Synopsis:
The diabolical M. Bison is collecting the world's best fighters in an effort to form a super army that would enable him to take over the world! At the top of his list is Ryu, a Japanese martial artist with seemingly unparalleled power and skill. But when things don't go as planned with Ryu, Bison goes after Ryu's American counterpart and best friend, Ken. Looks like it's going to be Ken vs. Ryu in the final battle that could determine the world's fate...

Review:
Street Fighter II the Animated Movie is the first video-game based anime I've watched, and I was instantly impressed by its high quality art and animation.

The plot is the usual and unoriginal baddie-wants-to-take over-the world bit. It's not one of Street Fighter 2's more positive aspects, but it is executed quite well and the visuals more than make up for the plot's shortcomings. Street Fighter 2 features some of the most intense and spectacular fights you'll ever see. Years after I've seen this movie, Chun-li and Balrog's infamous and bloody battle remain vivid in my mind. Street Fighter fans are in for a real treat, as popular Street Fighter characters show the audience what they are really made of. The moves are quite faithful to those found in the game as well.

Characterization is pretty good. The fighters' personalities manage to shine through despite the uninspired storyline, and I was actually concerned about what was going to happen to them. As I had mentioned earlier, the art and animation are excellent. The characters are drawn very well, and they look much like their video game counterparts. The movements are also very smooth -- one of the keys to great action sequences. Street Fighter 2 is a must-see for Street Fighter and action fans. It works even without Street Fighter gaming experience, and it's better than most of the video-game based anime titles out there.

Miscellanies:
If you want to see the Street Fighter gang's younger days, check out the Street Fighter II V series.

Screenshots:

Shopping - click on title to purchase:

AnimeNation Street Fighter II the Movie (DVD)
Rightstuf Street Fighter II the Movie (DVD)
Amazon Street Fighter (Games for PS2, Nintendo, X-box)

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