Review of Urusei Yatsura: Movie 4 - Lum The Forever

Introduction

Rumiko Takahashi is one of the best-known manga artists, especially in the West. There are a host of anime series that are based on her works, and nearly all of them run into three figure episode numbers. Earlier this year, Inuyasha made its UK debut, and I have reviewed the first twelve episodes elsewhere on the site. But long running anime series rarely find an audience in the UK, and the numbers sufficient enough to justify a release schedule of up to 50 or more discs usually only apply in places like the US. In the UK, we have to make do with the spin offs and tie-ins, which can fit on fewer volumes. All we see of Ranma½ in the UK are the two movies. Yet another Rumiko Takahashi title, Urusei Yatsura has had better exposure, with around five hours of OVAs, as well as five of the six theatrical movies being released here on DVD. Of course the few hundred television episodes are nowhere to be seen.

When aliens from the planet Oniboshi invaded Earth, they offered a challenge. If Earth`s champion could defeat their own, then they would leave humanity in peace. But they would get to choose the champion. They chose eternal lecher Ataru Moroboshi, a teenager with only one thing on his mind. All he had to do to win was to catch the alien princess Lum, a task made easier by her obvious attractions. The downside was that she could fly. When all seemed lost, Ataru`s girlfriend offered to marry him, but when Ataru agreed, Lum got the wrong end of the stick, and accepted his `proposal`. Since then, Lum has become an ever-present part of Ataru`s life, making his life as a pervert extremely difficult, as her jealousy would manifest in the form of electric shocks. That was the premise of the series Urusei Yatsura, and as the show progressed a large cast of fascinating characters built up.

I pick up where I left off with the Urusei Yatsura movie reviews, turning my attention to the fourth film, Lum The Forever. And it`s a surreal experience to say the least.

The gang are making a student movie in Tomibiki, and Lum and Ataru have been drafted in as stars. It`s a horror movie, full of special effects, spookiness and strange mythical occurrences, but that is nothing as compared to what happens when an ancient tree is cut down as part of the film. The cherry tree`s demise signals the loss of Lum`s powers, and heralds all sorts of strange goings on in the town.

Video

Another early DVD release from MVM and the age is certainly telling. With a 4:3 transfer that looks as if it has been taken from the VHS, it`s low resolution, soft and has some colour bleed. On the other hand, it`s clear and pretty free of print damage, and the animation isn`t hampered by the soft look.

Audio

Again, the sole Japanese soundtrack with burnt in English subtitles betrays an early disc. The dialogue is clear, and the straightforward DD 2.0 track has no flaws.

Features

Extra features of a sort are on this disc, but quite rightly aren`t advertised as such, or at all. First there is a trailer for the fifth movie following the end credits, while over the menu screen a complete song from the film`s soundtrack plays.

Conclusion

The disc gets a brief summation on the back cover of the case, stating that to explain anymore would be a disservice. I find that my own recounting of the plot is similarly thin, although it isn`t for any prosaic reason such as that implied in the blurb, rather that there just isn`t anything to Lum The Forever. As a film, it is a thin, unsatisfying experience, which failed to register as anything of substance. The story is ephemeral, that characters subdued and not quite themselves, and when all is said and done, the film accomplishes little.

If you`ve ever had that sinking feeling at the end of a film or TV show, where you learn that the previous events have all been a dream, then you`ll recognise that feeling in this film, as it persists throughout the run time. Odd occurrences from the outset herald a twisting of reality, and the cutting down of the cherry tree just exacerbates the situation. Characters start behaving oddly, dream sequences abound, and unreality pervades the town to a greater and greater degree. It`s as if the whole film is like Bobby Ewing walking out of the shower.

Even still, there is room for experimentation and surrealism in storytelling. And there is nothing wrong with taking a flying leap into the wild unknown once in a while, as occasionally, something fresh and amazing can be revealed. It`s just that this trip into the Twilight Zone is so mundane and hackneyed that it`s hard to maintain interest. Even with the aid of black coffee and the most uncomfortable seat in the room, I wound up having to skip back through the disc to re-watch parts that I had dozed through.

Apparently, if you have the whole Urusei Yatsura experience under your belt, you`ll find plenty to appreciate from this film, but given that only the OVAs and five of the movies have been released in UK Region 2, it may be a hefty ask of dabblers in the franchise. The story is weak, that characters are off, and the trademark humour is absent. Lum The Forever is the weakest Urusei Yatsura movie so far, and it`s one to steer clear of.