I just watched Space Pirate Captain Harlock (2013)

[Gundamhead]

It's been so long since I watched the original, I barely remember it. But this one was, confusing, but pretty. I dunno. Kinda odd. I just get a little tired of anime characters swapping sides at the drop of a hat. Anyway, this one kinda skimps on Harlock. But it is pretty in a video game sort of way and worth a look. Anybody else see it yet?

[greg]

No, I've been meaning to rent it sometime. I haven't rented any movies in a very long time, actually. I think I may do so this weekend, however. I never even renewed my Tsutaya rental card since it expired in May.

[Sentionaut]

Popped up on Netflix, so I gave it a gander. Highly enjoyable, in a popcorn-flick sort of way. The visuals were pretty impressive, and there certainly was a lot of attention paid to detail as far as backgrounds and character motion was concerned. Definitely better than the last few Appleseed and Tank Police films. I do agree that Harlock sort of took a back seat to the plot, then again some of the older series felt that way too. Regardless, it was a fun little diversion for an hour and some change.

[davemerrill]

I know some serious Harlock fans who disliked it, but I thought the film was enjoyable, in a big, pompous, dopey, prog-rock space-opera kind of way. There are terrific scenes of gigantic ultra-scientific space weapons zapping the heck out of things, and it delivers in terms of larger-than-life SF action. The CG characters still look like weird, reanimated corpses, though.

It's not the Harlock you remember from 1978 or 1982 or whatever, but those Harlocks never matched each other either, so relax.

[greg]

It's not the Harlock you remember from 1978 or 1982 or whatever, but those Harlocks never matched each other either, so relax.

Ha! That's a good way of putting it. I may stop by the local Tsutaya to check this one out tonight.

[usamimi]

I've been meaning to watch it since it popped up on Netflix! I've heard lots of varying opinions, so I definitely want to check it out for myself.

[Char Aznable]

I'm looking forward to seeing it, I'm a fan of this CGI style. Though it's strange that the dubbed version, as of now, is only available on Netflix. I was hoping for a 3D Bluray release with the dub.

[greg]

Last night I rented the Harlock movie from Tsutaya and watched it this afternoon. I can watch movies like When Marnie Was There in Japanese with no problem, but I'm really no good with understanding SF stuff without subtitles. The DVD has Japanese subs only. I didn't understand much of what's going on, but it looks cool, at least. The movie centers around Daiba, which I thought was cool. I've had a friend who watched it explain some things to me.

[labsenpai]

I call this movie's CG style "Metal Gear Harlock"; everybody is stabby chin chic and not affected by gee-forces.
The story seemed to start in the middle, making the film feel like a sequel (or final OAV) where the newest actors finish their involvement.
Way better than the 3rd APPLESEED film

[Char Aznable]

I was going to hold out and wait for the blu-ray, if it ever gets a U.S. release, but I couldn't wait. I gave the dubbed version a watch on Netflix tonight. I was extremely surprised--one of the best sci-fi films I've seen in years. I loved the animation style, the characters and soundtrack. Would have been thrilled to see this on the big screen. A shame this didn't get an American theatrical release...I've become so disenchanted with many of the cookie-cutter Hollywood blockbusters lately.

As far as films using CG animation, I think Harlock rates at the top. I've seen the latest Resident Evil and Starship Troopers CG films and something always looks "off" to me. Usually the machinery, tech, guns, look great -- but the character designs are hit or miss. I think the CG movie based on the Final Fantasy VII game was one of the better looking ones, but wow, I felt Harlock blew it out of the water.