Memories...
I picked up the soundtrack CD years before Memories was ever available in the US...
After hearing the soundtrack CD, I was inspired to track down a fansub on VHS. Reportedly, Katsuhiro Otomo's name carried so much weight with the Japanese production company, that the licensing fee was set at an impossibly high level, almost guaranteeing that Memories would never see the light of day here in the US. Then, at long last, the official release came by way of Hollywood, of all places. Columbia Tri Star decided to release Memories as they would any other foreign film (which is as it should be). I gave Memories a 4 out of 5.
The Memories soundtrack CD has 38 tracks and I liked 5 tracks for a total of 13.1% which works out to a rating of 1 out of 4. It should be noted that eight tracks are less than one minute. My favorite tracks are Nobuo's Groove, of which, there are three versions, and Five Steps To Heaven, of which, there are two versions.
According to Wikipedia...Memories is a beautiful anthology of three unique animations, based on stories by the director of Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo. Each piece features a different director.
Episode 1
Magnetic Rose
Who expects to find an opera diva in the dark recesses of space? She dwells alone in a rose garden with her cherished memories and one very dark secret. Directed by Koji Morimoto.
Episode 2
Stink Bomb
He's under odors - uh, orders, that is to reach Tokyo. But events turn, and he thinks something smells rotten... And it could be him. Directed by Tensai Okamoto.
Episode 3
Cannon Fodder
Know your place. Know your job. Know your enemy. Live to fulfill your duty. And Shoot without question. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo.
Magnetic Rose was directed by Kōji Morimoto and animated by Studio 4°C. Script by noted anime director Satoshi Kon, based on a story by Katsuhiro Otomo. This episode featured Maria Callas' performance of Un bel dì, vedremo. Music was composed by Yoko Kanno and largely influenced by Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly. It is primarily operatic and highly involved, reflecting the serious, intense nature the film takes on as it progresses.
Stink Bomb was directed by Tensai Okamura and animated by Madhouse. Script by Katsuhiro Otomo. Music is by Jun Miyake and uses jazz and funk as its main influence, adding to the film's chaotic, comedic nature. It is mentioned in the interview featurette that the story for Stink Bomb is based on an actual event.
Cannon Fodder was written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and animated by Studio 4°C. Music by Hiroyuki Nagashima. The score of is difficult to categorize; blending brass band, orchestral and avant-garde compositional techniques. Through unusual animation techniques the illusion is created that the film consists of one continuous shot or long take.
After hearing the soundtrack CD, I was inspired to track down a fansub on VHS. Reportedly, Katsuhiro Otomo's name carried so much weight with the Japanese production company, that the licensing fee was set at an impossibly high level, almost guaranteeing that Memories would never see the light of day here in the US. Then, at long last, the official release came by way of Hollywood, of all places. Columbia Tri Star decided to release Memories as they would any other foreign film (which is as it should be). I gave Memories a 4 out of 5.The Memories soundtrack CD has 38 tracks and I liked 5 tracks for a total of 13.1% which works out to a rating of 1 out of 4. It should be noted that eight tracks are less than one minute. My favorite tracks are Nobuo's Groove, of which, there are three versions, and Five Steps To Heaven, of which, there are two versions.
