Making anime remakes wouldn't be working

2024-12-10
Making anime remakes wouldn't be working

In recent years, the trend of making remakes of popular anime from 20 or 30 years ago has gained traction in the industry. Series such as "Ranma 1/2", "Urusei Yatsura" and "Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai" have returned to the screens with new productions that seek to capture both old fans and new generations. However, this strategy has generated divided opinions among anime fans, especially those who grew up with the original versions.

Making anime remakes wouldn't be working

One of the main criticisms of the remakes lies in the changes in the style of animation and character design. Some fans point out that these updates, while technically more sophisticated, lose the charm and visual essence of the original versions. For example, in the case of Ranma 1/2, although most of the original voice cast returned, several fans have expressed that "the visual atmosphere is not the same."

On the other hand, there are those who consider that these differences are inevitable due to the evolution of animation techniques and the difficulty of assembling the original creative team. As one critic points out, "the style of the manga and classic anime were already different from each other, so it's something to be expected in a remake."

Fan Reviews: Successes and Failures

Some remakes have been well-received, but others have faced heavy criticism. In the case of "Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai," while many applauded the quality of the animation, there was discontent with aspects such as music and dubbing. One fan commented, "The animation was excellent, but the opening and ending were terrible. Also, some lead voice actors didn't measure up."

Problems with marketing strategies and derivative products have also been noted. During the broadcast of "Dragon Quest", a mobile video game was released that quickly closed, which negatively impacted the perception of the remake, despite the fact that its narrative reached and concluded the original ending of the manga.

While the remakes are primarily aimed at original fans, they also seek to attract new audiences. However, this goal is not always met. As one fan commented, "remakes seem to excite only the generations that saw the original; the younger ones do not show interest."

One example is "Karakuri Circus," whose remake was enjoyed by older fans, but failed to capture the attention of a younger audience. This raises an important question: can remakes balance nostalgia with innovation to expand their reach?

Final Thought: A Tribute or a Commercial Strategy?

The trend of remakes does not seem to stop, but their success depends largely on how they handle fan expectations. Series such as "GeGeGe no Kitaro" have found a more accepted model, with redesigns that fans see as part of the natural evolution of the franchise. Conversely, hasty decisions or low-quality spin-offs can tarnish even the most robust efforts.

In the end, the remakes are a tribute to the legacy of the original works, but they also represent a commercial strategy in a saturated market. Studios must be careful not to alienate their fan base as they try to conquer new audiences. In this delicate balance, the key is to honor the spirit of the original without forgetting the expectations of fans of yesterday and today.

  • "They should adapt those masterpieces that haven't been yet, like Captain Kid, into anime."
  • "It's just that the animation of the past was better."
  • "Today's animators rely too much on CGI and don't have a solid foundation."
  • "Changing voice actors in Rurouni Kenshin was a big mistake."
  • "Since they have not been able to transmit the techniques well, they only manage to make deteriorated copies."
  • "The old anime had better animation and the voice acting was superior. You don't need to do remakes."
  • "If remakes were made with the quality of something like Dandadan, then it would be fine."
  • "The script and direction are at a lower level than before."
  • "Making a remake of Anne of Green Gables would be terrifying. They could never beat Takahata's version."
  • "Instead of remaking a 1 or 2 season anime, it would be better to create a new movie. Fans would buy the music, merchandising and records out of commitment."

Source: Otakomu

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