Macross Zero - The dogfighting Tomcat-robots screaming through the clouds as hordes of hissing missles zig/zag their way to their targets (made famous by the AMV: Chibi Things That Kill).
Last Exile - The Star War's like beginning: two ships going at it, a princess running in exile, and being rescued by some commoners (can never go wrong by imitating SW: Episode IV). Spice it up even more with its Romanticzed Imperial Age soldiers/costuming/acting + Sci-Fi vehicles & environment. And you've got one heck of a blockbuster Episode 1 that gives you action, adventure, story, and a fairly original world/background to attract viewers.