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Holiday Issue
[Anime Reviews]




Burn-Up W: File 2
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").
  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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