Mardock Scramble – The First Compression (Director's Cut)

Review Date: 2012 March 26 06:43

Reviewed by: Priss

Released by: Manga Entertainment UK

Age Rating: 18

Region: 2 - UK

Length: 65 minutes

Subtitles: Japanese

Audio: English Dolby Digital Surround

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Summary

In a futuristic society, a 15-year-old prostitute named Rune Balot is rescued after being nearly killed. She is subconsciously given the choice to continue living due to an emergency ordinance to preserve life called Mardock Scramble 09. Turned into a cyborg, Balot is then given the choice of assisting the investigations against the man who tried to terminate her. He is part of the powerful October corporation that is stealthily conducting illegal activities. Contains both the Director's Cut and Theatrical Cut.

Review

Initially I was not excited about watching Mardock Scramble. I had previously read the manga and while I was aware of its reputation as a remarkable story, I was unimpressed with what I had read within the first three volumes. At that time I was unaware the story's roots in the pure pose of Tow Ubukata's novel. I should have known better as adaptations can often dilute and distort a once incredible story.

I decided to dive in at the deep end with the director's cut of The First Compression to see if I could get any closer to the characters in this science fiction saga. I was astounded by the exceptional quality, complexity and emotional depth of the film. It completely upturned my perspective on this powerful work, which now resides alongside many of my most highly regarded anime movies.

Visually, it is stunning. Like many recent anime - and particularly those with high production values - it is worth watching on Blu Ray if you have the option. Mardock Scramble comes alive in sparkling clarity with its shiny futuristic scenery on the surface world is which contrasted by the stark industrial underground where Balot is reborn in cyborg form.