Anime: Gekijouban Macross F: Itsuwari no Utahime

Macross Frontier : Itsuwari no Utahime is an attempt to condense down the plot of an anime series into a movie version, much like Do You Remember Love did for the original SDF Macross series. Like DYRL, it adds improved visuals and audio, and greatly tightens up the characterization for its respective series. Whilst a second movie out in 2011 will finish the retelling, the first movie provides a fast-paced ride that leaves you anticipating the sequel.

Art & Animation: 10
I remember being amazed when I first saw episode 1 of the TV series, and the movie does not disappoint. Much of the battle sequence of episode 1 is reused early on, but the vast majority of the footage is new. As expected for a space opera-love triangle hybrid, colors are bright and saturated for the most part, only turning dark or somber if the mood calls for it. New scenes allow us inside the Frontier Colony, whether on multi-layered metallic cities, densely-populated hillsides, lively harbors, rolling hillsides or vast starscapes. The concerts we see are also grand and elaborate, and sure to delight fans of the series. The combat sequences are impressive too, the transforming mechs are intricate and powerful, and the biologically-inspired insect-like designs of the Vajra seem suitably alien and detailed.

Sound: 9
Music has always been part of the Macross franchise, and we have two concerts to showcase them, with a new song in addition to those from the series. Background music is fitting but more subdued, which I think they could've spent more time on

Story: 7
The plot begins similar to the TV series, with Alto contemplating his desire to fly in a real sky, Ranka hoping for a chance to perform and Sheryl arriving on Frontier for a concert. A number of changes are apparent from the start though: Ranka and Klan are both at Alto's school from the get-go, and Alto and Ranka seem to know each other from their school days together. When Sheryl becomes part of the eventual love triangle, this greatly helps the characterization between them, as Alto is torn between a shy but determined and earnest girl next door, or between a flighty and selfish but free-spirited and confident visitor. As the story goes on we see the relationships between the three of them develop amidst the backdrop of attacks by the insect-like Vajra, as well as hints of a shadowy conspiracy which will likely not be resolved until the coming sequel. The pacing is also much better than the TV series, with all scenes showcasing character stories and interactions, and virtually no filler. The final battle sequence was amazing, nearly on par with episode 25 of the series, and I'm wondering how they'll manage to top it for the second movie.

Character: 8
This is one of the best examples for me of how condensing a series can improve it, as all the main characters are made more sympathetic and well-defined; it's as if the creators listened to all the fan complaints about the characters and did their best to fix them-Sheryl has a clumsy side to her now, and her sense of loneliness outside of her performing life is made more apparent. The characters from the original whom I considered the least likable and most annoying-Ozma and Michel specifically-have better lines and more clearly defined roles: Ozma is less arrogant and more of a stoic mentor, and Michel is more the supporting best friend for Alto. Side characters are improved too, Kathy is more easygoing and Leon seems more ethical and loyal. Because of the focus however, other characters have less time in the spotlight: Michel and Klan's relationship is an example, but Luca's role is much smaller, and Nanase doesn't appear at all-whether she'll be in the sequel is unknown.

Value and Enjoyment: 9 and 9
Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime takes what Macross Frontier was good at and trims away the rough edges to create a more distilled, focused work. Whether fans of the series or the franchise or mech anime in general, I wholeheartedly recommend seeing it.