Regular Price $29.98

Starring: Area 88 TV, 
Directed By:
Rated: Unrated
Release Date: 2005
Studio: Adv Films
Format: Animated,  Color,  Dolby,  DVD-Video,  Subtitled,  NTSC, 

Editorial Reviews and DVD Information about Area 88, Vol. 2: A Lonely Crossing of Paths

Description
Only the Strong Survive In every life there comes a moment when skill is pushed to the limit, when the only thing that stands in the path of death is the strength of the spirit and the shear will to survive. Out numbered and overpowered, Shin is forced to ditch his plane and parachute into the barren, unforgiving desert where he is haunted by memories of his past as he struggles to survive. Back on base a new pilot is turning heads, and she… yes, she… has the skill of an ace and the beauty to match. But Shin is oblivious to her obvious advances as he impatiently waits for his new plane to arrive. Amid thoughts of the life, and love, he left behind, Shin is confronted with the face of the friend who took it all away, and in the last place he would expect it, in the cockpit of the 747 barreling toward him through the clouds. Truly innovative animation and heart-pounding suspense transport you to a world where every breath could be your last. At area 88, there’s no such thing as a normal day.

Amazon.com
As the airborne drama Area 88 continues, the filmmakers begin to develop the main characters more fully. Ace fighter pilot Shin Kazama, who has "eyes like a wounded wolf," is shot down in battle and parachutes into a sandstorm. Wandering through the desert, he recalls how his friend Kanzaki had him shanghaied into the mercenary corps. Shin rarely communicates beyond flashing a thumbs-up sign, so flashbacks are the only way to learn anything about him. Photographer Makoto Shinjou remains at the base, taking pictures of Shin. They're joined by Kitri Parvaneh, a daredevil female pilot who asks such improbable questions as, "Do all Asian men have such mysterious eyes?" Kaoru Shintani's original manga was written decades ago, and his cold war-era story of a taciturn hero battling an unnamed foe feels dated. (Rated TV PG, suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews for Area 88, Vol. 2: A Lonely Crossing of Paths

Disappointing, yet very entertaining
So I've been a big fan of Area 88 ever since the original anime came out in the 80's. It had a gripping plotline, superb character development, and great combat scenes. Too bad they made only one of the three volumes into a DVD.

I was extremely elated at the news that ADV films was going to remake Area 88. After I watched the entire series, I must admit that I was a little disappointed, but found it still very entertaining to watch, and that's the reason why I still give it a 4.

There were a couple of things about the new series that I did not like. First of all, the original series was rated MA, meaning it was meant for the mature viewers. The blood, violence, nudity, and language all added to the dark, desperate tone of the original series. However, with the new Area 88 series, the rating was a TVPG. Not even a TV PG-13. Wow, this change took a lot out from what I believe the original creator had intended. I felt like it was a watered-down version of the original series.

Secondly, the new series had new characters and left out some of the old characters from the original series. I actually liked the new characters a lot. They added a lot to the plot and discreetly revealed some key elements about the main character, Shin Kazama. However, the mere fact that some of the original characters were taken out infuriated me. They had contributed so much in terms of character development and unfolding of some of the mysteries in the story.

Having said that, I do not want to judge this series in comparison to the original series. Instead, I rate it on its own at 4.

I still recommend watching this anime. It's a great series.
Area 88, Vol. 2: A Lonely Crossing of Paths