Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72827 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-27
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Animated, Color, Original recording remastered, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English, Japanese
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 124 minutes

Customer Reviews

THIS is the way anime should be presented on the PSP
I have a small collection of movies in UMD format, and I try to collect any anime releases that come out in that format. Some of the releases are disappointing. For example, Ghost in the Shell and Ninja Scroll (both Manga releases) have no extra features - no choice of audio track, no subtitles, rudimentary menus, and and overall "soft" image quality. Ninja Scroll is also presented in the controversial "wide screen" version even though the original film was in a 4:3 aspect ratio. All in all, Manga has given short shrift to the UMD format, bringing out barely adequate releases.

Geneon, on the other hand, has produced superior products in their UMD releases. Akira and Appleseed (both Geneon releases) act and feel like their big brother DVDs. Interesting menus, audio tracks in both the original Japanese and English, and English subtitles. Picture quality is razor sharp, the way it should be for the PSP's superior screen.

The Akira UMD has very good stereo imaging, and a crisp image. If you are a fan of this landmark anime you will be pleased by the excellent presentation that Geneon has given it in the UMD format.

Akira on the run
Although the umd format seems to be going the way of the beta max, I'm a fan of videos on the psp. I'm a gamer and a cinephile so the psp is perfect for me. While one can transfer tivo recordings to a memory stick and watch video on the psp that way, owning a classic like Akira on umd was a must for me. It's just one those films that can be watched over and over. On the few occasions the pay cable movie channels do show Akira, it is often dubbed in english ruining the essence of the experience. You must be able to hear the original japanese voice actors shout "Kanada!". This version does offer english dubbing, so you have it if you want it; but, I think it should heard in japanese with english subtitles.
I think anime is particularlly well suited for viewing on the smaller psp screen, so if you're just wanting to buy a movie you haven't seen before to watch on the go, anime is a great choice and Akira, (a dramatic and explosive thinking woman/man's scifi action adventure), is the best.

The King of Anime comes to UMD!
one of the best titles of all time, akira is a tale of a gang of kids that get into trouble in a variety of ways and when tetsuo gets experimented on by the military, it seems he has developed some telepathic powers like the ability to move things with one's mind *telekenesis* Now they will need Akira to beat this menacing friend.
can they beat tetsuo? will the military's laser satellite be able to kill him? find out by buy ing this spectacular film!
5 Stars all the way!
beautifully animated and excellent sound there are a variety of versions of this film and the umd version is excellent as well I would recommend the Special Edition (I have em both) for all the extras you could want. a superb film in every way.

buy Akira Here! (UMD for PSP)
Akira [UMD for PSP]

and buy it on DVD here!
Akira (Special Edition)