As the anticipation builds for the Blu-Ray release of the iconic animated movie, “Macross: Do You Remember Love”, it’s the perfect moment to delve into why this anime continues to resonate with fans across generations. Before diving into the visually stunning and emotionally resonant world of DYRL in high definition, let’s take a retrospective look at its enduring legacy and the insightful discussions surrounding it.
One valuable resource for understanding the impact of “Macross: Do You Remember Love” is the “BS Anime Yawa” (“BS Anime Night Talk”) TV special. Hosted by Gainax founder Toshio “Otaking” Okada on NHK BS-2, this series offers in-depth analyses of classic and influential anime. An episode broadcast on June 29th, 2005, specifically focused on “Macross: Do You Remember Love”, bringing together a panel of anime luminaries to dissect its creation and significance.
The panel included Ichiro Itano, known for his dynamic animation sequences; Hiroyuki Kitakubo, a keyframe artist from the original “Macross” series and movie; Tomoyuki Furumaya, the movie’s director; and voice actress Rica Fukami, famous for her role as Myung in “Macross Plus.” Their collective expertise provided a rich tapestry of perspectives on “Do You Remember Love”.
The discussion covered a range of fascinating topics. Panelists shared personal anecdotes from their experiences watching and working on the original “Macross” series. They explored co-director Shoji Kawamori’s unique influence, described as imbuing the work with a youthful, almost “virginal scent.” Kazutaka Miyatake’s pioneering concept of “production design” for anime was also highlighted, recognizing his innovative approach to visual storytelling.
The “Itano Circus,” Ichiro Itano’s signature style of fluid and dynamic missile animation, was another key point. Itano himself shared humorous stories from his youth, detailing how his childhood experiments with homemade rocket launchers and motorcycles inspired his groundbreaking animation technique, observing that missiles never follow a straight path.
A central theme of the “BS Anime Yawa” special was the idea that “Macross” represented a generational shift in anime production. It was characterized as the first major anime created by fans who themselves became industry professionals. The young and passionate team, led by Kawamori, poured their enthusiasm into the project, resulting in a show brimming with youthful energy and a unique, irreplaceable spirit. The panelists suggested that “Macross” and “Do You Remember Love” in particular, had a distinct “boys’ club” atmosphere, possibly making certain aspects less accessible to female viewers at the time. They contrasted this with “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” released in the same year, which likely attracted a larger female fanbase, suggesting the beginning of a divergence in anime aimed at different genders.
Looking back from a more contemporary perspective, particularly after the success of “Macross Frontier,” it’s evident that the franchise has broadened its appeal. “Macross Frontier” successfully attracted a new generation of fans, both male and female, many of whom are now discovering or rediscovering the magic of “Do You Remember Love.” This signifies a welcome evolution, opening up what might have been perceived as a “boys-only club” to a wider audience.
While the “BS Anime Yawa” special on “Do You Remember Love” was unfortunately never officially released on DVD or online streaming platforms, its insights are not entirely lost. A series of books compiling transcripts from the most engaging episodes was published, and Volume 4 is dedicated to the “DYRL” special.
This book offers a treasure trove of information, featuring the complete transcript of the broadcast, including segments that were cut from the original airing, differentiated by color-coded text. Furthermore, it expands on the TV special with a new, exclusive interview with Shoji Kawamori, providing even deeper insights into the creation of this anime masterpiece.
For those eager to further explore the legacy of “Do You Remember Love” anime and prepare for its Blu-ray release, seeking out this book is highly recommended. It provides a unique window into the minds of the creators and context for appreciating the enduring appeal of this classic anime film.
