Patlabor Question

[shira]

Yo guys.

I've been thinking of starting Patlabor for a while now, and someone gave ma recommended viewing order. I can't remember who told me, or what thread it was in, so, to all those here who like Patlabor, please do tell

Worth noting, I don't intend to watch the films any time soon. Due to general reasons I rarely get time to watch films, so i'm reffering to the series and OVA's.

Thanks.

 

[HdE]

I think Patlabor is FANTASTIC!

But... uhh... good luck finding the series, assuming you don't already have it. It's pretty much out of print now, and expensive when it crops up online.

Of course, if you DO find it someplace for reasonable money, be sure to let me know!

 

[shira]

I think Patlabor is FANTASTIC!

But... uhh... good luck finding the series, assuming you don't already have it. It's pretty much out of print now, and expensive when it crops up online.

Of course, if you DO find it someplace for reasonable money, be sure to let me know!

I already have it.

 

[Professor Irony]

If I remember rightly, I think the chronological order is: first oav series, tv series, new files oavs and then the films.

Much as it's very highly thought of in some circles, I wasn't that greatly taken with the second film when I saw it, but if you like the series, the first film is well worth your time.

 

[ayase]

...someone gave ma recommended viewing order. I can't remember who told me, or what thread it was in, so, to all those here who like Patlabor, please do tell

::raises hand::

That would be me. Original OVAs, TV series, New Files OVAs. The original OVAs and films make up one timeline, Patlabor on TV and The New Files OVAs another. But it's still best to start with the original OVAs. Hope that answers your question.

 

[HdE]

I already have it.

I'm jealous.

 

[shira]

...someone gave ma recommended viewing order. I can't remember who told me, or what thread it was in, so, to all those here who like Patlabor, please do tell

::raises hand::

That would be me. Original OVAs, TV series, New Files OVAs. The original OVAs and films make up one timeline, Patlabor on TV and The New Files OVAs another. But it's still best to start with the original OVAs. Hope that answers your question.

Ah thank'ee sir.

 

[kupocake]

The films are almost completely watchable without having seen the preceeding OVA series (because I haven't seen that, and they were pretty good.) What sounds confusing is that for Patlabor 2, Oshii supposedly takes heavily from the fifth and sixth OVA episodes anyway. So the shorter continuity actually recycles itself sooner. Doh.

Oh, and according to the stuff in said Making Of material, the third film belongs to the TV continuity.

 

[ayase]

The films are almost completely watchable without having seen the preceeding OVA series (because I haven't seen that, and they were pretty good.)

They are (and I know a lot of people do) but I still think you get a lot more from the films if you've seen the first OVA series. You know the characters a lot better for one, and they're Patlabor's real strength.

What sounds confusing is that for Patlabor 2, Oshii supposedly takes heavily from the fifth and sixth OVA episodes anyway. So the shorter continuity actually recycles itself sooner. Doh.

Not so much as you might think. It does have a similar plot, but Patlabor 2 is pure unrefined Oshii whereas the OVA episodes are a lot less heavy. Some people who aren't big fans of Oshii will probably even prefer the OVAs.

Oh, and according to the stuff in said Making Of material, the third film belongs to the TV continuity.

It belongs on it's own with the word 'Patlabor' crossed out in the title if you ask me. I think the most plausible scenario is that Headgear allowed someone else to use the Patlabor name to sell their own detective story about genetic engineering. It has f*ck all to do with the strong original cast of characters, which is what people watched Patlabor for in the first place.