Toward the Terra...
Sometime ago, when anime was available on your choice of VHS tape or Laser Disc, I picked up the VHS version of the Toward the Terra movie (circa 1980) released by Right Stuf...
Right Stuf has a habit of releasing titles in the U.S. that might not otherwise find a home in U.S. distribution, but, their releases tend to fall in either the really good bucket or, as is the case with Toward the Terra, the really bad bucket. There isn't really a middle ground for Right Stuf releases. I ended up giving Toward the Terra a 1 out of 5. I used to have the subtitled VHS version. In the aftermath of the Ultimate Otaku Fall Cleanup, I decided not to keep it in my archive.
Toward the Terra is a long and slowly-paced epic tale that reminds me of days when I had to read a long dull book for a high school exam. It was a chore to watch and was way too slow for my tastes. This was released many years ago, at a time when there was very little anime of any sort to be had anywhere. So, if you wanted anime, you picked up whatever was available. That was the case with Toward the Terra. If it had been released today or even last year, I wouldn't even look in its direction.On this world light-years from Earth, if you are Psychic you are also dead. The MU (as these unfortunates are called) are hunted tirelessly by the great computers that control every facet of life. The MU are evil, the people are told, creatures who could destroy everything that their civilization is based on. For centuries, the Mu have been content to exist in an underground society, helping smuggle other MU out from under the Government's watchful eyes. From the MU perspective, there had been no thought of an act of open rebellion. That is, until now. The prophesies now revealed show that there will be a profound change in the MU society, that one will lead them to a new life. This new existence will be free from oppression... and if that means they must leave their own planet to find it, so be it. Perhaps it is time to voyage Toward the Terra!
Right Stuf has a habit of releasing titles in the U.S. that might not otherwise find a home in U.S. distribution, but, their releases tend to fall in either the really good bucket or, as is the case with Toward the Terra, the really bad bucket. There isn't really a middle ground for Right Stuf releases. I ended up giving Toward the Terra a 1 out of 5. I used to have the subtitled VHS version. In the aftermath of the Ultimate Otaku Fall Cleanup, I decided not to keep it in my archive.
