Amazon.com: Originally released in 1984, the second Urusei Yatsura feature offers characters created by Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma 1/2) and a screenplay and direction by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell). As the perpetually lecherous Ataru and his friends prepare for a carnival at Tomobiki High School, they gradually realize the days are literally repeating themselves. Any effort to break the pattern dumps them back where they started. They later discover their town has been reduced to a circle of land a few miles across, poised on the back of a gigantic sea turtle--a reference to "Urushima Taro," a Japanese Rip Van Winkle story. Takahashi and Oshii weave elements from other Japanese folk tales into their science fiction adventure. Although she's described as an alien princess, Lum has many of the attributes of an oni (demon), including horns, the ability to fly, and a tiger-skin costume (although hers is a bikini). The character designs reflect an interesting moment in animation history, when the influence of Western TV shows was giving way to the familiar anime style. Lum has large eyes and long viridian green tresses, but Ataru and his pals sport more Caucasian-looking hair and features. Unfortunately, the good-natured story runs out of steam after about an hour, and the film falters to a conclusion in an annoying series of false endings. Unrated; suitable for ages 12 and up: minor nudity, profanity, and cartoon violence. --Charles Solomon
A Beautiful Anime: A World Of Reality and Fantasy! I am a late comer to anime. Yes, I own a few, which are some of the better known anime. One in particular that I was really impressed with was this anime, "Urusei Yatsura" aka: "Beautiful Dreamer" Amazing that an anime as old as this one [1984 release] has been able to hold up to time so well too. I first saw this anime back in 1990, but did not purchase it until 2004. There have been some very good reviews of this film, and it is deserving of its high praise. I have seen many anime films, some I like, some are okay, while others, such as this film are a real treat and worth adding to ones collection. As I stated in the beginning, I am relatively new to anime. I have seen several, but not a lot. This one belongs in your collection whether or not you are a fan of anime. It's really that good!
Moreover, this is one anime that I would have loved to have seen on the big screen in a good theatre. I saw the film in a cheesy dive that did not have the best of sound equipment or subtitles. [Many of the subtitles were difficult to read]. I understand that this film is the second of part of a six film collection. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the others in the series. However, this one is great even if there were no others in the series. I will have to seek out the others some time. I found the anime to be very funny and entertaining, yet also very philosophical too. I do not wish to rehash what had already been said by many reviewers, and more importantly, I do not wish to spoil this film for those who have not had the chance to view it yet. However, the films story centers on reality and dreams. What is real? And more importantly; What is love? The film starts off with the changing of the world, where events seem to repeat themselves: And eventually result with disappearing people, streets and the changing of reality itself. But what is reality?
I have to admit, that when I first saw the film I did not understand some of the film; with both reality and fantasy blurred, and I had to view it again to catch some of the films meaning. Therefore, it was a real treat to finally purchase this film a few years ago. [repeated viewings are necessary]. And I never tire of the repeat reviewing. Also, one more thing, the musical score in the film is great. It seems to go with the film. Also, do not let the age of the film deter you from purchasing [or renting the film] as the animation is just terrific. I highly recommend this film to all viewers. It is well worth purchasing, and if you are not sure, then at least rent the film. You will not be disapointed. I know I was not when I first saw the film, and when I eventually purchased it. Highly recommended!
amazing My friend first saw this film back in '98 when Sci-Fi channel aired it on their "Saturday Anime" programing block; for two weeks he could not stop yammering on about it. Four years later he picked up this DVD and called me over to watch it. I had seen some of the TV series before, but Movie 2 amazed me. It captures all the slapstick elements of the show, but they flow with in the context of a deep plot where the same day repeats over and over, much like the film Groundhog Day. As clues begin to surface that might shed some light on the strange occurances, people begin to disappear.
This film is probably the most popular title in the UY universe and for good reason. With the exception of a few characters, a viewer can jump in totally ignorant to the prior portions of the series. Also, it has a nice balance to the light hearted antics of the TV show, but combines that beautifully with the deeper existentialist trappings of the plot. The ending is satisfying, although the home stretch does drag some. All in all its a great buy for some one who has had some experience with anime, but its not a good starting point for the uninitiated.
This DVD is the only title not put out by Animiego, but it was translated for CPM by the same team, so the continuity and translation is exicelent. This also makes it the only one that is dubbed. its only in fullscreen which might bother some people.
sorry for non-japanese speaker fans. When I watched this movie in 1984. I stayed in the cinema for more than ten hours straight to watch the same movie three or four times that day. (In Japan, once you paid admission you could stay in the cinema until you were physically out of the cinema.) 21.5 years and a few movies later, I have never seen any movie that gives me more goosedumps that this movie. And many animation fans over 30 years old and a few greatest animation creators in Japan agree with me, including original Gundams' creator.
Urusei Yatsura was popular even when it was on the comics, so when it was recreated as TV series in the early 80s, it had got experienced voice actors (dubbers?). And without their unique voices, expressions, dialogs, and strange dialects you are experiencing this movie only by 50%. I watched the english version and I was impressed the work of translation, however unless you know the language, it's difficult to enjoy every aspect of it.
Simply the best It's hard to describe the effect that first seeing this movie had on me the first time I saw it five years ago, but it's something that's sucks with me at the very least.
This was the first bit of UY I ever saw, and I quickly become addicted to the series because of it. The animation is wonderful, the characters are all nifty, and the mysteries that abound in the story are all intriguing. I sometimes find mindself just randomly whistling the music from this movie as it's so...so simply wonderful.
Still Riding the Turtle's Back....................... I'm not a huge anime fan, but there was some great imagery here. Scenes linger in your mind, touching on some great memory you know you had but can't remember. You will begin to care abou the characters, and yearn to be part of their "perfect world." Dealing with how to cope with a natural (or unnatural, in this case) calamity is what makes this a survivalist's story: the ability to live and have fun doing it. Whoever made this needs to be acredited with making a modern masterpiece, because the experiance of watching Beautiful Dreamer is inspiring and intense. If you close your eyes you can almost see the broken ruin of Tomobiki high. I could see myself under the big sun above Tomobiki, listening to funky 80's japanese pop while taking in a beefbowl with a smile on my face, waving to Lum and Ataru as they tear up the lake in their Kawasakis.
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