Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragon - Collection 1 (2014 - 2015/Sentai Filmworks Blu-ray)

Picture: A Sound: B+ Extras: C Episodes: B+

Angelise, fallen princess, betrayed, disgraced, banished and forced to become a slave to fight against mysterious invading dragons. Ange is forced fight to just survive, there as a slave she will learn the truth of the world, it is a cruel and unfair place where the rich and powerful thrive on the poor and oppressed. From the ashes of defeat she will learn the true nature of their 'kingdom' in Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragon - Collection 1 (2014 - 2015).

Ange was once a princess, forced, beaten, tortured and raped by her evil brother who wants the kingdom for himself at any cost. The world is divided by those who have and don't have 'mana', those who don't have mana are called 'norma' and are forced to become slave soldiers for the empire when found. Treated no better than dogs to be used on the frontline to fight and 'die' for the kingdom against invading dragons. As Ange learns how to pilot her 'paramail' and to fight dragons, she eventually learns that the dragons weren't evil ...but the kingdom she was defending was. That the kingdom was the true heart of evil and corruption... and soon Ange will give them a taste of their own medicine.

This a an action filled mecha anime with a lot of 'fanservice' for the guys, but it also has themes such as prejudice, discrimination, rape, violence, brutality and bullying. The story is filled with tragedy, revenge and how those in power are never able to understand (much less see the truth) because they turn blind eye to the world around them as long as THEY get what they want they don't care about the rest of the world (reminds me certain countries).

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image transfers on each episode is spectacular and at the top of the list of Sentai's best Blu-ray releases to date, while the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo with Pro Logic-like surrounds is good in its English version, but that much better in its Japanese version. Extras include clean opening and closing animations, Japanese commercials, special interview with Momoka and trailers.

Episodes include...

The Fallen Imperial Princess - Ange is striped of her title, status and force to become a slave fighter by her corrupt brother who want the throne.

Defiant Soul - As Ange learns to how to fight, she must learn to let go her former ego and pride, but during her first battle she runs away costing the lives of several her teammate.

Vilkiss Awakens - After Ange learns her cowardice cost the lives of others she is forced to bear the responsibility of their deaths. She is giving an ancient Paramail which she somehow 'wakens'.

Lonely Mutiny - As Ange begins to rise in ranks, she make the other girls jealous cause them to sabotage her Villkiss to malfunction and crash in the next battle.

Ange Loss - Ange wakes up in a on naked on an island next to a boy called Tusk and she survives only to realize she cannot survive without the aid of others. But eventually they are rescued.

Momoka Ha Arrived! - Momok, Ange's former personal servant stows away to meet Ange and they are reunited. While Ange treats her coldly and tells her she must leave, Momoka want to stay by her side.

Salia's Gloom - Rosalie competes with Ange for who can get the better kills/bounties on the Dragons. Ange gets sick.

Bikini Escape - During a festival Ange, Momoka and Hilda escape on transport.

Traitorous Homeland - Ange and Hilda return to the Empire only to caught and treated like traitors.

Goodbye from the Gallows - Ange is placed on trial by Julio and is sentenced to hang and only then she realize how cruel her kingdom twisted the world is. At the last minute she is saved by Tusk.

Dragon Song - A mysterious paramail appear with dragons and Ange sings causing her Villkiss to react and for the enemy to retreat.

The Right Arm's Past - World Leaders gather to talk about what to do about the dragons. Ange discover that the dragons have human forms, and they have been killing humans. Julio arrives with the fleet behind him.

- Ricky Chiang