Customer Reviews

Light Years [VHS]

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Light Years (I never understood the US title), or `Gandahr' as it's called out of the US is not your usual run-of-the-mill animation. The animation is good for it's time and has a unique style that is dissimilar from the usual animation types of the time (Disney, Rankin & Bass, and Anime).

Gandahr is more of a `thinking' animation. I'll admit I didn't understand a lot of what went on in the movie until I watched it again as an adult. There are action scenes, but they are toned down by the fact the enemies are robots. If you're looking for beat-em-up knock-em-down action, this isn't the film for you. If you want something that makes you think, this is right up your alley.

I would note, for parents' sake, this movie does contain mild nudity, although it is tastefully done and does not detract from the film itself. There are some creepy sequences, but it's not your usual bloody-gorey animation you see these days.

Overall, I still really like this film.

Light Years, while not as flashy as the animated movies of today is a marvelous story that bridges the gap between fantasy and sci-fi. As a child the story and its amazing visuals captivated me. The movie is full of symbolism. For example the incredible irony that the villian of the film is a creation of the peaceful kingdom that genetically engineered him and that said villian (a giant brain) employs an army of mechanical men to wage his wars in the pursuit of more power. Then, seeing that his waring ways are leading to an ugly apocalypse of sorts, the villian is his own downfall as he sets in motion the events that will ultimately be his undoing. It speaks to the ever present conflict between nature and industrialization and perhaps how humankind may be its own worst enemy. My only gripe is that I wish they would re-release it on dvd. Oh well. A fantastic movie experience if you can get your hands on it. It is sure to please viewers of all ages.

This is one of the best animated movies of all time. The artwork is superb, the sound track is very well suited to the story and theme, and the story is even better. A true classic. Some people don't like the animation, but I find it much better than the garbage 'anime' that is produced today. I wish that it would be produced in DVD format. This is a must for any SciFi fan's collection.

I loved this movie. I love many adult animated movies (example: Heavy Metal, Wizards, Fritz The Cat, Heavy Traffic, etc.).

I have known about this movie for years now and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in adult animated movies. If you liked this one, you might like Heavy Metal and Wizards.

First off, to the guy who can only say "sucks" and "crappiness" without any real content in his post, i'm sorry you require your movies to do your thinking for you. If you find yourself wishing the movie would end so you can do something else, just stand up and turn it off and save your biliousness for yourself.

The animation, while definitely 80's, fits the story perfectly. The movie is a good rendition of a book and tells the story better than most book to movie conversions. There seem to be a lot of underlying statements during the movie, not the least of which is a warning against overindustrialization but the way the story unfolds is intriguing and engaging.

This is one of the best films I've ever seen. There are two main types of science fiction, one trying to extrapolate real possibilites of existinc science with a taste for adventure. The other is an exploration of mankind from within using science fiction as a background. The first type is fun, but over time it becomes the "Buck Rogers", the "Jules Verne Steampunk" stuff. The second type is usually not well recieved at its time, but becomes classic over the years, "The Time Machine" by Wells, for example. "Star Maker" by Stapledon. "Exile of the Aeons" a short story by A.C. Clarke. The story lives on long after when it was written and the 'ill thought super-science' becomes more real and a not to distant possibility.

I was really impressed by the artistic quality and engrossing fictional nature of film. A good movie to watch more than once.

The "Light Years" animation is DEFINITELY not for the kids. "Light Years" is futuristic folklore of humanity at a golden age of knowledge and tecnology. Human needs, machines and nature have been genetically and irrevocably fused. This meta-technology is used as a backdrop to the feature's plot(s). "Light Years" is an exciting voyage to a "what if" world in which the ultimate thing which can go wrong does and that flaw is ultimately part of the solution. (Ouch, my brain hurts.) Although the feature may seem confusing, "Light Years" is a worth while viewing simply because it departs from the expected. This tale of time travel paradox comments boldly on just what might be wrong with the idea of "fiddling" with nature as well as what might be beneficial. Like any good fiction writer, Asimov gives the audience more than enough information and let's them make up their own minds. In my humble opinion, this ! feature is the sweetest mind candy of it's time. END

Imagine if "Yellow Submarine" was based on the works of Isaac Asimov instead of Beatles' music, and you'll have a pretty good idea of "Light Years" (both films have similar openings, stylistically, and both envision fantastic worlds that make use of the imaginative power of animation).

This film is not for everyone (it's a little on the cerebral side), but it's definitely an alternative to the Disney-clones and the ultraviolent manga (both of which are often good, but it's a pleasure to see something different).

"Light Years" features an interesting voice cast, terrific visuals (if somewhat limited animation at times), and intelligent plotting, with one of the great punch lines of all time from Christopher Plummer's character -- I won't spoil it here!

I saw "Light Years" several years ago when a co-worker left it lying around work. I watched it and was very impressed. I thought the animation was great, and found many of the character movements so fluid and realistc. I liked the story as well, and many of the concepts of the societies were very unique. A very well written story, and well made movie.