Enduring. After the DVD release, as fresh as ever.

Rating: 9/10 (1 October 2002)

I saw Akira when I was 12. I thought it was very cool. I have watched it pretty much once a year after that, understanding more and more each time (it was quite ambitious at 12 to try and 'get' something that I only just understand at 23!). And now finally I get it (maybe).
When the new DVD double pack was announced I was as happy as a pig in s**t!! I wasn't disappointed. My favourite part of the new pack is the new dub. Most of my mates (and my girlfriend) have got the concentration span of a gnat and subsequently cant watch subs. The new dub is a significant improvement over the old one, making it easier to follow and removing some annoying voices.
The film itself is a tribute to great writing. I love akira and always have. And watching it over the years I have appreciated it on many different levels. The visuals are marvellous and the soundtrack is exquisite. The visual revamp take years off it and it looks as fresh as ever.
I sometimes wonder where it could all lead. What would have happened if Hollywood had dramatised it (After the success of LOTR, Sony may reconsider) or if (and this is my personal wish), a studio could animate a serial of otomos original mangas. That would probably be just about the best thing ever. After all, the story is obviously fleshed out and the character of akira is to good to be just a bit part energy being.
Come on! You know you want to! Akira: The Series! Akira: The Movie!