Following on the heels of the release of the original PATLABOR OVAs, US Manga Corps continues the story of PATLABOR with "The New Files." This is the second set of OVAs that chronicles the story of both the people and the mecha of the SV2.
It's New Year's Eve, and everyone in Tokyo is preparing for the biggest holiday in Japan (New Year's Day). The SV2 watches the SV1 test out their new labors, the "Peacemakers." Meanwhile, Schaft is planning the return of the sinister Griffon, the ultra-sleek black mecha. When it first appears, it decimates the SV1's new labors and the SV2 realizes that they won't have much of a new year if they don't stop it.
The Griffon saga is wrapped up by the end of this tape (kudos to USMC for putting 4 episodes on the tape!) And, while it does take four episodes to get to the inevitable showdown between the Griffon and the SV2, there is not a wasted moment or irrelevant scene. These four episodes brilliantly show how the SV2 functions as an integrated team to get the job done. Even loudmouthed, overeager Ohta is ready to do whatever it takes to help defeat their enemy. In many mecha shows, the focus on the characters is often secondary or neglected altogether, but PATLABOR skillfully integrates interpersonal relationships and conflicts with "The Big Mecha Fight." The action scenes are also beautifully directed, and as the fight drew to a close I found myself cheering whenever one of the SV2 landed a hit on the Griffon.
These OVAs are more serious in tone than some of the previous ones, especially as time starts to run out. There is still the characteristic light humor that PATLABOR aficionados have come to expect, but overall these episodes are more serious than comic.
Of course, one of the reasons PATLABOR works so well is the many talents behind it. Takada Akemi (best known for her KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD work) did the character designs. Kawaii Kenji (VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU) composed the music. In addition, the voice actors are all first-rate, including Futamata "Godai-kun" Issei as Shinshi, Tominanga Miina as Noa, and one of my personal favorites, Sakakibara Yoshiko as Shinobu.
The animation, too, is high-quality, although not as high quality as that of the feature films. Still, the movements are fluid and especially the battle scenes flow very smoothly. And the mecha designs are wonderful; the Griffon still is one of my all-time favorite mecha.
On the US side, the translation is competent and the dialog flows nicely. And it seems that USMC is learning how to make attractive packaging for its products. USMC seems to be putting a lot of faith (and investing a lot of money) into PATLABOR.
This is a great series of OVAs, and PATLABOR fans will be pleased with this recent set of releases. A word of caution, though. THE NEW FILES is the continuation of an ongoing story and may be confusing for those who have never seen PATLABOR before. So before you rent or buy THE NEW FILES, you should watch the original PATLABOR OVAs.

U.S. MANGA CORPS / 100 MIN
CONTAINS EPISODES 1-4
1. GRIFFON RESURRECTED
2. SCHAFT'S COUNTERATTACK
3. THE GREATEST SHOWDOWN IN HISTORY
4. GAME OVER
$29.95 / SUBTITLED
CATALOG #: USM 1539

AVAILABLE: 5 JANUARY 1997