|
|
|
|
 |
The
Series:
With
only a surface glance at the series, Chrome Shelled Regios
might not seem to be
the most wholly original anime series out there. It follows some
prescribed anime
formulas, but in my imaginary hipster-speak it 'surfs those anime
turfs' rather
nicely. It is all at once a giant bug anime (ick), a goofball comedy
(yippee!),
and yet another apocalyptic entry with a reluctant young hero who must
fight
off the abnormal invaders (oh come on - I'm talking about another one
of those Neon Genesis Evangelion-esque shows again,
aren't I?!). Yet the very quality I mentioned in the middle of the mix
- the goofball
comedy aspect - that is perhaps the defining trait that brings the
series predominantly
"been there, done that" formula into uncommon and rarely charted
grounds. The
series centers its attention on the members of
the Zuellni University Military Arts Section (which is apparently a
school
function). The time is staged for the events taking place to occur
sometime in
the future. Things are astray - but will they stay that way forever?
The
reason I claim the quirky-nature of the show to
be such a valuable strength is that I honestly cannot attest to many
series
where giant bugs kill people and destroy cities while the core
characters like
to spend half their time (at minimum) simply sitting around talking and
making
weird jokes with one another in that uniquely anime style. This entire
show
basically plays out as though it could fit within a purely comedic
model. Nonetheless,
the background plotline is actually quite serious in both tone and
idea: that
creatures are destroying the planet and our time could end.
 
 
The
animation is rather breathtaking. I loved the
character designs, and the setting of the universe. It was very
enveloping and surprising
how the animators created an apocalyptic word that might actually be a
fun
place to go on vacation too (well, maybe not). The music was also quite
complimentary, and
contained both strong opening/ending theme songs with enough edge to
keep the
flow going, and a solid score that contains many techno elements that
adds to
the flavor of the action sequences.
I
was ultimately happy to find a series that managed
to surpass my initially lower expectations. The first episode does a
decent job
of introducing the characters, setting, and themes of the show. The
episodes to
follow continued to successfully build upon the strong beginning but by
the end
of this first (of two) sets I was beginning to scratch my head at some
of the
odd occurrences happening, much of which seemed to be turning events
into a
sequence of confusing flashbacks that simply weren't adding up.
Hopefully the
second set will make that aspect of the show clearer and will allow me
to enjoy
re-watching this charming production for years to come.
The
DVD:
Video:
I
was expecting a bit more from the transfer for this series. While the
anamorphic widescreen
1:85:1 transfer is moderately sharp and contains strong colors the
animation is
also a tad softer than I had hoped for. I also noticed occasional
aliasing
which took me by surprise. The presentation is most certainly pleasing
on the
eyes but it does not excel as an especially top-tier transfer.
Audio:
Chrome
Shelled Regios
is presented with both the original
Japanese stereo mix and a newly produced English Language 5.1 surround
sound
mix. I found that experiencing the show
in either the original language or with the English dub would be
suitable for
most viewers. The 5.1 English mix has a slightly better soundstage, but
it is
not dramatically improved upon. The Japanese audio has slightly
preferable voice
acting (at least in my mind) but it doesn't run circles over the
alternative.
Either way, the sound definitely manages to perform adequately even if
it is not
capable of overwhelming the senses.
Extras:
There
isn't much to find in the
video extras department on this release. There are some textless
opening/ending
credits and trailers for other recent and upcoming Funimation titles.
It
should be noted that the
Limited Edition version of the Part One release (as herein reviewed)
contains
an extra item - a Chrome Shelled Regios
miniature flag. While the sentiment is nice I'm not too fond of the
idea of a
tiny bonus item bringing viewers an increase in price. To be perfectly
honest:
I also have no use for a mini flag from this show. It doesn't interest
me. The
more attractive addition to this Limited release is an art box (which
wisely doesn't
state Part One on the spine of the box). After removing the bonus flag
and
purchasing the Part Two DVD release any fan can choose to house all
four
slim-cases in the box so that the entire series can be stored this way.
Personally, I love packaging like this and can see how fans might
consider it
an attractive bonus to purchasing this edition.
Final Thoughts:
Produced
in 2009 as an adaptation of a series of popular
light novels (unavailable in North America as of this writing), Chrome Shelled Regios is a fun anime
series that manages to mix both an apocalyptic sci-fi yarn with an
off-the-wall
sense of humor. The series may get a bit confusing at times in this
first half
so hopefully the remainder of the show will manage to properly resolve
any
questions and vagueness that is found in the Part One DVD release.
Regardless,
the cast of likeable characters makes this anime an enjoyable
experience.
Recommended.
Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema, and a student who aspires to make movies. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas. |
|
| Other Reviews:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Special Offers
|
|
|
| DVD Blowouts
|
|
|
| Special Offers
|
|
|
|
Buy: