Synopsis
Show Zama, an up and coming motocross racer in Japan, is warped through a ‘trans-dimensional aura highway’ one night while driving away from a bunch of motocross thugs. From there, things begin to become extremely odd. Show Zama, along with a few others (a Russian and an American) have been transported to a world known only as Byston Well. Apparently, all the people of Byston Well know of our world (Earth), which they refer to as Up World, and they have now, along with the help of an American from California, created mechs known as Aura Battlers. Unfortunately, this technology has been obtained by only one nation of Byston Well so far, the House of Drake Luft. They have started to conquer the rest of Byston Well, and now Show has been forced to pilot an Aura Battler for the wrong side…
Review
I’ve only heard great things of Aura Battler. Having been created through the excellent mind of Yoshiyuki Tomino (creator of Gundam) there were high expectations from me. All my expectations were filled and then some. Being an early 1980’s TV series, the animation is very poor, which could put some people off entirely. Once I got past that though, the story was all that mattered. Being the predecessor of such great and similar shows like Escaflowne, which borrows heavily from this, there are only great things to say about Aura Battler. The story is very inspired, with themes such as love, trust, betrayal, and whatnot. Tomino knows that all great war stories are told on the human level, and this one exemplifies those ideas ten-fold.
The Breakdown
Tomino did it again here, and you can see he’s at the top of his game with Aura Battler Dunbine. Do not miss this chance to pick up an old classic onto DVD. This is a great release.
» The Pros
Excellent story. One of the most interesting in a long while after so many generic romance or action fare, this has reminded me why I love anime so much. The mechs are also cool, with a very insectoid/organic feel to them, and your immediately sucked into the world of Byston Well, as every facet has been detailed to the cane that Drake Luft uses to walk.
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» The Cons
The animation is so poor it can be hard to watch at first. The music is also poor 80's sound effects and instrumentals, making it seem even corny at times. The story also moves to fast in these 5 episodes, and can cause some confusion.
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» Animation
5 |
Standard 1980's TV animation fare. Looks like it's age. But the transfer onto DVD makes it look clean for the most part. |
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» Sound
5 |
While sounds and everything are fine, the music is beyond bad. |
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» Story
10 |
Excellent, in-depth, and interesting. The characters grow on you, the world is diverse, and your completely sucked in the tale. |
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» Recommend
10 |
An anime classic. Not to be missed by anyone who is a fan of war drama, a great story, or mech action. |
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» Other Information
Language: English/Japanese with English Subtitles
Extras: Production Portfolio, Clean Opening, Clean Closing, and a
Package: Very nice. It has a cool washed out oil color feel to it, and makes the show very classy, as it should. Nothing to complain about. |
Friday, September 3, 2010
