Blue Submarine No.6 was one of my favourite anime from the the late 1990s solely because of the combination of high animation quality and pioneering underwater effects. It literally blew me away with its depiction of an ambient soundtrack, water echo, time delay and aqua-sound usage. The animation itself was one of the first hybrids of CG mixed with traditional cel productions. So-called live movies such as The Hunt for Red October and even the current G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra's conceptualizations of underwater warfare are still a joke in comparison.
As per typical serial OVA, Blue Submarine is a complex narrative with multiple story arcs going in different directions - but at its basis is a war between the naval forces of humanity against marine hybrid offshoot creations of the scientist Zorndyke. In some ways similar to Space Battleship Yamato (or Star Blazers to North Americans), the tale centers around the crew of a submarine (as per the series title) and its battle against Zorndyke's forces. At once a study in underwater/naval warfare but also an ecological study and a philosophical query as to the nature of humanity (is conflict necessary for the advancement of the species?), Blue Submarine No. 6 is one of the standout combat-related anime out there.
So with anything this high concept and high quality, it comes as no surprise that a live version is the in works. However, this one is going to be made in Japan, meaning its penetration overseas will be limited to anime festivals, foreign film festivals, and cult appreciation. The budget will be US$84 million and will be directed by Masahiko Ohkura.
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