“Both ‘Gunbuster’ and ‘Gunbuster 2′ series get a film adaption but that means a trimming of scenes from the OAV series but on the positive side, new audio is featured for the original ‘Gunbuster’ and new footage included for ‘Gunbuster 2′.”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: GUNBUSTER vs DIEBUSTER - THE GATTAI!! MOVIE - AIM FOR THE TOP! DVD-BOX (aka Top o Nerae 2! & Top o Nerae! Gattai Gekijouban)

DURATION: 190 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Dolby Digital Stereo, Japanese language, English Subtitles, Region 1

CATALOG #: BUDH0138/013

COMPANY: Bandai Visual/Honnemaise

Released back in 2004

Gunbuster the Movie - As humanity sets out for distance space, a Machine Weapon squadron is created to combat the onrushing opposition of the Space Monsters! To avenger her father’s death and to win victory for all mankind, Noriko Takaya, scouted for her potential, joins her “One-sama,” Kazumi Amano, aiming to become an elite pilot -a “Top!” The curtain rises on their hard and perilous battle!! - Diebuster the Movie - In a future where the Space Monsters resume their invasion of the Sol System, the abilities of the young men and women known as the Topless, and their Buster Machines, are mankind’s final line of defense! One day, runaway girl Nono sets out for the capital to become a space pilot, and meets the figther ace Lal’C…neither realizing that the future of humanity rests on both of them!

I love this series so much. I needed to get that out first.

With my reviews for the first “Gunbuster” (Top o Nerae!) box set and then the DVD’s for “Gunbuster 2″ (Top o Nerae! 2 aka Diebuster), when I first heard about the film projects, which literally are abridged versions of the OAV series, at first I was a bit skeptical because there is so much storyline and character development, to try and make a movies out of these series, something has to suffer right?

Well, part of the exciting experiences of being a “Gunbuster” fan was the realization that the original voice actors were going to re-record their lines, there would be new sound effects and a 5.1 digital audio track.

As for “Gunbuster 2″, the film would feature new footage.

While my original reviews go into more detail on the films, I’ll give my impressions of each film.

For “Top o Nerae” (Aim for the Top Gunbuster) or “Gunbuster” was the directorial debut of acclaimed director Hideaki Anno, Gunbuster is a legendary anime fan favorite that casts pretty girls and giant robots into a moving epic of insterstellar naval war.

2015: Earth’s first faster-than-light ship, the Luxion, is lost, attacked by unidentified space monsters in the Perseus Arm. Six years later, Noriko Takaya, daughter of the Luxion’s commander, enters the Okinawa girls’ Space Pilot High School, vowing to be a pilot and follow her father’s trail to the stars. But is she prepared for the intense training to become a member of the elite Top Squadron? Noriko’s fight has just begun-and the fate of all humanity depends on her meeting the challenge!

The film features parts of the six OAV’s spliced together in one film. You lose a lot of the character development and the challenges that made the OAV really special. So, the things that you may have enjoyed from OAV episodes 1-3 which feature the struggles and challenges Noriko had to overcome, these are the segments that are cut the most and only a few parts are featured in the film.

But despite the cuts, the film manages to take the essential parts from the series and in all sense and purpose, the main focus and storyline of Takaya Noriko become a beginner and then training to become a talented pilot is featured.

And again, it’s understandable because it is a film and the cuts were necessary, otherwise if we didn’t want to watch it with the cuts, you can always forego film and focus on the OAV series.

If anything, the fourth and the fifth final OAV from “Gunbuster” is probably the only part from the series that doesn’t receive that many cuts or any cuts at all.

As mentioned before, with a new digital 5.1 track, that would mean that the film would have to be recreated audio-wise. Bringing back the original actors for voice work and adding more special effects.

The audio is indeed clearer and truthfully, I did not notice much of a difference between Hidaka Noriko’s voice work of the main character Noriko but those who have seen the film have said her voicework is much more polished.

So, overall staying with what Bandai Visual/Honneamise are known best for, it’s providing a high quality video and audio encoding on the DVD. And by saying that, as a Bandai Visual release, there is no English dub. So, if you are really hoping the new audio would bring possibly an English dub release, you won’t find it in this box set.

Unfortunately, the special features are just text bios and unfortunately, there are no video interviews or anything. (note: An announcement was made that the Japanese Blu-ray edition will feature interviews and more special features, let’s hope the film receives the same treatment if there is a Blu-ray release in the US.)

As for “Top o Nerae 2 - Diebuster” (or Gunbuster 2),the original “Gunbuster” OAV series had Anno Hideaki directing, the new series would feature “FLCL’s” Tsurumaki Kazuya as the original planner and director, Enokido Yoji writing the screenplay and character designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki. So, that alone had people guessing how three of the people behind “FLCL” would do in creating “Gunbuster 2″ would definitely be interesting.

For “Gunbuster 2″, we are introduced to Nono and Lal’C. Lal’C is part of the group know as the “topless” who are Gunbuster pilots and members of the Anti-Space Monster Interception Squad of the Fraternity. For Nono, she wants to be like the historic pilot known as Nono-Riri. And her first meeting with a “topless” has made her want to become a Gunbuster pilot even more. But what was revealed is that Nono is not your average type of person. She is a robot that happens to have some special abilities. You also start to realize that the space monsters are still there and ruthless than before.

As for the film, similar to “Gunbuster”, parts of the OAV series are cut to make an abridged film version. Whereas the original was created in 1988 and had to feature a new soundtrack, “Gunbuster 2″ was created in 2004 and featured newer footage and the cuts made weren’t too bad.

Where “Gunbuster” really took you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, the main focus of “Gunbuster 2″ of an android Nono who wants to be a pilot is there.

There wasn’t that much of an emotional ride in “Gunbuster 2″ until later in the series and thus, a lot of that emotional bond between Nono and Lal’c remains in the film.

There are some noticeable changes such as the scene from the OAV series starting out with Nono getting her name (Nono Riri) from Noriko (main character from the original Gunbuster) and also, the film does not feature Nono’s amazing attack abilities that she displayed in the first episode, it’s not featured in the early part of the film.

Also, instead of focusing on other pilots and how Nono was treated by them, the main focus is on the friendship between Nono and Lal’C.

So, of the two films, “Gunbuster 2″ came out the best mainly because the majority of the story really kicks in during the latter half of the OAV series whereas the original, I felt that each episode was equally important.

Nevertheless, the ending scene from “Gunbuster 2″ and how it ties into the first “Gunbuster” was just touching and overall, I enjoyed the film version of “Gunbuster 2″.

As for video and audio quality, top notch audio and video encoding from Bandai Visual/Honneamise since it’s a newer anime series and the colors are quite vibrant. Sound very clear and good use of audio direction coming from the speakers. And for those looking for an English dub, there is no English audio option for this DVD as well.

Of course, the OAV series featured important special features and featurettes that made me enjoy “Gunbuster 2″ so much more, there are only text bios of the staff featured on the disc. No special features in terms of interviews or featurettes.

What the box set does include are two booklets for both films with some technical jargon definitions, character bios and information on the mecha and spacecraft.

Included are 11 post cards which feature a heroine comparison between Takaya Noriko and Nono, Kazumi and Lal’C, Gunbuster’s Top Squadron and Gunbuster 2’s Fraternity and more. Also, comparisons for costumes, machine weapons, buster machine, cockpit, space monster, flagship comparisons and much more.

Last but not least, included is a Certification Exam for the hardcore “Gunbuster” fans and fans can take the exam online from the Bandai Visual website.

I guess the big question people wonder is if you own the OAV series, would you want the “Gattaii!! Movie” box-set?

My feeling on this is that, personally, I would go nuts if I was a “Gunbuster” fan and knew that despite the cuts made to the OAV series to make a feature film, not only do you get a film with a new audio track and another film with new footage.

Similar to Mobile Suit Gundam’s 08th MS Team “Miller Report” anime special, for that you only received several minutes of new footage and some people felt it wasn’t worth it. I felt that extra footage 1 minutes or more minutes, it’s still worth owning if you were a big fan and really enjoyed the series. The same goes with this box set.

And the same goes with this film. There is more than just a few minutes, you get the original cast from the first OAV series (which was created back in 1988) and having them redub the vocals over 15 years later. That’s pretty cool! Granted, I wish there were special features featuring those character’s return and an interview with them.

But of course, if you truly want to enjoy the series thoroughly, I highly recommend purchasing the OAV series.

And if you own the OAV series for both “Gunbuster” and “Gunbuster 2″, this “GATTAI!! MOVIE” box set is worth it because it’s two “Gunbuster” films and it features some new audio or footage

As for the personal experience, I’ll be truthful that the enjoyment for both series was watching the original OAV series. And the inclusion of the booklets and special features, especially for “Gunbuster 2″ really enhanced my appreciation for it.

This movie box set was more of a side dish after a wonderful dinner. The question is if you are hungry enough to purchase that side dish.

I have no idea if the Blu-Ray version of this set will be coming out, because if it is, you may want to wait since the Japanese version just announced mentioned interviews included in the special features.

But if it’s not going to be released and if you don’t own the OAV series yet, I recommend purchasing the OAV series first. The OAV series in its original format are just a blast to watch, do come with some special features especially for “Gunbuster 2″. And both come with informative booklets that really make you appreciate the OAV series even more.

And if you enjoy and fell in love with both OAV series like I did, then definitely check out this box set!

UPDATE: The Blu-ray for this box set will be released in the US. In addition to 1080p High Definition visuals and lossless audio, the first titles will be subtitled in English and French, and multi-lingual dubbing is being decided on a title-by-title basis. The products, to be released in Japan, North America, France and UK, will be identical to domestic Japanese products except that translated notes may be added in some cases.

Street Date: November 21, 2008 (Japan); Nov. 25 (USA); Dec. 2 (France); Nov. 24 (UK)
Pricing: 14,800 JPY(Japan); 99.98 USD(USA); 64.99 EUR(France); 49.99 GBP (UK)
Product: Three (3) Blu-ray Disc Box Set/COLOR（partly B/W）/approx. 280 min. /
Japanese Language/English & French Subtitles
Technical: Disc 1 (GUNBUSTER The Movie): Dolby True HD 5.1ch (Linear PCM
Stereo) / AVC / BD-50G /4:3, partly 16:9 [1080p Hi-Def]
Disc 2 (DIEBUSTER The Movie): Dolby True HD 5.1ch (Linear PCM
Stereo) / AVC / BD-50G /16:9 [1080p Hi-Def]
Disc 3 (Bonus Disc): Linear PCM Stereo / AVC / BD-50G /16:9, partly 4:3
[1080p Hi-Def]
Bonus Items: Two (2) Booklets with English/French translation notes.

+ Anything “Gunbuster” related is a plus!

+ New audio for “Gunbuster”, new footage for “Gunbuster 2″

+ Both “Gunbuster” and “Gunbuster 2″ OAV series get the film treatment

- Because they are films, the OAV series had to be trimmed and a lot of the character development between the main character and other characters are not explored thoroughly in the film version.

- No English dub for those who want that option.

ANIME DVD REVIEWS |  ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT/POP CULTURE DVD REVIEWS

“The definitive ‘Honnemaise no Tsubasa’ release yet. The Blu-ray enhances this highly praised 1987 film which showcases the beautiful animation but with a special booklet that goes even further of how special this film truly is. This latest release ranks in the top 3 of must-own releases for the anime DVD or Blu-Ray collector.”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honnemaise

DURATION: Approx. 120 minutes + 5 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Two discs included. Blu-ray disc and DVD.

CATALOG #: BUXH0124

COMPANY: Banda Visual/Honneamise

RATING: Suggested 13 and Up

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL PLANNING, SCREENPLAY & DIRECTOR: Yamaga Hiroyuki

CHARACTER DESIGN & ANIMATION DIRECTOR: Sadamoto Yoshiyuki

ANIMATION DIRECTORS: Anno Hideaki, Iida Fumio, Moriyama Yuji and Sadamoto Yoshiyuki

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EFFECTS: Anno Hideaki

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Sakamoto Ryuichi

ANIME PRODUCTION: GAINAX

PRODUCTION: BANDAI

CAST INFORMATION:

Shirotsugh: Morimoto Reo

Riqunni: Yayoi Mitsuki

Manna: Murata Aya

Matti: Sogabe Kazuyuki

Soldier: Uchida Minoru

Announcer: Tokumitsu Kazuo

“I will not give up. I will realize my dream…even if it means death!”

Acclaimed by anime fans all over the world, Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise” comes back to life 20 years after its original release! The stirring odyssey created by nascent anime masters of GAINAX is still unsurpassed for its meticulous artistry and heartfelt drama of a young man’s coming of age in a turbulent world!”

My first viewing of “The Wings of Honneamise” was back in the early 90’s and to tell you the truth, because it was in straight Japanese, I had no idea what the storyline was about. But of course throughout the next decade, there would be several releases such as a dub version by L.A. Hero, then came the Manga entertainment release which a dubbed and subtitled version were release and had to buy both and then a DVD release by Manga Entertainment (which was overcompressed) was released.

But 20 years later, Bandai Visual/Honneamise released a “Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise” via a combo pack for those who preferred to own it via the DVD+HD/DVD or DVD+Blu-ray Disc.

Because this film has been reviewed so many times throughout the past decade online, I’m going to review this release a bit differently.

It’s one thing for us, that have been around for a long time viewing anime to simply claim that this film is one of the best releases out there especially if you have knowledge of GAINAX and the history behind this film.

But for today’s modern anime fan, after reading reviews online of “Why?” or “what is the significance of this film?”, let alone hearing comments that this film is appreciated for mainly older anime fans, I figured I best explain the significance of this animated film and possibly reach out to newer anime fans who may not be familiar with this film.

Back in the 70’s and 80’s, the majority of anime films were typically edited compilations from popular television shows. One of the most popular examples of this are the “Mobile Suit Gundam” trilogy films which more or less compiled and edited 50 TV episodes. And many films were created by live-action directors and the main sponsors of these films were national sponsors and toy manufacturers (this is explained in detail by an accompanying booklet included with the box set written by Hikawa Ryusuke).

But in the 80’s, a group of young amateurs known as DAICON FILM which were a group of college students that created anime shorts via 8mm film were given a chance to create a 35mm theatrical movie.

This was very rare in the industry especially since these young students haven’t had any actual achievements with the exception of Sakamoto Ryuichi (music director of the film) who was known for his music at that time.

These students had to prove that they were up to the task and the group which would be known as GAINAX would make their mark by this one film alone with its intricate animation and storyline by creating a new world, a world with its own language, a world with its own vehicles, style of buildings, the clothing down to the vases and jugs used by citizens of the country of Honneamise.

Every scene was well planned, from the dog fights of the airplane battles of how missiles flew through gravity, how crashing vehicles and its shards of metal and glass are flying around to the way an explosion was animated and how a fireball was truly done.

To create animation in the 80’s and to attempt to attain some sort of realism, “Honneamise no Tsubasa” (Wings of Honnemaise) was a complex film that these young creators put everything on the line and were able to create a film that was critically acclaimed and would lead to more wonderful anime such as “Gunbuster”, “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and many more wonderful titles in the next two decades.

So, for those who rented the older DVD and asked themselves “Why is this so popular?”, you have to think in the context of when it was released, what was accomplished in the overall creation of this complex film.

This is not just a film to just sit for two hours and wait for some hardcore action, this is a film that you watch, you immerse yourself in the world created by Yamaga Hiroyuki, enjoy the character designs of Sadamoto Yoshiyuki and just be amazed of how meticulous the special effects animation was by Anno Hideaki and various animation by directors Iida Fumio, Moriyama Yuji and also Sadamoto Yoshiyuki.

OK, I’M SOLD…BUT WHY BUY THIS VERSION OF THE DVD, WHEN I CAN BUY THE OLDER VERSION ON eBAY or Amazon?

As mentioned earlier, there was a 2000 release by Manga Entertainment. It’s pretty much the VHS release that we watched back in the mid-90’s with director’s commentary. DVD-wise, the Manga Entertainment was just horribly compressed and it was unfortunate. If there was one reason to own that older version of the DVD, it was simply because it had the director’s commentary by Yamaga Hiroyuki and assistant director Akai Takami.

The version I am reviewing, Bandai Visual/Honneamise’s release is just light years ahead of the 2000 DVD release.

In fact, part of the reason why it took me a while to review this DVD is that I had to test the video and audio at friend’s home theater setups along with mine because the Blu-ray disc was phenomenal.  I just had to find out if the video and audio is just as beautiful and awesome on a variety of setups.  This DVD+Blu-ray disc  combo set release is the definitive “Wings of Honneamise” release yet.

VIDEO:

The Blu-ray Disc feaetures 16:9 (1080 p Hi-Def) video with a selection of Japanese: Dolby TrueHD (5.1ch), Japanese: Linear PCM (Dolby Surround) or English: Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround).

The DVD version is featured in 16:9 anamorphic (480i standard definition) and Japanese: Dolby Digital (5.1 chn) and English: Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround).

Presented in the aspect ration of 1.66:1, everything about the anime is clear. I mean crystal clear. The colors are vibrant, the explosions are just amazing to look at and the backgrounds is just beautiful. And I just want to emphasize that this animated film was created in the mid-80’s.

AUDIO:

On regular DVD, both Japanese and English audio sounds very good considering it’s a Bandai Visual release and the company known for it’s quality treatment for audio and video.  The Japanese version is in 5.1 while the English is Dolby Digital.  But the audio on Blu-ray… My oh my!  I had to test this Blu-Ray disc in several friend’s home theater setup outside of my own and I’m literally amazed of Dolby TrueHD sound and how it can enhance a film.  With already a spectacular presentation in the video department, we were just in awe of how much alive the audio was.  For those who remember every crowd or bar scene, imagine those conversations coming clear.  The explosions and action scenes are phenomenal.  The music sounds spectacular.

Once you view and hear anime in Blu-ray, especially done as well as the quality Bandai Visual puts into their products, you can’t just help but be amazed.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Both the Blu-Ray and the DVD feature a theatrical trailer and a pilot film that you can watch with or without English subtitles.  Unfortunately, the director’s commentary on the 2000 Manga Entertainment release is not included.

And similar to other Bandai Visual releases is the informative booklet and this 20-page booklet is just very informative.  Covering the history, the director’s perspective, the music and the animation, especially detailing Anno Hideaki’s special effects and showing frame-by-frame several scenes and the information behind it, it was total anime fan service to have this included in the booklet.

So, for the new modern anime fan or newbie who have read the reviews and saw many of us put “Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise on top for must-own DVD releases, I ask you to not watch this film like you would watch a animated television show you would watch quickly.

Just immerse yourself into the complex world that GAINAX has created for you.  Look at things visually and just imagine of how this was all created back in the 80’s and how much detail and what was accomplished at that time.

Almost like the world George Lucas has created for the “Star Wars” series and how fans find that special connection with a planet or land and its inhabitants, “Honneamise” is such a world where you can see how much was put into the creation of this world, the people living in that world and the language they speak.

How much was put into creating the world through its beautiful backgrounds and animation.  Even the small things that involve a few frames, just the detail behind it is just simply amazing.

So, if you can immerse yourself into this world, embrace “Honneamise” for its complexity and its beauty and you will discover why many of us, old school anime fans, regard this film so highly.

+ The definitive “Wings of Honneamise” release yet!

+ The fact that you get both the Blu-Ray and DVD is amazing but the Blu-ray version is just incredible!

+ The informative 20-page booklet is informative and awesome!

+ And for those wanting an English dub, there is an English dub included in this release.

- No director’s commentary on this release

“For fans of the original “Gunbuster” series, will not want to miss any minute of the final DVD volume of “Gunbuster 2″. Not only is the animation fluid and beautiful during the battle sequences but an ending so fitting, original “Gunbuster” fans will feel complete with the overall storyline of “Gunbuster 2″.

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 3

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0107

DVD INFORMATION: 62 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The real enemy, the Fluctuating Gravity Well, closes in on mankind! What will be the fate of the Sol System?!

Finally, Nono’s true self has been revealed. Sine the shocking Titan incident, the Topless have been placed under house arrest in the remotest part of the Sol System, their abilities sealed up. With their very existence denied, Lal’C and the other pilots are now at the mercy of fate.

But another catastrophe is closing in on the Sol System…. The time has come to launch the strongest fleet in the Space Force - and the Buster Machine #7!

What an amazing conclusion to the “Gunbuster 2″ OAV series.

Without spoiling too much, I can’t explain how happy I was to see how the sequel ended. It was a feeling of happiness because it was a major way of bridging both the original series and “Gunbuster 2″ together.

Episode 5 titled “Mover of Planets” takes place after the incident on Titan. With the way episode 4 ended in tragedy and also revealing what Nono really is, the episode starts off with the military no longer looking at the Topless as being their protectors against the Space Monsters.

Because of the way things ended so badly for the pilots, Nono has become the new defender of the Planet Earth to take on the Space Monsters. Is Nono ready and what about Lal’C and the other Topless now that they have been quarantined and deemed ineffective.

Episode 6 titled “The Story of Your Life” is simply a beautiful story that features Lal’C learning more about Nono’s life. Nono has disappeared and Lal’C has now become the hero to defend and destroy the Planet Earth. As we learned from the original “Gunbuster” of how destroying a planet was needed as resources to create Buster Machine #3 with the Planet Jupiter, this time, the Planet Earth is being sacrificed.

As for the DVD, the animation is just top-notch as the the battle against the Space Monsters continue and a lot of action scenes plus great sound via Digital 5.1 with sound being heard really well on the rears and overall, production value was definitely well done. Similar to past releases, there is no English dub. The Japanese voice acting is well done on this series.

In terms of special features, unfortunately there is no “DIEBUSTER TV” on this volume but there is the theatrical trailer for the “Gunbuster vs. Diebuster” film.

But included is the informative 20-page booklet featuring character profiles, Buster Machine and Space Monster profiles, interview with Yamazaki Takumi (Voice of Casio), interview with Sadamoto Yoshiyuki (Character Designer), Izuna Yoshitsune (Buster Machine Director), Okama (Future Visual Creator) and a very cool, informative interview with Tsurumaki Kazuya (Original Planner/Director) and Enokido Yoji (Screen Writer).

It’s very hard to review too much of this volume without spoiling it, so I’ll leave this as is.

I know that there are people who may have only seen the first episode or two of “Gunbuster 2″ but all I can say is watch it from beginning to the end, you won’t be disappointed. If you are a fan of the original “Gunbuster”, I can’t say how important it is to watch “Gunbuster 2″ and see how it ties into the original.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″, you do get an appreciation for the series through the 20-page booklet included. Especially the interview with Tsurumaki and Enokido who discuss the finale episode

All in all, a beautiful anime and the way the series ends, you can’t help but be appreciative of the work the staff put into this series but most importantly, that the people behind the series, they understood how to make sure they stay faithful to the original anime series. Very awesome ending!

“Gunbuster 2″, this volume and the other two are just awesome. Sure, I do enjoy the original series much more because there was a big focus on character development and Noriko’s willingness to work hard and strive to be the best.

Highly recommended!

PLUS:

+ Two awesome OAV episodes full of action

+ Ending sure to satisfy fans of the original “Gunbuster” series

+ Wonderfully voice acted. Beautiful animation! And well planned storyline from beginning to end.

+ The 20-Page Booklet DVD insert was another awesome inclusion to really appreciate the anime.

NEGATIVES:

- No English dub for those who need that

- No DIEBUSTER TV on this volume similar two the two previous volumes. Just one special feature - the movie trailer

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 2

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0106

DVD INFORMATION: 58 minutes + 23 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Who will pilot the new Quatre-Vingt-Dix? The Buster Machines are ready to fight the horde of space monsters!

The elite Topless make their rendezvous as the order is given to launch a major operation to stope the horde of Space Monsters known as the Jupiter Express.

Tycho, who lost her Buster Machine in her last battle, sees a rival in Nono for the pilot seat of the newly constructed Quatre-Vingt-Dix.

Then the two of them meet some children who say they have “a favor to ask a Topless”…

Welcome to “Gunbuster 2″ vol. 2 (OAV episodes 3 and 4) featuring the android Nono who wants to become a Gunbuster pilot, Lal’C (her onesama) and the Topless crew.

In episode 3 titled “I Hate the Topless”, we get to learn more about the character Tycho. A Topless who is a member of the Mars Meganebula Base. In a way, Tycho is a reminiscent character of the original Gunbuster series of Jeung Freud, the Russian pilot who was rivals with Amano Kazumi.

In this case, the rivalry is between Tycho and Lal’C and Tycho is always competitive against her but yet always loses to her. In episode 3, her passion of being a rival leads to her Buster Machine “Soixante-Six” being destroyed by the space monsters.

But it’s announced that a new Buster Machine has been made and is available (note: it was learned in the last volume that a Buster Machine has not been made in decades because of the high cost to produce them). And Nono has her eyes in finally getting a Buster Machine for herself, that is until, Tycho has her eyes set on the same Buster Machine.

The episode is primarily an episode focused on Tycho’s character and why she has grown to be a person that is somewhat bitter and why she hates being a Topless.

You also get to meet more of the Topless pilots but most of all, how some of them despise Nono because she is an android. A lot of them feel she’s an idiot.

But you also get to know more about the Serpentine Twins, two mysterious twins who dream of becoming eternal Topless. They are working on a secret excavation project which they hope will bring them closer to their dream.

In episode 4 titled “Resurrection!! The Legendary Buster Machine!”, “Gunbuster 2″ is taken to overdrive and packed with action as the Serpentine Twins excavation to resurrect the “Sirius Buster Machine” is underway and their dream of becoming eternal Topless may be coming true. That is until what is discovered becomes a shocker and leads to a tragic battle which includes all Gunbuster Machines.

In this awesome episode, we get to see a major development with Nono as her dream to become a Buster pilot may come true.

I really don’t want to reveal so much but after watching this volume, I was wanting more! It was great to see somewhat of a homage to the Jeung/Kazumi rival of the original series in episode 3 of “Gunbuster 2″ between Tycho and Lal’C but most of all, to see how action-packed and tragic things get with episode 4. I was amazed by the animation, the battles and impressed with the overall storyline.

So, not wanting to spoil it for anyone, all I can say is that “Gunbuster Vol. 2″ is just awesome.

Animation and sound is top notch as the previous volume. Again, there is no English dubbing but the overall voice talent in this series is done very well. Audio is presented in Digital 5.1 and 2.0. The Digital 5.1 really sounded quite cool on my surround sound as it’s used quite a bit, especially in episode 4.

As for the animation, animation is done very well in this volume and is presented in 16:9LB.

As for special features, again we are blessed with a 23 minute “DIEBUSTER TV” episode with an interview with screeplay writer Enokido Yoji.

Again, similar to the last volume, I was very hypnotized by this latest episode of “DIEBUSTER TV” as we got to learn more about the creation of “Gunbuster 2″ and what went on the mind of Enokido when writing the screen play. Again, another special feature that enhances your overall feeling of the anime series. So, very grateful this was included in this second volume.

Also, included in this volume, like the previous is the 20-page DVD insert booklet which features cast information on Tycho and the Topless pilots and their Buster Machines.

Also, somewhat of a science lesson is the inclusion of “Brainless World’s Basic Knowledge” which is a primer to various technical things featured in OAV episodes 3 and 4 such as what a “Red Milky Way”, “Expiration” of a Topless, “Exotic Maneuver”, “Clefshin Luminescence” and other scientfic terms are all about. There are about four pages filled with terminology which will make the science buffs grin.

Also included is the “Buster Machine Development History”. This one I found very intriguing because there is not much record on Buster Machines previous to #10 (Dix-Neuf) which is piloted by Lal’C.

But overall, a very good information source on Buster Machines from #10 all the way up to 90’s which include the new Buster Machine unveiled in episode 3.

Also, similar to the last DVD insert booklet is the inclusion of more science lessons and interviews with Tycho voice actress Sawashiro Miyuki and voice actor for Nicola, Iwata Mitsuo.

I know that there are people who may have only seen the first episode or two of “Gunbuster 2″ but all I can say is watch it from beginning to the end, you won’t be disappointed. If you are a fan of the original “Gunbuster”, I can’t say how important it is to watch “Gunbuster 2″ and see how it ties into the original.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″ through the DVD series. From the “DIEBUSTER TV” featurette and the 20-page booklet, you gain such an appreciation of what director Tsurumaki and screenplay writer Enokido were planning for the overall series and made me love it even more.

That is one thing that I love about the release of DVD’s of how a featurette (or director’s commentary) can really be the ultimate eye opener of a series and literally boost your appreciation for it. The inclusion of “DIEBUSTER TV” and the 20-page booklet was a great addition and I’m very thankful for Bandai Visual to include that.

All in all, a beautiful anime and things just continue to get better with this second volume and the fourth episode alone really changes the dynamics of the series. Wow!

This volume was great but what Gainax has planned for the final two episodes will definitely bring things to full circle for fans of the original “Gunbuster” series and this new series but for this volume alone, I’m still saying… “Wow!”

“Gunbuster 2″… Check it out!

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 1

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0105

DVD INFORMATION: 54 minutes + 30 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

A young girl named Nono has left her home behind, to come alone to the big city. She has a grand dream of becoming a space pilot. But reality is harsh, and she spends every day instead at the diner near the spaceport where she lives and works. The one day, while being harassed by one of the regular customers, a real-life “Topless” pilot named Lal’C comes to her aid.

Nono, who is deeply impressed, starts on her own accord to call Lal’C “One-sama,” and volunteers herself by saying “I want to become a space pilot like you”.

The original “Gunbuster” series ranks as one of my favorite anime OAV series of all time.

So, when it was announced that a second Gunbuster would be released in Japan (known as “Top o Nerae 2 -Diebuster”), fans went crazy.

With a contest where artists and fans could submit to have their own creations used for the series and just the buzz surrounding the new anime OAV series added to the much deserved hype.

Where the original “Gunbuster” OAV series had Anno Hideaki directing, the new series would feature “FLCL’s” Tsurumaki Kazuya as the original planner and director, Enokido Yoji writing the screenplay and character designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki. So, that alone had people guessing how three of the people behind “FLCL” would do in creating “Gunbuster 2″ would definitely be interesting.

For episode 1, we are introduced to Nono and Lal’C. Lal’C is part of the group know as the “topless” who are Gunbuster pilots and members of the Anti-Space Monster Interception Squad of the Fraternity. For Nono, she wants to be like the historic pilot known as Nono-Riri. And her first meeting with a “topless” has made her want to become a Gunbuster pilot even more. But what was revealed is that Nono is not your average type of person. She is a robot that happens to have some special abilities.  You also start to realize that the space monsters are still there and ruthless than before.

For episode 2, the story continues as Nono meets the other topless and calls Lal’C her “One-sama”. Something that Lal’C does not want to be. But of course, Nono is determined to stick it out with hard work and guts and to do what it will take to become a Gunbuster pilot.

During my first viewing of “Gunbuster 2″, I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. Because, truthfully, to come up with something of a sequel or a storyline after a series that was so successful and well loved, that’s really hard to follow up.

With “Gunbuster”, part of the allure was to watch Noriko prove to herself and to the other pilots that she deserves to be a pilot and with each episode, it was well-written, well-animated and had that special feel good feeling of watching someone looked as an underdog persevere and prove people wrong by her sheer determination.

Not only that, the original series was also an interesting parody that is filled with so much pop-culture and anime reference that made it fun for the viewers.

For “Gunbuster 2″, again… A very hard act for director Tsurumaki to follow and this is what made me appreciate this DVD so much more was the inclusion of a segment called “DIEBUSTER TV”.

“DIEBUSTER TV” is one of the special features included on this DVD that features an interview with the voice actress of Nono (Fukui Yukari) but also an interview with director Tsurumaki Kazuya.

You learned that by working on “Gunbuster 2″, because of his work on “Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “FLCL”, how things were impacted from episode to episode.

By working with screenwriter Enokido and character designer Sadamoto and Buster Machine designer Izuna Yoshitsune, they were able to create a new atmosphere, a new storyline that would continue to show someone who still is determined to become a pilot and be somewhat better, to still continue to have the “One-sama” but most of all, to do something different and for people to look at it differently and not compare it to the original.

From why he made Nono to be a klutz to the use of gags in the first episode, it was because of his previous works and wanting to achieve something different.  Instead of explaining a back story or slowly explaining “why” for each character, to go with the flow of the storyline and the viewer will start to  learn more and more as the story develops.

So, in this series, Gunbusters are not just machines that are piloted by humans. They are machines that now have their own artificial intelligence and react to only certain types of “topless” (pilots).

To make things even more interest, the pilots of the Gunbuster machines are typically young teens who lose their “topless” ability when they turn 20.

And that is where things get a little technical. Where the first series goes into light speed travel and warping and utilizes science and technology, “Gunbuster” didn’t go to technology crazy in the science lessons but the new sequel does introduce you to new things.

The DVD comes with a 20-page booklet with character information, staff interviews with voice actress Fukui Yukari (who plays Nono) talking about her meeting with Gunbuster voice actress of Noriko (Hidaka Noriko) and her emotions when she watched the original “Gunbuster”.  Also, included is a staff interview with director Tsurumaki and you learn things from this interview as well of why he didn’t want the series to be so serious and how too many animators want to create realism because of a drama but since his work on “Evangelion”, he has been trying to get away from that and making the character more “manga-ified” than realistic.  And also his explanation of how though it is a sequel, at the same time it’s not.  But most of all, trying to create a series where the fans of the original will come to appreciate the series after watching it completely.

The booklet also features an interview with screenplay writer Enokido Yoji.  I found it very interesting that when taking on the project as screenwriter, how he was a fan of the original “Gunbuster” and wanted to be loyal but also making sure it’s independent work and thus the English title for “Gunbuster 2″ is “Diebuster”.  And the concept of the “topless”, having their abilities when they are young was written in the viewpoint of today’s youth.  A lot of the things happen when you are younger, live in a fun world and demonstrate a lot of power.  But when one is about to lose that power, it becomes scary.

And once you get to see the mindset of Tsurumaki and Enokido, you start to open your eyes and get a better sense of understanding why things are the way they are and I started to appreciate “Gunbuster 2″ even more.

Although “Gunbuster 2″ does not include the science lessons that the original OAV had, the booklet accompanying the DVD does include the science lessons which go into detail of what a “topless” and “Buster Machine” is.  This is important because you start to learn that Lal’C’s Buster Machine, Dix-Neuf is the oldest functioning Buster Machine and was used in previous war against the space monsters.  Also, learning that because of the cost and materials to create Buster Machines, there have not been any created in decades (during Nono’s time period) and no machines are available at present.  Only those that the Fraternity manages.

The animation is nice and crisp and if you like the animation to “FLCL”, then you would like the animation to “Gunbuster 2″.  I do love the character designs and emotion from the original series much more but again, after watching the DVD featurette of why Tsurumaki didn’t want things to look so realistic, I can see his point of view an enjoying the series after knowing that and looking at this independently outside of the original “Gunbuster” OAV series.  Also, the video is presented in 16:9LB.

The sound ala Dolby Digital 5.1 was pretty cool.  Good use of the rear speakers and overall expected nothing less from a series created in 2003.  As for voice acting, Japanese voice acting was very well done on the series but similar to most Bandai Visual releases, there is no English dubbing.

As for special features, extra features include the textless ending and the awesome “DIEBUSTER TV”.

I know that there are people who may have only seen the first episode or two of “Gunbuster 2″ but all I can say is watch it from beginning to the end, you won’t be disappointed.  If you are a fan of the original “Gunbuster”, I can’t say how important it is to watch “Gunbuster 2″ and see how it ties into the original.

As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″ through the DVD series.  From the “DIEBUSTER TV” featurette and the 20-page booklet, you gain such an appreciation of what Tsurumaki and Enokido were planning for the overall series and made me love it even more.

That is one thing that I love about the release of DVD’s of how a featurette (or director’s commentary) can really be the ultimate eye opener of a series and literally boost your appreciation for it.  The inclusion of “DIEBUSTER TV” and the 20-page booklet was a great addition and I’m very thankful for Bandai Visual to include that.

All in all, a beautiful anime and the starting point for the series as it establishes character development for Nono and Lal’C, although not as serious or Noriko “Hard Work and Guts” style as the original “Gunbuster” OAV anime series, I still found the first two episodes enjoyable.  But definitely building up for big things to come.

And for a “Gunbuster” Gainax episode, not only do you get your mecha, the humor, your science and technology plus a little fan service in between , you also will get an all out, exciting, action-packed sequel that I definitely recommend getting.

Gunbuster 2… Check it out!

ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER

RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)

CATALOG#: BUDH0104

DVD INFORMATION: 3DVD’s, NTSC, 190 minutes, 4:3, Final Episode in B/w image and in letterboxed widescreen format

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The directorial debut of acclaimed director Hideaki Anno, Gunbuster is a legendary anime fan favorite that casts pretty girls and giant robots into a moving epic of insterstellar naval war. Newly translated and re-mastered in HD 24P format, Gunbuster has never before been available on DVD in North America…until now!

2015: Earth’s first faster-than-light ship, the Luxion, is lost, attacked by unidentified space monsters in the Perseus Arm. Six years later, Noriko Takaya, daughter of the Luxion’s commander, enters the Okinawa girls’ Space Pilot High School, vowing to be a pilot and follow her father’s trail to the stars. But is she prepared for the intense training to become a member of the elite Top Squadron? Noriko’s fight has just begun-and the fate of all humanity depends on her meeting the challenge!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 20 years when I first discovered “Gunbuster”, the awesome mecha anime that has won the hearts for anime fans since its first release back in 1988.

The year was 1992 and I discovered this awesome series through an anime club meeting and I was just enamored by the series so much that I purchased the English subtitled VHS videos which contained two episodes for like $35 through Books Nippan. In fact, when the VHS was re-released in 1996 by another company, I had to buy that because the video tapes have been viewed too many times and started to lose its quality.

It’s really interesting how many people I converted to anime fans through letting them borrow my video tapes. “Gunbuster” is one of the few rare series you will find where each episode is well written, gripping and you just can’t stop after one episode. You just want to watch the whole series completely throughout.

What I really enjoyed is how the OAV series fluctuated between parodying other anime but also its attention to light speed travel, black holes and warp factor.

Of course, back in the 90’s, not only did you have a knock out punch with beautiful animation, a well written storyline but you also had the top voice actresses from a popular anime series that was so big among American anime fans at that time. You had Hidaka Noriko as the main character Takaya Noriko (note: Hidaka is known for the voice talent of Akane from “Ranma 1/2″), Sakuma Rei as Amano Kazumi (note: Sakuma was the voice talent of “Ranma 1/2″ character Shampoo) and then you had the “Active Heart” theme song by then-pop idol Sakai Noriko.

The series would feature a lot of references and then at the end of each episode, fans were treated with “Science Lesson” episodes featuring chibi versions of the characters featuring even more references.

But as much as the anime references to other anime and scientists, “Gunbuster” also worked as a fun parody with its use of the title “Gunbuster! Top o Nerae” (Aim for the Top) which is a parody of the anime and manga tennis series “Ace wo Nerae!” and the hugely popular Western film “Top Gun”.

Of course we know that director Hideaki Anno went on to be known for his creation of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and the “Science Lessons” director Tsurumaki Kazuya went on to direct “FLCL” and “Gunbuster 2″.

Here we are 20 years since the original OAV’s were released in Japan, six episodes all on DVD featuring Noriko as she pushes herself to become a formidable pilot, watching her as the weak girl who would cry a lot but push herself and train herself to become one of the best pilots from the squadron.

There is so much to love about the anime, not just about the oh-so-good feeling of an underdog showing everyone that she can do it and accomplish things and prove them wrong but also how science is used in this series. Each time they go light speed into space, each minute that goes by, three months has gone by in Earth.

So, what could be complex is actually well written and explained in the anime series as each time Noriko arrives back to Earth, her schoolmates are much older than her and have children.

I guess you can say that with each episode, you get much more than what you would expect. That’s how I felt about “Gunbuster”. Fulfilled, excited about the next episode and wanting more.

Also, for the guys wanting a little “H”, “Gunbuster” does have it’s share of nudity scenes.

As for the DVD, inside the box, you will find a folding case with three DVD’s featuring artwork of the cast of “Gunbuster” and the “Gunbuster” mech itself.

Also included is a booklet featuring character information, “Gunbuster” Gainax behind-the-scenes information plus information on each episode

The episodes are presented in its full aspect ratio with the final episode being black and white and letterboxed. The animation looks awesome even for it being 20-years-old, I really enjoyed how this anime was remastered.

The sound is offered in Linear PCM 2.0 which is a higher bit rate for audio.

There is no English dub, all vocals are Japanese and for subtitles, you can choose to have it on or off or on with the signs translated as well.

The menus are clean with selections of each episode (two episodes per disc) and the Science Lesson Chapters.

As for extra features, there are a few.

Disc 1 features “Good Morning OGH!” which was the promotional trailer produced back in July 1988. This is featured in 2ch, 5.1ch and 5.1ch (dialogue off). There is a quic intro explanation how the trailers were saved on to a VHS tape to a super hi-8 tape and thus the quality is not great. But you start to see how the quality between the DVD versus a promo tape are.

Disc 2 features “Cosmic Battle Space” in 2ch or 5.1ch which features another perspective (from episode 4) of the fight between the squadron and the alien monsters.

Disc 3 features the “Sizzler Project” in 2ch or 5.1ch. This is a promotional trailer produced in 1989 and actually features character Jung Freud learning about the new Gunbuster mechas being created. This was very interesting to see and similar to the first promotional trailer.

“Gunbuster” has remained one of my top 3 anime that I will forever treasure in my heart. It’s a series that shows guts, determination, happiness, sadness. It’s literally an emotional rollercoaster that has made me smile, cry…

It’s well written, features really awesome scenes and interaction between the characters. Well-acted, well-animated and just one of those rare treasures that have come along that you just don’t see as much these days from a lot of anime.

Especially with a storyline managed to be complete in six episodes, I’m impressed.

I know that there is a region 0 disc that was released with a fourth disc that featured a rough episode five and unmatted episode six with a few other features but sure, as much as it would have been nice to have that in the US release, I’m not actually losing sleep over it either.

For a great price, you get all six episodes on DVD. For the boxset is the price I paid for one VHS back then. And I know for dub fans who don’t like to read subtitles, it’s going to be hard to recommend it to you to begin with.

But if you want quality anime that still looks very cool now as it did 20 years ago and also to watch one of the best, well written sci-fi/mecha anime OAV series ever released, then definitely check out “GUNBUSTER”.

I highly recommend the “Gunbuster” anime DVD box set. You won’t regret it.