Anime on US cable TV

[andrew osmond]

M <xplar at netscape.net> writes

(Tron v Matrix)
>The similarities are at the core scenarios: Genius computer-hacker male 
>living in the real world is transported by others into 
>computer-controlled reality where he is believed to be the Chosen One 
>that will free them from the Overlord.  

But the Matrix's protagonist is brought _out of_ a computer-controlled
reality. More importantly, the notions of hacker-as-hero and of virtual
worlds resembling reality are staples of 'cyberpunk' fiction, with which
the Wachowskis are familiar. 

>i see the anime influecnce in aesthetics, but the story to me has always 
>been Tron meets Star Wars, with a little Videodrome mixed in.

Only if you presume that screen sci-fi must be the dominant influence.
>From everything I read, the Wachowskis merrily borrowed from their
favourite books (fiction and non-fiction) and comics.
-- 
andrew osmond