Turn A Gundam Vol. #1

Review Date: -



What They Say


The Review!
Turn A Gundam is the latest Gundam series in Japan, airing between 1999-2000. This first DVD gives us a small glimpse into the odd world of the series.
First, the audio. Technically, it's very sound. Artistcally, it's absolutely outstanding, because Yoko Kanno did the music. Well, all of it except for the opening song, "Turn A Turn", which is just kind of average. But the rest of it is wonderful, just like all the other shows she's done music for.

The video also looks great. The animation is state of the art, with lots of digital (but not 3-D) effects. The character designs have a bit of a primitive look to them, but the look it gives works rather well. The mechanical designs are rather odd. Let's pray that Syd Mead never works on a Gundam show again.

The packaging is a standard Amaray keepcase. The cover art has a painted look and looks rather nice. Plus, a copy of the "Turn A Journal" is included, which serves as the liner notes.The notes have an old newspapery look to them.

The menus are practically nonexistent. It consists of a screen showing the weird fish thing that Loran has, and the episode names or chapter names. And that's it. In addition there are NO extras of any kind included on the disc.

Content wise, it's a mixed bag. It starts off really slow. The first episode has absolutely no action. It's primary purpose is to set up the basic scenario. The second episode actually has some action, namely in the form of a Wadom wreaking havoc with a beam cannon that makes the Wing Zero's twin beam cannon look like a cap gun. The storyline starts to pick up from there and by the end of the fourth episode the storyline begins to get rolling. If you don't like nudity, avoid this show. It's given me the impression that Yoshiyuki Tomino's turned into a dirty old man, because there's a lot of nudity. From the end of the second episode to partway through the third episode Loran is completely naked except for that fish thingy he has around his neck. Of course, it mysteriously moves from font to back to cover him up, dependingon which angle the scnes are being filmed from. i'd have to say that the funniest scene was when the Turn A's cockpit dropped and Soshie bucked him. Obviously, the fish thingy doesn't provide any protection.

All in all, it's an okay DVD. The storyline is slower than molasses in Feburary, but it looks like things will pick up in the next volume. If you're a Gundam freak who needs to see the latest thing, I'd definately pick it up. Otherwise, wait for the American release (if there ever is one).

Features
Japanese Language

Review Equipment
Hitachi 50UX7K 50" TV, Pioneer DV-525 codefree DVD player, Onkyo TX-SV535 Dolby Pro-Logic Stereo Receiver, Monster S-Video Cable and Audio Cables, and Paradigm speakers