Rating: 
Summary: The most important era of the Robotech Saga
Review: By far and away, the best segment of Robotech, the Masters Saga is the linchpin of everything in Robotech. More visceral and adult than the pedantic Macross Saga, The Masters Saga focuses on the efforts of the Army of the Southern Cross to keep Earth from becoming a slave colony to the viscious and technologically superior Robotech Masters. This will be the first of two boxed sets of the Robotech Masters Saga of Robotech on DVD If you want to know why Robotech is Robotech...this is a must have. As with all the DVDs by A.D. Vision...it will be superb and bring back memories for those of us who loved Robotech during our adolescent angst-filled teen years.
Rating: 
Summary: Buy it anyway
Review: First off I will admit that I haven't seen these episodes since they're inital release several years ago on TV, but that doesn't mean I don't remember them. Let me also say that I'm partial to the third chapter in the Robotech Saga so my opinion may be a little tainted. This is the second part in the three part saga of Robotech, and while it is still Robotech it serves as more of a bridge between the first and third chapters. The problems with the second are that you don't feel the same attachments to the main characters as you do in the other chapters. With several memebers of the Southern Cross its hard to identify with any one character and you don't find the depth in the relationships the same as they were in the love triangle between Rick, Lisa, and Minmei. So why is the title of this review "Buy it anyway" three reasons: First while I loved the first chapter growing up, the maturity of 15 years helped to unveil many of the more personal plot details that I missed at the age of 12. So really the first 36 episodes were even better then I had remembered, which means I'm counting on that same factor here in the second chapter. Second, really if you love Robotech then you need to have the full story, it would be like watching the Star Wars series without ever seeing Empire, it just doesn't work. And the third reason. . . So that you can insure that the Invid will have the oppertunity to invade our TV's once more =). It's Robotech, remember it, watch it, love it.
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Summary: I'll Admit I Hated SC when I was young, but......
Review: I got older and was able to follow the storyline much better, and this one totally blew me away. * The nature of which they were fighting was sad for both sides. The Earth, because this was a pre-emptive strike out of fear, knowing what they went through with the Zentradi, they couldn't afford to see if they Zen's elder's The Robotech Masters came for diplomacy or just to say hi!!! The Robotech Masters manipulation on their people and the need to do anything it took to stay that way, was really depressing. *Interaction between Dana, Nova, and Marie Crystal was funny, the tension between the three was entertaining. *Southern Cross had it's cheesy moments and annoying characters (Dana, Bowie-Musica, Commander Leonard), but that's a far cry on what I had to endure when I watched Macross. The cheesiness and the annoyance didn't take away from the flow of things either, which I appreciated. *The clone of Zor Prime brought out alot in these stories. His inner conflict is a thing a beauty. I didn't like Southern Cross when I first watched it, but I was young and so caught up in Macross. The second time I watched it I gave it a chance, followed it thouroghly, and think that this one here is the strongest storywise of the three.
Rating:
Summary: Robotech Masters is my favorite of the three!
Review: I know I'm in a distinct minority, but Masters is easily my favorite. It's true that the human characters were not as interesting, but: 1: There is much less "dead weight" than in Macross. A few whole episodes of Macross are a waste of time, such as "Gloval's Report," and many more have slow parts. 2: There is much less "fluff" than in either Macross or New Generation. It's the most serious saga. 3: It's the centerpiece of the protoculture plot. 4: The Masters and their bioroids were the coolest bad guys. 5: The humans have the coolest uniforms of the three generations, especially the helmets. 6: I'm also partial to the tragic ending, where the good guys lose - badly.
Rating: 
Summary: Maybe...Maybe Not
Review: Its Robotech and that is cool...I am a huge fan of the show...but the DVD release has been less than successful. First, the last two volumes release have a "3" and "4" on them, compared to the first two which don't. On the top flap, robotech keeps switching the direction is reads in...I hoped for a little more consistancy and professionalism. The animation is in dire need of repair; and the audio is mono. And the bonus disc on Collection 4 is a waste of a DVD (I was sent an advanced copy of Collection 4). It is basically some character designs (all previously released) and the openings to Macross, Southern Cross, Mosepeda. Oh yeah, the international clips too. All in need of of tweeking themselves. In my opinion, these whole things stinks of ADV winging it, trying to cash in on people who really love Robotech. They've put no investment in the preservation and renovation of the show and have proven thus far that Robotech is not a release they take seriously nor will they any time soon. If you are a big fan, you'll buy just because it is Robotech.
If you're not...well, this might not do it for you.
That is the honest truth.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe...Maybe Not
Review: Its Robotech and that is cool...I am a huge fan of the show...but the DVD release has been less than successful. First, the last two volumes release have a "3" and "4" on them, compared to the first two which don't. On the top flap, robotech keeps switching the direction is reads in...I hoped for a little more consistancy and professionalism. The animation is in dire need of repair; and the audio is mono. And the bonus disc on Collection 4 is a waste of a DVD (I was sent an advanced copy of Collection 4). It is basically some character designs (all previously released) and the openings to Macross, Southern Cross, Mosepeda. Oh yeah, the international clips too. All in need of of tweeking themselves. In my opinion, these whole things stinks of ADV winging it, trying to cash in on people who really love Robotech. They've put no investment in the preservation and renovation of the show and have proven thus far that Robotech is not a release they take seriously nor will they any time soon. If you are a big fan, you'll buy just because it is Robotech.
If you're not...well, this might not do it for you.
That is the honest truth.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite (Its close, though)
Review: Like many others, I also first saw the Robotech series as a kid. I tuned in to the Masters chapter first and saw Macross last. As such, Masters is my favorite. Maybe because I saw it first I'm a little bias, but I absolutly loved and cared about all the characters. Sean, Bowie, Louie...Even Angelo. Its a testament to the impact of the show that I even remember their names. The story was excellent, the backdrop of a devastated Earth fighting a dying race, Dana's social struggles as a half-human, and knowing a major character could actually die...you just didn't get this stuff with the other cartoons of the day. Anyway, I could talk about this for hours; let me just say that if you're a fan of the series, of course this is must-have. And that final episode...the way it sets up the Invid invasion...I've spent years wondering if Dana and the rest made it out alive or not...(the books aren't official...)
Rating:
Summary: A Masterful Chapter of the Robotech Saga
Review: One of the weaker chapters of Robotech, but well manipulated to make it fit into the whole. Weaker, less memorable main characters are outwieghed by cool Valkerie tanks and interesting enemies. Needs to be watched to understand the story line completely and a must for a Robotech fan. Its not like Macross (in that it happens on devastated earth, and the aliens don't have as much in common with us), and the inevitable musician is hundreds of time preferable to Lyn Minmie. All in all i only give it four stars, because it lacks something, but i throw in a fifth because its Robotech.
Rating:
Summary: The quality really goes downhill here
Review: So far, I've found the picture & sound quality of the Robotech DVD series to be shockingly inconsistent: some volumes have pretty good sound & picture (considering the limits of the source material), some are of mediocre clarity, and others are danged-near-deplorable. In the case of this particular box-set release, the Robotech DVD series has likely reached its lowest point in the way of video clarity-many of the eppies on volume 7 and 8 are fairly muddy. My old VHS tapes, even after several viewings, looked better than these! The sound fluctuates from fairly good to poor here. Mayhaps the fans' consensus assertion (including myself) that the 'Southern Cross' segment is the weakest part of the Robotech saga has rubbed off on Harmony Gold in the form of apathy and half-hearted effort in the release of the 'Robotech Masters' eppies on disc? To add insult to injury, the extras platter included with this box set is the most barren of the lot! All that's included are the opening & closing credits sequences for the original Japanese 'Macross', 'Southern Cross' & 'Mospeada' shows, character & mecha model sheet sketches, a comic book cover gallery, and the obligatory selected scenes dubbed in various European languages. We're talkin' scrapin'-the-bottom-of-the-barrel-type-stuff here. They shoulda just added these onto the 5th box set's bonus disc and save the fans a bit of shelf space. 'Course, that wouldn't be very businesslike, would it? 'Late
Rating: 
Summary: Whoooo! These are hard to get through
Review: The Robotech Masters Legacy: Collection 4, a three disc collection, contains episodes 37 through 48 (and the first half of the second story arc, The Robotech Masters) of the legendary anime series Robotech from the mid 1980s. Also included in this boxed set is the fourth installment of the Elements of Robotechnology, special features DVD which includes the opening and closing sequences of the original Japanese series Robotech was based on. For the uninitiated, Robotech was the most popular of the Americanized Japanese anime series to hit American TV waves during the 1970s and 1980s. Set in the 21st Century, it was known for its cutting edge animation, high-tech battle scenes, futuristic weapons (planes, tanks, motorcyles that transform into robots), cool alien invaders, and realistic and compelling storylines. Robotech swept an entire generation and helped put Japanese Anime forever on the map of American pop culture. Set 15 years after the events in the Macross Saga, The Robotech Masters story picks up with a new generation of Robotech defenders (in this case the heavily armored Armies of the Southern Cross) protecting the Earth as a new wave of Alien invaders, the Robotech Masters, descend upon the earth looking to reclaim the missing Protoculture factory hidden aboard the now derelict SD-F1. This story arc is the focal point of the entire Robotech series as the key plotlines and threads (the secrets of the mysterious Protoculture) that bind together the three story arcs are revealed and woven together here. Here's the rundown of the episodes and content featured on each disc: Disc 1: A New Threat Episode 37 - Dana's Story: Dana relates to Bowie the story of how her parents, Max and Miriya, met and fell in love. Plus, the Robotech Masters attack Moon Base Luna. Episode 38 - False Start: Dana and the 15th Squadron get into more mischief while out practicing maneuvers. Also, the Robotech Masters arrive in Earth's airspace. Episode 39 - Southern Cross: It's all-out war as the Robotech Masters' Bioroid Army annihilates the main base, and only Dana and the 15th can stop them. Episode 40 - Volunteers: Dana and Crystal lead a team on a dangerous shuttle mission to re-establish contact with Space Station Liberty, going directly up against the Robotech Masters ship. Plus, the menacing Red Bioroid. Episode 41 - Half Moon: Bowie is captured by the Bioroids. Against orders Dana mobilizes the 15th to rescue him and comes face-to-face again with the mysterious Red Bioroid. Episode 42 - Danger Zone: It's once again all-out war. The Earth Government wants Zor's ship destroyed at all costs; and they pay a high cost indeed!!! Plus, are these aliens human? Disc 2: Revelations Episode 43 - Prelude to Battle: The Earth forces plot their next move, infiltrating the downed Robotech Masters ship. Plus, Bowie's musical career lands him in trouble. Episode 44 - The Trap: The 15th infiltrate and explore the downed Robotech Masters ship, confronting mysterious clones and falling right into the Robotech Masters' trap. Plus, Bowie meets a mysterious alien female musician. Episode 45 - Metal Fire: More info about the Robotech Masters and the alien female musician, Musica, are revealed. The Earth forces make more discoveries through Bioroid research. Episode 46 - Star Dust: The Robotech Masters mind probe their human captives and decide their next plan of action - sending an infiltrator in. Dana meets a charming singer with a plan to destroy the Robotech Masters ship. Episode 47 - The Outsiders: A reinforcement unit from the SD-F3 arrives to help against the Robotech Masters. Meanwhile, Zor Prime is unleashed by the Masters and captured (and studied) by the Earth Forces.
Episode 48 - Déjà vu: Dana seeks answers about her strange fascination with Zor Prime (the Red Bioroid pilot), going to desperate lengths to find answers. Plus, Bowie's heartache and Sean visits Marie. Disc 3: Elements of Robotechnology 4 Though a little "sparser" in terms of run-length than the other 3 earlier installments, this edition contains some cool gems in it, particularly the opening and closing sequences of the original Japanese anime series. Here are the contents: 1. Opening and closing sequences of the original Japanese anime series, Macross, Southern Cross and Genesis Climber: Mospeada, from which Robotech was made from. You can see where the images were edited together from the original series to form the Robotech opening and closing sequences, not to mention hearing the pretty cool Japanese theme songs. GREAT BONUS. 2. Animation model sheets for the characters and mecha of the Robotech Masters series. Cool stuff 3. Comic cover gallery for the 24 comic issues adapting the 24 episode Robotech Masters saga. Cool stuff 4. More International Robotech clips (in French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese) for 2 clips (Dana moving out the 15th for maneuvers and the 15th having there run-in with Crystal's squad). Neat stuff. Though this particular arc of the Robotech saga is pointed to by many as the "low-point" of the series (and I felt the same way too as a kid), I must say that it's definitely A LOT better than I remember it being. The action still kicks butt even 15 years later. If you've never seen Robotech, simply put YOU MUST. The action and the drama are compelling, clearly showing why Robotech became a pop culture icon. It is the series that forever put Japanese anime on the map in the US. If you did grow up with Robotech, give these a watch again. They're great for a trip down memory lane. You can't lose!!! Highest Recommendation
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