Noirvember: Mars Express (2023)

Noirvember continues on Nostalgia, Plus Ultra!!In this episode, The Homies review the French animated science fiction thriller Mars Express, a film that blends cyberpunk aesthetics, hard-boiled detective storytelling, and philosophical questions about artificial intelligence and humanity into a gripping animated neo-noir setting. The film follows private investigator Aline Ruby and her android partner Carlos as they investigate a missing-person case that leads them into a much larger conspiracy.As part of our Noirvember series, we're exploring what makes a film noir and how those classic noir elements translate into anime and animated films. Does Mars Express capture what makes up traditional film noir?If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, share, subscribe, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on social media for episode updates!

TRIGGER WARNING ADVISED: Rape, Sexual AssaultWelcome to Noirvember, a month-long celebration of anime movies with a film noir edge! In this first installment, The Homies dive into the dark and supernatural world of Wicked City (1987). We’re breaking down the atmosphere, animation, storytelling, supernatural elements, and noir-inspired themes that make Wicked City a cult classic. But does the movie itself deserve the praise it gets from nostalgic anime fans? Taylor might think otherwise. Join us as we kick off a month of anime noir reviews, revisit a cult classic, and put our own spin on what makes an anime movie film noir.What's next for Noirvember? Follow us on social media to find out which anime movie we're watching next!If you enjoy the show, help us grow: Like and share this episode with fellow anime and film noir fans, subscribe to Nostalgia, Plus Ultra so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review and let us know what you think of our Noirvember picks!

Welcome back to the pod! For the last installment in this year's Spooky Season Series, Zo and Taylor are talking about Seoul Station, the animated prequel to the Korean zombie movie Train to Busan. Does it hold up as a standalone zombie movie? Or does it leave alot to be desired? The Homies take a deep dive into this movie and what truly makes the zombie genre great when done well. Make sure to like/subscribe/share/rate the episode so we can reach more people. Follow us @nostalgiaplusultra on all socials so you never miss an update.

For the third installment of our Spooky Season Series, Taylor and Zo are taking a trip back to 1995 to review Bio Hunter, the cult classic horror anime OVA directed by Yuzo Sato and written by Fujihiko Hosono and Yoshiaki Kawajiri.Blending body horror, supernatural terror, dark fantasy, and sci-fi action, Bio Hunter follows two scientists searching for a cure to a demonic virus that transforms humans into grotesque monsters. But does this '90s anime horror gem still deliver the scares, or has it become a relic of its era? We break down the story, animation, gruesome creature designs, memorable moments, and everything that makes up this disturbing throwback.Like and share this episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on social media to stay up to date on new episodes, future reviews, and more nostalgic deep dives.

October Spooky Season continues on Nostalgia, Plus Ultra with a deep dive into one of the most infamous cult classics in anime history: the English dub of Ghost Stories!What makes the Ghost Stories English dub so iconic? How did a supernatural horror anime transform into a chaotic comedy filled with pop culture references, irreverent jokes, and completely unexpected moments? We’re breaking down the series’ bizarre legacy, its unique place in anime history, and why fans still celebrate this one-of-a-kind dub decades later.Enjoying the show? Help the pod grow by liking and sharing this episode with your fellow anime fans, subscribing so you never miss an episode, and leaving us a review. Your support helps more listeners discover the podcast!

October Spooky Season has arrived once again on Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, and we’re going back into the world of one of anime’s most iconic vampire hunters.Last October, we watched the original Vampire Hunter D. This year, The Homies are continuing the tradition with its acclaimed sequel, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.In this episode, we discuss the movie's stunning animation, dark fantasy atmosphere, memorable characters, vampire mythology, and how the sequel compares to the original film. Is Bloodlust a worthy follow-up? How does it hold up as a spooky season watch? And does it live up to the nostalgia surrounding one of anime’s most beloved vampire stories?Follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on social media for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. If you enjoyed the episode, like, share, subscribe, and leave a review to help the podcast grow and let other anime fans find us!#VampireHunterD #VampireHunterDBloodlust #AnimePodcast #HorrorAnime #SpookySeason #HalloweenAnime #AnimeMovies #90sAnime #NostalgiaPlusUltra

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, The Homies dive into the 1995 anime classic Ghost in the Shell, a landmark film that helped shape the cyberpunk and sci-fi anime genres.We break down Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell, exploring its story, animation, themes, characters, atmosphere, and lasting influence on anime and science fiction. We also compare the original 1995 movie to the newly released Ghost in the Shell anime, which returns to the original manga’s style and storyline.How does the new anime adaptation compare to the iconic 1995 film? What has changed, what remains familiar, and how do both versions approach the world, characters, and themes of Ghost in the Shell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed the episode, follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on social media, like and share the episode, and leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps more anime and nostalgia fans discover the show

Welcome back to the pod!!. This week is the second installment of the As Told by Zo Variety Special!This time, host Zo dives headfirst into a rapid-fire mix of pop culture, video games, anime, sci-fi, and Halloween season hype.Zo takes a critical look at Insomniac Games’ Wolverine, breaking down the concerns, creative choices, and issues surrounding one of Marvel’s most anticipated gaming projects. From there, it’s time for a crash course in the visual connection between 1980s and 1990s American science fiction and Japanese anime. Zo explores the shared aesthetics, themes, technology, character designs, and cinematic influences that helped define the look and feel of both eras.Zo also gets into the hype surrounding this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, discussing what makes the event such a massive pop-culture phenomenon and why horror fans keep coming back for more.Follow us on social media to keep up with The Homies and get updates on new episodes. And if you enjoyed the show, like, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you’ll know when the next episode drops.

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, The Homies dive into Summer Wars, Mamoru Hosoda’s beloved 2009 anime film that blends family drama, romance, comedy, technology, and high-stakes digital adventure into one unforgettable story.We visit the world of OZ, the film’s sprawling virtual network, and the Jinnouchi family as they face a digital crisis that threatens both their online world and reality itself. We discuss what makes Summer Wars such a memorable anime movie, from its themes of family and connection to its colorful animation, emotional storytelling, and surprisingly relevant take on technology and social media.Make sure to follow the pod on social media for more episodes, movie discussions, and anime deep dives. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review. Your support helps more listeners discover Nostalgia, Plus Ultra.

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, The Homies take a closer look at one of Studio Ghibli’s most unconventional films: My Neighbors the Yamadas. We explore what makes this slice-of-life comedy so different from the typical Studio Ghibli experience, from its distinctive watercolor-inspired animation and family dynamics to its humor, heart, and everyday storytelling. The Homies are also ranking every Isao Takahata movie made under Studio Ghibli, comparing Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, My Neighbors the Yamadas, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Which Takahata masterpiece comes out on top? Which one deserves more recognition? And where does My Neighbors the Yamadas land on our ultimate Isao Takahata ranking?Join us as we revisit the movies that shaped our childhoods, challenged our expectations, and still hold up today.If you enjoyed the episode, follow us on all socials @nostalgiaplusultra, subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a like or review.