In the world of anime, our solar system features an endless number of buxom women whose sole purpose is to tumble to Earth and fall madly in love with gawky Japanese teenage boys. This time around, the boy is the angst-heavy Takeru and the gorgeous extraterrestrial is Hikari, who arrives on the planet with an advanced case of amnesia and a minimal amount of clothing. Hikari's visit actually precedes the landing of more outer space denizens, none of whom share her va-va-voom features (they actually look like scorpions on steroids); however, Takeru is ready for them, able to transform himself into a superhero who can fight for Earth's survival without breaking a sweat. Takeru's sidekick Ryo also gets into the act, backed by another out-of-this-world gal, the lovely Akari. None of this makes the least bit of sense, but the vibrant animation and sheer silliness of the storyline more than compensate for the absence of logic. Collecting the first four episodes, this initial title in a three-volume series is presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-MA. DVD extras include an interview with the Japanese voice actors and staff. A strong optional purchase. [Note: This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, Vol. 2 is slated for release on Sept. 5.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)
This Ugly Yet Beautiful World: Falling Star, Vol. 1
(2004) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. ADV Films (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
This Ugly Yet Beautiful World: Falling Star, Vol. 1
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