Netflix has always offered an extensive library of anime titles, but in recent years, it has really upped its commitment to this increasingly popular art form, acquiring landmark series like ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ and ‘Robotech’, and creating new original titles like ‘Castlevania’ and ‘Pacific Rim’. Anime has been imported to America for decades, stretching all the way back to the ’60s, but really experienced a boom in the ’90s thanks to Cartoon Network’s Toonami and Adult Swim. But for those that are too young to have experienced that, or those that simply weren’t tuned in, getting into anime can be a daunting proposition.
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Now Netflix is hopefully going to make things easier with the documentary ‘Enter the Anime’. Similar to the engrossing ‘Hip Hop Evolution’ docuseries, ‘Enter the Anime’ will follow a relative novice as they dive into this rich subject.
Seeking to understand anime, Tania Nolan interviews filmmakers behind notable productions from “Castlevania” to “Aggretsuko,” “Kengan Ashura” and more.
Among those expected to be interviewed are ‘Saint Seiya’s Kozo Morishita, Yoko Takahashi who is behind the ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ soundtrack, and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’s Shinji Aramaki. What’s On Netflix also speculates that the doc will also include Adi Shankar and Warren Ellis who are behind ‘Castlevania’, Seiji Kishi and Makoto Uezu behind ‘Kengan Ashura’ and ‘Aggretsuko’s Rarecho.
‘Enter the Anime’ is aimed at newcomers and will help them discover the world of anime, but even existing fans will be interested as the doc features extensive interviews with creators and should offer new information even to experts.
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Cynically speaking, yes, this is kind of a promotional tool to promote Netflix’s own anime offerings, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it will help subscribers optimize their viewing experience.
And Netflix has delivered some excellent documentaries like the Emmy-nominated ‘Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened’, which became a watercooler sensation. And along the lines of ‘Enter the Anime’, Netflix offered ‘The Toys That Made Us’, a hit among collectors and fans of vintage toys.
If you’ve been wanting to check out anime, but have been daunted by the sheer volume, ‘Enter the Anime’ will be available to stream starting on August 5.
