Blue Submarine No. 6

  Written by Satoru Ozawa during the 1960's. Directed by Masahiro Maeda, Blue Submarine No. 6 is one of the most unique animes I have ever seen. Blue Submarine No. 6 is a story about a Japanese submarine launched to protect and resolve disputes over the nation's seas. A new world power seeks to bring harm upon neighboring countries and the agency known as "Blue" has vowed to stop this tyranny and injustice to protect the innocent.

B.S.N.6 is outstanding when it comes to anime cels. Not only does it feature the best in animation cels it incorporates CG technology. The transition from 2D to 3D is remarkable and unlike anything I've seen in awhile. The only other movie I can compare to this, is an American release "Titan A.E.". Every CGI is carefully textured so that at parts of the movie, the astounding graphics seem real.

If anything were to drag in this anime it would be the overall plot. The sad thing is, most people aren't interested in watching a long movie about a crew in a submarine. There is enough action and twisting scenes to keep you interested, but one can definitely tell the original story was written nearly forty years ago. Don't let this minor set back change your feelings on the anime though. Without a doubt B.S.N.6 is an anime you won't want to miss. Just watching the CGI clips is good enough to watch the whole movie. Though I have only watched the first few parts of the anime, I am confident that it is worth buying. The quality of the art is unique, but like most animes of this type the scenario is dark and overhanging. Special effects with water and explosions are crisp and clear adding an amazing realistic feeling to battles. Movements are equally good, however I do think the anime lacks at some portions.

   Character development is a little rocky. Though B.S.N.6 is over two hours, I still feel like so much character is left out. Hayami, the main character is your typical "I don't care what happens I'll count on myself" character. He starts out living in a dump after retiring from being an elite submarine fighter (if you've seen "End of Days" you'll know what type of a dump I'm talking about). Mayumi searches for Hayami and of course finds he doesn't want to fight for "Blue". After nearly being killed, surprisingly, Hayami comes to their rescue as the hero (that doesn't care). That is basically how things get started, but it is one of those animes where the viewer can predict the main character's every choice before s/he makes it. I really dislike that type of writing style it takes the fun out of watching a movie. Regardless of the character development B.S.N.6 is still worth the money.

    In conclusion, before I end this small review I have been told that the Sub is way better than the dub. I don't understand how there could be this much a difference because the dub is excellent! However, if you have the option of viewing Blue Submarine No. 6 in sub format, I suggest you try it over the dub!