Update Jan 2019 – Read my review for this excellent boxset.
Readers who frequent my blog will probably know that I am a big fan of the Patlabor anime franchise, including all the animated feature films and OVAs. I’ve purchased many Patlabor art books over the years and if budget allows I’ll try to get my hands on all of them, including the original Japanese manga series.
It’s therefore excellent news that Sentai Filmworks has released this definite Patlabor Ultimate blu-ray boxset, which includes not only the 3 feature films and all the OVA series, but also lesser known fare like Mini Pato as well. The feature films have been available on blu-ray for quite a while now, but fans who wanted to get the OVA series could only purchase the exorbitantly priced Japanese editions…until now.
The two animated films carry Mamoru Oshii’s signature style, with engaging drama and tense plots. The TV series are much more light hearted ( with the exception of “The SV2’s Longest Day”, which is also directed by Oshii and is basically a dry run for the Patlabor The Movie II ) and explores the characters and mechas more, which I love.
I think I’m going to treat myself to an early Christmas gift and order this very soon. You should do the same.
Update Jan 2019 – Read my review for this excellent boxset.
“Patlabor Ultimate Blu-ray Boxset” details :
15 blu-ray discs, total runtime of 1861 minutes
In Japanese and English ( dubbed ) language, English subtitles
Buy From Amazon Japan | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES
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November 9th, 2018 at 2:03 pm
I am seriously tempted, to be honest–and I already have the first OVA and all the movies on DVD, including two copies of the second film (my favorite, to be honest!)–the Manga Entertainment release and the special Bandai release with the film and “Making of” disc and the storyboard/art additions.
But this? Oh, I am soooo tempted!
November 10th, 2018 at 4:30 am
thank you for this post, I`ve never seen either the movies or the OVA but it`s been on my list for quite some time, I will pick this up. Do you recommend watching the movies first or the OVA? does it matter?
It looks like this release does not have Japanese subs which is too bad as those are quite useful for those of us who are learning the language, being able to read as you listen makes a big difference.
November 10th, 2018 at 7:06 am
Marc – I’ve just pre-ordered my copy. I think it’s a good set to have with all the movies and OVA in one place.
luca – I would start with the OVA first, not just because it’s the right chronological order but also because you get to understand the characters of the franchise much better. The theatrical films dive straight into the plot and offers very little time for character building.
I agree with you on the subtitles for sure, but US releases almost never have this feature because they’re targeting an English speaking demographic. I’ll totally welcome it tho !
November 14th, 2018 at 5:02 am
This series is one of my all time favorite anime. I have the full Maiden Japan collection of individual blu rays (the OVA series [Mamoru Oshii goodness], the four TV series blu rays, the new files blu ray, and the three movie blu rays).
I am really happy that Sentai continues to support this wonderful franchise so new (and old) generations of anime fans can fall in love with it. We get so caught up in the latest and greatest anime series (I am the worst offender) that we can lose sight of the past classics.
November 15th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
So this is definitively EVERYTHING I need to have my complete Patlabor on the shelves finally in one set? Or is there anything small missing?
November 16th, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Chris – Couldn’t agree more. I hope more anime from the 90s get the boxset treatment like this. Japanese boxsets are just way too exorbitant in prices.
Havok – I can’t say with certainty if anything is missing, but it’s the most complete collection of Patlabor films released so far. I think. :]