Average customer rating:
- Patlabor-Lost
- Fantastic
- The Start of Something Good...
- One of the best TV shows of the 90's.
- Ryushi2000
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Patlabor - The Mobile Police The TV Series (Vol.1)
Starring:
Mîna Tominaga ,
Toshio Furukawa ,
Michihiro Ikemizu ,
Yô Inoue , and
Issei Futamata
Director:
Naoyuki Yoshinaga
Manufacturer: Us Manga Corps Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
 Manga
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Central Park Media
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Patlabor
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General
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ASIN: B00005LP3Z
Release Date: 2002-08-06 |
Amazon.com
In the not-too-distant future, heavy construction work is performed by giant robots called "Labors"; the robots also get involved in accidents and crimes, so the Tokyo police force needs "Patlabors" (an elision of "Patrol Labors") to keep them in check. Masami Yuuki's Mobile Police Patlabor began as a serial in the Shounen Sunday Comics and was adapted to a seven-part OVA in 1988. The subsequent 47-episode broadcast series proved so popular, additional OVAs and two features followed. The television program has a more upbeat tone than moody features, and despite a slower pace, it retains the freshness and good humor that won it so many fans. Although the heroine of the show is perky Noa Izumi, a young officer determined to succeed as a robot pilot, the stories focus on the interactions of the crew of oddballs who make up Special Vehicles Division 2. Noa's partners include the thoughtful Asuma Shinohara, no-nonsense New York police officer Clancy Kanuka, bigmouth Isao Ota, and understated Captain Goto. This ensemble playing suggests a sci-fi version of Hill Street Blues. Unlike their counterparts in other mecha series, the Patlabor pilots are not always seen as heroic. Captain Goto observes that the robots "have been called everything from jokes to money pits to piles of useless waste," but when a military experiment runs amok or a mutant monster gets loose in a forest, Division 2 is there to save the day. Unrated; suitable for ages 8 and up; robot versus robot violence. This collection contains the first five episodes: 1. "Ingram Animated," 2. "Kanuka Appears," 3. "Speed Vehicles Department 2," 4. "Goto Demon Mountain!" 5. "Labor X-10, Out of Control!" --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
Patlabor-Lost.......2003-11-23
This is a series with an extremely good plot fair animations,and good sound. It is the perfect example of a good series that never caught on in the states.
It centers around a police force that uses robots or mobile suits (for you gundam folk)to upholod the law. The plot revolves around the funding of the station relations and of course the fights between villians.
Fantastic.......2001-10-12
It's difficult to say exactly why I rate this so high. I highly recommend Patlabor to anyone who likes giant robot movies, but even more so I recommend it to those who don't, those who think that all giant robot movies have to be the same. It's not true here. The labors take a back seat to the characters really giving them time to develop and grow on you. I can hardly wait for volume 2. Well worth it.
The Start of Something Good..........2001-08-20
If you have had a chance to see the Patlabor theatrical features, you should definitely check out the series in order to better understand what the fuss is all about. Patlabor didn't get the recognition it deserved in North American over other worthy series, because it was not very well promoted and badly represented as a "mecha-action" show. This couldn't be further from the truth of what this program had to offer. The movies, while technically brilliant, were more about the ideas and less about what made the show so popluar overseas, namely storytelling and character development. Shows such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Dominion, even Love Hina can trace many of their thematic and character development roots back to this wonderful show where mecha takes a back seat to the world which Headgear (the creative group responsible for the show) creates. In a sense, it's real success was in part due to the believability which they lent to the whole giant robot genre by popluating it with regular people who happen to use large machines in everyday life. The basic premise is at the end of the 20th century, newer more efficient construction methods needed to be developed, and robots were employed to fulfill this role. As a result, the number of crimes committed using these robots, or "labors", resulted in the need to create a special detatchment of the police force to deal with labor related crime. This is the premise in which we are introduced to Tokyo's newest section of the Special Vehicles Department and their crew: a crazy mix of personalities. Once you watch the show, there is bound to be at least one character you recognize from your own life, or maybe even yourself. From the regular folks who inhabit the Patlabor environment, to the cops, the construction workers, the media and their pets, everything is included and as the show comes to a close, it forms a wonderful symmetry which is rare on television. The show is the perfect set-up for the more political and philosophical approach of the movies which has been criticized for being boring; but try the series, and you won't be dissapointed. As far as I'm concerned, Patlabor was the last show that had anything interesting to offer with giant robots, and was the final word in the genre.
One of the best TV shows of the 90's........2001-08-08
If you have had a chance to see the Patlabor theatrical features, you should definitely check out the series in order to better understand what the fuss is all about. Patlabor didn't get the recognition it deserved in North American over other worthy series, because it was not very well promoted and badly represented as a "mecha-action" show. This couldn't be further from the truth of what this program had to offer. The movies, while technically brilliant, were more about the ideas and less about what made the show so popluar overseas, namely storytelling and character development. Shows such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Dominion, even Love Hina can trace many of their thematic and character development roots back to this wonderful show where mecha takes a back seat to the world which Headgear (the creative group responsible for the show) creates. In a sense, it's real success was in part due to the believability which they lent to the whole giant robot genre by popluating it with regular people who happen to use large machines in everyday life. The basic premise is at the end of the 20th century, newer more efficient construction methods needed to be developed, and robots were employed to fulfill this role. As a result, the number of crimes committed using these robots, or "labors", resulted in the need to create a special detatchment of the police force to deal with labor related crime. This is the premise in which we are introduced to Tokyo's newest section of the Special Vehicles Department and their crew: a crazy mix of personalities. Once you watch the show, there is bound to be at least one character you recognize from your own life, or maybe even yourself. From the regular folks who inhabit the Patlabor environment, to the cops, the construction workers, the media and their pets, everything is included and as the show comes to a close, it forms a wonderful symmetry which is rare on television. The show is the perfect set-up for the more political and philosophical approach of the movies which has been criticized for being boring; but try the series, and you won't be dissapointed. As far as I'm concerned, Patlabor was the last show that had anything interesting to offer with giant robots, and was the final word in the genre.
Ryushi2000.......2001-07-20
From Manga comes the TV series version of Patlabor:Mobile Police. This series shows the life of Noa Izumi, who is the main character, as well as one heck of a labor pilot in the year 1999. In this world, all the mechs are called "labors"(weird isn't it?) and these are used in many everyday roles such as construction vehicles, military weapons, and they are even in the police to stop "labor" crimes in cities. The first volume in the series is an introduction for the characters, and the funny introduction of Noa with her future labor, the Ingram. All in all, Patlabor is full of funny antics by the different characters, and is packed with enough action to make any anime fan proud. I also like it in the fact that you don't have to be a hardcore anime fan to understand the story. After just the first episode you'll get a very good idea of what is going on in the world of Patlabor.
Amazon.com
Masami Yuuki's serial manga Mobile Police Patlabor was set in a not-too-distant future when heavy physical work is performed by giant robots called Labors. As the robots also get involved in accidents and crimes, the Tokyo police force needs Patlabors ("Patrol Labors" elided) to handle them. The 47-episode broadcast series (actually the follow-up to a 7-part OVA) retains its freshness and good humor. Determined to succeed as a robot pilot, perky Noa Izumi joins the crew of oddballs who make up Special Vehicles Division 2: thoughtful Asuma Shinohara, no-nonsense New York Police officer Clancy Kanuka, loud-mouth Isao Ota, and understated Captain Goto. Less heroic than Gundam pilots but more serious than the Dai-Guard crew, these misfits interact in ways that suggest a comic version of Hill Street Blues.
Their assignments range from rescuing a government minister and saving an ancient tree to thwarting terrorists and guarding a winter carnival. Captain Goto observes dryly that the robots "have been called everything from jokes to money pits to piles of useless waste." But when a military experiment runs amok or a mutant monster gets loose in a forest, Division 2 is there to save the day--even if others get the credit for their work. The 18 episodes in this collection offer the combination of mecha adventure and ensemble comedy that have made Patlabor such a popular franchise. (Rated 3 and older, but more appropriate for ages 8 and older; minor violence, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
Description
The adventure begins! In the not-too-distant future, girl-next-door Noa Izumi begins her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime! Boxed set contains the first four volumes of this groundbreaking series.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful.......2005-10-19
I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed this anime. I've been trying to open myself up to watching anime that haven't been created recently and Patlabor was one of the older series I decided to watch. I did not expect the animation to be as solid and appealing as it turned out to be. I think it was the opening sequence that really sold me on the character designs. None of the designs are over the top, so you get a sense of a down to earth type of storyline. The opening and closing songs are catchy enough and actually quite enjoyable once you get used to them. If you are expecting flashy looking mecha designs and some kind of deep meaningful storyline you're going to be disappointed. Patlabor's main focus is on the character development and how the different personalities bounce off each other. Patlabor is what Dai-Guard tried to be but failed miserably. If you don't need philosophical ramblings, elaborate mecha battles and colorful character designs to feel entertained you will enjoy this show.
Good 1980's anime that stands the test of time.......2005-03-12
The Patlabor series, produced in the late 1980's, is a series about a division of the police force in what was then the future (the late 1990's - early 2000's) that used large mechs/robots (called "labors") to deal with crime involving other mechs. The division, however, is filled with all sorts of oddball characters. The main character is a very cheerful, very willful young policewoman named Noa who loves her mech. The other characters include an overzealous, gun-happy yet somewhat incompetent career policeman; a placid but overly tall policeman who grows tomatoes; a mild, hen-pecked husband who occassionally reveals an explosive temper; an incredibly serious, hard-driven policewoman; and a laid-back yet cunning and mysterious captain.
The series is generally comedy mixed with some mech battles and other action scenes. The first three episodes introduce all of the principle characters; subsequent episodes place the characters in various situations, including playing host to dignitaries, saving a whale, saving people from burning buildings, and investigating monster stories. Many of the episodes focus on humorous personal stories, such as an arraigned marriage or a team trip to go drink sake, that are sometimes more entertaining than the mech battles themselves. Other stories, however, can become more serious; for example, episodes 10 and 11 focus on a mysterious military mech called "Phantom" that black-market arms dealers decide to test in Tokyo.
Since the series is relatively old by anime standards, the animation is not as smooth or as stylized as many newer series. Nonetheless, the animation is still reasonably good. A few of the details in some of the storylines are out-of-date; for example, one story discusses a defector from the now-defunct Soviet Union, and another story refers to mechs made in "West Germany". Despite this, the anime series is still very entertaining.
The subtitled version of this series is fine. The dubbed version, however, sounds awful; the English-speaking voice actors are poorly matched to their characters, and some of the background music is altered.
So, in conclusion, this is a great series even for casual fans of Japanese animation. Everyone will find this series funny. However, people who watch anime dubbed rather than subtitled should not watch this version of the series!
Excellent content, but so-so DVD transfer.......2003-10-11
Patlabor is certainly one of the best series of its time. You'll find some great characters here, along with memorable episodes of both drama and comedy. Don't go into this expecting a lot of giant robot battles and explosions, though. Patlabor has a few of those, but this series is mostly about the people, not the robots. If you like character-driven anime, this is the series for you.
The first few episodes of this DVD set aren't quite the best Patlabor has to offer, but the series finds its feet very quickly, so much so that this set has some of the best of the 47 episode run of this series. The two-part plot of "Eve's Trap" and "Eve's Shudder" will please action fans, and "Ota's Afternoon of Puzzlement", "You Win!", and "Captain Goto is the Target" are some of the funniest episodes of Patlabor. The rest of the episodes on the disc are also great.
The DVD transfer is just about average, though. There aren't many obvious video or audio errors, but the menus are a bit lacking, and the extras are weak. The subtitles are also slightly off. They miss almost all of the onscreen text, making a few scenes hard to understand if you can't read Japanese. Unfortunately, this DVD version is also saddled with a terrible English dub. As if overacting and cheesy delivery weren't enough, most of the actors can't seem to properly pronounce the characters' names. A real shame, especially considering the sterling quality of the original Japanese voice acting. Be sure to watch this one with subtitles!
All in all, I give this DVD set 5 stars for content, and three for presentation. It's too bad that Central Park Media didn't spend more time on the production for these DVDs... but this set is still the best way by far to see this classic series, so don't hesitate to buy.
One of the very first series I followed while in Japan.......2003-03-06
I was a senior in high school when Patlabr debuted in 1989, and I really enjoyed it! So havng the boxed set for sale brings backs some great memories. The "Midnight Blue" edning theme song in particular rocks.
I don't bother tyring with the english versin on the dvds--why should I? But rest assured, you'd want to see Ohta and Shinshi go off on their infamous tantrums and episodes of madness--watch for those shiny glasses and scary voice! It's like meeting some old friends again, and soon the new patlabor movie will be ot on dvd as well.
Description
Scientists have invented a new giant robot suit, and Noa's mecha Alphonse is looking a little obsolete in comparison. Can Noa bear to leave him behind? How can she prove that Alphonse is still the best police robot (and friend) that a girl could ever have? By taking on terroriest and a prehistoric sea monster!
Customer Reviews:
Buyer Beware .......2005-11-13
First if you like Patlabor as I do and you enjoyed the first eight chapters and I did, then like me you will enjoy this and the later chapter as well. Then why the buyer beware? Simple, this series ends with DVD volume 11. Try finding volume 11 listed anywhere on sale by itself. Those of us that bought each DVD as it was released are now left hanging. You either buy the entire set of 9 - 11 or you do not get volume 11. I recommend this DVD to any of you who enjoyed the earlier chapters, but buy the set not the individual volumes as I have. I will continue to wait and see if I can finally find volume 11 by itself and satisfy myself watching those episodes on AZNTV.
Description
The adventure begins! In the not-too-distant future, girl-next-door Noa Izumi begins her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime! Boxed set contains the first four volumes of this groundbreaking series.
Customer Reviews:
The Meat of the Patlabor TV series.......2006-04-12
This is the continuation of the Patlabor TV series. The show left off with our heroes in Division 2 participating in a series of stand-alone episodes, and these volumes continue that at first, with a plot against Captain Goto's life, a pop singer joining Division 2 for a few days, and the team having to descend into subterranian passageways to defuse a terrorist bomb.
Then the Phantom from Episodes 10 & 11 returns at just the moment in time that Asuma and Noa's working relationship begins to go south. This short two-part story provides more depth to the understated relationship between Asuma and Noa, and also intensifies the mystery surounding the Phantom and Schaft.
After another short interlude with a wonderful character story involving yakuza who take an interest in labors (and Noa), Kanuka's tenure with Division 2 ends. But before she can depart, her hapless teammates attempt to throw her a surprise good-bye party and end up reading her private journal detailing her opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of the other members in Division 2. Even at the airport, Kanuka's departure cannot go smoothly, as a pitiful excuse for a terrorist attempts to hijack the airplane before it has even left the tarmac.
Once Kanuka has left the country, Goto must deal with the matter of replacing her; who could possibly keep Ota in check? Mild-mannered Shinshi is thrown to the wolves -- I mean, given the job, with which he struggles. And these trials could not come at a more difficult time for him, as civilian businesses are attempting to lure him away from public service.
Eventually, however, a new member is added to Division 2, Takeo Kumagami. Though just as calm and level-headed as Shinshi, she has all of Kanuka's competence without the hair-trigger temper or competitive edge, and she manages to keep firmer control of Ota's wild rages than Kanuka could. This leads to a few episodes which help establish her character, but then the action picks up again.
The last third of these episodes deals with a new threat to Division 2: Schaft's new Griffin Labor. The new data-gathering machine of Schaft, it was designed solely to confront the Ingrams and defeat them, hopefully bringing away the Ingram's computer programs (looted from wrecked Ingrams) so that Schaft will not have to bother doing its own research and development to compete with Shinohara Heavy Industry's increasing dominance of the Labor market. As Noa struggles against this radical new threat, Kumagamai ends up in the hospital after discovering the identity of Schaft's new man-on-the-scene, Utsumi. Kanuka, meanwhile, resurfaces on the trail of Schaft's private army, known as Triple-S, who were themselves brought to Japan in an effort to deal with Utsumi's rogue behavior within Schaft's own organization.
These action episodes between the Ingrams and Griffin are among the best of the series, and made all the more impressive by the turmoil Noa suffers as she wonders if she's good enough to defeat the "black labor" -- this self-doubt will later resurface in the last volumes of the TV series and the "New Files" OAV.
The disappointment is that the final conclusion of the multi-episode battle between Noa and the Griffin is not in this set; it's the first episode of the next volume.
Overall, this set has the real meat of the Patlabor TV series; it is here that the major themes (other than comedy) are dealt with, and where the majority of the action takes place. The humor will get better in the final three volumes, but the action reaches its peak here with the Griffin vs Ingram battles, and the characterization remains just as good throughout these as ever.
Average customer rating:
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Patlabor - The Mobile Police The TV Series (Vol.6)
Starring:
Patlabor-Mobile Police
Manufacturer: Us Manga Corps Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
Manga
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ASIN: B00009WVNF
Release Date: 2003-08-12 |
Description
Lieutenant Clancy is leaving Section 2 for good, but her plane is hijacked before it's even off the runway, and her only hope for rescue is a giant robot and the lovable lunatics of Section 2. English & Japanese w/English Subtitles One of those rare and wonderful series" - Animenewsnetwork.com
Amazon.com
The misfits of the Special Vehicles Division #2 of the Tokyo police force continue to deal with crises--on and off duty--and renegade giant industrial robots ("Labors") are often the least of their problems. Isao, the squad's resident big mouth, finds himself with a lovely girl in an omiai, a preliminary meeting for an arranged marriage. Naturally, the entire crew butts in. The adolescent prince of an oil-rich Middle Eastern realm visits Japan--and finds a kindred spirit in mecha-loving Noa. When the male members of the squad are injured in a judo match, Captain Goto has to make peace between irreverent Noa and no-nonsense Kanuka. He stages a drinking contest that produces new bonds (and hangovers), as the 47-episode broadcast series based on Masami Yuuki's manga serial "Mobile Police Patlabor" careens along its merry way. (Unrated; suitable for ages 8 and older; minor violence, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
Great DVD.......2003-03-25
Okay just wanted to make a correction, even in the 3rd patlabor movie there is still the same voice actors as in all of patlabor. there are no different voice actors at all.
Great Series.......2003-03-25
First off, not sure what the guy above is thinking, but the same voice actors are used in Patlabor movies 1&2, in fact its the same voice actors for the tv series, ovas, and movies, except for the 3rd one. But on to other matters, this is a great dvd and a great series... very much recommended
Cliff hanger ends.......2002-12-31
This episode brings to a close the story started in the 2nd DVD in the series, and what's even better all the stories started on this DVD conclude on this DVD. The fourth one is due out in Feb, 2003, and it also will be bundled in a collector's set with the first three with the associated cost savings. As with the others in this series, if you like the Patlabor stories then you will like this DVD. The TV voice actors are different from those in the movie and take some getting use to, I liked the movie actors better.
Average customer rating:
- Fun, but you might want to wait-Update- Vol 3 is announced
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Patlabor - The Mobile Police, The TV Series (Vol. 2)
Starring:
Mîna Tominaga ,
Toshio Furukawa ,
Michihiro Ikemizu ,
Yô Inoue , and
Issei Futamata
Director:
Naoyuki Yoshinaga
Manufacturer: Central Park Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
Central Park Media
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General
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Patlabor
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ASIN: B000063K2D
Release Date: 2002-06-11 |
Amazon.com
The men and women who make up Special Vehicles Division 2 of the Tokyo police force in the not-too-distant future are perennial underdogs. Because they deal with crimes involving the giant industrial robots called Labors, they're known as Patlabors (an elision of "Patrol Labors"). The 47-episode broadcast series based on Masami Yuuki's manga serial "Mobile Police Patlabor" has a lighter tone than the features. The misfits and oddballs who make up Division 2 suggest a comic Hill Street Blues. They watch others get the credit for their work saving a government minister from a construction site in "The Tower: SOS," save an ancient, sacred tree in "The Green Phantom," and thwart a dated terrorist plot in "Red Labor Landing." All the episodes offer the combination of mecha adventure and ensemble comedy that have made Patlabor such a popular franchise. Unrated; suitable for children 8 and older; minor violence, tobacco use. --Charles Solomon
Customer Reviews:
Fun, but you might want to wait-Update- Vol 3 is announced.......2002-06-27
I have enjoyed all the Patlabors that have come to DVD. My only complaint with this one is, the last episode of this DVD is continued on the next one, and guess what, there is no announced date as to when volume 3 will be released. So my advice is wait until they announce the next one or even wait until it is available or you will really have a cliff hanger.
Good news Central Park Media has announced on their internet site a Nov 4 pre-release date for retailers and a Dec 2 public release. The cliff hanger may finally come to an end.
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