There are plenty of folks who still equate Japanese animation with "Pokemon" and can't get used to the flat faces and weird storylines. But the plunge is worth taking. At their best, anime are as intelligent as the best feature films, and their daring plots can make the most jaded heads spin. Here are the best looking, most exciting anime DVDs.
1. Akira
Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 classic is still the gold standard. An engaging plot and dazzling animation that has aged very little make this a must have. I watch it once a week. Look out for the two-disc special edition. 
2. Princess Mononoke
In Japan, "Mononoke" was the #1 grossing movie of all time until "Titanic" dethroned it. Hayao Miyazaki's ecological fantasy is smart, touching, and offers one of the most balanced view of a complicated issue I have ever seen in a feature film, animated or not.
3. Ghost in the Shell
The plot of this "Neuromancer"-influeced Sci-Fi spectacle is somewhat abortive, but don't let that bother you: the visuals are stunning, making this a very rewatchable DVD.4. Grave of the Fireflies
One of the most devastating war movies ever made, animated or not, this classic tells the fate of two orphans after their city is firebombed.5. Cowboy Bebop
A TV series rather than a feature film, "Cowboy Bebop" is good sci-fi fun with a hip edge and a sense of humor that's one step more sophisticated than the prevalent giggle-fests.6. Blood: The Last Vampire
"Blood" is short, but it is oh-so-beautiful to behold. The digital animation, including a girl climbing up a chain-link fence, is truly amazing. s the title suggests, the gore isn't bad either, for those who enjoy a bit of decapitation.7. The Castle of Cagliostro
Made in 1979, the animation of this Inspector Lupin mystery is a bit dated, but the action is as gleefully freewheeling as ever. A fun adventure full of high jinx, escapes, gadgets, and damsels in distress.8. Perfect Blue
A dark psychological thriller that's an excellent example of the genre's flexibility -- you will be scared and worried for the main character, a pop singer who wants to start a movie career. Careful: may cause nightmares.