Tokyo Revelation (Animated) (DVD)

...this anime that I realised Tokyo Revelation had something to do with the Shin Megami Tensei video game series - only in the film was there indication of this. With regards to the package, the artwork for the front cover appears to have been scanned before being printed - all in low resolution settings - it's that bad. The DVD is lacking, with only previews of other Manga OAVs making up the features. The text speak in the Chapter Selection screen ...
...see where the problems with Tokyo Revelation lie. The film moves at such a pace there's no time to question or explain anything, let alone develop its characters. As such, you are unable to feel for the characters, and considering the turn of events, when the credits come rolling it feels like such a wasted opportunity.

I thought the animation was alright. Characters appeared inconsistent at times and the film conveniently uses stills ... more

On board a plane Akito Kobayashi launches the demonic software on his laptop which releases a swarm of demons. The demons cause the plane to explode, and everyone aboard dies except Akito, who realises that the magnetite - "the mysterious element that forms the living essence of every soul" - is not enough to satisfy Ose's very big appetite. A week later, it's of surprise to student Kojiro Some that his friend from elementary, Akito Kobayashi, enrolls back in school. To Kojiro, he can see Akito has muchly changed, but only later does he find out that Akito has become a sworn ally of the devil itself.

It was not until after I had bought this anime that I realised Tokyo Revelation had something to do with the Shin Megami Tensei video game series - only in the film was there indication of this. With regards to the package, the artwork for the front cover appears to have been scanned before being printed - all in low resolution settings - it's that bad. The DVD is lacking, with only previews of other Manga OAVs making up the features. The text speak in the Chapter Selection screen can only make this DVD feel rushed.

At around 55 minutes long, it's not difficult to see where the problems with Tokyo Revelation lie. The film moves at such a pace there's no time to question or explain anything, let alone develop its characters. As such, you are unable to feel for the characters, and considering the turn of events, when the credits come rolling it feels like such a wasted opportunity.

I thought the animation was alright. Characters appeared inconsistent at times and the film conveniently uses stills to show Ose's henchman, Gakison, as being able to speak without moving, despite this not always being the case. The character designs were nice, but a lack of detail is evident in this film, with Cerberus being depicted as a single-headed creature. There are a fair share of fight scenes in the film, these are well done however, the way in which the final battle was concluded was disappointing.

The voice acting was decent, but the use of profanities felt out of place - I read somewhere that there were none in the original Japanese version. That said, the dialogue needs much worked on. Musically, the film uses brief legato piano to suggest a sense of ease, and sustained pipe organs and opera singing voices to portray the pressing presence of evil.

Tokyo Revelation has a BBFC 15 rating. Not only is there swearing, violence and gore, but there is some nudity along with a mild sexual scene.

I do not regret watching this, but I wished its potential had been fulfilled. It's too short and is hence worth a rental at best.

*Definition of magnetite as taken from the DVD itself.* 

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