AKIRA 4k Ultra-HD Standard Edition [Blu-ray]

Best DVD box set

I am admittedly not a fan of anime and find a lot of it to be quite cringe worthy. However, there is something about Akira that I have always found fascinating. When I saw the bluray disc was sitting at £4.99, I decided to jump on it. Not only to refresh my memory but to show my kids that anime can be something other than mindless dumb cartoons like Attack on Titan (Yeah, I went there!).For those who don't know, Akira is an animated film from 1988. The story takes place in a dystopian 2019 in Neo Tokyo, a city built out of the ruins of Tokyo. A city decimated in the '80s after a huge blast engulfed the a vast majority of the area. We follow a group of teenagers from the violent streets through secret military bases and even into an Olympic stadium as they try to uncover and foil a government plot. A plot that involves creating telekinetic humans and one's inability to control their power. The film was written by Izo Hashimoto and director Katsuhiro Otomo. The production was handled by Ryohei Suzuki and Shunzo Kato.As a film, I found my latest viewing (the first in many years) to be utterly fascinating. It's the first time I have seen the movie since the VHS days and seeing it on bluray was just incredible. The illustrations and animation in the film is second to none. It's virtually impossible to deny the artists involved because the detail in the huge cityscapes, underground lairs and throughout all the action sequences is absolutely incredible. The use of cyberpunk styles was very tastefully done. I loved the use of neon and bright colours, it really makes the film image pop.The story isn't necessarily difficult to follow. It does start off a bit disjointed and a bit hard to differentiate certain characters. But after a good half hour, you sink into the excellent atmosphere of the film and that becomes less of an issue. I loved the fact that the script kept some of the plot points very vague. It doesn't outright explain to you what is going on, something that puts me off a lot of modern films. This means that they drip feed you a piece of plot every now and again, but it's up to you to piece it all together. They don't even explain the end with any great detail and I loved that. This major climax happens and it leaves you just sitting there thinking, "What in God's name did I just witness?" It's sort of similar to the space classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey in some regards. You see a particularly stunning and impressive set piece, but you're not entirely sure what it is going on. This might put off a lot of people who like their plot explained to them but it's works well for me.The music in the Akira is something that really stood out to me. It wasn't the usual over dramatic stuff we usually hear in this kind of film. Instead we had some form of chants and rhythmic beats that set quite an unsettling tone to the film. It's definitely one of the most underappreciated scores in film if you ask me. Every scene that used music, used it sparingly. But the music they used fit the scene perfectly. Looking it up on the internet, the music was composed and conducted by Shoji Yamashiro and was performed by the Geinoh Yamashirogumi collective. The style of music in the film is apparently a mix of traditional Indonesian gamelan music and elements of Japanese Noh music. I'm not familiar with these styles of music and that's probably what made it for me. It was different, it was unique and you don't hear that sort of thing in these sci-fi films. I loved it.I would assume that because I don't really like much in the way of modern anime, that my opinion on this film won't mean much to some. But for those out there who are like me and are quite the hit or miss with the style, I recommend checking this out. It's not only a gorgeous looking film, but the music is beautiful and the plot is quite unique. This by definition is a classic film and it's worth every penny. I wish I had bought it sooner.

As with manga, I was worried that maybe I wouldn't enjoy this anymore after so many years, but Akira looks as amazing as back then. Animation quality beats most of modern shows, it's just so detailed and expressive. You'll hardly see any still scenes in Akira, and certainly not any where characters freeze only to move their lips while talking. If you know, you know. Everything in the movie is just top quality, including the hand painted backgrounds that are basically pieces of art. I highly recommend rewatching Akira just to focus on those, you'll be surprised with amount of detail.I do see people complain about the plot, but personally I don't have a problem with it. You can't squeeze entire manga into just one movie, so of course there will be a lot missing from the story but it doesn't make it worse or incomplete, just different. I do recommend reading manga at some point though, it is made of awesome.As for collector's edition of Akira, it comes in a sturdy case with acrylic slip. Inside there's a set of four gorgeous postcards with Otomo's art, a folded poster and an extra disc with bonus features. Small touches that make it worth the extra money.

Excellent transfer, kept that slight grain from the early prints.Absolutely fantastic revisiting a child hood movie.

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: B01J6D2ENWAkira: 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: B01N19K2ZOAKIRA: 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: B0745GVXM9Symphonic 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): 3299039985823Symphonic 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 dubEAN (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!

I feel as if computer animation has taken the soul out of anime movies. This is why Akira is so good. It represents the pinnacle of what a hand drawn anime project can be. The effort and detail that was put into this movie will never be surpassed in entertainment. There will never be another movie that can match the vibe of Akira. It's perfection. I got the 4k/Bluray combo on Prime Day for a huge discount and I couldn't be happier. When I show my friends how good it is it makes them jealous!

Goated. With all the digitally made anime now a days, the art looks dated because its all hand drawn. This Anime was a head of its time in 1988. I was seeing Anime in the 2000s that wasn't as good. The sound track is worth listening to without the movie. A lot of thought and love went into every aspect of this goated anime. Blessings for Katsuhiro Otomo!!

Die Blu-ray-Ausgabe von Akira bietet eine herausragende Bild- und Tonqualität, die den legendären Anime-Klassiker in voller Pracht zur Geltung bringt. Die Detailgenauigkeit und Farben sind beeindruckend, und der Soundtrack wird klar und dynamisch wiedergegeben. Die Verpackung ist hochwertig und beinhaltet oft nützliches Bonusmaterial. Für Fans des Films und des Genres ist diese Blu-ray-Ausgabe ein absolutes Muss und bietet einen hervorragenden Mehrwert.

Språket är på engelska och japanska. Fodralet blev förstörd så fort jag öppnade den.

100%.