Review of Street Fighter Alpha Generations

Introduction

For most `Street Fighter` will be remembered as a huge gaming brand of the early `90`s. It was a by-word for fast-kicking kung-fu action.

Then `Street Fighter Alpha` brought the characters to life in anime format, further developing the game characters and introducing us to more of their personality traits alongside the usual selection of `special moves`.

This criminally short `movie` (at 50 minutes it`s barely longer than a couple of standard length OVA episodes) will both delight and confuse fans of the previous Manga movie release `Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie` as it takes a step back in time (it`s a prequel) and takes some `diabolical liberties` with the characters and their appearance in the process. (Ryu, Ken, Sakura and Gouki all look decidedly different from `Street Fighter Alpha` and other anomalies include Sakura being an expert fighter, despite the fact that in `Alpha` she was just learning…).

`Generations` was apparently created to explore the history behind some of the Street Fighter characters and, in particular, to see how the main character Ryu, is connected to his arch nemesis Akuma (Gouki).

The movie comes from a great stable. Co-producer Kaoru Mfaume was responsible for both `Dead Leaves` and `Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex` amongst others. Although it`s a directorial debut for Ikuo Kuwana, he`s also from a great pedigree, having worked as a key animator for animes like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Blood: The Last Vampire and Dead Leaves.

The movie has a curiously dated look (read `retro`), which looks almost like it may have originated from the 80`s. But the action (particularly the fighting action) is generally imaginatively realised, fluid and exciting.

The movie wastes no time getting started. You just know from the outset that you`re going to see Ryu and Akuma battling it out together before long - and you won`t be disappointed. But this is a little more sophisticated (emphasis on `little`) than other kick-ass action anime like `Fist of the North Star`. There`s almost a philosophical side to the narrative too.

Street fighting champion Ryu visits his master`s grave and meets a strangely bumptious old-timer who is surprisingly adept at arts of the martial variety. He defeats Ryu effortlessly and Ryu agrees to be the old man`s apprentice.

Curiously, the old man seems to know about Ryu`s nemesis, Gouki, who murdered Ryu`s old master. There`s something pre-determined about events, and it soon seems that Ryu is destined to battle the bloodthirsty Gouki.

Whilst lodging with the old man (and his daughter) a very young Sakura passes through, seemingly searching for Ryu in order to fight with him to improve her own skills. He concedes, and they fight with Ryu easily overcoming the eager Sakura. She thanks him for the lessons she has learnt but during the fight it is Ryu who has had the most significant revelation. He is born to fight Gouki. It is his destiny and he will never settle until the battle is over. But during their encounter it is clear that Ryu is in danger of being consumed by the Dark Hadou that has turned Akuma into the man-monster he has become.

Video

The animation here may not be to everyone`s tastes as it has a decidedly retro-feel which I`m sure was intentional. But this is a good transfer and there is, in truth, a sophistication to the fighting action that would never have been seen in 80`s anime.

Audio

There are a range of audio options which feature the work of sound director Yasunori Honda (X, Ninja Scroll, Urotsukidoji, Macross). The English dub sounds a little unconvincing, though the ultra-cool score from Bill Laswell is fantastic. The 5.1 is a lot of fun and adds enormously to the atmosphere.

Features

It`s a strange bunch here but worthwhile nonetheless. Firstly there`s a piece called `Inside the voice-actors studio` which shows some of the initial Japanese dubbing as well as some accompanying interviews.

Then there`s a self-publicity piece called `Inside Scoop: Interview with Kaoru Mfaume, who turns out to be a very anglicised youngster who is talks, with more `you know`s` pr square inch than ever committed to interview before, about why they wanted to make the film as well as some of the processes involved. Whilst the sound is poor (echoey and too wide-miked), effort has been made in post to lift this very mediocre interview (devoid of any charisma) by melding it with appropriate footage and artwork.

Then there`s a feature called `Soundtrack` - which for any Bill Laswell fans is a straight no-frills play through of the OST sans FX and voices. As a fan of the man this was much appreciated!

Finally there`s a piece called (deceptively) `The Art of Anime` hich is a glorified trailer reel set to a U2 type guitar track. It features clips from classics like Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Blood: The last Vampire, Perfect Blue, and Virus alongside more recent pieces like R.O.D. and Paranoia Agent. There follows a `Trailer` reel which is more of the same, but ending on a bona-fide trailer for `Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence` - which looks stunning.

Conclusion

Fans of the franchise may well enjoy this relatively sophisticated animation despite its stylistic differences from previous incarnations of Ryu and Akuma, as well as Sakura and loyal sidekick Ken.

It`s a fast-moving kick-fest that finds time for reflective philosophy and emotion too, and occasional doses of humour with flickers of possible romance too. As a prequel, it may also satisfy the curiosity of the ardent fan intent on discovering the roots of the conflict between Ryi and Akuma.

Though the dub may not be to everyone`s taste, there`s no doubt that the 5.1 soundtrack options, with a great score penned and played by ultra-cool musician/producer Bill Laswell will excite that sound system and infuriate your neighbours.

But at 50 minutes it really is too short to be considered a substantial piece of work. Though there are a few extras to get your teeth into, I can`t help feeling that this doesn`t represent great value.