie Review: Boomer's Gone Wild
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the coolest anime series ever created was "Bubblegum Crisis", which depicted a society that was dependent on androids a.k.a. "boomers".
Created by the Genom Corporation, these boomers look and function like humans with jobs as waitresses, construction workers, policeman and many other type of jobs that also extends to the dark underground of city life such as prostitution.
We know through anime series such as "Bubblegum Crisis" and "AD Police" that more and more boomers have gone out of control and some have gone on killing rampages. So, a special military-like police division called the AD Police was created to stop these renegade boomers.
We also know that the Genom Corporation, the creator of the boomers, may be responsible for creating these renegade boomers.
"Parasite Dolls" is a fantastic anime series which is a side story that takes place in that "Bubblegum Crisis" universe and focuses on "The Branch", a small (and secretive) division within the AD Police that is more or less an investigative division. which operates with no rules.
The anime focuses on Branch member Buzz, the lead detective who worked for the AD Police but through unfortunate circumstances, lost his wife due to a boomer attack. With his feelings towards boomers, he accidentally killed a young girl who he thought was a boomer and since then, has never used firearms.
Other team members include Reiko Michaelson, the tomboyish/gun crazy member who has an interest in Buzz. Kimball, the partner of Buzz who happens to be a boomer. Myers, the computer hacker and other supporting characters like their mysterious division chief, Takahashi and Eliza "Angel" Lynch who helps the team out with important information.
As for the storyline, originally released in Japan as three OAV's, the series has been spliced together as a feature film and has been entered at several film festivals.
The first storyline arc focuses on "Day One", which is more or less an introductory episode to the characters and showing the beginning of renegade boomers.
The second arc takes place a year later in which the team are trying to go after a renegade boomer that is killing prostitute boomers. This arc introduces the viewer to a notion that perhaps there are boomers out there that have emotions.
The third and final arc takes place five years later and is where "Parasite Dolls" truly shines. With beautiful animation and storyline that sets up an explosive finale. A finale that I best not explain but just recommend for you to see. It's that impressive!
One thing that really stood out is how unique and different this anime series was compared to the other BGC/ADP storylines.
Although the previous series had the longevity for character development, "Parasite Dolls" shines on its own because although you learn little of the characters, the storyline shows a side towards the boomers that the other series really hasn't focused on.
How people in society feel towards boomers. From hatred, to understanding and perhaps even love.
It was quite a sight to see how perceptions change with certain characters and how they are all faced wondering if boomers are just androids? Are they just tools for society? Are they more than that?
As for the DVD, I watched it in Japanese dialogue and switched from time-to-time on certain scenes to see how the English dubbed dialogue was. I was definitely please by both dialogue and the voice acting is well done.
As for the audio, there was use with the surround sound and for certain scenes, the sound effects were very good with sound coming from different speaker positions.
As for the video, the all, the video transfer from OAV to feature film looks great! Especially when you get to the third arc of the series.
As for special features, there is a music video for the theme song "Get on the Beat". Also, an exclusive promo shown at anime fair 2002, the original Japanese video promo and production sketches. Included are the character profiles, previews. Also, a mini poster is included in the DVD case.
All in all, there is not much to dislike about "Paraside Dolls".
Anime purists may be disappointed that the DVD is presented not as three OAV episodes but were spliced (only one opening/ending theme) to create one movie and it is understandable if they are wanting a non-modified version of the series.
Personally, I actually liked it as a film version.
This anime is a definite must watch for fans of the Bubblegum Crisis/AD Police series. With a solid storyline and great animation, "Parasite Dolls" is definitely one of the best anime titles I have seen all year.
Summary of Parasite Dolls
PARASITE DOLLSParasite Dolls is set in the future world of the popular Bubblegum Crisis continuity, but the Knight Sabers aren?t involved. Buzz Nikvest, an officer in the undercover Branch division of the AD Police, links the stories in this three-part OVA. In each episode, android robots or Boomers are the victims of violent crimes. In "Faint Voice," cyber-voyeurs tap into the perceptions of destructive robots; the mysterious "Crusher" targets Boomer prostitutes in "Dreams"; and a deranged politician conducts a clandestine war against all Boomers in "Roundtable." Parasite Dolls is closer in tone to Mamoru Ishii's feature Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence than the original Bubblegum Crisis, and some viewers may find the graphic violence off-putting. But director Naoyuki Yoshinaga presents these noir tales of dystopia with skill and visual imagination. (Rated 17 and older: violence, violence against women, nudity, sexual situations, grotesque imagery, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
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