by Agamemnon » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:04 am
- Motto: ""I'd be the President of the procrastinator's club if I ever got around to submitting my application.""
- Weapon: Null-Ray Rifle
Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles.
First, if you have read "The End of the Circle" you may be both a bit disappointed and a bit surprised. I cannot say more without introducing spoilers. All in all, the story was very simple. It seemed obvious that they did not want to piss off the fan community but still wanted to put their unique flavor into the story. Also, they did the movie in such a way that a series must follow. The fan community will demand it.
First, I will get into the animation. It is astounding. The computer graphic portion fits well with the rest of the animation. However, if you have recently seen the New Generation, this animation style may well shock you. But, that is to be expected with, what, two plus decades of technology in between shows? Some of the character designs could have been a little more familiar. Scott Bernard's face is a bit longer and thinner than the New Generation. But that is really a nitpick. The mecha and starships look astounding. The transforming Alphas make me want to break out my old alpha toys and play with them again. (As an aside, I think this could be a good reason for continuing the series. There's real toy marketing potential here!) There could have been more action between mecha, but realistically, for 80 some odd minutes, it was fine. Starship design remains true to the original series, but with much appreciated added detail. I give the animation and visuals 4 out of 4 stars. (The tight flight suits are nice too *innocent look*)
Story. (Note to self: don't give away spoilers. Don't give away spoilers....) The story starts approxamately 2 episodes from the end of the New Generation. It does well to catch up those mildly familiar or unfamiliar with the story without boring the heck out of hard core fans. In fact, I think they did it in such a way as to actually appeal to the fanbase. There are references to the Sentinels (though they really don't make an appearance in this movie.) The basis of the story ties into the end of the New Generation and introduces explanations that clear up some loose ends from the previous generations. All in all, I think they could have done a bit better, but this is certainly no Michael Bay attempt at story telling. 3 our of 4 stars on the story. (Plus, the one question everybody asks at the end of the New Generation is not answered. Must wait for the series, methinks.)
Sound/voice/characters. Sound is very nice, though my brother-in-law had to adjust his surround. I don't know whether this was an issue with the DVD or his system. The opening theme is a nice update to the original, though I think I would have preferred the tinny sound of the original (probably just nostalgia getting in the way.) The new theme is much softer and fuller sounding. The nicest surprise is the voice actors. They were able to sign the original talent for Rick Hunter and Scott Bernard. Additionally, if anybody saw the Sentinels movie, you might recognize Vince Grant's voice. Additionally, Mark Hamil does a couple of voices. Sound: 3½ out of 4 stars.
Issues/inconsistancies/missed opportunities. No Beta transformations, sorry. It would have been awsome. Yet what does appear with the mecha is stellar, so again, a nitpick. No Minmei, yet there are very nice nods to her. Minmei's partner from the Sentinels, however, does make an appearance. But, this messed with continuity a bit, at least as far as the Sentinels go. There's an obvious boo-boo in reference to Ariel/Marlene. I cannot say more without introducing a spoiler, so you'll have to see it (or I can clear it up over PM.) There are probably more, but I'd have to watch it again. Which I will do.
All in all, I give The Shadow Cronicles 3½ our of four stars. To compare, I'd give MacrossII 3 stars, Macross DYRL 4 stars, and Macross Plus 4 stars. The animation is on par with Macross Plus. The story doesn't stand up to DYRL, but is not bad.
(Now, the only problem is going back and watching the animation of the original series. It's a good thing I love the soundtracks and story so much.)
Man, I want to do spoilers so bad, but that'll have to wait...
william-james88 wrote:Also be weary of hope in this hobby. Hope is just undiscovered disappointment.
My nephew wrote:Bacon is meat candy.
Agamemnon, barebacked rider of flying robo-dragon, and not often constipated either...
(I answer to Ag or Ags. Agamemnon is too long to type. Plus, there is something elemental about calling me Ag.
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)that Destroids and Zentradi units will also get the 1/100 treatment...could account for at least 12 units with the diferent Queadluun Rau units, battlepod types and destroid models...
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