Animation on DVD: The Ultimate Guide Paperback – March 1, 2003

Reviews (on several sites) indicate that this is a book for someone who wants to be recommended certain titles. It is NOT that type of book: It is an encyclopedia, with a foreward and a 3-page explanation of the entry format. The rest contains only listings of DVDs with short synopses and factual information. It is a very thorough book for its express intention, but it's not a guide for someone who wants listings divided into genres (although adult-themed DVDs have a separate section). It will not "recommend" films to you. I have no found such book, nor website. (If you can recommend animated/sci-fi films, I'd be grateful. I was inspired to buy this book because I revisited The Fantastic Planet...eeesh! INCREDIBLE film!! I like trippy, classic, exemplary and subversive films, though I find anime sort of incomprehensible.)

I just received this book in the mail. I bought it as I wanted a good animation reference guide, especially one that would help me distinguish between various series runs with the same title. However, this is what it is not. For one thing it is very dated. Since the copyright is 2003, there is nothing in the book on animation after that date. There in nothing in the title to indicate this. The Amazon description does say it was published in 2003, but I never made the leap to the conclusion that there was nothing after that date would be included. I would avoid getting this book as there is nothing recent in it, and so not much help, at least to me. Several older Japanese animation movies have been released in the last few years, like the Little Prince & the Headed Dragon or Jack & the Witch or Magic Boy which are also not included. Even Midnight on the Galactic Railway which was released by Central Park West in the 1980's is also not included though they did release it on DVD as well as VHS. I'm glad I did not waste too much money.

Fans of animation don't need to look much further than this book by Andy Mangles. He has managed to include reviews for almost every existing type of animation that is currently on DVD.For parents looking for a good guidebook on animated content, this is a must. Japanese Animation fans looking for reviews of shows and series they've heard about (and even second opinions on ones they've seen) will be pleased.Andy's reviews are concise and well written. He uses a conversational approach to the reviews that doesn't become dry or bland. He also avoids over-using jargon that animation fans tend to throw around.Andy gives a quick synopsis of the show, his opinion of the work and than lays down any concerns parents might have (violence or nudity). He has also separated out most of the adult themed shows into their own section. With the great quantity of shows to review Andy does get some help. The authors he picked have very similar writing styles and tastes, and makes for an easy transition.Last but not least, a section of Easter Eggs (hidden special features on DVD's) is located in the back to aid those of us who like to see everything on the disc.Being an anime fan myself, I found this book to be very helpful. Andy's writing style is entertaining and direct. The only low marks I could give it are for the cover. It's a bit too goofy looking for my tastes. I would also have enjoyed a section in the review that linked one show with another similar show, or with another work by the same creative team. But aside from those minor points this is a very handy book. I'll definitely use it when considering what my next anime purchase might be.

A straightforward listing of animation available on DVD in the US, Andy Mangels' guide is the ideal shoppers' resource. It tells you what's on the disc, hints whether it's worth your time, and also points you at the right Easter Eggs. For someone based in the UK who often has to guess what Region One DVDs she might like, it's very useful. I was a little disappointed not to see the same critical bite that features in Stone Bridge's Anime Encyclopaedia applied to animation from around the world, as there are many cartoons that deserve it -- the Rankin-Bass Hobbit, anyone? But still a good book detailing what you can buy from Amazon.com right now, to add to your collection.