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File 2
-- by Eugene Cheng
Don't be fooled by the title; BURN-UP W is not a direct sequel to its
predecessor, simply titled "BURN-UP". The plots are similar, but
the characters are all different in this newest incarnation. It's an OVA
with an attitude.
BURN-UP W
is a basic "cops and robbers" type story with a cyberpunk twist.
File 2 deals with the kidnapping of a virtual idol named Maria. The police department's
special forces unit known as the Warrior Team is assigned to the case and
must rescue the idol while maintaining
their already thinly-stretched budget. Some team members may be forced to
sell their underwear to make ends meet!
One thing
is for sure, the writers don't pull any punches when it comes to
poking fun at anime. There are several in-jokes that the observant anime
fan may find. While the 'virtual idol' a la Sharon Apple may not quite be
intended as humorous, the giant mecha a la NEON GENESIS EVANGELION
certainly is. The resident genius scientist creates a giant robot to be
used against the evil Drug Cartel. But this robot looks suspiciously like
something out of Gainax's EVANGELION, from it's purple color down to
it's warped face. And it takes 29 minutes and 30 seconds for this mecha to
take aim and fire! The robot's name is El Heggunte, which is the Japanese
corruption of the Spanish "El Gigante" ("the Giant").
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This is
definitely an OVA which takes many liberties and is very
light-hearted in nature. It is also definitely very episodic, and there do
not seem to be any plans for a long term story, but it is still a very good
sign. A.D.Vision apparently has had some hand in the production of this
series, which bodes well for Anime's future in America. CPM has M.D.GEIST,
Manga Entertainment has GHOST IN THE SHELL, Pioneer released TENCHI IN
LOVE, and ADV has BURN-UP W. These are titles that are produced with the
American market in mind. So long as this continues, anime will be available
for some time to come.
T&A fans rejoice! This title has all the bounce of a Gainax title, and all
the zing of an A.D.Vision release. Fans have come to expect a certain
amount of the sex-factor from Texas-based A.D.Vision, and animation-wise,
viewers will not be disappointed with BURN-UP W. As a parody, however, it
doesn't live up to its potential. Many of the jokes may be lost on those
who aren't in-the-know. But understanding all the in-jokes is not a
pre-requisite for enjoying the video, so don't be afraid to give this video
a try.
BURN-UP W
FILE 2: SEARCH FOR THE VIRTUAL IDOL
A.D.VISION
35 MINUTES, SUBTITLED
Contains Violence and Nudity
Parental Guidance Suggested
Copyright 1995 AIC/MRC by the Courtesy of A.D.Vision |

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