Cyber City Oedo 808

Cyber City was simply a 3 part OVA if I remember correctly. Also if you haven’t already I suggest watching Dubbed version as it makes the anime 10X more humorous.

Yep - I have a 3 part OVA, but I thought there were more episodes floating around. And geeze! I dunno if I’m brave enough to try it with dubbing. That sounds more scary than funny, but perhaps I’ll give it a go. Thanks!

I love cyber city but the thing is i dont know were to get the videos i got the first one and it kicks ass. much betta than fire tripper (that sucks by the way) to tell the truth i like it betta than goght in the shell

Hi Ryan, welcome to cyberpunkreview

I don’t know that I’d agree that they’re in the ballpark of Ghost in the Shell, but yeah, CyberCity definitely has its charm. I don’t know where to get the follow-on episodes either, assuming they’re even in production. I’d love it if someone could tell me.

I agree, you _have_ to see it dubbed english, soo super funny!
Mebbe you can make a section on “Great cyber-trash”!

I’m very happy to see this made it onto the reviews as it is somewhat of a forgotten classic. I think I should start by stating that they just don’t make anime like they used to. This series has a tried-and-failed plot involving explosive collars that are set to detonate if the criminal wearing it did not complete a series of investigations, etc (ok, for those on-their-toes movie buffs Battle Royale, though not cyberpunk, is the true king of this explosive collar concept) It’s a great concept and it even plays out pretty well, it’s just a shame there were only 3 OAVs ever produced. I noticed up above some people mentioned the english DUB. Ok, while I’m usually pretty much to my guns on watching original language versions only of foreign films, I will state that the english DUB of Cybercity Oedo has a real added grittiness to it.
Bruce Martin’s version of our OAV ep. 1 protagonist ‘Sengoku’ is absolutely right on (I’m guessing you used to be a sailor Bruce? Somehow I doubt this you can go through his average day without saying fuck at least 60 times in the mirror before leaving out to work, am I right?) Well, it’s fun, see the dubbed or the subbed, either way you get the same basic deal… only the english version would not be something to watch when there are any young ones in the house.

I Think that Cyber City is Infinitely Better than Ghost in the Shell!

WRONG!!! you MUST see Cyber City in the Subtitled Version. Sheesh! All that flippin’ Cussing in the Engilsh Version may be funny to you, But i find it to be a Mockery to the anime for crying out loud! Further more, The Engilsh voice actors don’t even know what they’re doing! Their voices don’t even match the Greatness of the Japanese voice actors! Look at sengoku-chan, In the English version he calls varsus varsas!! And another thing you People should know before i leave this Site, I really am 12 years old Going on 13 and a proud fan of Cyber City Oedo 808. anyway, I gotta go! Bye Bye!

Thanks for stopping by Angela. I certainly agree that the only reason you listen to the dubbing on this is for comic relief. But, um, allow me to disagree strongly that this is better than Ghost in the Shell.

Cyber City Oedo 808 is great, one of my favorite cyberpunk anime series - very visually appealing. Kawajiri definetly doesn’t get enough respect in my book. Bubblegum Crisis, AD Police, Armitage, fine stuff, but I prefer Cyber City.

Everyone asking has probably found out by now, but the CCO808 DVD is available here (UK) or here (US). I first saw the series (subbed) on the Sci Fi channel in 1994 and have been a Benten addict ever since (so much so that I’ve just bought the second CCO808 illustrated novel - in Japanese, which I can’t read…)
I’m glad there are still people who like the anime, even if it is rather old now!

Hi Joules, we can get the first three episodes, but what about the rest?

Hi SFAM.

Only three anime episodes were ever made, unfortunately. There are three novels, but the stories are quite different, and as far as I know they’ve never been translated into English.

Thanks Joules. This explains why I can never find the additional episodes!

Ah, well. That’s a bummer. The three out are pretty decent though.

Welcome. Believe me, I was incredibly pissed off myself - it would have made a fantastic series!

This is a somewhat underrated series. I really enjoyed it. Of course, I’m not surprised, because I’ve never seen a Kawajiri work that I did not like.

True, it doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, but it’s definitely a solid, above-average series. No real flaws as far as I’m concerned. One of my favorites.

In the first OVA we see that there are three characters under the control of the police. You then find out it’s a three part series, so you know that if Son Goku has hd his 30 mins, then Benten and Gogul will get their’s

I love these anime that date back to the late 80s, preppy 90s, that created this psuedo-2000s technolodgy, that now looks daft when you watch it now, and say to yourself- ‘well, we’re in the year 1997 now, and the world hasn’t been dominated by skynet net.’

Hi David, I really wish there were more of these. 3 parts is just not enough!

I have two versions of the series, the Japanese language one with english subtitles and the English dubbed version.
For me having seen the english dubbed version first(many times) the Japanese version added much to the story and answered many of my questions about the plot and the interaction of the characters with one another.
I’m used to cheesy Japanese ballads so I was delighted to discover the original score was still left on the Japanese version
However as much as I appreciate the Japanese soundtrack, I much prefer the dubbed version’s soundtrack as it lends a huge amount of atmosphere to the episodes.
I have heard elements of this dubbed soundtrack, especially from the last episode, in many TV shows here in the UK, particulary on Channel 4 for some reason, be it nature, documentary, investigative etc and I know instantly that the score composer has been watching CCO 808 LOL
It’s still a beautiful soundtrack for an anime after all these years.

BTW Joules, your remark above
quote -
“There are three novels, but the stories are quite different, and as far as I know they’ve never been translated into English.”

has reminded me that I promised myself that I would try to get Benten’s book professionally or semi professionally translated even if it was only slowly due to the costs involved.

If I do I’ll see if I can post it on the livejournal CCO 808 site, if I’m allowed

Can anyone recommend a site or someone who would be willing to do the transaltion?
Ideally I want someone who is sympathetic to anime/manga.

Hello.I found this movie before week.But I have Japanese version.Have anybody english subtitles?? Please mail me it.

Hi Slawa.cap,
there are many DVD’s for sale on ebay, you can pick up a subtitled one or an english dubbed one for an excellent price, second-hand or new.

Alternatively you can have a look around at some of the older links and posts at the
http://community.livejournal.com/ccoedo808/

It’s a Cyber City Oedo 808 fan site, at livejournal.com, that is still going.
It has lots of excellent links and bits of information about the series and many contributions by the fans

If you do find someone and manage to get them translated, please could you let me know? I’d absolutely LOVE to have the translations!

Fingers crossed…

Cheers

PS - I’m a member of the CCO808 Lj community and am pretty certain that the owner would be very happy to allow it - but if not, I’d be delighted to host it on my own site and post a link to the Lj.

I have not seen Cyber City in the longest time! It was one of the first anime I ever saw so I have fond memories of it. I’m sure if I saw it for the first time today I would not think so highly of it as I do, but hey. That’s nostalgia for you!

I just recently discovered this. I’ve seen bits and peices on youtube and decided to order the DVD.

I never really got into anime, but I’ve been checking into it and really like what I’ve seen from Yoshiaki Kawajiri.

SFAM!
I can’t believe you only gave this a 6 out of 10! I agree it is not at Ghost in the Shell level, but I just got this DVD after having seen a preview on a VOTOMS VHS (which is another amazing, yet dated, anime). Ok, the OEDO story is not so strong, but it draws you in. But the animation and mechanical design is easily on the level of GITS or Akira. Its got great syth music to go along with it. And a MEDIUM for cyberpunk visuals? Cool gadgets, cars, eyewear, a computer hacker plot in a burgeoning megalopolis. This movie is as cyberpunk as they get! Its like a little Bubblegum Crisis, GITS, Bladerunner with maybe a little Neuromancer vibe. Its like watching the punks from Back to the Future 2 go at it in a Syd Mead painting.
Also the eglish dub with all the cursing is amazing. That is one of the things that made the first Appleseed so fantastic. Hearing Briareos cursing every two seconds adds to the badassness.

I can’t believe you only gave this a 6 out of 10! I agree it is not at Ghost in the Shell level, but I just got this DVD after having seen a preview on a VOTOMS VHS (which is another amazing, yet dated, anime). Ok, the OEDO story is not so strong, but it draws you in. But the animation and mechanical design is easily on the level of GITS or Akira. Its got great syth music to go along with it. And a MEDIUM for cyberpunk visuals? Cool gadgets, cars, eyewear, a computer hacker plot in a burgeoning megalopolis. This movie is as cyberpunk as they get! Its like a little Bubblegum Crisis, GITS, Bladerunner with maybe a little Neuromancer vibe. Its like watching the punks from Back to the Future 2 go at it in a Syd Mead painting.
Also the eglish dub with all the cursing is amazing. That is one of the things that made the first Appleseed so fantastic. Hearing Briareos cursing every two seconds adds to the badassness.

OK ok, i take it back, its NOT on the leval with Akira or GITS, but it is pretty damn good. The Mecha Design is linear, crisp, and excellent. Great quality for an OVA you have to give it that.

THIS MOVIE KICKS ASS

I disagree with the comments on the dubbing .I dont think the japanese voices are independantly recognisable enough compared to the english voiced version.Gogul`s voice is the coolest voice since Darth vader`s .Ghost in the shell is a great film/films and the series is aswell but jeez whats up with the panning city shots and quiet bits.(booorrriiinng )This for myself is where oedo 808 wins , never a slow moment which is how it should be for a set of cyberpunks.

Now, where do we send a petition to get this series resurected .
p.s. forget the ratings decide for yourself thats the only oppinion that matters!

Hello everybody !

I see that everybody in here likes very much Cyber City Oedo 808 ! That’s very nice !
In my case I adore every cyber punk anime that was ever made including cyber city !
By the way I found guys, if you want them, all the Cyber City MP3 format songs of all the episodes ! I have bought the original soundtrack when i went to Japan !

If you want to watch another great, superb and very good cyberpunk anime evrybody in here should watch: Goku Midnight Eye !

Watch it and then tell me !

Grizzly Beast, can you send the mp3’s? I love the opening song and I was trying to find it, and others are good too!

Hello Evan T !

I send you all my best whishes for this year 2008 ! May everything you want happen during this year. yeah, of course i can send you the MP3’s. No problem !
The file size containing the MP3’s is: 44,4 Mo ! Just for you to know !
I’m sending you the MP3’s right now !
Let me know as soon as you receive them !
Ok ?

I’m waiting your answer Evan T !

Also Evan T, what do you think about what said m motherby on his post of January 4, 2008, that we create and send a petition to get this serie Cyber City Oedo 808 resurected and we could ask also that the creators could make 3 more episodes with the same team that produced the first 3 episodes.

I’m waiting your answer here and on my e-mail address.

Walter “The Grizzly Beast”

Sweet! Thanks Grizzly!
I’m all for resurrecting the show! Who knows what the chances might be almost 20 years after it was created? This show has a style all its own. The only thing that I find close is the old Appleseed video and maybe some Bubblegum Crisis, but I have not seen all the cyberpunk animes on my list, so I’m sure I’m missing a few.

The OVA stands very strong as a 3 episode series, however, seeing as each one focuses on a different character. What would be better than a whole series imo, would be a full length feature film, with even more detailed animation, and some 2d cgi added like GITS 2 or something. I’m not sure the exploding collar plot would last more than a few more episodes, but it forms the basis of a really exciting story.

I’ll look for your email in a bit. Thanks Grizzly

Hello Evan !

Me too i’m in for resurrecting the show !
I would love if they ever make a film about Cyber City Oedo 808 to mik 2D animation and 3D animation like in the last appleseed or like in the new 3 oav of fist of the north star released 2 years ago !
And also do another movie to see and explore the past of the characters and see how they arrived in prison !
What do you think ?

Let me know man !

I would also like those mp3s, the opening theme mainly.

Yeah I was after the opening theme from the DVD but for some reason it was not in there. Also, the tracks have strange samples of dialogue inserted all over the place. Not what I expected, but still kind of cool. I just really want that opening track, soo sweet!

Hello Guys !

I’ve been absent for a long time ! So if you want the Cyber City Oedo 808 UK Original Soundtrack i have all the songs plus the opening song and amv videos that contains sketches of the 3 main characters ! If anybody wants them let me know !

Walter

darn narrow minded wally

hey man, good to see that someone still has the soundtrack - can you please get in touch so that i could get a copy of all the tracks?

thanks for your help dude!

matt

6/10?!! BLASPHEMY!

Really? They’ve used the soundtrack on other programs? Canyou think of any, i would love to check it out. Got the original score on cd cost me £20 brand new from sweden.

Hi Walter,

Can you put up the music to the UK release

thanks

THIS ANIME IS MOST DEFINITELY 10/10. WHOEVER RATED THIS IS A TOTAL RETARD. END OF.

THIS VERY ANIME IS WHAT GOT ME INTO CYBERPUNK…

I think OEDO is vastly superior to Armitage III. But animation and story-wise. You really can’t go wrong with Kawajiri. Oedo is every bit as well animated as Ninja Scroll was. I really don’t think the reviewer knows too much about animation. He is probably comparing the show to all the new pseudo-anime CG stuff. Which really isn’t animation at all.

Only 6 stars?? As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the greatest anime mini-series around in the cyberpunk genre. The 2nd episode (the one with the scary-looking cyborg), in particular, is sheer perfection. And yes, watching this with the UK soundtrack is paramount. It makes a huuuuge difference. Giving this title anything less than 8 stars is blasphemy in my opinion.

any luck with the sound track Grizzly? - I’d love a copy of it!

Yo guys
I just checked the dubbed version: seriously yo shouldn’t be skeptical about it!
Its Great!

cybercity oedo 808 is fuckin awesome. One of the best anime I ever had the pleasure to watch. And that’s without watching it dubbed. The dubbed version is even better.

Just watched CYBERCITY part 1-3 and I personally think its one of the best series Ive watched manga wise good story lines and brill music ,its a shame there wasn’t more episodes released as your left after watching the last episode wanting more story’s & info on the characters ,I my opinion GHOST IN A SHELL is overrated

I agree with those that say it’s silly this got 6/10. This is quintessential cyber-punk. It ticks off every box and does everything with beautiful visuals, a kick arse soundtrack, and entertaining dialog and action.

I watched this recently … Definitely has a lot of cyber punk themes, and the premise of having cyber-criminals catching criminals to decrease their sentence is pretty cool.

The final episode in particular; the one with the vampire; had some seriously powerful aesthetic visuals though. The final scene where the transvestite is pushing the coffin out into space for instance …

I’ve really enjoyed watching Cyber City Oedo 808.
It deserve more than a 6/10