FUNimation started releasing Glass Fleet back in 2007, and throughout 2008 the individual volumes finished their run. Rather than pull the show together for a Viridian release, FUNimation has decided to collect the series in a way that is similar to its presentation of Geneon and ADV programs. That is to say that all 26 episodes of the show, with bonus features, are crammed onto four DVDs. It's a tight packaging job to say the least, but if you missed out on the series before this is probably your best opportunity to pick it up.

Glass Fleet is a series that, on paper, has an impressive pedigree. With involvement from Gonzo, Starlight, and Sony Pictures, it would seem that the show would stand out in many ways. At the time the series was produced Gonzo had just come off of Gankutsuou and in many ways the designs in this series feel influenced by that show, with the obvious caveat that Glass Fleet is pure space-faring science fiction. It's beautiful at times, and the anime attempts to tell an epic story, but ultimately this one is more style than substance and it's basically a series of good moments scattered in between a whole lot of blah.

Basically what you need to know about Glass Fleet is that it's a futuristic version of class warfare. The powers that be control everything and oppress the masses. Other super powers rise to confront those at the top, and throughout it all the little guy gets stepped on. You know what that means? Viva la revolution!

The whole sordid affair begins when the tyrannical Vetti Sforza rises to the top and gives himself the title of Holy Emperor. Under his rule the people are utterly broken and a People's Army has been created to protect the weak and innocent. Naturally this doesn't go over too well, but its when the leader of the People's Army, Michel, steps forward to join with Glass Fleet from the old Royal Family that things get interesting. The ragtag group teams up against Vetti in an effort to regain power, but as you'd expect not everything is quite as it seems.

Throughout Glass Fleet there is an abundant use of talk about prophecy, and the question is constantly raised about who is in the right during this conflict. Michel seems to have good intentions, but can Cleo be trusted? After all he's a former royal fighting the powers that be and apparently seeking to reclaim the thrown. Are the people's best interests being taken into consideration? It all becomes a desperate ploy as the focus of the series shifts between characters and it fumbles through the story it tries to tell. It's not well thought out by any stretch of the imagination, and from start to finish some things are just never explained enough, or given an appropriate amount of time to really be fleshed out. That's ironic because if things were tightened up, Glass Fleet could have been wrapped up as an epic 12 or 13 episode series. Instead it feels drawn out and tired by the time you'll get to the end of its 26 episode run.

To its merit Glass Fleet does present an interesting cast, even if it doesn't necessarily seem to know what to do with them. Michel has some nice depth, with a fleshed out background. Cleo and Vetti also have some nice development throughout the show. Unfortunately with the universe at their disposal, the focus on this trio of characters limits the scope of the series. It makes what should be an open adventure feel kind of claustrophobic, and even the big space battles don't help matters.

I also didn't get a good feeling from the way the theme of the show was pulled together. The aristocratic French-like society just does not mesh well with the science fiction angle and things constantly feel awkward. From the dialogue right down to the design of the series, nothing ever feels natural, and that's not a good thing. Even the theme of the show regarding the fight of the little people against the powers that be is kind of moot when you take into consideration the fact that we hardly ever see the commoners. I thought they were supposed to be angry about being oppressed? Oh well, let's just focus on the nobles and their fight for power. None of it gels when it's put together and it leaves Glass Fleet feeling like a mess at times with little sense of direction.

Now, to be fair not everything in Glass Fleet is bad. Despite my feelings towards the manner with which they present their characters, they are interesting and help drive the story. There are also some nice battles and a few surprises which elevate the material towards the end. Unfortunately getting there is a long, drawn-out process that consists of poorly paced, ill-thought out ideas. Glass Fleet is definitely a different kind of show, but different doesn't always equal good. Those of you who enjoyed Gankutsuou and like science fiction may want to rent this one, but in all honesty there are better shows on the market.

Glass Fleet is presented on DVD with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and is enhanced for an anamorphic display. The show maintains some fascinating art direction and there are definitely some unique designs used throughout. From the characters to ships, there's enough variety and lavishly designed pieces to leave a positive impression. Unfortunately the technical side of things doesn't hold up quite so well. During the course of this show you'll find some grain and compression artifacts, which prove to be rather distracting. This isn't always the case, but when the problems crop up you'll definitely notice them. Despite the flaws Glass Fleet has an interesting look overall, but the transfer simply could have been better.

Glass Fleet comes with an English 5.1 Dolby Digital track, as well as English and Japanese 2.0 stereo mixes. The 5.1's surround support was a welcome addition during many scenes in Glass Fleet, but considering much of the content is dialogue heavy it doesn't feel like it got enough play to be worthwhile. On the flipside, the 2.0 stereo offerings were decent for what they were, though they had the standard set of limitations. As far as the dubbing quality is concerned your mileage will vary with regards to both tracks, but for my money I preferred the Japanese cast over the English one. Both did a decent enough job, I just felt that the Japanese track added more depth.

Some trailers, textless animation, and original TV spots are included in this collection. There was also a nice interview with the director of the series, which was originally broadcast in Japan back in the day. There's some nice information provided here, and it's definitely worth checking out once you're done with the show. I wouldn't dig into it before hand though, there is some spoiler material peppered throughout the discussion.

For all its pomp and pedigree you'd think that Glass Fleet would have been better. The background of the show is fantastic, the premise is definitely unique, and the characters are interesting. Unfortunately the revolution theme feels show-horned into the science fiction genre, and ultimately it just doesn't know what it wants to be. Jarring pacing, poor development, and awkward moments are scattered throughout this show, and because of that I'd say it's a rental at best. If you're a fan of Gonzo's work then check it out, but otherwise there are far better sci-fi shows out there. Rent it

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