Many older fans will still rave over Bubblegum Crisis, and have no problem buying a re-release as video technology improves. When the audio fidelity is amped up too, maybe one day a simulated concert experience is possible! Also, the 90s was an anime Renaissance which helped show to western audiences that this genre is unique. With the release of Bubblegum Crisis: The Complete Collection, I can say I got everything from my VHS and laser disc days gathered onto two compact discs. And there’s a 50-page booklet containing interviews and staff memories too! Although this is mostly text, I’m fine with that because I own the art books.
I started wanting the latter because of AnimEigo’s covers. They are a testament to how diverse my collection is and I got the latter album cover signed by Kenichi Sonada when he attended Emerald City Comic Con close to a decade ago! Although I missed getting the crowdfunded version of this latest release which had a special art book, I’m sure I could track down the Japanese version. But after meeting Sonada-san and asking for something complete different from others (to have him draw me anime style), it’s tough to top that!
Owners of previous editions can easily upgrade with MediaOCD’s online coupon. It’s worth the effort because of the new material offered. Not only are there the three music video compilations, but also there’s a brand new interview. The only shame in the menu design is no “play all” option is available.
While these releases are VHS quality, I’m sure re-editing them from the remastered would be quite the task. I’m glad no AI technology is used to clean these sub-collections up. The distributors present the releases in two categories: as-is and remastered. Ultimately, what’s presented is more about watching everything with much better sound mixes!
On the MediaOCD Bubblegum Crisis Reissues
After giving the series a full go from Crisis to Crash, my love for this series never went away. Although I got the former prior to release to review, Crash was missing, and I had to wait for my next paycheck to get the latter. Despite a lacklustre finale to the Knight Sabers to have every episode all is more important! But even more importantly, a truly complete collection should include A.D. Police Files, which takes place in the same continuity. Everything else made after (Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040) is its own universe.
Even though the latter series is a mixed bag, I still enjoyed it. The legal problems behind the scenes did not allow the creators to give the finale this series so deserved and that’s a shame. Now, as for the live-action adaptation, I’ve said enough an editorial I wrote years ago.
On the Music Collections:
These OVA sized compilations are not in high definition and that’s fine. The master tapes were the source for their digitization. In what’s important is that back in the video bootleg days, getting the live-action Holiday in Bali special was hard!
If I have to name my top five, this list is also offered on Otaku no Culture’s Bubblegum Crisis hit list on YouTube:
Discover more from Otaku no Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
