Birth (anime)

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Birth
バース
(Bāsu)
Genre Fantasy, Science fiction, Comedy
Original video animation
Directed by Shinya Sadamitsu
Produced by Satohiro Nagao
Music by Joe Hisaishi
Studio Idol
Kaname Production
Licensed by Canada United States Streamline Pictures
United Kingdom ADV Films
Released September 5, 1984
Runtime 80 minutes

Birth (バース Bāsu), also known in the West as Planet Busters or The World of the Talisman, is a 1984 anime original video animation (OVA), which was released on VHS and DVD in North America by, variously, Streamline and ADV Films. The Japanese DVD was released by video game publisher Atlus on March 25, 2005.[1]

It is based on a far futuristic planet where four mercenaries try to find the ultimate weapon which can either save humanity or destroy it. Against mechas and strange races, together they sweep the vast planet to reach their goal.

Aqualoid was a prosperous planet, but an attack from a mysterious life force, the Inorganics, transforms it into a post-apocalyptic shell of its former self. When Nam finds a mysterious sword, he is suddenly the object of a planet-wide chase. With the Inorganics closing in, will Nam and his friends discover the secret of the sword and save their world? Or will they destroy Aqualoid in favor of a new Birth?

Production

Yoshinori Kanada acted as one of the OVA's key animators.[2] Another noteworthy animator on Birth was a young Hideaki Anno, who would go on to direct Neon Genesis Evangelion.

English dubs

Two English dubs of Birth exist. The first was licensed in 1987 by Harmony Gold and released by Streamline Pictures in North America and the United Kingdom under the title The World of the Talisman.[2][3] According to New Straits Times, it briefly aired in Malaysia in late 1987.[4] The OVA was later retitled yet again to Planet Busters.[2][3][5] Harmony Gold's version changes some of the character names, tones down some of the more surreal Japanese humour to appeal to a younger audience, and contains more American-style dialogue, alternate music composed by Randy Miller and additional voice-overs.[6][7] The second dub by ADV Films, released on DVD on July 13, 2004, is much more faithful to the original Japanese version.[8]

Characters

In order of appearance - ADV(2004) / Streamline(1992,1987) / Japanese (1984)

  • Grandma/Mother - Mary Agen Cox / Lisa Michaels / Reiko Suzuki
  • Grandpa/Father - Garry Peters / __ / Joji Yanami
  • Inorganic Biker Kid/Kooni - Jeffrey Mills / __ / Masahiro Anzai
  • Monster Octopus - Robert S. Fisher / __ / Miki Takahashi
  • Giant Inorganic - Vinnie Moxpar / __ / Yoko Kogayu
  • Monga's Tribe - Bigjyl, Jim Damm, Robert S. Fisher, Samantha Inoue-Harte, Wil Ragan, Jessica Simon, Ben Turrabiarte, Racel Vasquez, Dominic Vitucci, Kenny Weigel

References

  1. ↑ "BIRTH DVD" (in Japanese). Atlus. Archived from the original on August 18, 2006. Retrieved 2011-06-18. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 McCarthy, Helen (2009). 500 Essential Anime Movies: The Ultimate Guide. New York: Collins Design. p. 28. ISBN 978-0-06-147450-7. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 McCarthy, Helen (July 1997). The Anime! Movie Guide. The Overlook Press. p. 44. ISBN 978-0-87951-781-6. 
  4. ↑ Shahibulah, M. (December 20, 1987). "Today's Viewing". New Straits Times (New Straits Times Press). p. 15. 
  5. ↑ Jenkins, Ralph (2001). "Old Skool Anime: Windaria & Birth". Mania.com. Retrieved 2011-06-18. 
  6. ↑ Lent, John A. (August 1, 2001). Animation in Asia and the Pacific. Indiana University Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-253-34035-1. 
  7. ↑ Clements, Jonathan; McCarthy, Helen (2006). The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917 (Revised and Expanded edition). ISBN 1-933330-10-4. 
  8. ↑ Beveridge, Chris (August 7, 2004). "Birth". Mania.com. Retrieved 2011-06-18. 

External links

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