Movies News Talk
Riding Bean, the cult-classic OVA by Kenichi Sonoda, is at last seeing re-release in contemporary formats. AnimeEigo is distributing the much-loved 1980s anime, which will be available on September 10 as a physical Blu-ray disc presently open for pre-orders in addition to streaming services including Google Play, YouTube, and Amazon. Sonoda of Gunsmith Cats fame and studio AIC developed Riding Bean in 1989; it has seen limited releases over the past two decades, with DVDs last produced in 2002. Along with extra features, the new Blu-Rays will have English subtitles and Japanese dubs. With a manga and three-episode OVA of its own, the OVA is well-known for its fanciful car chases, action scenes, and existence as a prototype of Sonoda's equally highly regarded Gunsmith Cats. Riding Bean introduces Bean Bandit, a Chicago-based getaway driver and courier employed alongside blonde predecessor of Gunsmith Cats, Rally Vincent, a gunwoman. Here are all of Sonoda's trademarks: a love of American culture, muscle cars, exotic guns, and high-octanes action. Riding Bean is still an interesting, if underappreciated part of anime history even though it turned out as Sonoda's steppingstone.
Historically, AnimeEigo has distributed the OVAs based on Sonoda's works abroad. Originally released on VHS in early 1990 and 1996 respectively, Riding Bean and Gunsmith Cats have seen sporadic re-releasing on other formats by the company. Along with bonus materials including an image gallery, the Blu-ray edition teaser, the original trailer, and an interview with Sonoda personally, the upcoming Blu-ray release will feature the anime itself. Given the previous rarity of Riding Bean, this makes the physical edition especially appealing to readers of the author who want every single bit of memorabilia linked with the creator.
Bean Bandit will rightfully take front stage with its return to shelves and even online streaming services. In anime history, OVAs still constitute an experimental and aspirational period when companies could produce videos covering anything and everything. Riding Bean is basically a failed pilot episode, but its exquisite, hand-painted animation also features some remarkably fluid car chases equal by very few anime. If they haven't already, fans of animation should think about seeing Riding Bean; whether that means purchasing a copy or looking for it online when the classic show runs in September.