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Reviews (3)
12 September 2006
More of the same, even better
The second volume of “Bubblegum Crisis” contains what I found to be the strongest part of the series. As we get to the heart of the secrets that the first two discs introduced, the stakes begin to rise, and the plot kicks into high gear. The series is excellent all the way through, but these episodes in particular had me on the edge of my seat. (I dare you to watch them one at a time.) I like the way the characters really start to come together here, and even more importantly, find out what they’re actually up against. One of the big highlights in this phase of the story is an extended crisis situation that spans several episodes. There aren’t many series that try to pull off something this ambitious; usually a two-parter is the most you can expect. But “Bubblegum” has the guts to try it, and the talent to pull it off very, very well.
The violence of the early episodes is still here, but now it has been augmented by moments of horror. The Boomers’ ability to absorb machines and electronics leads to some absolutely terrifying images. At one point they absorb an entire building and it stands on the skyline like a vast diseased monster. This is the stuff of nightmares–and the nightmare is only beginning. But while most show would be content to leave it at that, this one goes a bit further. One of my favorite things about the show comes out very effectively in these episodes: namely, the ability to play off the tension for some truly funny moments, just as in the film “Signs.” This is not only entertaining in its own right, but also helps to keep the more horrific elements of the show from becoming to oppressive.
On the technical side of things, we continue to enjoy excellent video and sound, with the new 5.1 mix continuing to amaze. The commentaries are pretty informative, as they were on the first two discs. Some of ADR Director Matt Greenfield’s comments in particular help to illuminate a few of the more confusing aspects. But be warned: there are spoilers here, so save these until you’ve watched the show all the way through.
It became apparent in the early episodes that the question at the heart of everything is something like this. Humans have never been able to get along with each other. Will they be able to get along with machines, and if so, how will they do it? Where a lesser show would let that question get lost in the fight scenes, “Bubblegum” ups the ante by asking a further question: would humanity be better off evolving into machines like the Boomers? The answer to both those questions lies in the next volume.
12 September 2006
An "Essential Anime" title that lives up to the name
1 of 1 found this helpful "Bubblegum Crisis" is, like several other anime series, an excellent show hiding behind a rather silly title. The emphasis is on action here--nearly every episode has at least one extended fight sequence--but the action stands side-by-side with many other elements: a well-conceived and executed plot, a superbly realized vision of a not-too-distant futuristic society, and a great sense of mystery. This is a show that isn't afraid to ask hard questions--or answer them.
The story takes place in a Tokyo that is in the later stages of recovery from a huge earthquake that destroyed much of the city some years before. The recovery was aided to a large degree by a new kind of robot called Boomers. But the Boomers have mysteriously started going berserk and wreaking havoc throughout the city. A special unit--the A.D. Police--has been formed to control them, but without much success. The success has been going to a vigilante group of hard-suited young women named the Knight Sabers.
This first set of episodes (1-9, on two discs) introduces us to the Knight Sabers, and a country girl named Linna who wants join up with them. This is Linna's first time in Tokyo, but the show manages to avoid a lot of the usual small-town-girl-in-the-big-city cliches by its unusual premise. As Linna begins to learn some things about the Knight Sabers, we begin to learn some things about the rebuilt Tokyo. The infrastructure, economy, etc. are in good shape, but there's a seedy, decadent, corrupt side you run into in the night-clubs and alleys and back streets. There are secrets in the shadows that may turn out to be more dangerous than the Boomers themselves. The new city is a facade--a facade that can crack at any moment.
If you prefer to watch your anime in English, then the dubbed version provided by ADV is excellent. All the main characters are excellently cast, Nene in particular (I can't even imagine anyone improving on Hilary Haag), and even the minor roles sound fine. And it's even better on a home theatre system. The new 5.1 English audio sounds absolutely fantastic. Fights and explosions have more weight, large open spaces sound full and expansive, and there's a lot of well-used directionality in both action and dialogue. It's a very immersive mix, and I'm glad we're starting to see more anime released in surround sound. The main problem with the dub is one that occurs pretty often in dubs (and even subtitles) these days: the addition of a great deal of profanity to the script. Nearly all the studios do this, but ADV is one of the worst offenders. Granted, this never pretends to be a kid's show (it's advertised as 15+), and anybody who can handle the violence can handle the language, but it still doesn't sit right with me. The video has also been given a touch-up, and looks fabulous. I don't have the original DVD set for comparison, but it looks a lot better than the VHS version. My guess would be that if you have the original release AND a home theatre system, the upgrade is really going to be worth it to you--especially since you can usually get this edition at a better price, which makes it the first choice for new buyers by default.
All in all this is a series really worth picking up. There's plenty of fun and excitement, comic relief that's actually funny, a good dub if you care for that sort of thing, and a plot that really knows how to keep you involved. Plus, it's a good deal even if you pay retail--and with eBay around, who needs to do that?
21 September 2006
The Crisis Concludes
With most of the revelations taking place in the episodes of the second collection, this collection shifts the focus away from asking questions to resolving them. But even so nothing is by-the-numbers: the lines between good and bad aren't necessarily where you think they are.
The middle of the series was so good that it can't help overshadowing the final episodes just a little. But even that just goes to emphasize the creativity of this show--usually the middle arc of the story is the weakest, the part where the filler and stand-alone episodes get stuffed in. All through the series the creators have avoided the obvious. The very premise is something of a cliche, but you never think of it as a cliche while you're inside the story. The characters, their personalities and backgrounds, the dynamic of the Knight Sabers and their weaponry, the origin and nature of the Boomers--all of these elements working together have kept the air fresh. These latter episodes, I'm glad to say, never run out of the originality we've enjoyed since the beginning. If anything, there's too much of it. There are a few things about the climax I can't understand, even after listening to the very illuminating audio commentary for the final episode. On the other hand, I understand the ending a lot more than the endings of, say, "Evangelion" or "RahXephon"--it isn't anything as confusing as those. There are just a couple of details I can't work out. And these fade into irrelevance next to what is all too clear. This is a story that shows you to the answers to the questions it has raised, instead of merely telling them to you. Rarely has an anime series ended with a shot of such extraordinary imagination and hope.
The english dub continues to impress, as do the quality of the video and the surround sound mix. On the techical side of things this set (and the earlier two) are among the best you can get with an anime series. The audio commentaries on the final episodes are especially helpful here; I recommend them even if you don't usually go in for that sort of thing. A big hand to ADV for giving us a release to match the quality of the show.
There IS one difference from the early volumes that I feel I should mention. The original TV broadcast stopped after episode 24, just as the Knight Sabers are dashing off for the final battle. Viewers were left hanging in the most awful way and had to wait for the last two episodes to be released straight to home video six months later. During the TV broadcast nudity was discreetly shot around, except for one very brief instance played for laughs. But in the last two episodes it makes quite a few appearances. If that sort of thing bothers you, then you'd better skip this show. Stopping after episode 24 is simply not an option. But if that's something you can handle (in addition to the profanity and violence that have pervaded the series), then "Bubblegum Crisis" is definitely worth looking into. In fact, once you begin it, you may find it hard to look away.