Ultimate Review: Macross Plus [Ultimate Edition] Blu-ray Movie & OVA Analysis

Rediscovering the Magic: Macross Plus – Movie + OVA [Ultimate Edition]

2022 marked a significant turning point for fans of the Macross franchise when BIG WEST announced a partnership with distributors to bring this beloved series, post-1987 titles, to North American audiences via home video for the first time. Amongst these releases, Anime Limited secured the crown jewel of the series—Macross Plus. Previously available through Manga Entertainment, this ultimate edition promises to not just satisfy die-hard fans but also act as an invaluable resource for anime scholars.

Exploring the Macross Plus Universe

Macross Plus transports us to the year 2040, on the distant planet Eden where two test pilots, tangled in a fierce rivalry and a shared turbulent past, clash over who will define the future of variable fighters. This saga takes a unique turn with the return of their old friend Myung and the introduction of a virtual idol, Sharon Apple. Tensions escalate as they unravel from obsessions towards a virtual siren’s beguiling yet dangerous song.

Anime Limited’s splendid release bundles everything from the original Macross Plus OVA series, the pivotal Movie Edition, insightful interviews with creators Shōji Kawamori and Ichirō Itano, and cutscenes from the PlayStation game, bringing this iconic anime to life like never before.

Delving Into the Ultimate Edition

Centered around its elegant Laserdisc-style box, this edition stands as a collector’s dream. It features an extensive art book, nine exclusive art cards, and a grand Sharon Apple concert poster. This setup blends the best of premium packaging aesthetics and comprehensive archival content, ensuring any Macross fan would treasure it.

Despite a hefty price tag of $189.99, the Ultimate Edition provides extraordinary value. It’s more than a Blu-ray set— it’s a gateway into the richly detailed universe of Macross Plus.

Unpacking Macross Plus’ Narrative and Cultural Impact

This release shines light on why Macross Plus is celebrated in anime canon. The seamless integration of character-driven storytelling with breathtaking mecha air shows is accompanied by Yoko Kanno’s unforgettable score. Echoes of Cowboy Bebop, birthed from collaborations among Shinichiro Watanabe, Kanno, and Keiko Nobumoto, resonate through Macross Plus, making it a timeless piece well-worth the praise.

The series’ exploration of AI through Sharon Apple’s character adds a layer of depth, reflecting real-world technological anxieties and foreshadowing cultural phenomena like vocaloids and VTubers.

The Blu-ray Experience: A Technological Marvel

This Blu-ray release comes alive with significant audio-visual enhancements, showcasing every artistic nuance with crystal clarity. Masayuki’s character designs and the intricacies of Katsufumi Hariu’s background artistry leap from the screen. Kanno’s soundtrack is rendered in exquisite detail, unfolding melodies that deepen the narrative’s allure.

Grading the Release

Macross Plus: Ultimate Edition commands high grades across categories, solidifying its place as an essential piece for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Minor Woes and Packaging Concerns

While nearly flawless, the Ultimate Edition’s high production standards bring minor setbacks to light. Untranslated dialogues and a sporadically appearing stray pixel during interviews may catch the viewer’s eye. Additionally, the disc storage mechanism could benefit from a user-friendly redesign, sparing collectors from potential damage as they access content.

Packaging logistics also cause concern, especially in the U.S., where Crunchyroll’s distribution lacks protective packaging, jeopardizing the integrity of pristine items due to poor shipping practices. If Anime Limited and BIG WEST aspire to establish lasting trust among fans, addressing these logistics is imperative.

External Market Dynamics

Currently, Macross Plus: Ultimate Edition is an exclusive on Crunchyroll Store within the U.S., making acquisition challenging. However, its imminent availability on streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+ is expected to broaden access to this gem. Meanwhile, French markets already benefit from more accessible releases, offering fans hope for similar distributions globally.

Final Thoughts

Macross Plus: Ultimate Edition is an exemplar of what dedicated anime releases should aspire to be. Whether you are an avid Macross devotee, a newcomer, or an academic diving into animation’s rich history, this masterpiece holds an essential spot. However, if financial constraints limit you, patience may lead to more wallet-friendly options that allow everyone to relish in its epic storytelling and stunning visuals.