Robotech - Revelations (Vol. 8)

Rating:
Summary: The Plot Thickens¿.
Review: Robotech: Revelations, chronicles the second six episodes (Episodes 43 - 48) in the second story arc (The Robotech Masters) in the classic, ground-breaking, epic Americanized anime series from the 80s, Robotech.

For the uninitiated, Robotech was the most popular of the Americanized Japanese anime series to hit American TV waves during the 1970s and 1980s (along with Star Blazers, Voltron, Transor Z, etc.) 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 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. The Robotech Masters Saga 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 in this story arc.

In this particular volume the action and drama begin to pick up as the Earth's defenders begin to learn more about their mysterious invaders. The Robotech Masters themselves begin to unleash more plots in their quest to regain the hidden Protoculture factory.

Here's a rundown of the episodes featured on this DVD:

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 finds 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 and the next phase of the Robotech Masters' plot begins - kidnapping humans.

Episode 46 - Star Dust: The Robotech Masters mind probe their human captives and decide their next plan of action - sending an infiltrator in. While on a night on the town with Bowie, Dana meets a charming singer with a plan to destroy the Robotech Masters ship, just as a SECOND Robotech Master ship arrives.

Episode 47 - The Outsiders: A reinforcement unit from the SD-F3 arrives to help turn the tide against the Robotech Masters. Meanwhile, Zor Prime is unleashed by the Masters and captured (and studied) by the Earth Forces.

Episode 48 - Déjà vu: Nova interrogates Zor Prime. Dana seeks answers about her strange fascination with Zor Prime, going to desperate lengths to find answers. Plus, Bowie's heartache and Sean visits Marie.

Incidentally, these volumes DO NOT have special DVD features (aside from trailer ads for other anime series coming out on DVD from ADV). Not to fear though. If you purchase the boxed set collections, each boxed set collection will come with an "Extra: Elements of Robotechnology" DVD special which will contain all the DVD special features you could want: interviews, trailers, commercial spots, specs, etc... So by all means, get the boxed set if you are planning on buying.

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 (...)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

Rating:
Summary: Top-notch Anime - Volume VIII
Review: The eighth DVD volume of the Robotech series (the second DVD in the Dana Sterling Saga) contains six excellent episodes concerning the unexpected arrival of reinforcements from deep space and a potential breakthrough in the war against the Robotech Masters which could provide the answers to a number of important questions - including the eyecatches to and from commercial breaks. In the late 1980s, F.H.E. had released a videotape of these same episodes edited together to form one "movie;" while that was okay, this presentation by ADV Films is far superior, allowing easy access to any particular episode on may wish to view.

This is one of my favorite anime series. However, I can only rate this DVD as a "3" for two reasons. First, concerning the DVD construction, the main menu begins with a brief clip from the series without any actual menu selections immediately available, which can cause confusion for some users. Second, and by far the most significant downfall, this DVD is NOT compatible with the PlayStation2, whereas the first DVD in the series worked flawlessly with the PS2.