Grimm Douwa: Kin no Tori

Though this movie was released as part of Toei's Manga Matsuri, it was actually animated by Madhouse (and features, notably, Madhouse president and veteran animator Maruyama Masao doing layout). Completed in 1984, this film was shelved for three years before being theatrically released, during which time rumours spread about it being a lost masterpiece. Although overall the film is hardly a masterpiece, in terms of visuals alone it certainly is. It has some of the most ornate animation and creative design work of any contemporary anime movie. .net