Stellvia: Foundation I

The year: 2356. Nearly two centuries have passed since the Earth was zapped with an electromagnetic wave from a distant supernova; now, a second wave has been sighted that should be on target to refry the planet within seven months. As efforts get underway to construct a giant barrier to shield the Earth from this new threat, 15-year-old computer genius Shima Katase enrolls in a space pilot academy. A terminally clumsy adolescent girl who mucks up computer programs and zooms about space with more enthusiasm than skill, Shima nevertheless manages to bring every mess under control. As apocalyptic comedy goes, Stellvia is actually rather amusing, and Shima is strangely endearing as a heroine whose desire to perform well inevitably leads to crisis (at one point she accidentally rewrites the computer program holding together the barrier against the coming electromagnetic wave, thus opening the world for total annihilation!). But Shima is also honest enough to acknowledge her errors, and works twice as hard (with the aid of loyal friends) to correct any problems. The animation is stylish and often witty, which even carries over to the English dubbing on this dual-language disc that is rated 13-up. Highly recommended. [Note: Stellvia: Foundation II is also available, with III slated for release on Feb. 8.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)